Learning Stuff About ‘Home Improvement’ Category
The Ring Solar Pathlight
The Ring Solar Pathlight is a solar-powered smart lighting solution that is designed to illuminate walkways, driveways, and pathways when motion is detected. Here are some key features of the Ring Solar Pathlight:
- Solar-Powered: The Ring Solar Pathlight is powered by solar energy, which means that it does not require any wiring or electricity to function.
- Motion Detection: The Pathlight is equipped with a motion sensor that detects movement and triggers the light to turn on. This helps to conserve energy and prolong the life of the battery.
- Brightness: The Pathlight shines up to 80 lumens of white light on high-traffic areas when motion is detected.
- 360-Degree Light: The Pathlight emits 360-degree white light, which helps to illuminate a wider area.
- Connectivity: The Pathlight can be connected to the Ring Bridge, which allows you to control the light remotely and receive notifications when motion is detected.
The Ring Solar Pathlight is an ideal solution for outdoor lighting, as it is easy to install, requires no wiring, and is powered by solar energy. It is also equipped with a motion sensor and emits bright, 360-degree light when motion is detected. Additionally, it can be connected to the Ring Bridge for remote control and notifications.
Tags: solar garden lights
Drill Bits – An Overview
Drill bits are cutting tools utilized in drill machines to make cylindrical holes. Oftentimes the bit itself is referred to as the drill. Drills are very handy for tasks around the home such as installing fixtures or putting up shelves, which would necessitate the drilling of holes. Drill bits can be used in drilling holes on a number of materials including metal, wood, plastics etc.
Drill bits come in a range of sizes and lengths and are also made from different materials. This type of information is important as different drill bits are required to perform different jobs satisfactorily. Drill bits can be made of carbon steel, cobalt, diamonds, carbides and titanium. Drills made from low carbon steel are the least expensive on the market. However, they are relatively soft and this essentially makes them effective for use only on soft wood. At the other end of the spectrum are drill bits made from diamonds. Diamond is said to be the hardest substance known to man and thus drill bits made from diamonds are reserved for use on the toughest materials. Carbide drill bits are also good for boring into high density materials such as stainless steel.
There are various types of drill bits available. The most common type of drill bits are known as twist drill bits. Twist drill bits can be made from high speed steel and carbon steel. Twist drill bits constructed from high speed steel are more suitable for drilling holes in metals while carbon steel twist drill bits are better suited for use on wood. The masonry drill bit is designed to drill holes in construction materials such as concrete, blocks, stones, bricks or tiles. Another type is the screwdriver drill bit, which is designed to work with replaceable bit screwdrivers. Other types of drill bits include tile bits, flat wood bits, hole saw bits and bullet pilot point bits, just to name a few.
Depending on the quality drills can be costly, but at the same time they can be durable. Taking proper care of drill bits will lengthen their life and effectiveness. The edges of drill bits can get damaged, worn or become dull overtime. In order to prevent or delay this kind of damage it is best to store drill bits in suitable containers. Tool boxes may not be the best holding place for drill bits as they are likely to roll around loosely and may sometimes come in contact with sharp tools and instruments. Drill bits are to be sharpened periodically with a drill bit sharpener. It is not advisable to wait until there are signs of damage to sharpen drill bits. This is because sharpening at this point may cause more damage to the drill bits as the drill bit sharpener might break the sensitive parts of the drill bits more easily.
Double Pane Windows -An Introduction
The growing consciousness of the need for energy efficiency has driven home the importance of revolutionizing the home construction industry. One consequence has been the increasing replacement of single pane windows with double pane windows. Double pane windows consist of two glass panels, which face each other, and are set in a single frame. The two glass panels are separated from each other by a small gap of approximately half of an inch. Sometimes the gap between the glass panels is filled with a non-toxic gas such as argon, which enhances the insulating property of double pane windows. They are also called double glazed windows.
Double pane windows can be quite attractive home features. But their popularity in comparison to single pane windows far exceed any visual allure. They are highly regarded for their energy efficient properties. Energy efficiency is of primary concern considering data reveals that energy loss in the average American home accounts for approximately 25% of annual heating and cooling costs. Double pane windows can positively impact householders’ utility bills since they insulate the home from the outside elements. The glass panels of double pane windows usually have a special coating which reflects infrared light. This feature is effective across climates as in the warmer months of summer, light and heat is kept out, which leaves homes cooler. Meanwhile, homes are kept warmer in the cold winter periods as double paned windows keep heat inside homes. This insulating feature of double glazed windows benefits home owners also by protecting household items such as rugs and furniture from sun damage.
Double pane windows are also the preferred choice among homeowners who are keen on reducing noise from outside disturbances. Individuals therefore who live in close proximity to schools, areas with heavy traffic build up or other noisy environments will find double pane windows more advantageous than single pane windows. The snug set of the glass panels sealed into the frames are quite effective in preventing sound leakage. Double pane windows are also specially treated making them are harder to break, offering greater protection to home owners against possible game ball accidents.
There really are a few, if any, disadvantages in retrofitting homes with double pane windows. One only has to ensure the right purchase is made based on individual needs and desires. The only downside to replacing single pane windows with double paned ones is the cost. The cost can be somewhat off putting, but the long term saving gains will more than compensate for the initial expense. If one is replacing windows, or constructing a new home, one should also consider triple pane windows. They are more expensive than double panes, but they are more energy efficient. However, depending on how cold or hot it gets where you are, double glazed windows may be the more practical option.
Reducing Electricity Costs – Making Use of Solar Power
Electricity usage is practically a necessity in this modern age. As such, you can be sure of a recurring electricity bill. It only makes sense therefore to reduce this expense as much as possible without having to necessarily deprive yourself of comforts you might have gotten used to. It may come as a surprise just how many ways there are to accomplish this. In this entry, we will consider the use of solar power.
Solar energy can be converted to electricity by means of photovoltaic cells. These cells produce electricity when sunlight makes contact with their surfaces. Deriving electricity through this means is desirable for two reasons. One, the source is sunlight, of which there is plenty to go around and is free. You could potentially eliminate your electricty bill, by going solar. The second reason one may find the solar option attractive, is that it is considered green. It does not cause any pollution, unlike fossil fuel usage.
The main deterrent to going solar though is the prohibitive costs. The panels can be quite expensive. (Don’t be fooled by earth4energy and other solar power scams). The cost has actually been significantly reduced if one compares the current cost with what it was about 20 years ago. Nevertheless, for most people, it would still be considered too expensive to go fully solar. You can expect to spend between $30,000 to $50,000 for equipment and installation, depending on your regular electricity usage. If you can reduce your regular electricity usage, then you can reduce this cost.
Another factor that restricts some from going the solar route is the lack of space. The solar panels need to be placed somewhere where sunlight is not impeded, usually on the roof, and there needs to be enough space. Not everyone has a roof that makes this a viable option.
As the cost of solar cells has gone down over the years while efficiency has improved, it is likely that technology will continue to advance to eventually make solar power feasible for all. But until then, is there anything to be done now, to take advantage of this means of reducing electricity costs?
Well it might not be practical for the average person to go completely solar now. But one can consider a partial solar solution. For example, one could look at using solar power for certain appliances, such as the air conditioner. But that’s not the only alternative. One can also try substituting electrical devices with solar powered versions of the same devices. For instance, solar patio lights or solar garden lights can be used instead of regular outdoor lights, and solar water heaters instead of the regular electrical.
Sohodecor 2 Pack Single Colors Iridescent Stainless Steel Solar Garden Lights
If you are thinking of enhancing the decor of your garden, you should consider taking advantage of stainless steel solar garden lights. The Sohodecor 2 pack single colours iridescent set is an example that will be the focus here. The stainless steel not only gives it an elegant appearance, but is also weather resistant, thereby making it fit for outdoor use. As these lights are solar powered, you don’t have to worry about incurring any additional electricity costs.
These Sohodecor stainless steel solar lights are ideal for festive events or any occasion for that matter where you would want decorative lighting for your outdoors. The colours make a variety of transitions, ranging from red to blue to yellow to purple, to aqua, and to green. Just imagine the effect you could bring to your patio, your driveway, or your garden! These lights have sensors to automatically switch on when it is dark and switch off when it is daylight, so you don’t have to be concerned with remembering to switch on or off. They do not require any wiring, so installation is very easy. They come with rechargeable Ni-Cad batteries, which give up to 40 hours of light time.
Customers who have purchased this set have had mixed reactions depending to some extent on their expectations. Many who have bought the set are pleased with the color changing effect, remarking how beautiful they make the area they are placed in. Others have complained that these lights are good only for the colours, but not practical in that the luminousity is not at a level that would light up the area to the extent that you could see clearly what is in the surroundings.
So if you’re looking to add to the decor of your garden, patio, or outdoors in general, especially for festive occasions, then these Sohodecor stainless steel solar garden lights might be ideal.
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Tags: outdoor solar lights
Stainless Steel Solar Landscape Light with 7 Colors (2 Pack)
This product comes with two lamps that change through seven colors. These stainless steel solar garden lights are ideal for the garden. As they use a new type of LED technology, they are expected to last longer in terms of running time, than normal solar lights. Being very colorful, they make for a beautiful display in your yard, and are ideal for festive occasions. Each color changes approximately every second. Since they are stainless steel, they are resistant to corrosion, which is what you want for outdoor lights. These solar lights are easy to install, as they do not require any wiring, or special tools. It really is just a matter of deciding where to place them, and sliding or twisting pieces together. These lights have a sensor that detects when it is getting dark, and so will switch on automatically. Each light can last up to 10 hours, but the battery (AA size) need to be charged fully. A Ni-Cad rechargeable battery is included. These stainless steel solar landscape lights feature an ultra-bright white LED bulb, that as mentioned before, should last longer than regular solar lights.
Those who have purchased this product, are generally satisfied. Customers have found that the light given off is not all that bright, which is understandable as they include only one LED each. So bear in mind that they may good for ambience, but perhaps inadequate for really lighting up the area. This is probably what you wanted with such colorful lights anyway. Customers report that these lights do not rust when exposed to the rain, which is to be expected, since they are stainless steel. However, others have reported that with heavy rain, they stopped working, and even rusted.
As at the date of this article, the cost of this 2 pack set of stainless steel solar garden lights is less than $15 USD.
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Tags: outdoor solar lights
Homebrite Copper Garden Landscape Solar Light
The product lists in online stores as, Homebrite Copper Garden Landscape Solar Light with Natural Warm Light, 30865, Small, Rockwell, Set of 12, Copper. This set of 12 stainless steel solar garden lights come with a brush copper finish, making them not only resistant to corrosion, but also attractive in appearance. They are useful for lighting up your yard or garden, or providing lighting for your driveway. They are very energy efficient, as they use Natural warm light LEDs in conjunction with an improved solar panel that gives twice as much luminousity, but uses less energy. The LEDs are ultra bright and can last up to one hundred thousand hours. The rechargeable Ni cad battery which is included, can last up to 2 years before the need for replacement. It comes with an automatic sensor that detects dusk and dawn so that the light can be switched on and off automatically at the appropriate times. You no longer have to worry about forgetting to turn off your light. These solar lights are easy to install, as they require no wiring. Each light is 5x5x15.5 inches.
Customers who purchase this product are generally pleased. It is often noted how bright they actually are, and how long they last. Some customers express dissatisfaction with the quality of these lights, in that they break easily, or come defective. Consider the good and bad reviews before purchasing. Also remember that these are stainless steel, which means they should fare well in the outdoors, and as solar lights, do not incur additional electricity expense. Bear in mind too the price you are paying. The price for this set of 12 is actually very reasonable (<$64 USD as at date of this article).
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Tags: outdoor solar lights
Solar Power, Outdoor Solar Landscape Path Lights, Stainless Steel Pack of 12
This stainless steel pack of 12 solar lights are ideal for illuminating your garden and pathways. As they are solar powered, you can enjoy the lighting without incurring additional electricity expense. The light given off has been described by customers, as bluish. With this set of stainless steel solar garden lights, you can use them for lighting up (or at least accenting) a walkway,or using them creatively around trees or plants, that can really enhance the aesthetics of your garden.
Each solar light comes with a rechargeable Ni-Cad battery, which gets charged during the day as the sunlight interfaces with the solar panels. They each come with 1 LED soft bulb. The stakes are made of stainless steel, which make them resistant to corrosion. They are also water resistant, as your outdoor lights should be. The diameter of each path light is 4.5 inches, and the height is 14.5 inches.
Customers who have purchased this set of solar path lights are generally satisfied. It has been noted that while the stakes are made of stainless steel, the lens is made of plastic. This is not necessarily bad, but it means that care must be taken when installing these lights. You should first set the stakes in the ground, then attach the lens, otherwise you could easily break the lens. Also check to see if when you receive them, if they have been set to the “off” position. Sometimes customers complain that they don’t work, but the problem sometimes turns out to be that the switch is set to off. You will need to open the top to switch it on. Also ensure that your battery is firmly in place. A fully charged battery generally lasts several hours, and for many customers, lasts throughout the whole night.
As of the writing of this article, these stainless steel solar path lights can be obtained for around $50 (USD).
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Tags: outdoor solar lights
Stainless Steel Solar Garden Lights
Solar garden lights have been covered to some extent in other articles on this site (see for eg. solar patio lights and solar yard lights). The focus of this entry will be on the stainless steel variety of outdoor solar lights.
The benefits of solar yard lights are clear. They provide lighting at nights using energy from the sun captured and stored in batteries during the day, and therefore do not incur any additional electricity costs. In fact, they will help reduce your electricity bill if you substitute the non-solar garden lights with the solar types. With this benefit, one can equip one’s garden with not only lighting for security purposes, but what can be considered non-essential lighting, such as lighting for simply aesthetic purposes, without having to worry about a resulting recurring electricity cost. Another benefit is the easy installation, and lack of wiring generally needed. There are some types of solar garden lights though, which allow the solar panels to be placed away from the light source, and this would require some amount of wiring. So considering the benefits of solar yard lights, it is understandable why one would want to invest in them. Having made this decision, one now needs to decide on the quality to go for.
Stainless steel solar garden lights are a worthwhile investment. As outdoor lights, they are exposed to the elements, and therefore the stainless steel (usually used for the stake and/or shade) is fitting, being resistant to harsh temperatures and rusting. They stand to last for several seasons, while still maintaining a pristine look. So even though stainless steel solar garden lights tend to be more expensive, they will probably serve you better in the long run.
There are a variety of solar garden lights that come in stainless steel. So whether you want to have bright spotlights for security purposes, or just enough light to illuminate your pathways or driveways, or just to enhance the decor of the yard, you can find suitable stainless steel solar lights.
To illustrate the variety of outdoor stainless steel solar lights, a few will be highlighted here. If you’re looking for something bright, maybe as a security measure, then there is Earthtech’s set of 8 stainless steel solar lights, or Homebrite’s stainless steel garden landscape solar lights. Each comes with 3 high output white LEDs,providing lighting 360 degrees and up to 300 feet away. If you want something for lighting up your path, then there is the Westinghouse 10 piece stainless steel solar light set, for example. They have an attractive copper finish, and will provide nice pathway light. If you want something colorful for maybe festive occasions, there is the Sohodecor 2 Pack Single Colors Iridescent Stainless Steel Solar Garden Lights. They emanate light that changes color from red, blue, yellow and others.
Basically, stainless steel solar lighting products are extensive and you therefore should be able to find something suitable for your outdoor lighting purposes.
Tags: outdoor solar lights, solar garden lights, solar landscape lights
Solar Deck Lights – Moonrays 95021 Solar Powered Plastic Post Side Lamp Light, Bronze
This bronze plastic post side lamp is ideal for lighting up your deck. It is a Coleman Cable brand.
Since it is solar powered, you have the benefit of lighting without the increase in your electricity bill. (See Solar Patio Lights and Solar Yard Lights for more general information on outdoor solar lighting products).
This product comes with an AA rechargeable NiCd battery. It uses 2 white LED lights that produces a downlighting effect (ie. the lighting is concentrated downward). The item is durable, constructed with plastic, including the lens, but has a bronze finish and metal leaf decor. It is easy to install, as it does not require any wiring. It also comes with mounting screws.
Customers who have purchased this product are generally pleased. It sometimes comes as a surprise how small it is. The actual dimensions are 2 x 5 x 6.8 inches. Lighting provided is generally satisfactory both in terms of luminosity and endurance. Depending on the size of area you need to light up, you may need to purchase more than one. This product currently (see date of article below) sells at a little less than $10 (USD). It comes with a little tab to pull out, which will allow the batteries to charge. However, a small percentage of customers have reported that the tab was not visible. If this happens, it is not a big deal really, as you can simply open the battery pack and take it out. Make sure you allow the batteries to charge properly, otherwise you might observe a flickering of the light.
I saw a claim that said Home Depot carries a similar product for $1 more, that is supposed to be better as it has an additional battery, gives brighter lighting, and lasts longer. I was not able to identify which product this could be. If anyone has any idea what this could be in reference to, please post a comment with some details for the benefit of all.
Tags: outdoor solar lights, solar deck lights, solar path lights
Carbide Drills (Bits and Tips) – An Introduction
Carbide drills are among the best types of drills one can get in terms of durability and cutting ability. The tungsten carbide drill is the most common, and is generally just referred to as a carbide drill. There are however other types aside from tungsten. These drills are made of material that is very hard and strong, and so are able to drill into just about any kind of material, even high density ones like stainless steel. They are however fairly expensive compared to their steel counterparts. Carbide drills also have other advantages, which we will look into.
Drills and Drill Bits Terminology
First it would be beneficial to review some of the terminology pertaining to drills, before we look more in depth at carbide drills. The term drill can refer to the drilling machine itself that has the motor to spin the bit that bores the holes. It can also refer to the drill bit, which as just mentioned, is what is used to interface with the surface and do the actual boring or cutting. The other side of the drill bit is called the shank. For the purposes of this article, the terms drill and drill bit will be used synonymously unless clearly indicated otherwise.
Drill Wear and Tear – Carbide Drills last longer
Each time a drill is used to bore an object, there is some deterioration to the bit itself. The friction between the bit and the surface on which it is impacting, causes heat to be generated, which wears down the bit causing it to become dull over time. Eventually it will need regrinding (which can only be done a limited number of times) and replacing altogether. It is also known that the structural integrity of the drill bit can also get compromised with the continual heating and cooling experienced in the bit. Carbide drill bits generally last longer and stay sharper than other bit kinds. For example, they can last up to 25 times longer than the average steel bits.
Drilling Tolerance -carbide drills have lowest tolerances
One of the major factors that determine the type of drill needed for a particular job is the tolerance associated with the particular drill. Tolerance basically gives an idea of how close the drill will come to producing the required hole size. It is the difference between the diameter of the drill bit being used, and the diameter of the largest hole one could expect from using this drill bit. The smaller the hole, the smaller the tolerance. Carbide drill bits have the lowest tolerances, which means they tend to be more accurate than other drills.
Carbide Drill Bit Types
When one refers to a carbide drill, it is possible that one is referring to a carbide coated drill, a solid caribide drill bit, a brazed drill with a carbide tip, or an exchangeable drill bit tip that uses a carbide crown. It is important to understand what is meant by each, as this will impact the choice of drill to use for a particular job.
Carbide Coated Drills
These drills are technically not carbide drills. They are usually steel or high speed steel coated with carbide. This increases the life span of the drill by approximately 2 to 3 times and can be used to drill thin metals.
Solid Carbide Drills
These drill bits are wholly carbide. It is not just coated steel, or an adjoining of steel and carbide. Solid carbide drill bits tend to be brittle and so are at risk of breaking if usage requires some flexibility of the bit, such as on lathes. On the plus side, this stiffness allows them to have the lowest tolerance measures among carbide drills, making them the most accurate. Note though, they happen to also be the most expensive.
Brazed Carbide Tipped Drills
A brazed tipped drill is essentially a drill bit that has another metal type welded to the end by means of a filler metal or alloy. A brazed carbide drill is usually a steel bit drill with a carbide tip brazed on. This is cheaper than a solid carbide drill and is still fairly accurate. The tolerance is just about twice that of the solid carbide drills for comparable drill diameters. The steel body of this drill allows enough flexibility that the solid carbide does not, and so can work on lathes. Brazed drills have a self-centering geometry, as they have two symmetrical edges for cutting. This is a very stable design that makes it possible for the drill to bore materials at top feedrates, except where the entrance might be angled, in which case, the feed should be reduced by up to 50% both when entering and exiting.
Exchangeable Carbide Drill Bit Tip
There are drills available that allows the tip to be replaced as needed. This type of drill is similar to the brazed in that the head or tip (also called the crown) of the drill can be of a different metal than the main drill body, such as a carbide crown. However, the tip is not brazed on, but can be replaced. Various size crowns are available, so with just one drill, it is possible to drill varying size holes. Replacing a crown costs almost the same as regrinding a brazed or solid drill. As mentioned earlier, regrinding can only be done a very limited number of times. But with a drill where the crown can be replaced, the drill bit will last much longer, as there is no need to do any regrinding. This makes this type of drill very economical. Regrinding diminishes the precision and overall performance of the drill, as it is very difficult to replicate the precise shape and other relevant details in the regrinding process. The exchangeable crown drill does not have this problem, as the crown is simply replaced when necessary. Another benefit of this kind of drill is that, like the brazed drill, it has self-centering geometry and can enter materials at full feedrates.
Having looked at the different types of carbide drills, and seeing their advantages and disadvantages with respect to each other, as well as their benefits over other types of drills (like steel or high speed steel), one can see that it makes sense to get a carbide drill if one can afford it. They are more accurate, they last longer, and they are able to bore into very hard materials. If one intends to cut metal, then a carbide drill might be the most effective option, and when it comes to high density materials like stainless steel, it might be the only option.
You can learn more about carbide drills at this site.
Tags: brazed carbide tipped drills, carbide coated drill, carbide drill bit, carbide drills, solid carbide drills
The Benefits of Inflatable Hot Tubs
Hot tubs or jacuzzis are luxury items which provide tremendous benefits such as hydrotherapy or just simply for relaxation after a hard day at work. In this entry we will learn about the benefits of a special type of hot tub, called the inflatable hot tub, while highlighting some of the advantages they have over the regular fixed ones.
Cheap Hot Tubs
Hot tubs are known to cost a pretty penny. But there is a way to circumvent the expense. For persons who wish to enjoy spa like benefits at a fraction of the cost, then purchasing an inflatable hot tub is the way to go. Indeed, if you are looking for cheap hot tubs, then the inflatable kinds are at the top of the list.
Soft Hot Tubs – Sturdy and Durable
Inflatable hot tubs, also known as soft hot tubs, are not made from durable wood or plastic as is the case with traditional hot tubs. They consist of an outer casing usually made from vinyl or strong leather like material, which is connected to a pump or motor. They are quite sturdy and are no different from regular hot tubs in terms of their utility. And with proper care and maintenance will actually last a long time.
Inflatable Hot Tub – Quick and Easy Installation
One of the cool things about a soft hot tub is that installation is quick and straightforward and requires no tools. In fact they can be used almost anywhere providing there is access to an electrical outlet. Simply plug in to your electrical outlet and touch button control should result in an inflated tub. If you are without electricity then rechargeable pumps or hand pumps are choices to consider . It should be noted that not all inflatable hot tubs have automatic pumps. There are varieties that are manually inflated. A garden hose will come in handy for filling up your hot tub and the desired temperature of the water can be regulated with the controls on the pump or motor. The water usually takes just a few minutes to heat up.
Your own Inflatable Spa and Jacuzzi
Standard inflatable hot tubs can comfortably accommodate four individuals and is perfect for that occasion when you want to soak up some fun with a few friends. Some of these hot tubs boast excellent features including built in seating and multi-directional heated water jets that generate the bubbling, massaging effects that many persons find tantalizing. This is like having an inflatable spa, or inflatable jacuzzi. Accessory options include cup holders or spa covers to keep out dust and debris.
Portable Hot Tubs – The Inflatable kind
Inflatable hot tubs are one kind of portable hot tubs. This is a significant advantage over traditional hot tubs. Since their location is not fixed or permanent, they can be set up anywhere at any time in your home. Persons who live in apartments will find this very appealing. But they are not just an indoor delight. They can be inflated outdoors in your yard and placed anywhere which is suitable. This can prove to be a very convenient advantage when it comes to privacy. For if for some reason the location in which it is installed is no longer as private as it used to be, one can always select another more private area to relocate the hot tub to. As these hot tubs are portable, they can be conveniently packed up and transported to other locations. This is ideal for when you go away for vacations or even camping trips as you can take along your soft hot tubs. When deflated they can fit in relatively small spaces, hence easy storage.
Energy Efficient Hot Tubs
Another important advantage of the soft hot tub is the fact that they are more energy efficient than the traditional types. The traditional hot tubs can actually use up to twice the energy of the inflatable ones.
A soft hot tub is a compelling alternative to the traditional kind considering all the benefits we have identified. Ensure you get all the facts on the features before making any purchases so that at the end of the day you are satisfied and can really enjoy the hot tub benefits.
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Tags: cheap hot tubs, inflatable jacuzzi, inflatable spa, portable hot tubs, soft hot tub
Solar Yard Lights – Exploring Your Options
Solar yard lights provide a variety of options for lighting up your landscape, whether for security purposes, or just plain aesthetics. As they operate using energy derived from sunlight, they do not contribute to your electricity bill. They are easy to install, and generally do not require wiring. Solar energy is considered green so this is another benefit to using outdoor solar lights. There are suitable solar lights available for each part of your yard (front or back), whether it be the garden, lawn or paths and driveways. We will explore some of the options available for lighting up your yard.
There are general solar outdoor lights that can be used throughout your garden. For example, you can get solar lamp posts and solar wall lights which come in various styles. The wall lights would of course require a wall to be mounted. The lamp posts however, can be placed just about anywhere, and with the exquisite styles available, can really add a touch of class to your yard. Stainless steel solar garden lights are available on the market, and really do look quite elegant.
If security is your concern, then you can check out the solar spotlights and solar security floodlights. These tend to have high luminosity and wider range of lighting than other types of solar lighting. Some also have motion detectors that will cause the light to switch on when movement is detected at night.
Solar statuary lights are ideal for the garden. Many different statue forms are available, allowing you to select what is most appropriate for your garden. If you have a pond or pool you could treat it with floating solar pond/pool lights, which can really add beauty to the night view of your yard. Solar garden lights often come in different lighting colors, so you can really make your garden colorful according to your preferences.
Solar path lights are good for lighting up your pathways, driveways, and outdoor steps. They can also be used for lighting up your lawn. Solar stepping stones can be used as path lights by lining them up and forming a glowing walkway.
If you like the idea of decorating your trees, you have the option of solar string lights. These come in an assortment of colors, and are ideal for festive holiday occasions. They are also fitting for the patio (see solar patio lights for more on this).
With so many types of solar yard lights on the market, you have enough options to satisfy your practical and aesthetic lighting requirements. Remember that you’re not increasing your electricity bill by having all these lights around your yard, so solar backyard lights must be a serious consideration for anyone thinking of lighting up their yard.
Tags: outdoor solar lights, solar backyard lights, solar garden lights, solar landscape lights, solar lawn lights
Egg Rings – A handy kitchen gadget
There are an endless number of kitchen gadgets and devices on the market. One that is not often mentioned is the egg ring. Egg rings are used to perfect the shape of egg dishes such as omelets. Egg rings are generally made from non-stick metal, specifically stainless steel. In general they have a round base attached to a handle. The handle makes it easy to retrieve the egg ring from the frying pan once the egg is cooked. Egg rings are placed into a frying pan and then the egg mixture is poured into the round base. When the egg is cooked the egg ring is removed from the frying pan and the egg is simply released into a dish. The cooked egg should have a perfectly round shape (if using a round egg ring).
The Silicone Egg Ring
Some egg rings are not made from stainless steel but from silicone. Silicone egg rings are quite safe and convenient. This is because silicone is heat resistant up to highs of 4500F/2320C. The base is made from silicone with a stainless steel handle. However, the tip of the handle is made from silicone so that the egg ring can be held without fear of burning the hands. The handle also folds over making the silicone egg ring easier to store.
Usefulness of Egg Rings
The good thing about owning and using egg rings is that each time you prepare your eggs they will always come out with consistently perfect shapes. They also help to eliminate waste because your eggs will be kept within the base of the egg ring and the non-stick feature ensures that you end up with the same quantity you input. Another plus for egg rings is that they do not strictly have to be used in the preparation of eggs. They can be used to create an ideally shaped pancake or any other such delight.
Egg rings can actually help to make your breakfasts pleasurable experiences. This is because egg rings are also available in shapes other than the standard ring variety. The other shapes include squares, hearts, stars, flower shapes and there have even been sightings of animal shaped egg rings. These shapely egg rings help to enhance the appearance of your breakfast items such as your eggs or pancakes and can make partaking of these meals a real treat.
Egg Ring Sizes and Shapes
Egg rings come in various sizes. The largest usually measure about 5 inches in diameter. There are however smaller ones available. This is ideal when you want to make smaller units of egg or other dishes. In fact smaller egg rings can come in very handy when additional items need to be fried. The additional items can be placed in the frying pan, but outside the egg ring, such that the additional items are fried right alongside the egg ring with its contents.
Egg Ring Prices
Egg rings are very reasonably priced. Egg ring prices can range between US$4 and US$21 depending on the brand, type (eg. stainless steel, silicone), size and number in set (they can be purchased singly or in a set).
To sum up, egg rings are wonderful implements to have in any kitchen. Your kitchen should not be short of this appliance as it can really spruce up your meals and add that expert touch to your home cooked meals.
Tags: egg pancake ring, egg ring, egg rings prices, kitchen egg rings, round egg ring, silicone egg ring
The Legal Issues Of Raising Chickens At Home
Have you ever considered the thought of keeping chickens as pets at home? Normally, folks would go with the traditional dog, cat, gold fish or hamster as household pets. Oftentimes when one thinks of raising chickens, one will imagine a farm in the outskirts of somewhere like Arkansas. It is quite unusual for people to keep chickens as pets in the urban area.
Nevertheless, you may be surprised to learn how many home owners are actually keeping chickens at home. In fact, bantams make excellent pets. Chickens are actually very colorful and they make very good moving ornaments for your backyard.
Now if you are planning to raise poultry at home, the first step is to check your town local ordinances. Are you even allowed to keep chickens at your home? Some homeowners may be breaking the law unknowingly by keeping live chickens in their yards. Their birds may be confiscated and they may end up with a heavy fine.
Before your start building a chicken coop for the birds, check whether there are any laws preventing you from legally raising the bantams.
Most properties are classified into zoning areas. Each type of zoning has its individual laws stating what can and cannot be done to the said property in the zone.
Why do such zoning laws exist? It is to control the growth of a community and to make sure the usage of the land is structured and uniform.
The classification of zoning falls under the jurisdiction of the local government. Therefore, each local governmental unit will assign laws governing the property use within each area. The laws are different from community to community.
The laws and ordinances will dictate what type of animals can be kept within or around a structure. To make sure you are not breaking any laws in regards to raising chickens at home, make a trip down to your local county office and have a chat with the officer there.
Are you looking for plans to make your own chicken coop at home? If you are, check out Mary Nelson chicken DIY guides. Her manual will show you step by step how to build a functional chicken housing for your bantams.
Tags: chicken coop plans, diy chicken coop, diy chicken housing, mary nelson
Solar Patio Lights -Your Learning Resource
Are solar patio lights worth buying or are they a waste of money as some say? Are they bright enough to light up your patio? How long do they last? Do they need to be placed in the sunlight to be effective? These questions regarding solar lights for the patio, and more will be addressed here.
How Solar Lights Work
Solar patio lights are essentially solar lights that are designed for the outdoors and more specifically for the patio. They are generally grouped together with solar lights for the deck, garden, steps and pathways.
On a basic level, solar lights work by converting sunlight into electricity which is used to power the light source, which in this case are Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs). Solar panels convert the light from the sun into energy that is stored in rechargeable batteries. At night, the battery is used to power the lights. The brightness of the lights will depend on the type and number of LEDs used. How long they will last will depend on the storage capacity of the batteries and how much they get to charge, which depend on the rate at which the solar panels can convert the sunlight, and of course, how much sunlight is actually impacting the panels during the day.
Benefits of Solar Patio Lights
Considering how solar lights in general work, we can see there are clear benefits to having solar patio lights. They will not contribute to your electricity bill. In fact, your bill stands to be reduced since most likely you would still have provided lighting for your patio or other outdoor areas like the garden. Solar lights derive energy in a clean way, so won’t impact negatively on the environment. Generally, solar lights for patios and gardens won’t be encumbered by the need for wires, which make them ideal for the outdoors, and for adding aesthetic value. Stainless steel solar garden lights can be quite attractive and classy. In addition to these benefits, outdoor solar lights often come equipped to automatically switch on at night time and likewise switch off in the morning, so you need to not be concerned about remembering to turn on or off your lights.
There are of course several benefits to having patio or outdoor lights, whether solar or otherwise. There is the practicality of it, in that having outdoor lights will allow you to see what’s going on outside at night, which is good for security. They can be used to light up areas like garden paths or driveways and patio steps. Sometimes you may want to entertain guests out on the patio where lighting might be required. Then there is the aesthetic aspect of having patio or garden lights. As solar patio lights come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors, with varying brightness, there is much that can be done to shape the decor and ambience of your patio and garden according to your own tastes.
Kinds of Solar Patio Lights
There are various kinds of solar lights available for your patio and garden. There are solar patio lamps designed in the fashion of the gas-light lamps of the old days. There are solar patio lamps or lanterns that flicker like candle light, such as the Faux Candle lanterns. Also, there are solar patio string lights, which can be used to decorate the patio and garden for festive occasions, like what is normally used at Christmas time. Some solar patio lights are just for the ambience, such as the soji solar lantern. Others are for more practical purposes, like the two piece Deluxe Europa Solar lights set, which are quite bright. Solar path lights are good to light up those dark paths. There are even solar kits with remote panels, so that you can have the light source in shaded areas while the solar panel is placed in a more efficient location. Solar umbrella lights are also available. These are good for lighting up your patio umbrella. Whatever your need is, you can be sure there are patio solar lights that will suffice nicely.
Costs of Patio Solar Lights
The cost of solar lights for the patio will vary according to the need you’re trying to fill. For the brighter and longer lasting lights, the price will be more expensive. Prices for solar patio and garden lights can range from $10 to a couple hundred bucks. Bear in mind that you won’t be paying for the electricity used to power these lights, so the added expense to having these lights may eventually pay for itself.
Is it worth the while to get Solar Patio Lights?
The answer to this question really depends on what your aim is. If you are looking for a practical solution to lighting up your outdoors, then obviously you wouldn’t want to get the dim patio solar lights that are really intended for aesthetics. You would want to check out what is available in the bright types of solar lights. Once you find something bright enough to satisfy your needs, then you will want to consider how long they will last. If they can last long enough for your purposes, then you will want to verify that the batteries can be charged fully on a regular day of sunlight. It would be to your advantage to also find out how well they charge during winter time. Chances are that you can find solar lights for your patio which can meet all these criteria. For there are different kinds of bright solar lights ideal for the outdoors like the patio, which can last 8 to 12 hours, and can charge to full capacity during a normal day of sunlight. Therefore, the next important consideration is the price. You will now need to decide whether the price you will pay is affordable, and whether it makes sense as an investment into reducing electricity costs. It is quite possible that depending on the cost, you might find it more practical to not go with solar patio lights.
If it is aesthetics and ambience you’re after, then solar patio lights are definitely recommended, since many are designed with this in mind, and they do not add to your electricity bill.
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Tags: outdoor solar lights, solar deck lights, solar garden lights, solar patio lamps, solar patio string lights
Garden Hose Holders
Garden hose holders really should be as common as garden hoses, which are standard implements in many homes. Garden hoses are necessary tools to water our plants and lawns in order to keep them looking lush and beautiful. They are also convenient for chores such as washing cars and for cleaning those hard to reach areas that need a steady gush of water. However, while most persons will purchase a garden hose, not everyone automatically thinks to purchase a garden hose holder as well. But it makes sense to also get a hose holder.
The garden hose holder, as the name intimates, is a storage device for garden hoses when they are not in use. There are quite a few advantages to owning a garden hose holder. Firstly, it makes sense from a financial standpoint. Your hose is more likely to become tangled and knotted without a hose holder. Tangles and knots render garden hoses less effective in carrying out a watering job. They also put a lot of stress on the hose material, thus decreasing its life span.
Garden hose holders provide easy storage for your hose. By keeping your hose neatly coiled, they take away the work and frustration one would generally have in uncoiling their garden hoses for future use. In addition, when a garden hose is safely stored on a garden hose holder it eliminates the danger of someone accidentally tripping on the hose.
Finally, garden hose holders have proven aesthetic appeal. A hose left in an uncoiled heap can be very unsightly. But aside from this garden hose holders come in various ornamentations and finishes. This device mounted on your wall can be quite decorative and greatly enhance the appearance of your garden.
The following are just a few of the different types of hose holders available:
Scroll Hose Holder
Chadwick Round Hose Holder
Perrault Round Hose Holder
Filigree Hose Holder
Hose Pots
Nellie’s Hose Holder
Do not hesitate to purchase a garden hose holder now that you are familiar with the tremendous benefits associated with owning one. With the many different types available, you should be able to find something within your price range. Search online or offline for great deals and acquire the garden hose holder of your choice.
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Tags: garden hose, garden hose holder, hose, hose holder, hose holders
Triple Pane Windows -What To Know
What is a Triple Pane Window?
Windows generally come in either single pane, double pane or triple pane. A triple pane window is simply a window that has an exterior, middle and interior pane, with a layer of gas (usually argon or krypton, though sometimes air) between the middle pane and the other two panes. As such triple pane windows are very energy efficient, moreso than the other window types. That is, they greatly reduce loss of heat from inside, and the transmission from outside to inside. In other words, when the time is hot, the heat from outside will not easily seep into your home or building through these windows. Similarly, when it is cold, the heat inside your home will not easily leak out through these windows.
Why not go with Triple Pane rather than Double Pane?
Considering the insulation that they provide, as just explained, it would seem a good choice to go with triple pane windows over the other kinds. For providing better insulation translates to reduced energy consumption that you would undergo to either maintain the warm or cool temperature inside your house. So then, why would anyone choose not to go with triple pane windows?
Well although there are cost savings involved, in terms of using less power for heating or cooling, triple pain windows can be a lot more expensive. So much so that the amount you will save in energy costs, would not compensate for the extra costs you would pay upfront, over the lifespan of the windows. Furthermore, it is likely that new technology will produce even better kinds of windows at cheaper costs, so it might make sense to simply go with double pane windows until such a time comes.
Another drawback with triple pane windows is that they can be very heavy. This has implications for the structure in which they are going. If the structure is not built to take this weight, damage may be caused to both the building and the windows themselves in due course. Of course, if you had your structure built well enough then this is not an issue. However, the heaviness of these windows could mean added expense if you are getting them shipped to you. Also, this reduces the options available for framing. And of course, it could pose a tad more challenging to install than regular double panes.
Why go with Triple Pane Windows?
So given the fact that the expense of these windows outweigh the cost savings in energy, and the potential problems associated with the extra weight, why would anyone bother to go with triple pane windows?
You can consider triple pane windows a luxury. They might not be economical, but they do provide more comfort and warmth inside. If you were to stand near such windows inside a home when it is freezing outside, and compare this to double pane windows, you would have no doubt about the difference.
Another thing going for these luxurious windows, is that they do not have nearly as much condensation on the inside. So if you don’t like having to deal with that on your windows, then this advantage to the triple panes might make them worth it.
It should also be mentioned that while for most people, the savings in energy costs might not be worth it, it does to some extent depend on where you live and how cold (or hot) it might get. So for those living further to the north where it gets really cold, it might be better to go with the triple.
Some people might also add that external noise is much better filtered with the triple panes than dual panes. Generally speaking this is probably true, due to the differences in glass thickness and space between panes. However, you should realise that if the thickness of the glasses and the overall space in between the interior and the exterior are the same for both the triple and double, then they are about equal when it comes to sound insulation.
One thing you should know, if you do decide to go with triple pane windows that contain either argon or krypton or a mixture, is that the gas does leak over time, even without any damage to the window. A fair estimate is approximately 1% per year. So eventually air will replace the gas, and this will reduce the energy efficiency of the windows.
What to look at when Comparing Windows, whether Triple Pane with other Triple Pane, or Triple Pane vs. Double Pane
Windows are given U and R ratings. U values indicate how well heat is conducted. R values tell how well heat is resisted. This means the lower the U value the better. Conversely, the higher the R value, the better it is. The R values are what is used mostly, and they normally range anywhere from 0.9 to 3.0.
The R-value of a window is dependent on the number of layers of glass used, the quality of the installation with respect to air leaks, the glazing material type, whether plastic, glass or other, the size of the air space in between the glass layers, and finally how well the frame itself behaves as a resistor or conductor.
So if you are comparing windows, you need to pay attention to the U or R values. To ensure you’re comparing apples with apples, you need to verify that these values are guided by the standards established by the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). You should also check to see that these values are for comparable styles, and the same size windows. Another factor that will determine that your comparison is valid, is just what is the R or U value measured for. Is it just the middle of the glass, or is it for the whole window including the frame?
In conclusion, we have seen advantages and disadvantages to triple pane windows, and we have provided guidance for how to evaluate your options in windows. It is hoped that this information has been helpful.
Tags: triple pane windows cost, triple pane windows r value, triple pane windows sound, triple pane windows vs double pane windows
DIY: Make Your Own Air Conditioner
An earlier post explored some ways to cool down your house during the summer without AC. The problem with air conditioners, is that they tend to use a lot of electricity, thereby increasing the utility bill. I came across this video which shows how you can make your own air conditioner (AC), and so thought it would be a good addition to this section, as it might do the trick of providing the cooling you desire without incurring as much expense as having a real AC.
Tags: air conditioner, cooling home
Security For Sliding Glass Doors
I guess my mind has been on sliding glass doors recently. This time I want to say something about securing sliding glass doors. From researching sliding glass doors, I have come to realise that there is a lot of attention given to the matter of securing them. Apparently thieves see them as a point of vulnerability, and so will target them.
Truly there are additional security concerns one should have because of having sliding glass doors as opposed to regular doors. Just the way the doors open and lock, make them different from regular doors, and they have been proven to be easier to penetrate than normal doors. For example, it is known that the doors can be lifted out of the frame if not secured properly, with perhaps double point locks.
However, if adequate security measures are taken, they can be just as secure if not moreso than your regular doors. So one must know what security measures can and should be taken. Therefore one should do a little research to bridge this knowledge gap. There are actually a number of precautions you can implement yourself. I recommend the article Sliding Glass Door Security Techniques as a starting point.
Tags: home, securing sliding glass doors, sliding glass doors