meeny's Blog

By: Scott Workman

In case you haven't noticed, patio heaters have been popping up in just about every box store and wholesale club across North America. Not too long ago, patio heaters were sold only through specialty stores such as LP gas equipment dealers, hearth products dealers and patio furniture retailers. And they were very expensive. Today, patio heaters are much more affordable than ever and you can find them nearly everywhere you go.

The most popular among the patio heaters are the post mounted propane models, often called "mushroom" heaters because they consist of a heater head mounted atop an 84" post with a round mushroom-shaped reflector over the head. Since the heater head is high atop the post, it is safely out of the reach of children and pets (although ladies with tall beehive hairdoos could pose a problem). The heater head consists of the gas control valve, ignitor and pilot assembly. At the base of the heater is a 20 lb. propane tank, regulator and hose. The sheer weight of the gas tank sitting on a heavy base makes the heater bottom-heavy, making it difficult to tip over if bumped into.

To ignite the heater, just turn on the gas supply at the tank. Most utilize some sort of piezo-type ignition. That ignites the pilot flame. Just push it in and hold until the pilot stays lit. Once the pilot is lit, just turn the control knob to "on" and the burner fires. It only takes a few minutes for the heater head to reach maximum temperature. The infra-red heat energy bounces off the mushroom-shaped reflector, creating a 12' foot circular footprint of comfy heat to the surrounding area. People tend to gravitate where they are most comfortable. The effectiveness of the heater depends on outside temperatures, wind, and how well protected the area to be heated is.

Having sold patio heaters for over 21 years, I'm often asked "what are the differences in patio heaters and how can I ensure I find the best value?" Or, "is the quality of the heaters I see at the big box stores as good as what I see on the internet and at specialty retailers?" Generally speaking, those found in the box stores are made to compete on price only and are not the higher quality, commercial grade heaters. Still, they may be suitable for a moderate amount of homeowner use. This is where a little homework comes in.

Hint: assuming that you can visit several stores where patio heaters are sold, do this: simply move the heater around a bit to check out how heavy it is. Tap on the post and steel cover that hides the LP tank. Does it sound cheap or feel flimsy? Or does it seem solid and heavy? Does it have wheels for easy transport? Does it have a Hi-Lo option? Stainless steel or painted? What grade of stainless steel? Stainless is fast outpacing powder coated models and 304 stainless is what you want. But just because it is stainless, does not mean it is 304 stainless steel. It could be a lower grade that will eventually corrode. For more extended use or more abusive aplications and weather environments, I suggest searching around. Do the homework and you'll be happier in the long run.

The patio heater I've discussed above is just the very basic post style mushroom heater. Not a lot of style or decorative flair. Today, there are many different ones to choose from. At a recent trade show I saw a patio heater in the shape of a palm tree. Mine is stainless steel, and has hideaway wheels and an integrated bar table mounted to the post to set drinks or food on. To each his own. The good news is that there are many choices in quality, features, style and price.

What other types of patio heaters are out there? In addition to LP gas post mounted models, natural gas versions are also available. Ceiling suspended units are also very popular, especially in covered outdoor restaurant seating areas. These rectangular shaped heaters can be strategically spaced to provide just the right pattern of heat to keep patrons happy during cooler temperatures. Restaurant owners find that patio heating can add substantially to restaurant seating capacity and help generate a loyal following of patrons, simply because they have a heated outdoor option. Since most indoor restaurants are non-smoking environments, outdoor patio heaters also provide a courtesy to smokers. Where multiple heaters may be required, we suggest that you find a patio heater sales expert to help determine the number and location of heaters to provide the best heat pattern for the application.

In my opinion, patio heaters are a great investment if you spend any amount of time outdoors. I've attended several family gatherings where we employed the use of a post-style patio heater. Despite the chilly temps, I've observed how everyone simply wants to hang around and socialize longer and no one seems to be in any hurry to leave (that could be a bad thing for some). The point is, extending the use of your outdoor environment is a practical, affordable and can help make outdoor living a lot more enjoyable.

By: Eric Wills

Your dream of installing a swimming pool can go horribly wrong if you are not dealing with an honest and reputed pool dealer. With so many options available these days it is understandable that one can get confused about this. This is where one must act wisely and make an intelligent choice when choosing an above ground swimming pool dealer. As a consumer you must make sure that you do not fall in the hands of a fraudulent swimming pool dealer to install their dream swimming pool in their dream house. Since the reason that you are making this purchase is for enjoyment with your loved ones being from a reputed swimming pool dealer like Blue World Pools will be a good choice for you. Blue World Pools is among one of the most reputed swimming pool dealers in the United States having their outlets in many cities.

Several fraudulent dealers that are operating in the market have cheated many customers of their hard earned money. If you seek services from Blue World Pool, fraudulent is something you will never encounter. The ever increasing list of customers is the testimony to this fact. Installing a swimming pool at your house will enable to you to accomplish many things which will make your family and friends have fun and be happy. By getting the swimming pool or hot tub installed at your place, you will not even for one moment have to worry about the quality and the functionality of the product. Simply sit back and enjoy your session in the pool or the hot tub.

There are swimming pools that are specially made for kids keeping the safety factor in mind. The major advantage of getting your kid accustomed to learning how to swim at a young age is that they will be in shape and it is much easier to learn how to swim when you are young. Later in life this will be of big help to them as this is one of the best places where one can do workouts to stay fit and healthy. All of us realize the importance of having a good health to have a successful professional, social and personal life.

Owning a house is not easy and sometimes you have to make a huge sacrifice to purchase ones. Once you are in possession of that dream house you will surely like to furnish it beautifully with attractive accessories. Buying and installing a swimming pool at your house from a well known dealer like Blue World Pools is one thing which will make your place all the more attractive. Just make sure that you choose the color and shape of the pool that perfectly match with the overall look and feel of the interiors of your house. Do not ruin your otherwise perfect dream house by taking a rash decision while choosing a swimming pool dealer.

Several health conditions such as high blood pressure, back pain, pains in the joint and arthritis have been found to be successfully cured by doing workouts in hot tubs and swimming pools. This is in fact one of the very few healthy financial investment that you can make for your family.

Of Air Conditioner to Cool Your Home

By: Ryan Corey

Warm weather has arrived. Now’s the time to consider getting a new air conditioner or updating the one you have. Room air conditioners, central air conditioners, and ones in-between all have their purposes. Whether you have heat but need cool air, need an air conditioner for one room, are living in a historical home that needs air conditioning, are on a tight budget or want to go all out—take a look at the types of air conditioners listed below because there is a right unit for you.

Room air conditioners:

They cool rooms and even though are usually noisier and lower in efficiency, also provide lower costs as they are used in rooms only where they are needed—not the whole house.

Window-mounted

-What it is: Small unit designed to fit in a window. Most are made for double-hung windows but some are designed for casement windows. Be sure to pick a unit designed for the type of window the consumer has. Most units include a window mounting kit, which will have sill brackets to support the unit and side vents that make an airtight fit for the window.

-Advantages: Purchase several and can adjust each room’s temperature to individual preferences. Can be removed easily and stored when the season changes.

-Disadvantages: Give up having a view from the window. Must be removed or winterized when cooler weather hits.

Through-the-wall

-What it is: Usually used to cool a single room. Functions like a window air conditioner, only is permanently mounted through the wall.

-Advantages: Window is not blocked. Don’t have to remove and store during cooler weather.

-Disadvantages: Not easy to install in a pre-existing home. Has to be installed in an area where there is no electric or pipes running through the walls. May have problems cutting the hole if walls are made of concrete, stone or brick. Unit is hard to hide during the winter months. During the colder months, has to be sealed off to keep cold air from coming in the house.

Free standing portable

-What it is: A unit about 30 inches tall and 80 pounds in weight that stands on the floor. May be single or dual vent. Dual vent units circulate clean air back into the room and will usually cool the air quicker. Most have wheels, giving the consumer the ability to move them around. Must be connected to a place like a window where the hot air from the unit can be vented. Most units have window-venting kits, that can be moved from one window to another and that are easy to install.

-Advantages: Portable meaning they can be moved from room to room. Window-mounting not required. Move the air conditioner from the bedroom to the kitchen to the living room depending on where you are during the day. Many have features where the condensation bin doesn’t need to be emptied as frequently, making the unit less of a pain to use and removing moisture from the air in the home, helping to prevent mold. Ability to keep different rooms different temperatures.

-Disadvantages: Costs more that a window-mounted air conditioner with a similar cooling ability level.

Similar to central air conditioners

Mini-split unit

-What it is: Mix between a window air conditioner and a split system. A compressor unit is mounted outside the house and a fan unit is wall-mounted inside the house. The system gets a copper lineset between the outdoor and indoor unit.

-Advantages: They are small and can cool individual rooms. Great for multifamily housing, room additions, rooms over garages and small apartments. The indoor part of the system does not need a window and can be mounted on the floor, hung on the wall, or suspended from the ceiling. Many of the systems even offer a remote control to turn the system on and off. Not noisy since the compressor goes outside.

-Disadvantages: They are more expensive than room air conditioners. Don’t have the built-in look of a central air conditioner unit.

Mini-duct unit

-What it is: They are specially-designed systems for tight spaces, where running conventional duct work is impossible. Forces air through plastic feeder ducts just 2 inches in diameter.

-Advantages: Good for historical homes where duct work wasn’t considered when the home was built. Minimizes renovation costs by keeping walls and ceilings intact. Not noisy. Use about half the air of a conventional air conditioning system.

-Disadvantages: Higher costs to install the system because they require more outlets, about 5 outlets per ton of cooling.

Central air conditioners:

Aside from being more efficient than room air conditioners, central air conditioners are out of the way, not noisy, and convenient to operate.

Single-package unit

-What it is: Everything (evaporator coil, compressor, condenser coil, blower motor, and controls with the exception of the thermostat) located in one metal cabinet box. Sits outside of the house. Each room in the house gets cold air via a duct system.

-Advantages: Get this system and you won’t need a separate furnace indoors.

-Disadvantages: More expensive and complex to install.

Split-system unit

-What it is: The air handler (inside) and condensing unit (outside) have a copper lineset running between them to connect the condenser to the evaporator. They usually share control voltage, but have separate circuits for line voltage power. Each room in the house gets cold air via a duct system.

-Advantages: Makes more economical sense to install if your home already has a heating system but no air conditioner.

-Disadvantages: More expensive and complex to install.

Your Bathroom

By: Vicki Duong

Homeowners know that maintaining their home is an endless process. Adding new lighting fixtures, reworking the kitchen counters and cabinets, and landscaping are among the many home activities that'll keep you busy and ensure that you'll get the highest resale value for your home. One of the rooms you should always remember to focus on is your bathroom - both master and guest.

Granted it's common knowledge that you'll need to make sure all the plumbing is in working order and that your shower, bathtub or even your whirlpool are in tip-top condition, but don't forget the final step in creating that tranquil ambience -lighting! With the proper type and style of bathroom lighting, you can easily achieve the atmosphere of a powder room at a five-star hotel at an affordable price.

Vanity lights that go above your bathroom mirror are an easy option that doesn't draw too much on the purse strings. A favorite personal style of mine is a four to five track vanity light with bell or goblet shaped white glass diffusers that hang from curved, organic shaped arms and polished chrome finish. Even better if the lights take compact fluorescent bulbs because that saves you more money, therefore, doubling the appeal. Simply chic and classy, this type of bathroom lighting fits well in most washrooms, adding an elegant element of style.

But what if you have a smaller bathroom space that can't realistically accommodate a full-scale vanity light? An easy solution is to consider single or double lamp wall fixtures. The great thing about these types of mounts is the fact that they come in either an extension style (usually a small distance of six inches from the wall) or a flushed style (close to the wall). One style I highly recommend: smaller boxy shades in iridescent or clear glass that rest upon thin, rectangular arms. Another terrific benefit about these bathroom fixtures is that you can hang them facing upwards or downwards (depending on the style, of course).

Moral of the story: the right bathroom lighting presents the right ambience; with regular maintenance you're sure to get the highest resale value of your home.

By: Smith Chen

Accessorising Your Kitchen And Bathroom

Kitchen and bath accessories are the key to not only making these areas comfortable but also for them to look good. The right accessories and furniture can entirely transform your kitchen into the most pleasurable area of your home. The quantity, size and theme of the kitchen accessories must match with your overall decor theme and space available. Here are some tips for you:

1) Once you have decided on the colour of your walls, placing of your refrigerator, counters and cabinets, categorise all your accessories by colour, size or style and then choose them according to the scale and visual balance.

2) Install the largest accessories first, keeping the aesthetic balance, right eye level and distance to the cooking area, then move on to the smaller ones.

3) A wall clock is must in the kitchen, whether you are a student, working person or a housewife, so that you can get done with cooking on time. It also helps you to monitor your cooking better.

4) Designer range hoods do not only look trendy but are also quite functional when it comes to getting rid of smoke and vapours.

5) Kitchen carts and worktables come in quite handy for a variety of reasons and can be moved or folded and slipped under the counter after use.

6) Pot racks and baker's racks are for those with advanced culinary skills.

7) Covered trashcans are a must in the kitchen to discard all those soda bottles and boxes.

8) Cabinet accessories, designer sinks, faucets, knobs and pulls lend a sophisticated look to the kitchen.

9) Stools and chairs that can be stacked one on top of the other can be used and then stacked in the corner in a small kitchen.

10) Chopping blocks and countertops are a must but you may also opt for wine racks.

11) Decorate your appliances too with beautiful decorative panels.

12) Stainless steel wall shelves and backsplash accessories are the latest trend in kitchen decor.

Whether it's shelving accessories, lighting systems, the addition of split rope topper mouldings, lattice, panels, brass grills or glass etchnigs, you can make your kitchen a place of distinction and efficiency with simple and ease to install extras. You'll be amazed at what you can accomplish with just a few feet of wineglass moulding, fluted rosettes, or bun feet added to your favourite fixtures. Low-voltage lighting, pantry organisers, sink front tray sets, pullout trash bins, appliance garages, and shelf lift mechanisms add convenience and organisation to please even the most discriminating kitchen boss.

Most accessory stores have a full line of innovative systems that can turn your kitchen into a showcase. Best of all, most are affordable, practical solutions that are quick and easy to install.

HAVE YOUR OWN PROJECTS

Complete your own custom kitchen accessory projects. Built-in wine racks above refrigerators, mouldings to disguise soffets, and matching appliance, garages are popular kitchen accessories that add quick-access storage, or, a cabinetry display, plate rack, or bookshelf. These projects are not beyond the reach of the average woodworker or handyman or woman and can be accomplished with basic skills and tools. The possibilities are endless with today's line of hardware, woodworking and project supplies.

Bathroom accessories are similarly worked out for pleasure and beauty.

It's not polite to steal things from a luxury hotel's bathroom, but now people aren't snatching embroidered towels or miniature shampoo bottles.

Instead, consumers are taking the coordinated style associated with upscale hotels into their homes, which is one of the factors spurring the evolution of matching accessories in residential bathrooms.

Many plumbing fitting manufactures offer bathroom suites, so people can head to one company for faucets and accessories, grabbing hold of a complete, cohesive look. Matching products offer the one-stop shopping, contractors and their clients crave. "It provides convenience for the builder and consumer," say many designers.

As the role of accessories in the bath increases, so does the range of products. Builders and remodellers now can find so much more than just the basic towel bar, including glass shelves, hotel racks, light fixtures, tumblers, soap dishes, toilet paper holders, and even wall-mounted toilet bowl brushes made to match faucets.

"Every little place now that we can think to decorate, we definitely take advantage of," say many householders.

THE WIDER SELECTION

The wider selection of accessories gives customers a chance to personalise their baths. For example, using an oil-rubbed-bronze robe hook or a chrome wall-mounted toilet brush, homeowners can add individual flair without compromising the consistency of a look.

"You do not have to buy it exactly as you see it in a catalogue or showroom," say homeowners. "The days of everyone on the block having the exact same look are over." But a lot depends on the finishes available, and chrome and brushed nickel in accessories remain the most popular.

"I think that is mostly because when a homeowner goes and picks out, he goes for shine and effect." So, revamp that kitchen and bathroom and decide to make cooking and bathing a pleasure.

Small Kitchen Remodeling Ideas

Any remodeling idea for a small kitchen must address the following issues: counter space, storage, built-ins, and pantry.

In order to make better use of your kitchen floor space, you need to put up the maximum amount of counters. Plan your design with deeper counters to cover as much of the area not occupied with appliances with counter space if the difference in floor space is a matter of a few square feet.

Squeeze as many cabinets into your design as possible. Deep cabinets that can hold plates should be located near the dishwasher, and large cabinets with slide-out drawers should be placed near the oven.

Another space-saving device is to include built-in facilities. You can have built-in ovens, microwaves and storage for small appliances. This will make your kitchen appear less cluttered. Built-in storage for foods like potatoes and onions and bread storage cabinets will also give the kitchen a cleaner look. You can also opt for waist-high, sliding shelves that hold mixers and toasters. Your small appliances can remain hidden in these shelves and still be easily accessible.

If there is no room for a pantry in your kitchen, consider converting a closet outside the kitchen area to store your cutlery, pots and infrequently used items. You can also include rollout pantries that can be pulled out to view the items you have, but rolled back into a space.

Choose a large sink. It will be easier for you to clean bigger pots and pans. Moreover, a large sink is a great place to stash your dirty pots. A large sink can also serve as a utility sink, too.

You can increase the efficiency of your small kitchen by putting a wire basket on the inside the cabinet or under the sink to hold trash bags and other frequently used items. You can mount an instant hot water heater on the sink to replace the sprayer or soap.

A tile back splash on all the walls above the counters, stove and sink make the kitchen easier to clean.