Go Eco with Vintage Decor!

http://webecoist.momtastic.com/2011/12/12/go-eco-with-vintage-decor-35-inspiring-images/

Improve your energy efficiency and keep your Flagstaff area home more comfortable this Winter

Looking for a simple way to improve your energy efficiency and keep your Flagstaff  area home more comfortable this Winter? Preventing drafts by sealing openings around your windows is one of the simplest and most affordable ways to improve your energy-efficiency and reduce heat loss in the Winter.

Step 1: Identify Drafts

Window drafts are typically difficult to find based on feel, so holding your hand in front of your window won't get the job done. However, holding a lit candle near window seams can be an effective means of finding drafts, as air coming through windows will cause the candle flame to bend.

Step 2: Add Caulking to Fill Gaps

Once you determine where gaps are, remove old caulking with a putty knife to make it simpler for new caulking to adhere to the surface of the window frame. Make sure the surface on which you will add the caulking is clean and free of debris, including old caulking.

Caulking can work with window frame gaps of all sizes. If you have larger gaps to fill, take your time, and let the caulking properly fill the gaps. Make sure to leave the caulking alone for a day or so to ensure it has properly dried.

Caulking is inexpensive, can be found at any home supply store, and is great to have on hand for minor home repair projects like this.

local Flagstaff Hikes for Fall

The Localhikes web site provides information on local hiking opportunities near both large and small metropolitan areas in the United States. You can find the perfect trail by selecting your metro area below to browse the available hikes:

http://www.localhikes.com/MSA/MSA_2620.asp

Come and check out our new you tube channel!

http://www.youtube.com/user/MORTENSEN774HELP?feature=guide

WARD OFF THOSE MOSQUITOES, NATURALLY....

• West Nile has been found in mosquitoes recently in the local news. These natural products will effectively repel mosquitoes, but they require more frequent reapplication. Try these natural repellents:     
• Citronella Oil
• Lemon Eucalyptus Oil
• Cinnamon Oil
• Castor Oil
• Rosemary Oil
• Lemongrass Oil
• Cedar Oil * (One of our favorites)
• Peppermint Oil.

      

Mike Rowe wants the US Senate Commerce Committee to focus on jobs in America

http://www.mikeroweworks.com/2011/05/mike-rowe-wants-the-us-senate-commerce-committee-to-focus-on-jobs-in-america/

Tired of Cold Showers? A Tankless Hot Water Heater Might Be the Solution

A tankless hot water heater can be a great solution to save money on water heating costs. It can also help you qualify for a money saving tax break. Tankless hot water heaters can save people a lot of money.. On demand water heating will use less energy since you won’t be paying to keep a large water tank hot twenty-four hours a day. This type water heater will also prevent the awfully dreaded cold shower, since water is heated as needed.

In addition to saving on water heating costs and providing adequate hot water for all your needs, a tankless hot water heater uses less space and can be installed almost anywhere in the home. This can be a perfect solution for bathrooms that are a long distance from a traditional hot water heater.

No thank you cold showers... but, Thank You Alfred Hitchcock.

We can work it out

Do you have a desk job? Feeling like you could benefit from a little cardio?.. Are you looking for inexpensive workout routines? Check out this website with info on workout schedule here in Flagstaff and If that doesn't motivate you, I encourage you to read this article I found from the Boston Globe.:

workout-
http://www.flagstaff.az.gov/index.aspx?NID=1669

good reasons why-(other than it makes you feel AWESOME and look great)-

http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/health/articles/2011/01/17/the_health_risks_of_a_desk_job/

It is possible.. enjoy doing laundry! Start here:

http://www.sheknows.com/home-and-gardening/articles/960363/5-quick-laundry-room-updates?utm_source=OB&utm_medium=CPC&utm_campaign=LGTVH check this link out for exciting ways to turn your chaotic and often messy laundry room into a continuation of your home.. a place you want to be! Because frankly, you often spend a lot of time doing laundry! Why not make it a good time!

So, is it too soon to think of first frost? We disagree:

As the leaves change and the days get shorter, take the time this autumn to prepare for the oncoming cold weather. Ready the furnace for the months of work it will have ahead, and clean out the fireplace. Test them both to ensure they’ll be working when you need the heat. Don’t wait until it’s snowing to clear out your gutters. With upkeep in the fall, you’ll have peace of mind in the winter and more time to hibernate.

Inside The House

Heating System Checkup

Be sure to change the air filter in your furnace and check its efficiency before the cold weather begins. Call  US to test the heating output and give the system a tune-up. This technician can also check for and correct possibly hazardous carbon monoxide levels generated by your heating system. Stock up on several air filters for the winter, and change them every month. If you don’t have a programmable thermostat, purchase one for the system to help lower your energy costs.

After your furnace has been tuned up to its maximum efficiency, take a moment to inspect your heating ducts and vents. Dust them off and clear away anything that may have gotten into them over the summer. Then check your windows for any leaks that may compromise your heating efficiency. If you feel cold air coming in, purchase a plastic sealing kit from the hardware store and place the plastic around the window to keep the heat from escaping. Be sure to check your doors as well, and fix their weather-stripping if needed.

Check The Fireplace And Chimney

Most chimney sweeps recommend an annual sweeping, but depending on how often you use the fireplace, you might be able to wait on a full sweep. But if you will be using the fireplace often, call a chimney sweep for an inspection.  Hopefully you will have your older, seasoned firewood now ready for use after sitting for the spring and summer. It’s recommended to keep the firewood at least 30 feet from the house and covered. Seasoned wood is best for fires, as it burns cleaner and longer.

Review Home Fire Safety

The introduction of the heating season brings new potential for fire hazards, so take a moment to review fire safety in your home. Check and replace fire extinguishers if necessary, and change the batteries in your smoke detectors.

Outside The House

The Gutters

It’s best to inspect and clean the gutters a few times during the fall, especially if there are many leafy trees around your house. If gutters remain clogged, water will spill over them and onto the ground next to the foundation, which may cause damage to the foundation. Gutters and downspouts should be kept clean and should direct water away from the foundation, as well as from walkways and driveways, so that they do not become slippery or icy.

Yard Maintenance

The orange, yellow, and brown colors of the autumn leaves don’t look as nice on the ground as they do on the trees. Rake the leaves into piles and scoop them into yard waste bags. Most areas have ordinances about burning leaves, so check with your local area government first. When sweeping the leaves off your patio, don’t forget to clean, pack up, and store any patio furniture for the winter. Disconnect garden hoses and, if practical, use an indoor valve to shut off and drain water from pipes leading to outside faucets. This reduces the chance of freezing in the section of pipe just inside the house.

In The Garage

It is recommended that you empty out unused fuel from any gas-powered equipment stored in the garage, such as a lawnmower, because sediment can build up and clog the fuel lines. Store gasoline in tanks out of children’s reach and have it ready for use in your snow blower or emergency generator, if need be.

Test Your Emergency Generator

It’s a good idea to have an emergency generator if you live in an area that sees a lot of ice storms, as these are a major cause of blackouts during the winter. So if you have one, haul it out and give it a test run to see if it is in good working order. Make sure you never run the generator in any enclosed space – like your garage – as it will present a carbon monoxide hazard

WE ARE ALWAYS HERE TO HELP GIVE US A CALL IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR NEED A HAND IN WINTERIZING YOUR HOME. You may think it is too soon to be thinking about winterization but It is often delayed and we like you would like you to avoid the hassles of frozen pipes and other mishaps that could be taken care of prior to the first frost.

MUST BE SOMETHING IN THE WATER?

Did you know that the month of August is water quality month?! We are offering free water quality tests until August 15th to homes with shower fixtures that get covered in hard water stains, towels feel like sandpaper, or even if you have really dry skin.

 

 

                                                CALL TODAY TO SCHEDULE A FREE VISIT

                                                                     928-774-4357

15 Plumbing Tips to Save Money on Your Water Bill!

15 Plumbing Tips to Save Money on Your Water Bill!
Who wants to talk toilets? No? Then how about saving money with every flush? While most homeowners are looking at their electric or gas bills for savings, savvy consumers know the value of ...

water conservation. You, too, can increase your water savings by following a few simple plumbing tips.

■Toilet leaks- Test your toilet for leaks by adding a few drops of food color into the tank. If the bowl water changes color, you've got a leak. Check the working parts for a faulty seal or some other issue. Toilets are fairly easy to figure out but don't hesitate to call in a plumber to correct the problem if things get complicated.
■Showerheads- Changing out your showerheads to low-flow models won't alter your showers but should save you some money. These showerheads are easy to install and come in various styles. Another plumbing tip is to make sure the faucet seals are in good condition. Worn out seals can cause slow leaks to form behind the shower walls.
■Kitchen helpers- Cut back on rinsing dishes before loading up the dishwasher; today's machines and detergents are designed to get off all the stuck on food and grease. Keeping the food and grease out of the sink drain will also cutback on future plumbing issues.
■Low-flush toilets- Consider change your existing toilets to low- flush toilets therefore saving on the amount of water used in every flush.
■Take shorter showers.
■Flush only when necessary.
■Shut off water while brushing your teeth.
■Only run your washing machine with full loads.
■High efficient washing machines- Consider switching out your old washing maching for a high efficiency washing machine since they use considerable less water for each load of wash.
■Cover your spa or pool to avoid evaporation.
■Only wash your cars when it is necessary.
■Consider investing in a high efficiency water heater also called a tankless water heater.
■Remember to minimize the use of water when preparing foods.
■Put your irrigation system on a timer and remember to override the timer if it is raining or has recently rained.
■Add catch basins to your gutters to reuse the rain water- water your lawn or wash your cars with the rain water

OLD BATH A GO-GO...

The Benefits Of Bathroom Remodeling

The pros of Bathroom remodeling

As a homeowner, perhaps you may have considered remodeling your bathroom. Before taking action toward the endevor, you may have thoroughly examined your decision to do so by weighing both the pros and cons of the project. While examining both the good and the bad, you may have discovered several pros to undertaking the task.

The most common reason why so many homeowners make the big decision to remodel their bathrooms are the advantages that the remodeling will bring. One of the biggest advantages to remodeling your bathroom is the improvement in the overall look and safety of the room. Among the most common reasons of remodeling the bathroom is that people find their bathrooms unsafe to use as well as unappealing in appearance. If you find yourself unhappy with the current state of your bathroom, a remodel just might help change that. Whether you decide to remodel a small portion or the whole room, it will be very likely that you will be satified with your results.

Another benefit to remodeling your bathroom is the wide variety of choices you have in the degree of remodeling you do. As a homeowner, you also have control over your home as well as your bathroom project. If you are on a limited budget, you do not have to wait until you can afford to remodel the whole bathroom; you can remodel only one or two parts of it such as replacing a sink or painting your bathroom a different color. If you find that money is not an object when it comes to your project, you can remake every inch of it all at once. You will also have the control of the kind of materials used in your bathroom as well as the types of fixtures, colors and accessories. For example, painting your bathroom to a color you have always wanted will bring it closer to the bathroom of your dreams.

You should seek help from a professional contractor or Plumbers like us to ensure that your project is done properly in a short amount of time and at a reasonable price. Or, perhaps you may want to remodel part of the bathroom yourself and later hire a professional for other projects.

Updated  bathrooms can also increase the value of your home; which is perhaps the biggest advantage of the project. This increase in home value often depends on factors that include how well the projects are done and the type of remodeling done. Whether you choose to hire a professional or do the remodeling yourself, improvements to your bathroom will increase your home's value.

The decision of remodeling your bathroom depends on you, the homeowner... now sit on that for a minute.. or just call us!!

tips for your home during rainy days ahead

Rainy days are here again-
1. Fix leaks immediately. Leaky roofs and foundation cracks allow water to get into your home, which can weaken the structure and provide a perfect habitat for mold. When you see wet spots on the ceiling or cracks in the foundation, fix them as soon as it’s safe to get up on the roof or the material is dry enough to repair. Check that roofing shingles are secure.
2. Spring for extra roof protection. When it’s time to replace your roof, spend a few hundred dollars more to install a rubber roof underlayment, a waterproof barrier that goes under the shingles and protects the roof from water intrusion.
3. Close foundation cracks with mortar and masonry caulk or hydraulic cement, which expands and fills gaps completely and costs only a few dollars. Don’t patch solely with mortar or cement, which may crack again. If water is a recurring problem, be sure to investigate other solutions for issues like wet basements
 4. Clear gutters and drains. Keep gutters clear to carry water away from your home. Check storm drains on your street, as leaves and debris can block them, causing water to collect.
5. Invest in a battery-powered sump pump. Sump pumps let you pump water out of your home and can be an excellent defense against flooding — unless they’re powered by electricity and the power is out. Battery-powered sump pumps are a relatively inexpensive ($150-$400) solution.
6. Catalog possessions. Using a digital camcorder or camera, create a home inventory for insurance Inexpensive digital cameras start at about $100. Although traditional video and photographs are adequate, they can be bulky to carry and may get damaged if left in a flooded home. Digital files can be stored on a small USB drive and kept in your go bag, sent to a friend or relative for safekeeping, or stored on an online backup system like idrive.com or opendrive.com,  which offer a small amount of space to store files for free or a larger data storehouse for $50 to $60 per year.

7. Move expensive items to a safer location. If you have a second floor or an attic, moving furniture, photographs, and artwork to a higher level will protect your possessions in all but the most severe floods. Elevate furnaces and water pumps when they’re installed, if possible, to a height of 12 inches above the highest known flood level for your area, suggests FEMA.
8. Anchor your fuel tanks. Unanchored tanks can float, rupture, and release fuel. Once the power sources of system units like furnaces and water heaters are disabled and the units cooled, you can also wrap them in waterproof tarps to mitigate water damage.
9. Prevent sewer backup. Have a plumber install sewer or septic line check valves, which allow waste to flow only one way. This ensures sewage can’t back up into the standing water in your home.
10. Install  french drains if you live on a slope and have a persistently wet basement or soggy lawn. A French drain collects water in your yard and diverts it safely away from your house.
Floods are a common challenge that many home owners will face at one time or another. However, by keeping your home in good repair, moving valuables out of water’s way, and creating good drainage around your home, you can stop or reduce potential flood damage.

Flagstaff is home to some of the bravest.. that is certainly the truth!

Flagstaff resident Guor Marial, a Sudan refugee, Runs for a cause..not for a a country.. Find out more about this amazing Olympic athlete at Huffington Post. A story that is truely an inspiration-http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/02/sudan-refugee-runs-withou_n_1734090.html?utm_hp_ref=good-news

Interested in lending a helping hand??????

Please contact me if you are interested in helping the kids at Killip Elementary!! We have recieved excellent info from some of the teachers at Killip Elementary School yesterday and today! I have a list of supplies that are needed...and It...

is still be growing.. We would love more involment from our friends if you are able!! Don't hesitate to call, to see how you can help us help the kids at Killip Call Me- You WILL make my day!
-Erin
928-774-4357

Please, help us with donations to a school supplies drive!

Would anyone of you be interested in donating to a school supplies drive? Marty will be donating a bunch of school supplies and I was thinking of going to Goodwill or Savers and picking up a few extra t-shirts and pants to donate to the school nurse. Any input or donations are GREATLY appreciated! Message me on Facebook at Mortensen Custom Plumbing , or at my email or phone here at the office at- helpingyou@mortensencustomplumbing.com or (928) 774-HELP!
Every little bit helps :)

Sincerly look forward to hearing from everyone!!

Thank You,
Erin
Customer Service Representative
Mortensen Custom Plumbing