Swapping regular bulbs for compact fluorescents can save you at least $30 per bulb over the life of a compact fluorescent lightbulb. The latest bulbs are much better than earlier ones, but there are still myths surrounding these bulbs.

Myths about Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs):

Myth: Recycling Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs is too hard
Reality: You shouldn’t throw used CFLs out with the trash. Bring them into us. We at True Value, and other retailers who ssell light bulbs accept unbroken CFLs no matter where you bought them.

Myth: Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs are expensive
Reality: Some CFLs now cost less than $1 compared with $9 to $25 ten years ago. And they last 5 to 10 times longer than regular light bulbs. Energy Star-qualified models use up to 75 percent less power. 

Myth: Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs produce an odd light 
Reality: Many CFLs now produce light like ordinary bulbs. Those with a 2,700 to 3,000 Kelvin (K) number have a warmer, yellower color; 3,500 K to 6,500 K bulbs emit a bluer or whiter light. Energy Star CFLs must include the Kelvin number on the package as of December. Look for CFLs labeled “soft” or “warm” white for light like an incandescent’s, and choose “bright white,” “natural,” or “daylight” for whiter light.

Myth: Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs contain dangerous mercury
Reality: CFLs contain a tiny fraction of the mercury used in the old-time fever thermometers. Energy Star CFLs require 5 milligrams or less for bulbs that use less than 25 watts. 

Myth: You need to put on a hazmat suit if you accidentally break one of these bulbs
Reality: Exposure to broken CFLs can pose a health risk, especially to a fetus or young child. But don’t panic. Open a window, shut off central A/C or forced-air heating, and clear the room for at least 15 minutes as the Environmental Protection Agency recommends. Read “How to Clean Up a Broken CFL” for more details. It’s always a good idea to keep Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs out of lamps that could easily tip, especially in rooms used often by children or pregnant women.

More Information About Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs:

Congress passed a law in 2007 phasing out conventional light bulbs. Manufacturers will no longer be able to make the 100-watt Thomas Edison bulb after Jan. 1, 2012, followed by the 75-watt version in Jan. 2013, and the the 60- and 40-watt bulbs in Jan. 2014.

The goal of this legislation is to produce light bulbs that:

• Last Longer
• Save Money
• Save Energy, and
• Reduce Carbon Emissions

Compared to the old-fashioned light bulbs giving the same amount of visible light, CFLs use less power and have a longer rated life. In the United States, a CFL has a slightly higher purchase price than a regular light bulb, but can save over US$40 in electricity costs over the lamp’s lifetime. Like all fluorescent lamps, CFLs contain mercury, which complicates their disposal. (If you have any questions just call us or bring it in we’ll take care of it for you).

Image Sourced from Wikipedia: Net mercury emissions for CFL and incandescent lamps, based on EPA FAQ sheet, assuming average U.S. emission of 0.012 mg of mercury per kilowatt-hour and 14% of CFL mercury contents escapes to environment after land fill disposal.

If you have any questions about how to dispose of CFLs or any other questions relating ot Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs, please contact us today.

Container Gardening is not as hard as it looks

When it comes to fresh and local — what’s better than your own back porch or window sill?

For those of us who live in the city, in an apartment or a condo, with very limited outdoor space it has always been difficult to grow vegetables. But small space gardening is possible and well worth the effort, so you can eat healthier and tastier veggies without spending a bundle at the supermarket.

Container Gardening is a great way to fill up those small outdoor spaces

If you have a small patio or a balcony or even a small patch of yard, you can do container gardening. Growing vegetables need 6 hours or more of sunlight, sufficient watering and good drainage so keep this in mind when planning your container garden. It’s always best to start small, and you could start with some herbs, tomato plants, and peppers. 

Container Gardening: What you need to get started

1. Containers or Flower Boxes – Different plants require different sizes of containers. Smaller containers (gallon jugs) such can be used to grow herbs, lettuce, spinach, peppers, green onions, dwarf tomatoes, etc. You can use larger containers (10 gallons or more) to grow cabbage, larger tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, etc.  
2. Soil - It is a good idea to use a good potting soil mix (available at your local hardware store) to use in your containers.  One thing to keep in mind is that garden soil may not drain well in most containers, so make sure your containers have holes at the bottom for excess water to drain out.  If you compost, you will have ready- made organic fertilizer to use, otherwise you can buy pre-packaged compost.
3. Seeds – Refer to your seed packet or starter plant instructions for more information, or simply ask us. Typically you want 4 to 6 weeks to prepare tomato plants for the ideal planting time, which is 2 weeks from the latest frost (which in Boston is May 3rd, so you can start planting in mid-May).
4. Water – What is ‘good’ gardening water? Rain water is perfect for just about all plants. It is salt-free and often mildly acidic; just to a plant’s liking – hence the popularity of rain water collection. Another great source of water for your plants is to recycle water from your dehumidifier. If you must use tap water, let it sit in gallon jugs for a day or two to let the extra chlorine will dissipate.

 Window Sill Gardening: Nature on a window sill

 If you do not have a patio or a balcony to do container gardening, you can still grow organic veggies on your window sill. Same principles apply, although your options in the kind of vegetables you can grow will be limited to smaller plants. Still, you should be able to grow salad greens and some tomatoes. With a Flower Box and some brackets you can be gardening before you know it.

 Container Gardening: Just Keep it simple

If this is your first time trying container gardening, keep it simple, some produce can be more temperamental than others to grow and you want it to be easy and fun. A great benefit of container gardening is the ability to move the containers around to maximize sunlight if your primary location does not get enough.

In terms of life’s simple pleasures, there’s little that compares to making a salad with fresh vegetables that you’ve grown on your own.  

For more information about Container Gardening, please contact us today.

Drafts and radiant cold entering your home or apartment during the winter months can cause discomfort and cost you money.

So being prepared, and sealing your home with weatherstripping can make you feel more comfortable, and help you save money on utility bills.

The Department of Energy estimates that inadequate insulation in the floors, walls or ceilings amounts to nearly one-third of air leakage, while ducts, fireplaces and plumbing add up to nearly 45%. Leakage from doors and windows amount to 10% each.

There are two types of cold that can enter your home, cause discomfort, and cost you money: (1) Drafts ~If you can can feel cold air coming in around doors and windows on a windy way, and (2) Radiant Cold~This is the type of cold that comes through windows.

The Back Bay Guide to Weatherstripping

Fixing Drafts 

The nature of the draft will dictate the necessary fix.

Types of Weatherstripping Materials:

1. Foam Rubber Tape. A good choice of widths and thickness’. Make sure the surface of application is clean and dry, or the tape will not stick. It is effectual and will last up to 5 years. The installation is easy just measure, cut, peel, and stick. Used on windows top and bottom, and door frames top and sides however do not use where surfaces work against each other. Tools: knife, shears and tape measure.
2. Vinyl Plastic or Mylar. This is installed flat then is bent into a V shape, with the open end of the V to the outside to the inward opening doors. This works like the “spring metal.” It works well and will last up to 20 years. This is simple installation, with peeling and sticking after measuring. This is used on doorframe top and sides. You will need tools including, knife, shears, tape measure.
3. Metal stripping. This seals by spring tension and it is almost invisible. It is very effective and will last up to 20 years. It takes some skill to install, you will need to measure cut and nail, and most will be capable. This is used on most window channels and door frames tops and side. Use snips, tape measure, hammer, and nails.
4. Felt strips. These are limited in usage. Use only for narrow and even spaces. Will not tolerate friction. They should not be wet, and you can not paint over them. Easy installation, measure cut and staple. Will last up to 2 years with care. Used in windows made of wood for top and bottom and door frames top and sides. Tools: staple gun, tape measure, and hammer and nails.
5. Foam-filled Vinyl Tube. Unattractive in some areas, however the strong flange is durable. You do not want to paint the tube gasket. It is highly effectual and will last up to 10 years. Easy to install, measure, cut and nail. This product is used on window frames and door frames top and sides. Tools: knife, shears, staple gun, tape measure, hammer and nails.

Radiant Cold 

You’ll want to determined where the radiant cold is coming from: through the floors, walls, ceilings or windows, or through the ducts, fireplaces and and/or plumbing. Radiant barrier insulation reflects heat, which always goes by by natural law – the problem is how to keep the heat inside in the winter, and how to keep it out in the summer.

Types of Radiant Barrier Insulation:

1. Single-sided foil.  Usually comes with another material backing such as kraft paper or polypropylene. Some products are further strengthened by fiber webbing sandwiched between foil and backing. The strength of the backing material is important since unreinforced foil tears very easily.
2. Foil-faced roof sheathing materials that come from the manufacturer with a foil facing adheared to one side of the sheathing.
3. Double-sided foil with reinforcement between the foil layers. Reinforcement may be cardboard, kraft paper, mylar or fiber webbing.
4. Foil-faced insulation. The insulating material may be polyisocyanurate, polyethelene “air-bubble” packing or other materials that impede heat conduction. Multilayered foil systems. When fully extended and installed so that the foil layers do not touch, these products also form insulating airspaces.
5. Radiant barrier “chips” are also manufactured and sold. This product is slightly different than a conventional sheet-type radiant barrier in that the “chips”, which are blown onto the floor of the attic — typically to a depth of 3 or more inches, act as a multi-layer product with many “traped” air pockets. These air pockets cause this product to function somewhat like traditional, fibrous insulation products.

Sealing your home with tight-fitting weatherstripping, and adding radiant barrier and insulation can make you feel warm all winter long.  You’ll also enjoy the lower utility bills.  If installed correctly, weatherstripping can reduce your heating bills by 20 percent or more.

If you need help choosing the type of weatherstripping that’s best for you please contact us today.

Don't forget your dorm room essentials

As an incoming freshman or a returning student, you are probably excited to get away from home and start enjoying indendent life in a dorm or apartment.

But in preparing for college move-in day, you probably haven’t given much thought to the Dorm Room Essentials that can make your living space more livable.

Apartment and Dorm Room Essentials

A trip to your local hardware store can help you stock up on some very important, yet overlooked items. In addition to your desktop, iPad, and mini-fridge, you might want to make room for the following Dorm Room Essentials:

Here are some Dorm Room Essentials to help you set up your dorm room or apartment

Handy Tools to help you getting set up easier

• A hammer and a box drywall anchors make hanging pictures and calendars on the walls easier, and double-sided tape or poster putty makes removal of posters from walls less damaging.
• A flashlight and multiple packs of batteries will come in handy if your electricity ever goes out. Extra batteries can also be used for all your electronic devices.
• A cordless screwdriver makes putting together your furniture easier, and will help bookshelves and nightstands stay sturdy.
• Extension cords and multi-outlet surge protectors are a must. Not only do they help expand room layout possibilities, but they also help protect your most valuable tools like your computer, and your cell phone.
• A couple of dry erase boards to brainstorm ideas and plan events. And corkboard also works as a place for posting photos of family and friends, class schedules and notes.

Storage helps make more of your space and you get you more organized

• Shelves and brackets expand storage capabilities and make a small space look larger. You can use them to hold books, picture frames and knick-knacks from home.
• Large plastic storage containers that fit discreetly underneath your bed or in your closet are perfect for stowing away clothing and extra blankets.
• A stepstool makes it easier to reach high shelves in tiny closets and hard-to-reach spaces.

Appliances can add value to your day-to-day life

• A small coffee maker is good to help you get your day started.
• A toaster oven and or a small microwave help when hunger strikes during those late-night study sessions.
• A small desktop fan or a standing fan helps cool off a tiny dorm room or apartment.
• For quick pickup of dry spills, a small cordless handvac or small vacuum cleaner can be conveniently stored against the wall and out of sight does the dirty work.
• A small reading lamp and extra light bulbs give eyes a break from overhead florescent dorm lighting.

All of these Apartment and Rorm Room Essentials can help. If something’s not on this list, please feel free to add your thoughts. We’d be glad to help.

If you need help with any of these Apartment and Dorm Room Essentials please visit us today.

The air inside your home may be three to five times more polluted than outdoor air.

Our energy efficient windows and doors, with thicker insulation to seal out potential drafts, have helped us lower the cost of energy–but have trapped harmful fumes from building products, furniture, dander, and mildew and mold – inside our living spaces.

Here are five  things you can do to improve our home’s indoor air quality. By following these steps and coupling them with the right indoor air purifying unit, you’ll breathe a lot easier in your own home.

5 Steps to Improve Indoor Air Quality

1. Test your air
There are a number of in-home test kits you can use to assess everything from excess lead in your drinking water, to asbestos and radon gas.  These inexpensive kits can give you the peace of mind, and provide assurance that you and your family are safe.

2. Install a carbon monoxide detector
Carbon Monoxide is the silent killer. And you should get a carbon monixide detector, and put it near your bedrooms, so it can awake you if you are asleep.

3. Clean your air ducts cleaned and change your furnace air filters
Many people ask, ”Is cleaning my air ducts worth the money?” The answer is yes. Skin cells, dust mites, and pet dander accumulate and collect in your air ducts, and are a big contributor to allergies.  The average cost to clean ductwork in your home is about $300 to $500, but the results are well worth the expense. Also, you should upgrade to a pleated air furnace filter that captures small particles that can be circulated throughout your housea, and cause problems breathing.  

4. Purify your indoor air
HEPA filtration (High Efficiency Particulate Air) is one of the most common approaches to cleaning the air. This filtering system has been widely used and accepted by organizations promoting indoor air quality standards to clean the indoor air of smoke, dust, pollen, mold spores and pet dander.  You want to make sure that the unit is sized for the square footage of that room. In addition, the faster the fan runs, the more air is exchanged through the unit. While this does increase the noise, the units will work much better. HEPA room purifiers can range in price from $30 to $300.

5. Cleanliness is next to healthiness
If you suffer from allergies and asthma, keeping your home as clean as possible can dramatically improve the air you breathe. Dusting your curtains, and around your windows and doors have a big impact. Be sure to use a HEPA filter in your vacuum cleaner.

If you have any questions about these 5 easy steps you can take to Improve Indoor Air Quality please contact us today.

The best way to prevent a fire in your home is to be prepared.

You can take safety measures to prevent fires and detect them before they get out of control.

Here are some tips to ensure that you and your family are safe and secure:

7 Steps to Stay Safe and Prevent Household Fires

1. Smoke Alarms
Install them if you have none, and check the ones you do have. Press the test button once a month and change batteries every year. Also, smoke alarms older than 10 years are more likely to fail. Consider installing one of the newest alarm innovations that features both a voice and alarm warning.

2. Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarms
Equally as important as smoke alarms is having a unit that will alert you of high levels of carbon monoxide in the home. Check the unit’s packaging and also with your local fire department to learn more about what constitutes a hazardous CO reading. Some manufacturers now offer units that combine smoke and CO protection.

3. Your Furnace
Heating equipment is a leading factor in home fires during winter months. Be sure to have furnaces serviced by a reputable inspector, cleaned and maintained each fall before cold weather sets in. When operating portable or fixed space heaters, be conscious to keep them away from items that could ignite, including drapes and articles of clothing.

4. Smoking
Smoking is the leading cause of fire deaths, sending bedding, trash and furniture up in flames. More fires start in the kitchen than any other place in the home, so keep a watchful eye on what you’re cooking. 

5. Flammables
Keep gasoline, kerosene and paints in their proper containers, tightly sealed and stored away from heat and flame. Never store any of those items near a furnace or hot water heater.

6. Fire Extinguishers
Many small fires can be taken care of using a fire extinguisher before they get out of hand.  You should place fire extinguishers near the furnace and in the garage. Remember that extinguishers do not last forever. You should replace them every 3 to 5 years.

7. Escape Plan
Whether you already have a plan mapped out or you need to develop a new one, you should create an escape plan in case there’s a fire. Practice it so everyone knows what to do, and where you will meet when everyone’s out.

If you have any other questions about how to prevent household fires please contact us today.

All it takes is one unlocked window or open door to invite an intruder into your home.

Having a secure living space doesn’t require barred windows or solid-steel entry doors. You can choose security options that fit your home’s decor. Interior window locks as well as light fixtures and door handles are available in a wide variety of styles and finishes to suit your tastes.

Here are three easy things you can do to tighten up your home’s security:

3 Tips to Tighten Home Security

1. Upgrade your Door locks
Many intruders don’t hesitate to use the front door, so turn them away with a good deadbolt lock. There are two types of deadbolt lock. Double cylinder deadbolts are keyed on both the outside and the inside, and are good for entry doors flanked by windows. If you’re living in a new apartment or dorm you should make sure the locks are changed regularly.

2. Secure your Windows and Patio Doors
Some of the easiest entry points into your home are windows and patio doors. Make sure these are always shut tight and locked, especially if they can be accessed from the first floor. For single- and double-hung windows, make sure the sash locks work properly. For sliding windows and patio doors, consider installing a security bar to prevent unwanted opening of the unit. 

3. Add Security lighting
It’s hard for intruders to use the cover of darkness when they can’t find any, so keep the areas surrounding your home well-lit, especially around the points of entry. Decorative lighting around the perimeter of your home serves a dual purpose–providing distinctive style while motion activated lights on the side of the house and near the back door keep intruders away. 

So there are three things you can do to improve your home security.  

If you have any questions about how to tighten home security please contact us today.

In the Back Bay, September is the number one month for painting, so if you’ve given some thought to adding a little color to your life, preparation is 90 percent of the job. When you’re ready to start your project, consider these professional tips:

How to Prep for Painting:

1. Get the right tools for the job:
It’s good idea to invest in higher quality roller covers and brushes. 

You’ll find they’re worth the extra cost in time and money you’ll save. Quality roller covers hold more paint without dripping, which reduces the amount of paint used and the number of coats required to cover your surface area evenly. 

For latex paints, synthetic-fiber bristle brushes in a variety of flat and angled tips will take care of the trim and detail work. A good roller cover and roller cage will speed the job up and reduce the appearance of brush strokes. A quality paint tray for your roller, an extra roller cover, and a 6-in-1 tool for cleaning up everything when the job is done.

2. Choose the right paint:
Latex paints are the primary paints used for painting non-metallic surfaces inside the your home such as walls and ceilings.

When you’re choosing your paint, in addition to the colors, consider the differences in finishes:

• Flat – Flat finishes are ideal for low-traffic areas; matte coating shows a color’s “true hue” and hides imperfections well.
• Eggshell – Smooth, washable finish with a very slight sheen; ideal for living rooms, hallways, bedrooms and dens.
• Satin – A bit more washable than eggshell with a similar sheen; ideal for most rooms.
• Semi-gloss – Smooth and washable medium sheen; ideal for bedrooms, kitchens and children’s rooms.
• Gloss – The highest shine of any finish, very washable; well-suited for trimwork, doors and windows and areas that receive frequent abuse.

3. Prepare your surface:
Anything in the room not being painted should be removed or covered up, including furniture, light fixtures, vent covers and outlet covers.

Apply masking tape to protect your baseboards, door and window trim, crown molding and any other surfaces not receiving paint. To protect flooring, lay down a canvas or a plastic drop cloth.

When painting over an existing semi- or full-gloss finish, the surface must be sanded to give the new paint something to adhere to (paint adheres better to rough surfaces than smooth ones). Smooth over cracks and other surface imperfections with spackle and a putty knife, and then sand smooth. Viewing the surface from an angle will reveal any spots that may have been missed.

Wask the surface. The entire surface to be painted should be washed a mixture of water and bleach (or other detergent) in a 2:1 ratio. This should dry completely before working with the surface again. Finally, apply a primer coat to round out the prep process.

4. Painting is a process:
Start with the edges with a 2-1/2″ angled-bristle brush, and frame everything that’s going to be painted.

You should  paint the edges around the doors and windows, above baseboards and at the line where the ceiling meets the wall. From there, a roller can be used to finish the job.

When painting with a roller, it’s important to work in small sections to make the job more manageable. Work your way around the room, and as the paint dries, check to make sure you’ve applied an even coat everyhere. For complete coverage, you might consider two coats, but many paints available these days can complete the job with one coat. 

If you have any other questions relating to How to Prep for Painting please let us know - we’re glad to help.