10.17.2024
Williams Comfort Air Advises Homeowners on Winter Furnace Maintenance - WISH-TV
As temperatures get colder, maintaining a properly functioning heating system is essential. Joshua Elliot of Williams Comfort Air offers practical advice on how homeowners can prepare their heating for the winter season.
One of the most important tasks is to regularly check and replace the air filters. "Any discoloration of the filter means it's time to change it," advises Elliott. He recommends checking filters every 30 days, especially at the start of the heating season. A clean filter ensures good air circulation, which is necessary for the oven to operate efficiently and prevents overheating. "When filters become dirty, they restrict airflow, which forces the furnace to work harder and can lead to breakdowns," he adds.
Another important safety measure is maintaining carbon monoxide detectors. "Change the batteries at least once a year, even if you think they're good," says Elliott. It is also noted that detectors have a limited lifespan, typically 5 to 7 years, and must be replaced when they reach their expiration date. "If you have any type of fuel heating system, you need at least one detector on each floor," he points out.
Elliott also addresses common misconceptions about vent maintenance. Many homeowners close vents in unused rooms to save energy, but this can do more harm than good. "Closing the dampers restricts airflow, causing the oven to heat up, which can cause problems in the system," he explains. Instead, it's best to keep vents open to maintain good air circulation throughout the home.
For those looking to improve indoor air quality, Elliott recommends cleaning ducts every 3 to 5 years. "Ducts can accumulate dust and dirt over time, affecting air quality," he notes.
Finally, Elliott suggests keeping the area around the oven clean and tidy. "Make sure there are no flammable objects near the stove and keep the space clear to ensure good air circulation," he advises. To ensure that all components are in good condition and functioning safely, it is also important to schedule professional maintenance at least once a year.
For additional maintenance tips and services, Williams Comfort Air offers resources to help homeowners prepare for the heating season at williamscomfortair.com .
Maine experts offer important tips for effective home heating maintenance
PORTLAND (WGME) - Annual maintenance of your home's furnace is an important step in ensuring you stay warm this winter.
"The first thing we do is go to the thermostat and make sure the system is working. We'll turn up the thermostat to make sure the boiler comes on and everything is working before we even get our hands on it," said Jason Smith, director of service at Pine State Services.
The next step, if you have one, is to inspect the oil tank and make sure it is working properly.
"We will check the oil tanks for their condition and age. "We'll check the fuel level, clean the filter and change the tank filter," Smith said.
Smith says they will also check the fuel pump to make sure it is providing the proper fuel mix and pressure, and then you can begin cleaning the unit.
However, there are things you can do yourself.
"The easiest thing a homeowner can do proactively to their heating system would be to replace the thermostat battery. This should actually be done once a year, but it is something a homeowner can do themselves to potentially avoid an emergency or "no heat" service call. Smith said.
Heat pumps are becoming increasingly common in Maine.
And there is a very simple step you can take to ensure it works as efficiently as possible.
"The easiest thing a homeowner can do to clean it is to clean the filters located just behind the door every month or so. "There are two filters in this device that we can take out. If you find them a little dusty, we rinse them under the kitchen faucet and then put them back in," Smith said.
No matter what heating system you have in your home, it is important to hire a licensed professional to clean your unit.
10.16.2024
Dry Cleaning Franchise Celebrates 75th Anniversary with Launch of Ultimate Savings Guide
By: Martinizing Cleaners | 0 shares 18 readings |
October 16, 2024 // Franchising.com // NAPLES, Fla. – Martinizing Cleaners has launched its "Ultimate Savings Guide" to help the emerging wave of apparel shoppers better access the different fabrics, designs and wear they desire understand. Meet on your savings quest.
DuBois noted that according to ThredUp, in 2023, 65% of Gen Z and Millennials purchased secondhand clothing and 41% of consumers said secondhand is their first choice when looking for a good deal on clothing. ThredUp also reported that the global second-hand clothing market, estimated at $230 billion, is expected to grow three times faster than the overall clothing market, reaching $350 billion by 2028, and that new buyers will account for 65% of the expenses will be accounted for.
"Many thrift retailers are faced with fabrics, designs and defects they may have never seen before and do not have the knowledge of our franchisees," DuBois said. "Whether it's purchasing high-quality brands or rare items, we wanted to provide a variety of tips that will make the shopping experience more enjoyable and thoughtful while helping the average consumer understand the importance of taking care of their beautiful finds take care. ."
The guide contains the following tips:
FABRICS
- Leather: Leather and other animal skins are very difficult to restore. If you notice any rips, tears, or scratches on a piece of leather, it's best to avoid them or take them into consideration when purchasing. Leather and other animal skins should be cleaned by a professional.
- Wool: Wool is one of the most durable and easy-care fabrics available, making it easy to clean at home. Frayed and loose seams can be easily repaired. However, be wary of discoloration as it is usually permanent. Moths are also particularly attracted to wool, and holes in a piece of wool can be a tell-tale sign of a moth infestation.
- Viscose: Viscose is a delicate fabric that generally requires regular dry cleaning or can only be hand washed. The biggest challenges with scratches are wrinkles and marks. Wrinkles can be treated with proper care; However, you probably won't be able to remove any spills or spills from this fabric.
- Cotton – Cotton is quite durable and extremely easy to care for, usually at home. One of the most noticeable signs of cotton aging is the loss of its shape. You may notice that a garment is stretched or "loose." This usually cannot be fixed.
- Polyester: Also called the "invincible fabric," polyester is designed to withstand the test of time. It is wrinkle-free, relatively dirt-repellent and retains its shape even after repeated washing. Be careful when ironing polyester or using high temperatures. Because it is a synthetic fiber, it can release toxic fumes if processed improperly. Plus, polyester is more likely to retain odors that are difficult to remove even with dry cleaning. Otherwise, polyester can be put directly into the washing machine and dryer.
- Linen: Linen is one of the most fragile fabrics. Dry cleaning is usually required after each use. When dried at home, it shrinks quickly. Stains on clothing can be particularly stubborn and discoloration cannot always be corrected. Fabric thickness can vary from garment to garment depending on how tight the seams are.
- Silk: Silk is a delicate fabric. It is one of the few materials that can rot and can easily become permanently discolored. Before you buy a silk garment, stretch it a little and see if it falls apart. If so, it's lazy. Silk clothing should definitely be cleaned by a professional.
- Denim: Denim fades and shrinks with every wash, even if it is dry cleaned. If you find a piece of jeans that fits a little tight, know that it will only get smaller. Also remember that any discoloration is permanent. Denim is very easy to clean at home.
DRESS Turn clothing inside out before taking to checkout. Here you will find the necessary information about the quality and comfort of the garment. Look out for these signs:
- Loose Seams: High-quality designer clothing is usually hand-sewn with a stitch spacing of one-eighth of an inch. These items were likely more expensive at retail and would cost more to refurbish, modify and clean.
- Tight Seams: Tight seams mean a garment was machine-made and is more likely to hold up in the washer and dryer.
- Broken Seams: Broken seams shouldn't be a problem. Your dry cleaner or tailor can take care of this and shouldn't stop you from buying a piece you really like. However, if the tear is not in a seam, it probably cannot be repaired.
- Stains: Some stains can be repaired, others are permanent. Yellow spots or white spots on some fabrics cannot be repaired. The same applies to discoloration of the armpits. One of the challenges, even with dry cleaning, arises when a stain sets on a garment that has been washed and dried many times. We can try, but it may not work.
TOP TIP We don't know where second-hand clothing is stored, worn, used, or when it was last cleaned. Wear a thin layer of clothing underneath so that the garment does not come into direct contact with your skin.
Source for Martinizing Cleaners
###
Can Denon's MC DL-103o cartridge reach the iconic level of its rich series heritage?
In a recent review on our sister site Stereophile , I stated that the Clearaudio Signature turntable is "a solid machine," but then I asked myself, "How about one of the most iconic MC cartridges of all time, the..., new to design? ?" Denon DL-103R, now produced in collaboration with Devon Turnbull of OJAS as Denon DL-103o?
I further noted that "the richness, high color saturation and vibrant personality of the DL-103o were on full display thanks to the Signature [top] and Tracer [tonearm] combination, perhaps more organized than on my defunct Kuzma Stabi Stogi -Turntable." , with Clearaudio's characteristic sophistication and order clearly evident.
Apparently the Denon DL-103o moving coil cartridge (very affordable at $549) worked well with this Clearaudio Signature console ($5k) and the Clearaudio Tracer arm ($3.3k). Still, I wanted to delve deeper into this MC cart to see how it would perform with a phono preamp other than the Manley Chinook ($3,000), some SUTs, and more boards. I thought the best way to do this would be here at AP , so here we are.
History, features and specifications.
But first a little history. The Denon DL-103R is a variant of Denon's original DL-103, one of the most popular MC cartridges of all time. In the 1990s, the best way to buy a DL-103 was from a German importer who sold it on eBay. But due to growing demand and possibly the resurgence of vinyl, Denon has resumed mass production of its popular cartridge, a playback standard of radio stations and professional studios since 1964. The 103R variant features a 0.2mm thick square diamond stylus. , 2.5 g tracking force, 20 Hz to 45 kHz frequency response and 0.25 mV output voltage. It weighs 8.5g, making it a natural choice for heavier, older arms.
Differences between 103 and 103R include OFC copper windings and a lighter coil structure. The 103R has lower efficiency than the 103 and the internal impedance of the 103R is lower than that of the 103. In general, a lighter coil structure means cleaner and more detailed. and a more dynamic sound.
And now we have our test subject, the DL-103o. Denon's website states that the DL-103o cart is a "limited edition of our flagship DL-103R," [and] features high-quality 6N copper voice coils and a custom design created in collaboration was developed with high-end artist and sound engineer Devon Turnbull. Tuned by our sound master, it enhances every record player and brings out the soul of every song. Features of this MC cart include a tapered pin, low compliance design, low mass pin coil developed by Turnbull, the audio innovator. Upstart, also known as OJAS.
That's basically all the information available in this shopping cart on the company's website. However, you can read more about the 103o in our own Analog Gear News article published here on AP on June 3, 2024, but we also have the following blurb in the cart. on Denon's YouTube channel: "When audio artist Devon Turnbull (aka OJAS) collaborated with Denon to create a special edition of the [Denon DL-103R], he took a different approach. Instead of optimizing the sound, he designed the limited edition DL-103o with a transparent casing, inviting audiophiles to admire the fine craftsmanship inside. We like to think of it as the window to the soul of your Hi-Fi system.
Does a clear plastic case change the sound of an original 103R? Ultimately it has to be that way. When it comes to sound, any change can affect it. Since I didn't have an original DL-103R at home, I tried evaluating the DL-103o with various phono preamplifiers and step-up transformers (SUT).
the configuration
For this test, I used the DL-103o cart with and without a step-up transformer, the aforementioned Clearaudio Signature console with that tracer arm, as well as the Manley Chinook phono preamps and Tavish Audio Design Adagio, the Riviera hybrid integrated amplifier. Get up, Voxative. Ampeggio and SUT speakers from Bob's Devices and Auditorium 23. Cabling was from Triode Wire Labs (interconnects), Auditorium 23, Iconoclast and Anti-Cables (speakers).
One problem right from the start: the DL-103o weighs 8.5g, a lighter cartridge compared to the Hana Umami Blue (10g) or the Ortofon MC Quintet Mono Cart (9g), which I used in the Clearaudio test. Although not common practice for audiophiles, I added a penny to the top of the Tracer's body to achieve the 103o's recommended tracking force of 2.5g.
Listening sessions
Lately I've been enjoying records from Chicago-based label International Anthem Recording Company. The music ranges from DJ cut and mixed jazz to chamber music and free jazz improvisation. One of her albums that I really enjoyed is bassist Anna Butterss' new LP, Mighty Vertebrate (IARC0086), which was released earlier this month (so October 2024). The label's website states: "Since moving from Australia to Los Angeles in 2014, Butterss has become a fixture on tour and in the studio. He has gained recognition among celebrities from the worlds of indie, jazz and pop music, including Makaya McCraven, Phoebe Bridgers, Jason Isbell, Andrew Bird and Daniel Villarreal, but his most notable contributions to the West Coast's burgeoning creative music scene have been as a lead member of Jeff Parker's ETA IVtet and the proto-trance supergroup SML.
Mighty Vertebrate is very attractive and typical of imaginative musicians raised on hip-hop, electronic music and jazz, combining genres whose production is often altered by computer manipulation. Think DJ Shadow meets drummer Chris Dave meets FSOL. Mighty Vertebrate brings together a collection of moods, jams, beats, ambient washes and themes reminiscent of a good soundtrack, with sci-fi themes balanced by nature games and misty drone views. It's acoustic, it's electronic and it has rhythm . Mighty Vertebrate also recalls the '90s work of Harold Budd, Jon Hassell and David Toop, whose ever-changing perspectives are infused with synthesizers and percussion. I was often reminded of the majesty of the classic Chicago post-rock band Tortoise.
When played through the $3,000 Manley Chinook phono preamplifier, the DL-103o impressed me with its clarity, impressive tonal depth, and commendable treble extension. The overall sound was quite flat compared to a better car, but the DL-103o's vibrancy and transparency made the music bounce and vibrate.
Switching to the cheaper ($1.5k) Adagio phono preamp from Tavish Audio Design made the music more mature, saturated, and with deeper but powerful bass. The Manley offered a larger acoustic window and a cleaner view of the Denon car, highlighting its flaws and providing better transparency. The Tavish, a more forgiving phono stage, tended to overlook the Denon's imperfections and presented a lusher, richer, less balanced, but also less spirited performance.
By keeping the Tavish in series and adding a Bob's Devices SKY step-up transformer ($1,375) for the DL-103o, the music improved much more than switching phono stages. Once the SKY SUT was installed, the Clearaudio desktop's left and right channel outputs were fed to the device and then to the phono preamp via separate connections. The ground wires did the same. The result was a sonic transformation: a revelation. The presence and scale became monumental, a soundscape of gigantic proportions. The tone was consistently high. The once meager highs now shine with saturated fullness, while the mids and lows deepen and take on a deep, almost subterranean quality. The soundstage has expanded: a huge and immersive effect. Weight and depth have also been significantly improved. This was a remarkable improvement – a testament to the transformative power of a well-designed and tailored IVU.
Next up was my Auditorium 23 A23 MC SUT, an old workhorse in my audio arsenal. Developed by Keith Aschenbrenner and costing just $999 at the time, this little wonder is practically a must-have for anyone who enjoys the sonic delights of Ortofon SPU cartridges or Shindo Labs hardware, and I am one of them. on these two points. A sleek, minimalist device, the A23 has transformed the gritty energy of the SKY SUT into a more refined, crystal-clear sound. While the bass remained robust and resonant, the strings sang with new clarity and precision. The treble has also been polished to a diamond shine, providing greater transparency and detail while remaining bright and rich. In this refined environment, vinyl seemed to shine, its essence revealed with unparalleled depth and purity through the DL-103o and A23 SUT.
Conclusions
Although the DL-103o offers attractive value for MC cartridges in the $500 range, it can feel a bit harsh compared to its more expensive siblings. Its strengths lie in its lively dynamics, its balanced sound and its engaging character, which make it a worthy opponent to the similarly priced Hana EL MC. However, those looking for more extended highs, richer, smoother mids, deeper bass and a more powerful dynamic presentation may want to consider more expensive high-end MC cars if their budget allows.
Still, the Denon DL-103o MC cartridge has transformed its modest price into outstanding performance when paired with worthy components. Each partnership revealed new facets of his character, his appeal and fun factor growing with each revelation. I was amazed at the spectacular changes brought about by the various phono preamps and SUTs. Choose your component combinations wisely and the DL-103o could well take pride of place among your most prized MC cartridges.
You can find more information about Denon here .
To find an authorized Denon dealer, click here .
Author Bio: Ken Micallef, former musician, former artist and former financier, has written numerous hi-fi reviews for Stereophile and Analog Planet and his name has also appeared in Mojo, Electronic Musician and The Grammys. You can also find it on YouTube ( Ken Micallef Jazz Vinyl Audiophile ).
Photos of the Denon DL-103o MC cartridge courtesy of Denon. All other photos in this review are by Ken Micallef.
Volunteers were needed to help beautify West 72nd Street this Saturday - West Side Rag
By Lisa Kava
The West 72nd Street Block Association will host its third annual Community Volunteer Day on Saturday, October 19, from 9 to 11 a.m. In case of rain Sunday October 20th. Volunteers are needed to plant daffodil bulbs, assist with tree care and clean tree beds on West 72nd Street, between Columbus and Amsterdam avenues, and between Broadway and West End avenues. This year, volunteers will "give the streets a boost," according to a press release.
Volunteers will meet at the "West 72nd Street Welcome Table" in Verdi Square (72nd Street and Broadway), directly across from subway stations 1, 2, and 3. Volunteers should bring their own gardening gloves, trash bags, trash pickers, etc. gardening tools. .
For the first time, the West 72nd Street Block Association will partner with the Broadway Mall Association , the nonprofit organization that helps plant and maintain grasses and flowers in Broadway medians. Members of the Broadway Mall Association will share their knowledge on how to plant and keep tree beds clean.
We also welcome donations of clothing in good condition, particularly men's clothing and shoes and women's trousers. The neighborhood association works with other community groups to donate clothing to those in need.
Registering in advance for Community Volunteer Day is helpful, but not required. To register and learn more, email w72streetblockassociation@gmail.com.
Sign up for West Side Rag's FREE newsletter here .
10.11.2024
9 Energy Saving Tips That Heating Companies Would Rather Not Tell You – The Voice
Jessica Hagard
Need energy saving tips to keep your heating bills down this winter? With cooler temperatures ahead, every little kilowatt can help keep your bill down. Let's talk about some of the best strategies you should try.
Use a smart thermostat
If you're tired of constantly fiddling with the thermostat, invest in a smart thermostat. A smart thermostat learns your daily routine (e.g. when you're awake or when you snuggle under the covers) and adjusts the temperature accordingly.
And the best part: you can control it from your phone. So if you get home earlier than expected or plan to stay out longer, you can easily adjust the temperature remotely. Still, it's no surprise that smart, programmable thermostats are essential for strategically heating your home .
Chris Taylor from Scottish Energy Saving has some great tips on how to get the most out of your smart thermostat. "Use the thermostat's learning features for a few weeks and make manual adjustments if necessary. Over time, it learns your preferences," he advises.
Increase the thermal mass of your home
According to Architect Magazine, thermal mass refers to the materials in your home, such as concrete, brick or stone, that can absorb, store and release heat slowly. Imagine your home absorbing heat during the day and gradually releasing it as it cools down at night. This keeps your home naturally comfortable without having to constantly adjust the thermostat.
"Place furniture and curtains so that the sun hits them during the day and absorbs heat. Close the curtains at night to contain the heat and allow the thermal mass to radiate heat into the room," says Taylor. "This will help keep the temperature stable and reduce heating costs."
Trap in the heat
Heat trapping means keeping the heat you generate in your home so it doesn't escape and increase your heating bill. Fortunately, there are many ways to do this.
First, address any issues that could be causing heat loss, such as poor insulation or drafty windows, say Alan Houghton and Gordon Chalk of Next Level Underfloor Heating . "Conduct an energy audit of your home using a candle or incense. Move it around doors, windows, and baseboards, anywhere air can escape. If the smoke oscillates, you have found a draft. Seal these gaps with weatherstripping, caulk, or vent gaskets to keep more heat inside.
"You can also add weatherstripping to the bottom of doors and windows to keep cold air out," they add. Applying these simple solutions can make a big difference in heat retention.
Use your curtains strategically
Strategic use of curtains is a simple but effective way to keep your home warm and cozy without increasing the temperature. Think of your curtains as an additional layer of insulation for your windows, helping to retain heat inside when you need it most.
According to Olga Galenko of Home Alliance, it's a good idea to open your curtains wide during the day to let in as much sunlight as possible. The sun's rays naturally warm your home, especially when they hit areas with high thermal mass such as stone floors or brick walls.
Then, as the sun sets and the temperature drops, close the curtains to prevent heat from escaping. "Thick, insulating curtains can be particularly effective," he adds.
Clean your filters
Over time, the filters in your heating system can become clogged with dust, dirt and other debris. When this happens, your system has to work harder to circulate warm air throughout your home, which not only wears the system out faster but also uses more energy, increasing your costs.
Make a Christmas coffee and motivate yourself to clean or replace your filters at least once a month during peak periods and every three months the rest of the year. If you have underfloor heating, Houghton and Chalk recommends having it checked annually by a professional technician. Of course, it's also a good idea to minimize dust and dirt through regular cleaning and vacuuming .
Close the ventilation slots in rooms that are not or rarely used.
"If you have rooms that you rarely go into, close the vents," says Dan Staupe of Compass Exteriors . By closing the vents in these rooms, you can redirect warm air into the rooms you're actually in, making your heating system more efficient.
Just be careful not to close too many vents at once, as this can cause pressure to build up in your system. But closing off an unused room or two can be a great way to keep cozy things where you need them while reducing your heating bills.
Invest in your ceiling fans
Most people think of ceiling fans as a cooling device in the summer, but they can be just as useful in the winter. "During the winter months, reverse the direction of ceiling fans and run them clockwise at low speed to push warm, ceiling-rising air into the room," recommend Houghton and Chalk.
Improve your insulation
If you have a larger home, consider insulating the basement or attic to increase heat retention. In addition, Taylor recommends using advanced materials such as spray foam or insulation panels, which retain heat better than others.
"Consider installing a heat recovery ventilation (HRV) system when upgrading your HVAC system," he adds. An HRV can counteract poor ventilation by removing heat from the exhaust air and transferring it to the cold supply air. In addition to reducing heating costs, this can also improve indoor air quality.
Turn off your humidifier
Turning off the humidifier may seem counterintuitive, but in certain situations it can help reduce your heating bills. Humidifiers add moisture to the air, which can make it warmer and more comfortable, but they also require energy to operate. If your home already has adequate humidity or you live in a climate where the air is not too dry, running a humidifier may place an unnecessary additional burden on your energy use.
Additionally, during the colder months when your heating system is operating, it can naturally increase indoor humidity, especially in well-insulated homes. If your home is already comfortable, you may not need additional humidity. If you must use one, be sure to clean it thoroughly so it doesn't use extra power.
Avoid a horrendous heating bill with these simple tips
By following these energy saving tips, you'll stay warm this winter and stay in control of your heating bills. Don't let the cold hurt your wallet: try these strategies and enjoy a comfortable home at no extra cost.
Jessica Haggard is the creator of the blog Easy Homemade Life . She inspires and supports homemakers with easy recipes, natural cleaning tips and DIY personal care tutorials to promote a happy and healthy home environment.
Originally posted: