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In modern homes, cellulose makes one the most widely-used insulation materials apart from mineral wool and fiberglass. Whether you are planning to install insulation in a new home or update an old insulation system, it is certainly one option worth to consider. However, if you aren’t familiar with this material, you may wonder what are the cellulose insulation pros and cons. Discover the benefits and drawbacks of this material in the following.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Cellulose Insulation

Cellulose insulation is primarily made of recycled contents, around 75% to 85% of the material is composed of paper fibers that typically acquired from waste newspaper. The rest of its contents are made of flame-retardant substances such as ammonium sulphate and boric acid.

This insulation material is exclusively available in loose-fill form that applied only by blown method. Compared to other popular materials such as fiberglass, it offers more advantages such as better soundproofing qualities and a guarantee for the entire lifespan.

Here are more detailed benefits of cellulose insulation:

• An eco-friendlier material: As it’s been mentioned, cellulose material is mainly made of recycled paper that helps to turn tons of waste contents for better use. It is comparable to other materials when it comes to this aspect. For example, fiberglass material only contains 50% of recycled content. Not to mention, cellulose insulation doesn’t require ink removal or bleaching process that makes it need very low manufacturing energy.
• Outstanding performance: Compared to fiberglass insulation, cellulose material offers a far better performance value, especially regarding utility costs. It increases air tightness level up to 30% compared to other materials and it doesn’t need density to operate.
• Flame retardant: Cellulose contains boric acid that makes it resistant to fire. In addition, it also helps to prevent mold and insect damage.
• Moist-absorbing quality: In case you encounter water leak problem through a burst pipe or a roof, cellulose insulation can help to absorb the wetness instead of only hold moisture on the surface such as other insulation materials.

Despite the advantages that it brings, of course there are some drawbacks as well of using this material. Here are some disadvantages of cellulose insulation:

• Low amount of resources: One of cellulose substances, boric acid, is made of chemical boron that’s short in supply currently. There are only 3 mines around the world known so far that produces boron that’s certainly not enough to keep up with the current demand.
• A rather messy installation: Cellulose, unlike batt insulation, is not available in the form of neat small packages. It involves fiber pieces that can loosen up and hard to control and clean up during the installation process. A high amount of competency and skill is needed to install this insulation material without getting into havoc.

By now, you have learned about the cellulose insulation pros and cons. There are some alternatives available if you have determined if the drawbacks aren’t worth the benefits. However, keep in mind that every single insulation material has their own advantages and disadvantages that you need to observe before deciding which material would be right for you and your space.

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Are you searching the difference of composition shingles vs architectural shingles? If so, you are in the right space. There are several aspects you can use to help you differentiate these types of shingles. Those aspects will include the wind rating, lifespan, physical compositions, the cost, as well as the aesthetics. Find out how the two shingles differ from each other in this article below.

• The shingle lifespan

According to sources, the lifespan of architectural shingle is way much longer than the counterpart. The lifespan of composition shingle will only be 7-10 years only. In the other side, the architectural shingle can stand for more than 50 years.

Despite the long lifespan of architectural shingles, it is advised that you check the condition every 15 years. As for the composition shingle, it’d be nice if you check every 3-5 years for any damage. Hence, if there is any damage occurring to your shingles, you can take a quick response.

• The wind ratings

Aside from the lifespan, sometimes people are seeing composition shingles vs architectural shingles according from its wind ratings. The composition shingles’ wind rating will be much lower than the architectural ones, as it is rated only at 60 mph. What about the architectural shingles? It can withstand wind with a speed around 80 mph to 120 mph.

Why is the architectural shingle can withstand wind with more speed? The answer is simple: it is made from a thicker material. Aside from that, architectural shingles are said to be more weatherproof—not only wind but also rain, scorching sun, and even snow.

• The composition

The primary composition difference from composition shingle and architectural shingle lies in the higher asphalt composition in the architectural shingle. Since the asphalt composition in architectural shingles is higher, this results in a heavier weight that architectural shingle has.

Besides the asphalt composition, architectural shingles are heavier since it is higher in adhesive amount. The quality of adhesive in architectural shingles are also better compared to one in composition shingles.

• The aesthetics

Both shingles have their own looks which can be differentiated from the time you see it. The composition shingles are flat. Compared to these shingles, the other shingle type is dimensional given that these shingles consist of layers glued to the base. For some, the look in architectural shingles is preferred, but that doesn’t mean these shingles always win the game. Some people prefer the simple, flat looks of composition shingles. The flattened looks will also make the shingles look neater.

Read also : Several Options of Temporary Fix for Leaking Roof

• The cost

Given the features and benefits you can get from the architectural shingles, the cost of these shingles is way more expensive compared to the counterpart. Does this worth every buck? If you consider the positive sides, then choosing the pricier piece will be a better bet. However, that doesn’t mean composition shingles are bad—it’s just the matter of your preference.

Hopefully, the explanation above answers your inquiries about composition shingles vs architectural shingles. To sum it up, there are several aspects that help you to differentiate composition shingles from architectural shingles: the cost, the looks, wind ratings, lifespan, and the composition of the shingles.

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This GE Window AC troubleshooting information will assist you in resolving a problem with your air conditioner. People may install more than one air conditioner in their homes. GE is one of the best air conditioning manufacturers in the world. Most people then choose to buy a window air conditioner as the best option for their home. There are some common issues related to air conditioning, such as your AC not being cool enough. Here, you will learn more about GE window AC troubleshooting and find a solution to your problem.

There are two buzzer functions on GE window air conditioners. When the power cord is inserted or the A button is hit when the unit is turned on, the unit beeps once. When a button fails, the machine beeps twice. You don’t need to take any action because this is standard behavior.

The item may beep incessantly at times. It’s a major problem that necessitates consulting an HVAC expert to thoroughly inspect the unit.

The Control Panel Doesn’t Work

Whether your GE air conditioner control panel isn’t working, check to see if the AC is in COOL mode if the temperature doesn’t change. Another option is to turn off the light and wait 30 seconds before turning it back on. As a result, your GE air conditioner will restart.

If the control panel isn’t working, the electronic components may be broken. To find a repair or replacement, contact your local GE HVAC support.

It Isn’t Cooling

The failure of your GE air conditioner to cool might be caused by a variety of factors, including improper installation, incorrect unit size, clogged filter, or iced coils.

To begin with, make sure the filter is clean and that nothing is blocking the window air conditioner’s airflow. Second, if the room was previously quite heated, allow the air conditioner some time to cool down. Third, examine the area around the room carefully for any openings where cold air could be escaping.

Set your unit to a high fan setting at a high temperature if your coils are icy. This option will send a blast of heated air through the coils, melting the ice.

Buttons Aren’t Working

When the buttons on your GE air conditioner don’t function, the best remedy is to turn off the electricity for a few minutes. As a result, the electric components of the machine revert to their factory settings.

Make sure the window air conditioner is set to the right setting. In COOL mode, you can adjust the temperature while just altering the fan speed in FAN mode.

The Red Light That Flashes

The flashing red light on GE air conditioners usually means that the compressor or exterior unit is not receiving power. As a result, you should verify that it is receiving standard power.

If you try other GE air conditioner troubleshooting procedures without success, the flashing light could indicate a module failure. As a result, you’ll need to contact an AC technician to see if the unit has a damaged compressor.

You can find GE window AC troubleshooting information in other sources.

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Let’s say, you are planning on throwing a party in your house then it suddenly starts to rain. While you are having fun with the guests, it begins to drip-drip-drip, well the fun will be gone. Not only you will be busy to place some container on the floor, but your party invitees will also no longer find the event great. They may even start to think about going home. Find out below what you can do as a temporary fix for leaking roof.

First of all, we should agree that a leaking roof isn’t a joke whatsoever. In fact, we can even say that it is a urgency to seal that off. It’s that oftentimes we are too busy to seal the leak, which lead us to a bigger leaking spot.

The damage of letting the leak occurring for too long is no joke as well. Your roof is more prone to a bigger damage if you are neglecting the leak. Why so? The wet roof will make the structures worsen; hence it can no longer hold the structure nicely. Your roof structure will also be weathered.

Another reason is that you can risk your health by letting the roof problem to persists. Mold can start to grow on the timber products constructing your roof. If this happens for a long time, you may end up having respiratory problems.

So, what you can use in order to make temporary fix for leaking roof? You can have several materials to fix the leak temporarily it in this following explanation.

Use a tarp

Although this needs you to get on the roof to install it, tarp can be an effective solution to avoid the leak. Plus, when the leak occurs not only in one spot, tarp can help you to become a temporary roofer, protecting your house from raindrops.

Despite the quick installation, you may risk the aesthetics of your house to be ruined. Even so, it’s better if you are considering the benefits over the drawbacks.

Getting some cement, silicone, or sealant

Another solution you can try is by getting silicone, cement, or any sealant. To do this, you can run to the nearest hardware store and get your product there. Then, find the leaking spot and apply the product there.

Please note this solution will only work if the leak is only happening in a small area. If it is too big, consider getting the tarp as it’d be easier to do.

Another thing you should consider is that the leaking condition itself. According to sources, silicone and cement will work best if the leaking spot is dry already. If not, consider getting a rubber-based product to seal the leaking spot.

Replacing the shingles

If you are not in a hurry, consider getting the shingles re-done. This may require a handyman to do so, but if you’re OK doing that yourself, simply go with that.

This applies as a temporary fix since you still have the under-shingle-structures to get fixed as well. Remember, if your roof structure is not dry, it may risk the moisture-related problems to occur.

So, those are what you can take as temporary fix for leaking roof. Which one of those methods that you’ll implement?

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Can you use Flex Seal for roof leaks? Simply said, Flex Seal can be the greatest option you can choose if you are searching for a quick solution for leaking roof. However, why this product is so recommended by many? Plus, how is to apply this product to the leaking roof? Find out the explanation in this article below.

Using Flex Seal for Roof Leaks: Why and How?

You may have tried to find solutions for your leaking roof. Calling a professional can be one of your considerations, but isn’t it too spendthrift if you can do it yourself?

Well, calling a pro is OK if you have no time to fix the leaks. Or, you simply cannot do it because of many things only you know. But if you are open to learn something new, don’t hesitate to take your free time to fix the leaks by using Flex Seal.

Flex Seal is an aerosol which contains liquid rubber. This product works perfectly to fix leaks through ‘seep and seal’ mechanism, which eventually speaks itself as a great product to use if you are having a bad day with dripping water from your roof.

With this product, you can save many resources: time, money, and energy. No more days to spend just to fix those pesky leaks. No more hiring someone just to fix one or two sources of leaks. No more wasting so much energy on your off day just to install a new roof. With this spray, you can get many things all at once.

You can also shoo away the thoughts to install a new overall-roof simply by applying Flex Seal for roof leaks. By doing this, you can cut the average cost of $6,000. You better allocate that sums of money for something more fun after fixing the roof leaks.

Find out below how to apply this sealing for your leaking roofs. It’s so simple!

Finding the leaks

The first thing to do is, indeed, to find where the leaks start. You cannot simply point here or there: make it exact. You can only proceed if you have found the leak source. It’s best to find for help, especially if there are many leak sources that you can’t remember its locations.

Clean the exact area

Before sealing, another must-do step is to clean the leaking area from any debris; including dusts, leaves, and even shingles. That said, make sure to prepare new shingle(s) if you have torn it apart while cleaning it. You can even clean it with water for better results—just keep in mind to let it dry so there won’t be any mold targeting.

Prepare your Flex Seal

Now it’s time to prepare your magical product: Flex Seal. Before using it, ensure that the can has been shaken well. According to sources, it’d be best to shake it for a minimum 10 seconds before spraying it onto the surface.

Apply the spray product

After shaking the product, you can now spray it onto the leaks. Keep in mind that you need to spray it even to the affected area with a sweeping motion. Repeat for three or four sweeps depending to the size of the leaks.

You can also consider re-applying Flex Seal for roof leaks. Just make sure you are applying it after ensuring the initial layer has dried fully. You can wait 12-24 hours for best drying session before applying a new layer.

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Air conditioner is one of the greatest inventions we ever encounter. This appliance will surely be beneficial during the summer when the heat strikes you like never before. But, what if air conditioner making noise when off? Does that mean we need a new replacement?

Noises You Heard When Air Conditioner is Turned Off

To understand better about why your air conditioner makes weird noises when it you try to turn it off, first you need to make sure where the noises come from.

In general, the noises coming from your air conditioner may be heard from inside the house, or simply from outside. The cause will be different as well.

If the noises come from inside the house, it may be:

1. Your air filter is banging against the grille.

When air conditioner making noise when off, one factor causing that to happen is your air filter slamming the grille. This can be caused by various factors, such as:

• too ‘restrictive’ air filter, which is marked by a MERV rating of 10+
• dirty air filter, or
• undersized return ducts.

If your air filters feels ‘too restrictive’, then it is a great decision to replace the filter with a less restrictive one. Or you may upgrade your air filter into an air scrubber. However, if you have a dirty air filter, you need to clean that or simply replace with another one. If the problem lies in those undersized return ducts, which may influence the air speed when going through the returns, you may need to call an AC repair guy to conduct a new ductwork.

2. Damper problem

Some air conditioners have dampers which are in charge to alter the airflow amount that is flowing to various home parts. The noise may be the result of the closing damper once your AC system shuts off.

For this problem, you don’t have to do anything, as this is basically a normal operation. However, if you think the bang sounds loud and disturbing, consider calling your favorite HVAC guy to have a check on it.

3. There is a problem with the fan.

This as well becomes the problem causing a weird noise coming from your AC when shutting off. If this happens, consider calling the professional to know whether you need just a repair or a total replacement.

If the noise comes from outside, there are two factors causing this to happen:

• The internal support springs of your compressor are broken

In order to fix this, you may not do it yourself. This problem seems to be able to fix if you are replacing the compressor as whole, and that can be expensive! So, it is recommended to leave it per se if your unit is not under warranty. This can be done since your unit may not fail to operate in any short future.

• Fan knocking the unit

The outdoor part of your AC also has a fan in it. If parts of your fan loosen, then the fan itself can bang the unit, causing a disturbing noise to emerge.

For a quick fix, you may consider replacing your fan with a new one. Or, you can simply tighten the bolts if you are under a tight budget.

So, those are what you can do when air conditioner making noise when off. Of course, it’s easier to just call the professional to have the unit checked. However, it’s always great to learn such knowledge, isn’t it?

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Blown-in attic insulation is the type of lumpy, dense, and thick insulation that’s usually created from fiberglass, cellulose, or other materials. It somehow has similar consistency to down feathers with ability to fit in narrow areas like between ducts and wires or between walls. It is called so because it involves the uses of “blowing” insulation machine into the attic sections, which commonly require you to insert large insulation block into the machine and then direct it to fill the insulated spots. Here are the blown-in attic insulation pros and cons that you need to know as a homeowner.

The Lists of Benefits and Drawbacks of Using Blown-In Attic Insulation

The primary benefits of blown-in attic insulation is the retained warm air during winter seasons and heat air sneaking in prevention from the outside during summer seasons. That being said, there are actually more benefits that you might have yet to be aware of, such as:

1. Energy efficiency, because you don’t have to overwork your heater units and AC as the insulation helps to prevent heat to get inside during hotter days and the heat to escape during colder days. This will lead to lower energy bills as well
2. Fireproof, as several insulation types such as fiberglass have this quality
3. Quick and simple installation, if you are using a proper blower
4. Soundproof, as the offered qualities of cellulose and fiberglass insulation
5. Temperature control, which help to eliminate condensation in the attic

As you can see, there are a set of benefits you can get by using this type of installation. However, you should also consider the blown-in attic insulation pros and cons that will be explored in the lists below.

Pros:

• You can insert the blown-in attic insulation even in the narrowest area such as the space between AC units or heaters to create proper insulation system in your attic and take advantage of each inch of the attic space.
• You can purchase and install this type of insulation at relatively affordable price without having to sacrifice the resistance of the insulation to create proper heat flow or the R-value
• You can treat the insulations with borates to prevent your attic to be populated by vermin and insects
• You can layer the blown-in attic insulation on top of the prior insulation system or to create support for the areas with existing insulation

Cons:

• You may require a help from professional since the installation system might be challenging, except if you are an experienced contractor
• You may make the ceiling area sag if the insulation is overly concentrated in a single area
• You need to install soffit venting and air seal carefully if required
• You may have to cut and fit again the improperly installed laid batts and insulate the plumbing if you are using cellulose insulation on top of fiberglass one
• You may make the area prone to rot and mold if your attic naturally has plenty of moisture and the insulation is exposed to it for an extensive time

Remember that it’s important to get your attic professionally inspected before you decide if it’s right to use this insulation type. An attic inspector will be able to explain more detailed blown-in attic insulation pros and cons according to your house’s special circumstances, besides identifying its issues.

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Tankless water heaters are something necessary if you are living in a four-season country. You will get the most of it during winter: a hot bath will surely make your frozen self ‘melts’ and function like it should. However, what if your tankless water heater making noise? Is it an indicator that you need to call a plumber as soon as possible? Let’s discuss about it.

Not All Tankless Water Heater Making Noise Needs a Plumber: Here’s Why

Well, again—not all tankless water that emerges noises means a call to your plumber. To play it safe, you need to call your plumber, but not soon. Why so?

It is because every type of sounds has its own cause and not all noises require a quick fix. According to sources, listed below are types of noises which you may have heard from your water heater.

Humming noise

This means there is a loose element inside the water heater. Although it does not mean you need to call a plumber for an emergency fix, which will be better to have it fixed soon to avoid bigger problem. If you think you can find and fix the loose element, simply go for it. You’ll feel proud of yourself!

Hissing noise

Frequent hiss from your cat will help you to indicate the noise your water heater makes as a hissing noise. Leaks are typically causing this type of noise, which will be a good idea if you call a plumber. Even you may end up replacing your water heater if your plumber assesses it ‘too old’.

Hammering noise

There is a simple resolution for this problem: installing a water hammer arrestor. Typically, it is caused by a or some pipes being not securely fastened. It is not yet a time to replace your water heater, yet a call to your plumber can fix the problem you have in no time. A fix by your plumber would be the wisest answer to have, before the problem gets trickier to handle.

Screeching noise

If your tankless water heater making noise like a screech, most of the time it means there is a small opening pushed by high pressure water. The main spot to check would be the valves. Locate the noise simply by listening to it carefully.

Typically, you can find this ‘problematic’ valve at the water heater itself or in closer to the output places. Valve replacement would in general fix the problem, yet you can consider calling the professional if you are thinking locating the noise itself is not your expertise.

Ticking noise

Ticking noise is generally found in the check valves or in heat traps. Water cooling and heating too can cause this kind of noises. Although some house owners may see this as something disturbing, when not happening frequently it is not indicative for any real problem.

But still, it does not mean it is not fixable. Replacing the heat trap with dielectric nipple can help to reduce the frequency of the noises. However, keep in mind that the noise may still be audible.

So, those are five noise types, its cause, and what to do when you have that on your tankless water heater. Which one of those mentioned noises found when your tankless water heater making noise?

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Coleman, also known as Powermate, is one of the most renowned brands in the industry of power equipment and generators. Over their four decades of experience, it has offered a lengthy list of products that are built and designed to satisfy the needs of customers. One of the products under their name is the Powermate 6350 or the PM435005. Find out about the Coleman 6250 generator specs below.

Specification Details of the PM435005

Here are the list of Coleman 6250 generator specs in different aspects and components:

• Portability

The PM435005 dimensions are measured at 29” x 21” x 25” and has a weight of 162 pounds. Calculating all the other components, it can total up to 210 pounds. This means that the model is not lightweight enough to be moved, especially by one person only. However, the item also comes with wheel kits that will make the mobility purpose easier.

• Power

The Coleman 6250 is capable to produce 6250W of surging power and 5000W of constant power. It doesn’t have electronic starting method, so you have to use recoil to operate the unit. The portable generator is equipped with 0.28L Subaru EX30 gasoline powertrain that’s capable of yielding 10 horsepower at maximum. The engine is not exactly the largest in its class, but it offers less noise and sufficient function while being small.

• Outlets

The unit has its control panels positioned on its side. The plug configuration of the PM0435005 is actually really basic, with one 2400W 120V twist lock outlet and two duplex 120V outlets.

• Features

The fuel tank capacity of the Coleman 6250 comes at 8 gallons. It can support 14.4 hours of operation at a half load capacity. This tank is considered larger compared to other models in its segment, thus allows you to run the unit for more extensive period without having to fill the tank very frequently. Moreover, if you use the power moderately, it is capable to become a highly efficient and reliable generator. The noise level of this Subaru-powered engine is measured at 72.4 DbA.

Some additional features of the PM435005 is low-oil automatic shutdown that provides engine protection, automatic voltage control to prevent voltage swing, and wheel kits along with the handles. There’s also a cord keeper that avoid loosely pulled power cords.

• Care, maintenance, and warranty

The oil change maintenance is typical for the unit, you need to refer to the manual for further details. The Powermate 6250 comes with three year of limited warranty for individual customers and 1 year of limited warranty for commercial customers.

As it is able to produce continuous power of 5,000 watts, the portable generator is very powerful and capable if you need it to support power in times of power outages for home essential appliances. The Coleman 6250 generator specs above also show that it is reliable enough to be used as backup source of power or as a portable generator in case you want to get a vacation in a cabin or camping outside for nights, as long as your power needs are still in moderate range.

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If you find your Honeywell thermostat flashing cool on after changing batteries, then don’t panic yet because this is actually common issue of the devices. It may mean nothing if it happens for a short time only, but it may require more attention if the flashing occurs for more than five minutes. Here are several troubleshooting tips you can perform on it.

Troubleshooting Steps for Flashing Honeywell Thermostat

Below are some alternatives steps you to take when you find your Honeywell thermostat flashing cool on after changing batteries:

• See if the thermostat’s clock is set or it’s in setup mode

Did your household experience power outage as of recent or while you weren’t at home? If so, your thermostat may go into setup mode that can result in blinking Cool on indicator. You may also check and reconfigure the clock settings to make it set accordingly.

• Inspect the indoor AC filter

In theory, it is recommended to change the AC filter approximately once every three months. A dirty or clogged filter will make any unit to function harder, which may result in faster break down. Moreover, this may result in sudden drop of temperature or other component issues.

• Inspect the AC coils

Similar to the AC filter, you will also need to examine the external AC coils to check if it is blocked or in dirty condition. It is especially important for old unit that has been working for extended time, as dirt and dust may be collected by the coil, preventing air to properly flow. Your thermostat won’t be able to set the right temperature if this issue occurs.

You also need to examine if the coils need some cleaning by looking at the buildup of dirt. Remember to turn it off before you do some cleaning work. Furthermore, to lower the possibility of clogged up unit, it is also recommended to clean the nearby area.

• Try to reset the thermostat

If you have tried all the tips above and yet to find a success, then you may opt to reset the thermostat. This will cause the device to be back into the default settings. Other programs and installed settings will be removed, so note down any configuration you’ve made before.

To reset the thermostat, you need to know what exact Honeywell model that you own. For instance, a C-wire powered thermostat need the electricity connection to be turned off first before getting a reset for safety measure. On the contrary, a device with panel button features only needs you to press a button and hold it for several seconds to perform a factory reset. Other models may need you to execute the reset through the menu of ‘Preferences’.

In this case, you need to open the manual instruction of your specific thermostat model. After the reset is done, then set the configurations according to your preferences.

Most of the time, the issue of Honeywell thermostat flashing cool on after changing batteries will be resolved by using the tips above. However, if none works, then you may need to call a professional technician to check if your device went under more serious problems such as blown fuse, blocked sensor, or damaged wiring.

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