Posts Tagged ‘Scottsdale’

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A Different Ray to Heat your Pool

Wednesday, July 15th, 2009

QwikBids Investigates

 

If you’re a regular reader of ours, you have realized by now that QwikBids stands behind the greenest ways of saving energy, not to mention environmental preservation. No, we’re not over the top with it, but we do believe every single person has to play at least a small role in making things better for our environment. 

Having softened you up with that piece, we would like to touch briefly on heating your pool. No, we’re not speaking of the electric or gas type of pool heaters. We are constantly exploring ways in which to avoid those resources, so this brings us to solar water heating. Now before you cast in the myth of being too expensive and stop reading, you may want to rethink this technology rather than dismiss it. Point is, employing this feature to your pool system, knowing what we know, would be a smart idea.

Let’s start with some of the benefits. We know that energy is saved and pollutants are eliminated, but how about extending the swim season when the system makes the pool 10 degrees warmer? You’ll get more out of your investment. A good tip when the water gets too warm: Simply run the solar heating system at night.     

When it comes to cost for a new solar heater and its maintenance, opinions widely vary. But for the purpose of reducing greenhouse gasses, it is the best. The pollutants created to generate electricity (if you were to use an electric heater) and pollutants from gas heaters, are very significant. These two facts alone should be enough for anyone to consider renewable energy.

To get started, it would be best to get a specialist. They intimately know the fundamentals of pool plumbing, and how a solar heating system will perform best when installed. The installer will size the pool to get the approximate square footage of the water’s surface area. This will determine the square footage of the solar collector needed to efficiently heat the water. Other factors, such as region of the country, whether you cover the pool when not in use, and whether the pool is in the shade all or part of the day are also considered. The installer will then determine the best place to mount the collector, which is best installed at a 30 degree angle east or west of due south.

Don’t feel overwhelmed. Let the professionals at QwikBids get you the service professionals who can take care of this or any other project you want done precisely and in a timely manner. QwikBids’ providers are already checked out for you, from licensing and insurance, to references and background. Plus, you remain anonymous until you choose the company with the best fit!

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Pest Control, Naturally

Tuesday, July 14th, 2009

QwikBids Investigates

 

There are many pesticides out there that will take care of common household pests, but today we’d like to explore natural pest control and the different ways we can avoid strong chemicals. Many companies, including the larger ones still utilizing chemicals, are offering this service too.

The use of natural pest control is becoming popular as we move into the go-green era. The awareness that harsh chemicals have an effect on our environment and health has grown enormously. Federal, state, and city governments (as well as schools) across the nation are shifting to Integrated Pest Management (IPM). The program’s goal is to reduce or eliminate pesticides altogether. The data collected over the years is painting a picture that illustrates health hazards to humans, animals, and desired insects. In 2006, the U.S. Geological Survey released Pesticides in the Nation’s Streams and Groundwater. The survey, conducted between 1992 and 2001, highlighted that over a billion pounds of pesticides are being used annually. Much of the pesticide ends up in the nations waterways, and is linked to cancer, neurological disorders, and birth defects. The study also indicated profound impacts on the environment.

As mentioned previously, more and more pest control professionals are offering a healthier way to control our pests, and it is not only limited to the home. If it’s a garden you are trying to rid of forage-eating insects, there is a unique way professionals and environmentalists alike are suggesting with more frequency. The use of other insects seems to be the newest trend. Take ladybugs, for instance. They eat the aphids and mites that are a problem in most gardens. But beware of the ants. Ants must be controlled because they will defend the aphids against the lady bug. The problem, experts say, is that the results are not as promising if the ladybug is purchased and relocated. It is best to promote the habitation, as well as being cautious with insecticides that may kill them. As you all can imagine, the praying mantis is also a beneficial insect to any garden.

Locating pest control professionals that offer natural alternatives on the QwikBids site is a breeze. Place your bid request today to get started on a pest control regimen that would not only benefit your health, but also our fragile ecosystem and environment.

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The Roof over Your Head

Tuesday, July 14th, 2009

QwikBids Investigates

 

One major project you’ll eventually have as a homeowner is roofing. Not only is it a big job, it can also be expensive. Of course, the easiest way to find a roofer without the hassle (unless you have a relative in that field) is through QwikBids. You definitely want a roofer that is not only reliable, but also insured and licensed. After all, your home is an investment that will last generations. Only the best will do for something as major as roofing. But to get the best, most believe it would come at a great cost. With the arrival of QwikBids, this simply is not true.

The unique process of QwikBids’ easy-to-understand site takes not only the pain away from finding a quality roofer, it makes it somewhat cheaper. When multiple contractors bid for your business, it’s obvious why the cost goes down, especially due to the competitive nature of the industry. You want the best contractor possible for the money. So, you get the best roofers because we prequalify them by verifying licensing, insurance, and references. Couple this convenience with great cost, and you’ll have a far better experience on this major project.

QwikBids knows consumers are busier than ever. Finding a quality roofer should entail the following:

  • Name and address. Any professional contractor will have one. Plus, it makes it easier to check their past.
  • Experience. The age of the company, as well as training, is essential to making a choice.
  • Licensing. It’s vital with any major project to verify the licensing and licensing history.
  • Insurance. They should have worker’s compensation and liability insurance. It must be verified.
  • References. Your contractors past will inevitably affect your future.
  • Warranty. Does the contractor stand behind his work?

Of course, you’ll want more than one bid for the best price. The above items would be repeated over and over until you find the right contractor. We know, it’s a pain for an individual to do all of this. Let the QwikBids team make your roofing project, big or small, an easy task!

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Get an Irrigation Specialist in Here!

Wednesday, July 8th, 2009

QwikBids Investigates

 

Today, we would like to explain a little to our readers about irrigation systems and why it would probably be a great idea to get a professional in to inspect, install, or repair it. If you were to spend enough time learning about the system you have or are looking to install, the time spent doing so and the labor afterward would be worth paying for the service. First, you’ll need to figure out what type of system is going to be right for your needs.

Basically, there are three types of irrigation types. Fixed spray-type irrigation heads should be used for smaller areas. Some professionals will say an area of within 25 feet is ideal (keep in mind there are rotor heads that can be used for up to 18 feet although not as economically). Spray-heads also have less that can go wrong with them due to their simplicity. The most common issue with these types of spray-heads is clogging. Flushing the pipes before installing the spray-heads, as well as installing a filter, will virtually eliminate this problem. Small filter screens usually come with spray-heads, but providers from QwikBids indicated this may not be enough. To be safe, install a mesh filter at the water source as well.

Then there’s the rotor-type of spray heads. They are rather simple, employing water in single or multiple rotating streams. They have more moving parts or mechanisms, so there is a slightly better chance of problems, as wear and tear takes its toll. Experts at QwikBids explain these types of spray-heads are used for much larger areas to be watered. But keep in mind how important it is to space spray-heads to avoid dry spots and/or disease problems. In our minds, it’s for this very reason a professional installer would be ideal for tasks such as these. From QwikBids’ perspective, it’s easy to find one that fits your needs. Log in to the QwikBids website to place a bid for your irrigation project. You’ll save valuable time and save a few bucks to boot!

Finally, we want to touch briefly on drip irrigation systems. Experts with QwikBids tell us this is by far the most efficient way to irrigate. They’re 15-20% more efficient than the latter two types of systems, saving much-valued water. Drip irrigation applies water directly to the soil. It’s simple and cheaper to install. Its efficiency is attributed to the simple fact that far less water evaporates, and that water is applied only when needed, at the roots. QwikBids still insists you get a professional for your irrigation needs, and it all starts at by placing a request for bid!

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Saving Lives: Fire Sprinklers for the Home

Tuesday, July 7th, 2009

QwikBids Investigates

 

There are many myths surrounding fire sprinklers in the home. But as we found out, not only were some of these myths untrue, we discovered some other facts many aren’t aware of. As QwikBids learned more, it was realized these systems have come a long way over the years in not only protection, but cost and affordability as well.

Take Scottsdale, Arizona for instance. A city ordinance, implemented in January of 1986, requires single-family homes built after that date to be equipped with approved fire sprinklers. If a major remodel is to be done to a home built before that time, fire sprinklers must be included. This was supplemental to the ordinance already implemented for multi-family homes and commercial buildings in 1985. According to the City of Scottsdale, these systems have been responsible for saving the lives of at least 14 in a 15 year period in which data was collected, not to mention millions of dollars in property damage.

As for some of the myths behind fire sprinklers, one in particular is that its believed fire sprinklers, when engaged by a fire, all open up at the same time, causing water damage to the rest of the house unaffected by flames. This is simply untrue, as two myths were found in that statement. Fire sprinklers are individually heat activated; they will therefore open only if near heat or flame. As for water damage? That just speaks for itself if only one sprinkler opens during a fire. Visit the City of Scottsdale website for more interesting myths.

When speaking with a service provider with QwikBids, I was given the crash course on leaks. He says the sprinkler heads, unless very old or defective, don’t usually leak. Another consideration to make if a leak is found is that sometimes, if a sprinkler head is near an AC vent, condensation can build, trickle along the piping to the sprinkler head, and drip. Of course, the hapless occupant believes it’s a sprinkler leak. I appreciated the tip, as I would have never thought of that!

An effective fire sprinkler system means effective maintenance. Here are some things to remember:

  • Each month, take a visual look at your entire system to assure there are no obstructions that would compromise the sprinklers spray pattern or purpose.
  • Never hang things from the sprinkler heads.
  • Avoid painting, overspray, or paint splatters on or near the sprinkler heads.
  • Don’t bump, hit, or otherwise tamper with the sprinkler heads.
  • The pressure relief valve is pre-adjusted by the manufacturer; do not change.
  • Make sure to schedule regular testing of the entire system.
  • Be certain when having parts replaced that the provider is licensed and certified.
  • Always check your smoke alarms!

Searching for qualified fire equipment providers can be a pain, especially if you don’t know where to start looking. QwikBids does the homework for you. Place a bid request for an inspection, test of your system, or repair for a simple leak easily from certified, licensed providers. Quality, at a great price, makes perfect sense!

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