Danny Lipford » Video

Video Blogging!

Danny Lipford — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:20:30 +0000

This is the first of my video blogs, where I’ll be giving you a peek at what goes on behind the scenes here at Today’s Homeowner and on my Homefront radio show.

Today I’m in our workshop where we shoot a lot of the segments for the show. It’s a real working shop that’s used by the carpenters in my construction company and for projects on the show. We keep a lot of tools and supplies on hand, including the first jigsaw I ever bought when I was in the 3rd grade for $11.31!

Check back soon for more of my video blogs.

How to Improve Indoor Air Quality with Houseplants

Danny Lipford — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:00:50 +0000

Houseplants can filter toxins and pollutants in stale indoor air and replace carbon dioxide with oxygen. Even though almost any plant can do this, some plants are better than others, especially when it comes to having them in your home.

Philodendrons and spider plants are the best for removing formaldehyde, while daisies and chrysanthemums filter out benzene. But make sure you talk with an expert before purchasing any plants to determine whether or not they pose a danger to children or pets, and if the plant prefers the sun or the shade.

A good rule of thumb is to have one houseplant for every one hundred square feet of living space. For more information, check out our article on Best Houseplants to Improve Indoor Air Quality.

Advantages of an Automatic Standby Generator

Jodi Marks — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:00:27 +0000

More and more people today are concerned about emergency power. A portable generator can only backup appliances plugged directly into the generator while a Generac automatic standby generator powers entire circuits and everything on them.

For example, if you choose to back up the family room, the generator will power the TV, stereo, lamps, ceiling fans, and lights. Select the kitchen, and you will be able to use the stove, refrigerator, microwave, overhead lights, and all the outlets.

A standby generator constantly monitors the utility so when the power goes out, the generator starts itself, and delivers power to your home within seconds. When the utility comes back online, the generator shuts itself off until the next outage.

A standby generator runs off of your homes existing natural gas or LP fuel supply, so unlike a portable generator, it never needs to be refueled. Once a week, it automatically run a brief self-test to ensure that everything is working properly when you need it. With a Generac standby generator, you can relax knowing that your home and family are protected, even when you’re not there.

How to Wash Clothes the Eco-Friendly Way

Danny Lipford — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:00:27 +0000

To make your clothes washing better for the environment, save water, and reduce energy consumption:

Wash only with cold water.
To save water, wash only full loads, and don’t use the permanent press cycle on the dryer.
Dry clothes on a clothes line rather than in the dryer.
Choose eco-friendly detergent.
Add a quarter cup of vinegar to the wash to help keep dyes from fading and act as a disinfectant.

Environmental Consequences of Charcoal vs. Gas Grilling

Danny Lipford — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:00:23 +0000

Purists will tell you that you aren’t grilling unless you use charcoal, but the fact is that most of the charcoal you buy is actually a combination of sawdust, corn starch, and lighter fluid that releases 11 pounds of carbon dioxide into the air an hour.

Compare that to a gas grill which produces half as much. In addition, manufactured charcoal release over a hundred times the amount of carbon monoxide as gas, along with other volatile organic compounds. So, if you want a steak that’s better for the environment, make it gas grilled.

Environmentally Friendly Way to Mow Your Lawn

Danny Lipford — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:00:04 +0000

Changing the way you mow your grass can save water by reducing the need for lawn irrigation. Here’s how:

Use a mulching mower and blade. Leaving the grass clippings on the lawn will provide natural, organic nitrogen and help retain moisture.
Don’t cut the grass too short. Set your cutting depth to leave 2½” to 3” of grass. Taller grass protects the stem from sunlight, makes a stronger root system, and reduces evaporation.

Dual Wand Pressure Washer

Jodi Marks — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:00:47 +0000

The Husky HydroSurge electric pressure washer has a unique dual tube wand that allows you to dispense soap at high volume, then clean the surface at high pressure (1600 PSI). The Husky HydroSurge is available at The Home Depot.

(703) Everyday Home Ownership: Maintenance and Repair

How to Vacuum in Tight Spaces

Joe Truini — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:00:34 +0000

Shop vacs are great, but they’re not designed for delicate vacuuming tasks, such as cleaning a keyboard. To solve this problem, insert a small rubber hose in the vacuum crevice tool, and seal up the remainder of the opening with tape.

(703) Everyday Home Ownership: Maintenance and Repair

Homemade Rain Barrel for Your Yard

Danny Lipford — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:00:28 +0000

Rain barrels are a great way to save and store water for use on your lawn or garden. While commercial models are available, you can also make your own rain barrel from a plastic garbage can. Watch our video on How to Make a Rain Barrel for Your Yard to find out how.

How to Make a Rain Barrel for Your Yard

Why You Should Choose a Generac Standby Generator

Jodi Marks — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:00:18 +0000

Generac home standby generators are the easiest and least expensive in the industry to install. Their prepackaged models come with everything needed, including a prewired automatic transfer switch and prewired conduit for the whole system.

Wires are color coded and clearly marked, so connections are fast and easy. The generator even comes with a pre-attached, composite mounting pad, making a concrete pad unnecessary, unless required by local code. Plus, there’s a DVD and step-by-step instructions to answer any questions.

Larger Generac models can be easily installed by a qualified electrical contractor, so there’s no need for a generator technician. Installation is fast, easy, and inexpensive. Generac generators also feature the Generac OHVI engine that was built exclusively for the high demands of power generation and are capable of providing 3 to 4 times longer life than competitive engines.