April 2021 - Page 1278 of 1299

Does my gas heater use electricity?

Does my gas heater use electricity? The question is, “does a gas furnace use electricity?” If you are using a gas furnace for heating, then the only electrical cost will be what is required to operate the fan motor and the igniter. The electrical usage for ignition is negligible. Does gas heat work without electricity? A gas furnace uses the burning of natural gas to create the heat that then goes through the ventilation system. It's like an old-fashioned stove this way: no need for electric power, just plain old heat from consuming another power source. If your gas furnace...

Trending

Why does my floor have a bump?

Why does my floor have a bump? When a floor joist or joists are too long and extend past the center beam, they can cause a hump in the floor. When a joist sags, the end that is past the center beam will be pushed up in an action similar to a teeter-totter. It's the end of the joist being pushed up that causes the hump. How do you tear up a kitchen floor? How to remove tileBreak up the first tile with a hammer. Hit the tile in the center with a hammer. Use the chisel to chip out...

Q&A

What subfloor is needed for hardwood flooring?

What subfloor is needed for hardwood flooring? A wood subfloor should be OSB or plywood of 3/4″ or thicker for a hardwood floor installation. Particle board and chipboard are unacceptable for solid hardwood installations, but may be used in an engineered flooring install. Can you install hardwood floors over subfloor? Engineered, Solid Wood or Floating Wood Flooring that are less than 1/2" thick can be installed over a wood plank subfloor as long as the 3/4" plank subfloor is flat. The hardwood flooring must be installed crossing the subfloor boards (90 degree angle). Does hardwood flooring need a subfloor? When...

Lifehacks

How do you troubleshoot an old furnace?

How do you troubleshoot an old furnace? Furnace Troubleshooting Recap:Clean or replace air filter.Troubleshoot thermostat problems — replace batteries if necessary.Set thermostat to heat and at a higher temperature than the current room temperature.Check electrical panel for blown fuses or tripped breakers.Make power switch near furnace is flipped on. How does a Rheem and Ruud gray furnace work? The below is an overview of how the furnace works. This furnace uses an ignition control to start the burners and provide flame safety control. On a call for heat, 24 volt power travels from the thermostat through the limit switches to...

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How do you fix an expansion joint in a concrete driveway?

How do you fix an expansion joint in a concrete driveway? How to Replace Concrete Expansion JointsSweep away any dirt and debris from the area.Dig out and remove all the old material that's in the joints with a putty knife. With a wet-dry vacuum, clean out the joints between the slabs very well.Apply a bonding adhesive, usually epoxy, into the joints with a brush. Should I seal driveway expansion joints? Expansion joints must be sealed with a flexible sealant, like QUIKRETE® Self-Leveling Polyurethane Sealant or QUIKRETE® Non-Sag Polyurethane Sealant…or an expansion joint strip, to prevent water from penetrating the joint...

Tips

How do you unfreeze a hot tub pump?

How do you unfreeze a hot tub pump? The most common way to thaw your equipment is with a portable space heater. Set it in the compartment that houses your pump and make sure it's facing the inside. Be sure not to leave it unattended! If the surface of the water on your tub is solid, crack it open at the center with a sharp tool. What happens if a hot tub freezes? Most freeze damage effects the following parts: the wet end of the pump, spa plumbing, spa packs, etc. Most cracking damage from any expansion caused by freezing...

Miscellaneous

How do you fix a deep dent in a hardwood floor?

How do you fix a deep dent in a hardwood floor? If the dent is too deep, it may be necessary to fill the dent with an epoxy, wood inlay, or lacquer lay-in. If removing the dent is not an option, you may need to replace the dented piece of flooring with a new board, then sand and refinish to match the floor. What causes deep dents in laminate flooring? Dents:Like floors of wood and bamboo, laminate floors are subject to denting when a heavy object is dropped on it. Dents from dropped objects will have stress cracks around the...

Lifehacks

Can a 2×10 span 16 feet?

Can a 2x10 span 16 feet? Douglas fir 2-by-10 joists graded as "Structural Select" allows joist spans up to 21 feet for a live load of 30 pounds per square foot when spaced 12 inches apart, 19 feet 1 inch for 16 inch spacing and 16 feet 8 inches for 24 inch spacing. Spaced at 12 inches, the joist may only span 16 feet 8 inches. How tall is a standard 2x10 floor joist? A live load of 60 pounds per square foot demands more support and shorter spans. Spaced at 12 inches, the joist may only span 16 feet...

Q&A

Are roll up garage doors more expensive?

Are roll up garage doors more expensive? Cost: Rolling doors may provide a cost advantage in commercial environments, given their durability and low-maintenance. In general, sectional garage doors cost less upfront, but you can save in the long run with low-maintenance, heavy-duty rolling steel doors. What are rollup doors? Roll-up doors are doors that are operated by a mechanism that lets the panels move vertically. The panels are then gathered into a roll. They are perfectly convenient for residential buildings, where space is limited. They are also ideal for small commercial or office buildings. Where to find roll up door...

Tips

What do you use on bare hardwood floors?

What do you use on bare hardwood floors? Remove all the furniture, and spray the floor with a hardwood flooring cleaner or your own mix of 10 parts water to 1 part white vinegar. Gently wipe the floor with a terry-cloth mop or a towel wrapped around a mop head. Close the windows and doors to keep dust contained in the room you're sanding. Can you sand down oak flooring? For the edges of the room, sanding should be done by hand or using an electric hand sander. Just before the final run of sanding, we decided it was best...