Muhammad Mukarram Technical Services L.L.C
Phobias People Have About Their Home

Humans have a lot to be afraid of. Even though we are more capable at protecting ourselves than perhaps any other species on the planet, we are also aware of more dangers. Add to that our extremely complex and capable mind, and we are bound to get carried away by our fears sometimes. Many of the most common phobias are ones that occur in and around the home. Afraid? Give a name to your fear with these ten household phobias.

1. Arachnophobia: an irrational fear of spiders and other arachnids. This is by far the most common phobia among humans, as it is estimated that it affects over half of American women have it and a quarter of American men. This can be especially problematic if you find a spider in your home, because you may feel uncomfortable being or sleeping in that room.

2. Agoraphobia: a fear of open spaces, leaving your home, and or embarrassing situations. This fear can really trap someone in their home, as it is the only place they may feel comfortable and safe. Agoraphobia is a crippling condition because it can prevent people from engaging in normal social interactions and meeting people out of fear of rejection. Some remain housebound for years at a time.

3. Acrophobia: the fear of heights. Another extremely common fear, some people can experience panic or even vertigo when on a high floor in a building or while climbing a ladder. Even if you do not live on a high floor, regular home maintenance may call for climbing ladders, creating some inconvenience for the acrophobe.

4. Claustrophobia: the fear of small, confined spaces. Claustrophobes may have a problem with airplanes, trains, and even elevators. They may not be able to enter certain parts of their home, particularly attics and basements.

5. Mysophobia: the irrational fear of germs. This can translate into extreme hygiene and cleaning habits, similar to obsessive-compulsive disorder. Mysophobic people may wash their hands hundreds of times a day or wear a breathing mask in public. They may obsessively clean their home as well.

6. Amathophobia: the fear of dust. The home must be a terrifying place for those who suffer from the fear of dust. Dust is an extremely common occurrence, and depending on how large your home is and how many dust-collecting surfaces it has, attempts to battle it may be completely time consuming.

7. Ecophobia: the fear of home. Ecophobes may be nomadic or homeless, depending on their degree of fear. They will find a lifestyle that will allow them to avoid having a home.

8. Domatophobia: the fear of houses. Domatophobes are not opposed to having a conceptual home, as long as it is not a house or near houses. The inner city is an ideal place for domatophobes to reside.

9. Topophobia: the fear of being in certain places. Perhaps a particular memory or event that happened in a place has made it scary or upsetting to be there. In varying degrees, this is a common fear or disturbance, though it can be particularly damaging if that location is your home.

10. Koinoniphobia: the fear of rooms. This phobia can be very damaging to a normal existence, as it makes being indoors in general uncomfortable in some instances and unbearable in others.

Keep in mind, everyone has fears-even irrational ones-some of the time. So if your fear is cleaning, then maybe I can help… Please visit our Denver Cleaning Services website and click through to the blog for simple tips on keeping your living environment clean.

Source by Yelena M Gertsenova

How Important Is Drainage Maintenance?

A drainage system comprises of a water line that carries waste water outside home. Most of the time people often put off their drain cleaning tasks until the day when something serious strikes.

Regular drain cleaning is very necessary in order to have a properly functioning drainage system; this will eliminate clogging that blocks the water ways. A clogged drainage system can run havoc with the interior as well as exterior structure of the property resulting in flaky walls, water logging in the basement and weakening the foundation of the property itself.

The Hazards of a Bad Drainage System

The simplest of clog or blockage could bring about severe destruction such as flooding the whole house and damaging the things inside the house. Most of the home insurance policies do not cover damages caused by water flooding, as a clogged drain shows the home owner’s carelessness to take hold of the problem before it gets out of hand.

The first thing that every new homeowner must learn is that water can cause huge destruction to the home if there is lack of a proper drainage system. For instance, a crack in the ceiling can leak, leading to the ceiling to rot away. If pipes are clogged with high compressions then it can even burst open because of high water pressure. When water saturates and collects in a stationary place it can give rise to the growth of bacteria which can destroy walls and pose health hazards to the inhabitants of the property.

Finding a Drainage Solution

Trained Roofers and Roofing agencies not only offer roof repair and replacement services, but they are also well trained in solving problems related to the drainage system.

The support that these roofing and drainage contractors offer covers the entire area by providing clients with the best resolutions. Their drainage solutions include jobs such as; installation of drainage system, reconstruction, cleaning of drains, waterproofing, excavating, drainage repair and maintenance services. As a matter of fact, these contractors provide complete service that ensures that the drainage system is at par with the rest of the house’s safety and there would not be any future issues to the proper functioning of the drainage system.

The Types of Solution Procedures

Roofing & Drainage Contractors offer residential as well as commercial drainage solutions: Some of the solutions include repair clogged or damaged drain systems, video inspection, drain and sewer cleaning, sewer and sump hook-ups, garden and yard drainage, repair of cracked or leaking foundations, re-construct storm drains, repair and installation of drain tiles, cleaning of electric drains, waterproofing, excavating, and concrete wall repairs.

Source by Abraham Albert

The Wonders of the Electric Fireplace

Fireplaces have been objects of both functionality and beauty. Fireplaces provide heat and ambience to a certain place in the house. The evolution of the fireplace has taken great leaps in the recent years as we have seen the ascendancy of the electric fireplace.

During the old days, people only had the option of having a wood-fired fireplace. As time went by, gas-powered fireplaces gained popularity as they were relatively cheaper to maintain. But due to technology and the need for fireplaces which can be installed quickly and can be maintained easily, the electric fireplace was born. Electric fireplace simulate the flames of traditional fireplaces. Literally, nothing is being burnt and the illusion of burning is achieved through the use of audio and visual effects. Electric fireplaces can be installed quickly where there is access to electricity.

Listed below are some of the advantages and disadvantages of electric fireplaces that should be considered by those people who would want to avail of these modern-day fireplaces.

– Easy to install

The electric fireplace is very easy to install as compared to the traditional fireplaces. There are models today that can be installed in less than an hour. Electric fireplaces don’t really need additional space because many of them are mounted against walls. Some of them can be installed in places where previous fireplaces are located.

Electric fireplace kits come with easy-to-understand and easy-to-follow installation kits. Installing electric fireplace also require the basic tools such as screwdrivers, glass cleaners and the like.

-Environment-friendly

As compared with the traditional wood and gas- fired fireplaces, the electric fireplaces are relatively more environment-friendly. They don’t emit any fumes and additional carbon dioxide into the air because they utilize electricity. Electric fireplace are not carbon neutral though, because the electricity that is utilized by these fireplaces comes from the grid which also emits greenhouse gases. However, this fact is arguably more environment-friendly than burning wood directly in fireplaces.

-Convenience

Don’t you hate the fact that you would need to put out the fire in the fireplace when you’re already sleeping? This inconvenience is solved by the electric fireplaces since they usually come with remote controls. There are also models which have a built-in temperature reader. They automatically turn off when the desired temperature is reached. Some electric fireplace models today have air filtration systems and fans which distributes the heat evenly throughout the room. One can also isolate the aesthetic value of the electric fireplace from its heating function. During summer (when fireplaces are not really used), electric fireplace owners can turn off the heating function of the fireplace and turn the fake flames on to be able to give the room a good glow and ambience.

-Versatility and style

Electric fireplaces can be very versatile indeed. Aside from the fact that one can turn the “fire” without having to worry about the heat, the fake fire can also be modified according to the taste of the homeowner. Modern designs allow owners to change the speed and color of the “fire” of electric fireplaces. This is important for people who would like to incorporate the look of the fireplace and the “fire” into the whole look of the room.

Let us look at some of the disadvantages that come with electric fireplaces.

-It’s just a space heater

Let us admit it, electric fireplaces are really high-end space heaters. If one is not too keen about the aesthetic value of having a fireplace, he can settle with space heaters which are definitely less pricey than electric fireplaces.

– The illusion is not good enough

Some people are not satisfied with the way the “fire” of the electric fireplaces looks. However, due to the rapidly-evolving technologies that are incorporated with newer models, the illusion of burning has been improved drastically. But then again, no one can ever argue that the illusion is better than the real thing.

These are just some of the different features and downsides of electric fireplaces. These models can really be useful for people who would like to have the comfort and the beauty of having a fireplace but are not really into the installation and maintenance of a traditional fireplace. Again, it is really a matter of personal choice, of wants and needs. It’s just good that the option is available.

Source by Lee Dobbins

Why Use Volleyball Shoes

There are specific reasons that you should use the right kind of shoes for the right sport. Today I’m going to talk about volleyball shoes in particular. Why are they important? What makes them different? Can you use a different type of shoe such as a basketball or running shoe for volleyball? These are questions that get asked a lot about different training shoes. I hope this article helps you understand a little about the difference in shoes.

I did some research on volleyball shoes and asked a few people some questions about their thoughts and feelings on the subject. They gave me their feedback, some really good information and also answered the questions that I had.

The first question I asked was simple. Why are shoes so important? Shoes are some of the most important equipment that you will use. You need to have shoes that have good arch support and keep the foot stable. I know from personal experience that poor support can cause pain in the feet, knees or even the lower back. You also need to make sure that the shoe fits properly so that your foot does not move or shift around inside of the shoe. Not choosing wisely can result in injury.

Next I asked what makes them different. The sport of volleyball puts stresses and wear and tear on certain points of the shoe. For example, the toe area is reinforced which is the first area to wear out on these shoes because of the way your foot drags after serving the ball. The ventilation is also important. Each shoe has been designed with a ventilation system to help keep your feet dry and cool during the game. This helps prevent chafing and reduces the chance of fungus growth like athletes foot. They also have specially designed cushioning in the sole of the shoe. It helps to reduce impact on the athlete’s body after running or jumping. The shoes also have a specially designed rubberized out-sole that helps with traction on the court. This helps the athlete to change directions faster and more easily. Finally the support and stability of the shoe is designed around the rigors of the sport.

The final question was can you use a different type of shoe such as a basketball or running shoe? The simple answer is yes. Those types of shoes will work, but they probably won’t last as long. Also they will not perform quite as well on the court. You have to remember that basketball shoes were developed for basketball and running shoes were developed for running. Although sometimes people feel more comfortable playing in shoes they are more familiar with, that is OK even if it was designed for other sports.

Source by Robert C Cheroni

The Importance of Heating and Air Conditioning Services

The home is one of the places where you are supposed to experience total comfort at all times. However, there are times when environmental conditions threaten to compromise this comfort. These environmental conditions include:

  • Extreme temperatures; when it is either too hot or too cold
  • Humidity
  • Dust particles and other allergens in the environment.

Good heating and air conditioning services do their best to regulate these conditions to make sure you are comfortable in the home. Here, are a few of the benefits that you will get when you invest in quality HVAC services.

To start with, installing heating systems in the house helps keep the house warm during the colder months. There is nothing that is more disorienting than going to bed in a cold house on a winter night. The most uncomfortable part is taking a bath with cold water in the colder months. Water and house heating systems help you keep warm and avoid infections that might result from the cold weather.

Secondly, AC is very beneficial when it comes to cooling down the temperatures during the summer months. Temperatures get quite high especially outside during summer. It feels good to step in the house and get refreshing cooler temperatures. A good air conditioning system in the house regulates the temperatures to what is suitable for all seasons.

Air conditioning systems have the ability to remove dust particles and all other types of allergens from the environment. There are people who are allergic to pollen, dust and other particles from the environment. Air conditioning services help purify the air and protect you from allergic reactions and illnesses such as asthma.

There are many more benefits that come with having heating and air conditioning systems in the home.

Tips in selecting the best HVAC systems

If you want to have a comfortable time in the house, you need to select quality heating and air conditioning system. The choices can be quite tricky especially with the many service providers and products in the market. However, the following tips should help you get top quality products and services.

1. When purchasing heaters and ac unit, always go for the brands that have been tested and proven to be leaders when it comes to air conditioning. The top brands usually cost more than the others. But by the end of the day, the service and durability you get is all worth the cost.

2. If for some reason your systems have stopped working, take time and select the most skilled heating and air conditioning services providers to repair the systems for you. DIYs are a good idea, but if it is an issue you are not sure about, avoid attempting to do it.

Those are some tips to have in mind when going for HVAC goods and services. Lastly, remember that the comfort of your home largely depends on the environmental conditions that surround it. Make your house a heaven by adding quality heating and air conditioning services. After all, if you are not comfortable in the home, where else will you be?

Source by Nicolas Hantge

Essentials Of An Electrician

Although the rewards are several, they come with responsibilities for the safety of the public and the electrician. An individual who wishes to be an electrician should be willing to comply with the codes as well as the safety rules created to protect the public. Similarly, one needs to have a wide understanding of the responsibilities of an electrician as well as his work context.

Job description

An electrician provides electrical equipment repair services to businesses and homes. He is responsible for setting up and maintaining fuses, electrical outlets and other sections involved in electricity flow. An electrician can specialize in either construction or maintenance. He must be able to study blue prints and maintain data, video and voice wiring. Companies often hire electricians to undertake installation of electrical equipment. Usually, they use both power tools such as saws and drills and hand tools like wire strippers, pliers and screwdrivers.

Caution

Electricity can be life threatening if not channelled or handled properly. The most harmful hazard an electrician can encounter is electrical shock, which can at times cause death. Other job hazards include falls when climbing scaffolds and ladders or injuries from cuts while using sharp tools like knives or saws. An electrician must comply with safety rules associated with working with electricity. Likewise, he is responsible for providing public safety by following regulations or codes that have been put into place pertaining electrical appliances and electricity. It is necessary that electricians follow state, local codes as well as national electrical codes.

Types of electricians

Electricians are of three major types namely factory, maintenance and construction. Normally, an electrician concentrates on only one major area though some function in both the maintenance and construction field. Construction electricians set up wiring systems to new constructions such as factories, businesses and homes. They also set up electrical outlets, breaker boxes and other electrical system components. On the other hand, maintenance electricians are in charge of repairing, replacing and inspecting wiring systems. The tasks involve troubleshooting for electrical faults, replacing faulty wires or other components such as light switches, electrical outlets and breaker boxes. Factory electricians troubleshoot, install and undertake maintenance tasks on motors, industrial robots, electrical generators and controls on machinery.

Educational requirements

To become an electrician, you need to register in an apprenticeship program. The program combines on-the-job training with classroom instruction under the supervision of qualified electricians. To register in such a program, you should have a GED or high school diploma. Additionally, you must be not less than 18 years of age. Generally, these apprenticeship programs last for four years. They include 144 hours and 2000 hours of classroom instruction and on-the-job training every year respectively.

Professional requirements

Most municipalities and states need licensed electricians. To get a license, one needs to pass an examination that tests the national electrical code, local building and electrical codes and knowledge of electrical theory. An electrician should have eye-hand coordination and good manual dexterity. He must also possess a good sense of balance as well as be physically fit. Since an electrician should be able to recognize wires by colour, great colour vision is essential. To succeed also in this career one needs to have certain personal qualities or soft skills. Strong troubleshooting skills will enable the electrician to find out the major cause of electrical problems and how well to fix them. Critical thinking skills are also useful as they assist the professional in evaluating the pros and cons of probable solutions.

Salary

The salary range of an electrician falls between $12 and $35 per hour. On the other hand, the average salary that he earns is approximately $21 per hour. Wages paid hourly are based on experience. The salary increases as the electrician earns more experience. Benefits are also dependent upon the organization for which the professional works. Similarly, it depends on whether the electrician is a union member or not. Many unions represent electricians, though this depends on the kind of field the professional works in. In respect to the wage potential, the increase in the number of jobs within the electrical field often depends on certain factors such as state of the economy and the population growth.

Advancement Opportunities

A qualified electrician has several opportunities for advancement. He can advance to a supervisor or a project manager in construction firm. A few electricians choose to venture into business and become contractors. Others also climb to the position of electrical inspectors for municipalities.

Source by Dave Adamson

10 Great Commercial Construction Tips

Commercial construction can be a big undertaking, both literally and figuratively. You might think you have it all under control, but do you really? Here are ten tips that will help make your next commercial construction project a success.

1. The lowest bid is not always your best choice. It’s a counter-intuitive thought compared to everything we have been taught. But even in these times of wanting to be sure to keep the bottom line in check, it’s important to find the best price for the project. Sometimes the low bid is that way because the contractor has no idea what the job entails, and other times they will come in low, get a payment or two, and then abandon the job.

2. Go online and do your research. Check references, run the contractor’s board numbers, and study the backgrounds of your contractors so you can know before you sign on the dotted line just what you are getting. The internet can also be a source of information about current trends in commercial construction.

3. Find a contractor who specializes in what you want done. Sometimes the biggest isn’t always the best. A smaller contractor who is more adept at smaller jobs might be just the right thing your job needs. If you are revamping a store, consider finding contractors who specialize in retail space renovations.

4. Start with the general contractor and build from there. By bringing the general contractor into the job first, you are able to use their knowledge on the job from the beginning and have them help guide the project.

5. Go ahead and add on that maintenance agreement. Once the job is done, you want to ensure that your project will last for years to come. A good maintenance contract that checks over the equipment is a great idea to clean and maintain things like your furnace or drain pipes. A quick cleaning now is much cheaper than an expensive repair later.

6. Does the goal of the project further your company’s image and brand? If it doesn’t, it might not be the right project for you. This is a big capital expense, and you want it to pay off with a solid return on investment for you.

7. Your project should make sense. Do you have custodial closet doors that open inwardly? Did the customer service booth end up with only a small front-facing window? Double check the design proposal before you go out to bid to ensure that the concept diagrams and blueprints make sense and lead to positive workflow.

8. Along with number 7 goes ensuring that the areas like the office supplies and the copier are easy to get to and are going to keep things efficient in the office or administrative area.

9. Decorate in such a way that the colors and furniture enhance your brand and your company’s image. Your customers should feel like they are welcome in your new place, so be sure your contractor includes an interior decorator in the plans.

10. Be sure your contractors are all on board with the project and are capable of meeting the deadlines. This point is probably the most important one of all. Any delays are costly both financially and in terms of getting your business going again in the new location.

Hopefully these tips will help get you going in the right direction for your next project. Happy building!

Source by Bill Len

Why Home Security Systems That Use Barking Dog Sounds Work So Well to Deter Burglars

Choosing a barking dog alarm system that can monitor and detect all the unnecessary movements in your home is quite a challenging task. We all know that the biggest asset we have is our home and its contents, thus, protecting them should be on our checklist. A barking dog alarm effectively reduces home robberies and burglaries rate.

An unlawful entry with the intention of committing theft and robbery is defined as burglary – even if it includes no forcible entry. According to research, almost 22 percent of robbery cases happen in the United States, losing almost $4 billion worth of property to its victims. Plus, it keeps on increasing as time pass by. When it comes to crime-reductions and safety measures, most people are aware that being watchful on that can save countless expenses, hassles and even stress. So, getting a reliable barking dog alarm for home security requires a bit of practicality.

Of course, as consumers, we always wanted to double check and read or hear some reviews about a specific product before making any purchase. This is to make sure that what we are spending is worth it. To help you check out home security systems that can effectively deter burglars, try looking for a reliable home security adviser. Most home security advisers would simply advise that an alarm system with a barking sound can work better in any type of home.

A barking dog alarm often provides convenience to its users as it always comes with a remote control and can be plugged on home standard power outlet. Aside from that, this security system is user-friendly, requires no installation, and maintenance-free. But of course, it requires a little cleaning or dusting. Some reliable brands are weatherproof which can work even during winter.

A barking dog alarm is the ideal watch guard since it does what even the best living and breathing watchdog can’t do like keeping active and alert within 24 hours. It never sleeps even if there is a power shortage as it usually comes with back up power supply. This electronic anti-burglar device can protect homes, apartments, mobile homes, RVs, jewelry stores, hotels, factories and warehouses from theft and robbery. In addition, it usually comes with radar sensitivity feature which can be adjusted from 0 to 20 meters range. It can also detect every movement even through thick walls and glasses and even at the back of it. Some dog barking alarms can be plugged into an appliance timer which can be programmed whenever you want it to function.

The barking noise sounds very real that may let intruders assume that you have an angry German shepherd inside. And as the intruder advances, the barking sounds get louder and fiercer. But the sounds can be adjusted as well. Some brands provide four sound settings with controllable volumes. This can be adjusted from a barking dog sound to a tranquil sound of the rainforest, and even to a chime.

Barking dog alarm is the most efficient way to deter burglars and to keep your home safe and secured especially if you are out for travel. This can create a realistic barking sound and can detect unnecessary movement within 20 meter range and provide a realistic solution to increasing robbery cases.

Source by Sara Ramsey

See Why Kirby Vacuums Rock – The History Of The Kirby Vacuum Cleaner

Jim Kirby started Kirby vacuum cleaners. He was an inventor who had over 200 patents to his name. In 1906 he made his first cleaning machine. In 1925 he made the Vacuette Electric that had a removable nozzle and was the first upright vacuum cleaner that you could remove the tools from. In 1970 his company made the first Kirby Classic. This was to become a design classic and the resulting sales meant that the factory had to double it’s output. In 1990 they redesigned again this time bringing about some new innovations. The Generation 3 Model has a lightweight aluminum design and a power assisted motor that actually does most of the work of moving the cleaner around for you.

It also has a very advanced powerful filtration system that can remove nearly all the dirt and dust from the air that it filters. This can be very important for consumers that suffer from hay fever and asthma. It is also important for allergy sufferers who are affected by such things as dust mites. The power unit has a very good design team as NASA assisted the team from Kirby vacuum cleaners in designing it. Most of the latest design is the product of their new computerized design system, but Kirby vacuum cleaners still like to give all of there products that personal aspect and some of their operations are still carried out by people rather that being fully automated.

Another aspect where Kirby vacuum cleaners like to keep it personal is in their sales. They still prefer to use the old fashioned method of showing the product to the customer in their own home. They think that this gives them more of a connection, not only with the customer, but also with what the customer wants. It also gives a good incentive to their sales team as they are effectively running their own business. This gives then even more encouragement to look after the customer and to make sure that they get what they want.

All of this adds up to the fact that Kirby vacuum cleaners are a customer led company and they base their products and sales on giving the customer the best deal on the products that they want. Although Kirby has gone through many different transitions as a company their focus has always remained the same and it has given them a loyal customer base and a strong market share.

Source by Tim Gorman

Choosing the Right HVAC System For Your Project

HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. These systems provide the indoor climate control for both residential and commercial buildings. When it comes tothis, one size does not fit all. As a matter of fact HVAC systems can be quite complex. Determining the right type of system for your home or building is extremely important for the system to heat and cool effectively and to be energy efficient as well.

HVAC systems come in many types and applications. They are classified as either central or local. The central air conditioning and heating system provides the necessary heating and cooling and ventilation from a central location in the building such as from a boiler or furnace. It works by circulating heated water or steam through piping or ductwork to achieve heating and cooling.

Central air conditioning units use a compressor and a condenser unit that uses a refrigerant or coolant such as Freon. The refrigerant is circulated through copper tubing. The refrigerant absorbs the heat, turns to vapor, travels to the compressor, and moves to the outdoor coil where the heat is forced out. Then the refrigerant passes through a device where it is converted to a low pressure, low temperature liquid and returned to the indoor coil. The cool air is then circulated through the ductwork to provide cooling for the structure.

Local HVAC systems are devices that provide heating and cooling to immediate areas or rooms. They do not circulate throughout entire structures. Local HVAC systems may include wood or pellet stoves, window air conditioners, and space heaters. Electric baseboards are also considered to be local HVAC systems if the unit is installed into a single area.

Determining which HVAC system is right for you and your needs should be determined by an HVAC professional in order for you to get the maximum benefits from the system. A qualified and certified HVAC contractor will determine the type unit that is best for you and will install the unit in the proper place so that it will meet your cooling and heating requirements.

Source by George Chappell