Home Security and Improvement

Everything you need to know to make your home comfortable and secure


Hyper-advanced Ionic Air Purifier - Plasmacluster Ions vs Bird Flu Virus

November 14th, 2008    Subscribe To Our Feed

Japanese Sharp Corporation releases a press statement on 27 August 2008 that did not grab any headlines. But one day, it may be on Page One of every newspaper on earth! Incorporated in its ionic air purifier, the Plasmacluster Ion Technology (more on this in a later post) has just been scientifically proven to be 99.9% effective in destroying the bird flu virus known as H5N1.

Every now and then, the press reminds us that bird flu is the prime suspect to cause mankind’s next pandemic. Pandemic sounds terrifying. It is. That’s when a deadly virus turns totally global, in a very negative sense. 50 million people may die in a global pandemic. No way, you say. But its happened before, during the 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic! World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed on 5 October 2005 that the 1918 Spanish flu was caused by H1N1, a bird flu virus.

Red Alert! Time to PANIC?

Not now. “Only” 245 people infected by the H5N1 virus, as per WHO data as at 10 Sep 2008, have died since 1996 when it first surfaced in China. So what’s the fuss? The greatest nightmare for scientists monitoring the bird flu virus is to see it attain human-to-human transmission capability. As of today, there has been only one probable case of human-to-human transmission recorded in Thailand in September 2004. If indeed the much-feared virus mutation takes place, you can expect pandemonium on a global scale.

As the threat grows day by day, countries around the globe are conscientiously preparing for the worse (more on this in a later post). At the individual level, we should start making preparations too.

Ok, so what’s all this got to do with Sharp’s ionic air purifier. Is it not just another ionic air purifier? Yes, it’s ordinary in that it takes care of the usual stuff that we look for in an air purifier – dust, dirt, smoke, dander, pollen, cuisine and pet odours, pollutants, allergens etc. But if we can get protection from all these and more in one ionic air purifier, especially one that is a tested defense shield against a potentially deadly virus, why not? With Sharp’s Plasmacluster Ion Air Purifier, that is exactly what is promised.

The next obvious question for the value-conscious, would be “yes, that makes a whole lot of sense but at what cost”? No extra cost, Sharp claims! Sharp asserts that it is cheaper than any other ordinary ionic air purifier when measured over 5 years. Great value for our hard-earned money! How is it possible in this nothing-is-for-free world?

In promoting the Plasmacluster Ionic Air Purifier Model FP-N40CX, Sharp contends that it is definitely better value for money as there is no filter replacement costs for the first 5 years. Upfront costs at US$399 for the Sharp model is higher than the typical competitor’s US$160. But the latter requires annual filter replacement costs of US$100, adding to a total cost of US$560 over 5 years.

I would greatly appreciate any feedback on both sets of numbers above. Feel free to drop me a note if you have actual data.

Meanwhile, I’m going to scrutinise intently the Sharp Plasmacluster Ion Technology. The time to research is now, while bird flu is still not quite at pandemic proportions.

Today is the day to get started. Believe me, I have seen it. Like a horror movie, pandemic fears spread across Asia for months. People shunned crowded places like shopping centres, some stayed away from work, others became unofficial health “authorities” passing decrees on hygiene standards. Anyone who sneezed in public without a N95 face mask found himself standing alone in a split second. SARS! Four letters that struck terror in Asia. The SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) virus started spreading from Asia, infected 8,096 people around the world, resulting in 774 fatalities. As always, being prepared is half the battle won.

Watch this space as we track exciting developments in our pursuit of safe, pure and clean air with nothing more than an ionic air purifier.

To easily receive updates on new articles, subscribe to The Ionic Air Purifier Blog today.

Get Social, Bookmark Us!!:These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.
  • blinkbits
  • BlinkList
  • blogmarks
  • co.mments
  • del.icio.us
  • digg
  • Fark
  • Furl
  • Ma.gnolia
  • NewsVine
  • Reddit
  • Smarking
  • Spurl

Posted in Home Improvement | Top Of Page | Leave a Comment »

Site Search Tags: No Tags
Technorati Tags: No Tags
Related Tags: No Tags

Vinyl Siding For Your Home

November 13th, 2008    Subscribe To Our Feed

When it comes to the outside of your home, it’s only natural that you want it to not only function to protect the inside of your home, but you’ll also want it to look good. When people come to your house, that is the first thing they notice. It’s nice for your family to have a pleasant beautiful house that they are proud of to come home to as well.

You will definitely have to think about what kind of message your exterior sends, when you listen to all this talk about the decoration and home esterior. What is often overlooked when it comes to house decoration is siding, although it is an important feature. You should consider installing vinyl siding if your siding is not looking so good and you want to try something new.

Homes have been completed with all kinds of different materials over the years, but if you don’t have vinyl, you might be missing out. There are more then few benefits you will enjoy if you decide for this type of protective material. It’s possible that your decisions about remodeling will be easier.

If you want a smooth and clean look to the outside of your house, then you have to try vinyl siding. It has none of the imperfections and knots that you would find with traditional wood siding. When it comes to color, there are numerous choices you can make.

It’s also good to know that aluminum siding can’t take the bashing of the life like vinyl siding can. We all know that aluminum doesn’t look great for a long time and that it can dent. The perfect “new” look your vinyl siding has when it is first installed will likely stay that way for many years to come. This type of material is very popular among homeowners because of the strength and durability.

It is perfectly normal that you are thinking about the future maintenance when you are considering installing something in or outside your house. You won’t have to worry about the vinyl siding too much, because this is a low maintenance material that doesn’t give you trouble.

Get Social, Bookmark Us!!:These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.
  • blinkbits
  • BlinkList
  • blogmarks
  • co.mments
  • del.icio.us
  • digg
  • Fark
  • Furl
  • Ma.gnolia
  • NewsVine
  • Reddit
  • Smarking
  • Spurl

Posted in Home Improvement | Top Of Page | Leave a Comment »

Site Search Tags: No Tags
Technorati Tags: No Tags
Related Tags: No Tags

Miralux Under Review

November 12th, 2008    Subscribe To Our Feed

You will see that Miralux is not an off brand, like some people consider it to be. Because this company doesn’t spend any money on advertising, it is not so well known and popular whem compared to brands like Simmons, Serta and Sealy. Instead it lets its retailers demonstrate to buyers why it makes some of the best beds money can buy. Read some bed reviews and you will realize what’s it all about.

Founded in 1991 by the former CEO of Stearns & Foster, International Bedding manufactures the Miralux mattress. Being lead by the streamline workforce and good mamgement structure, this company is pushing to the latest high tech manufacturing techniques. They use zero advertising to produce a quality product at a price most can afford. And just because Simmons and Sealy are spending a lot of money on the advertising, you will have to pay a higher price.

It’s true you can buy better mattresses; the SEO’s former employer - Stearns & Foster - certainly makes better, but you won’t find a better one for the same price as a Miralux. In case you need a mattress that provides comfort and support at a price that is lower then usual, then you might consider checking Miralux mattress out.

While there are various models available - and they differ depending in which part of the country you live and the retailer’s store you visit, they can be grouped in collection names like the Indulgence, Rapture and Splendor. What comes next is are more protruding point of each collection.

Available in King, Queen, Twin, and Full sizes, the support is provided by means of over 600, 14 1/2 gauge, double tempered, Lura-Flex coil unit. A base layer of high-density, durable foam adds to the coil unit’s performance. The main comfort layer is made out of different foam types which are then combined. The layer conforms to the shape of the body that is pressing the mattress, and it’s made out of a high density visco foam. And you have silk, continuous filament Dacron fibers, more quilt layers that provide a bit of luxury with the StrataFlex extra soft quilt foam.

It is logical that you should consider opportunity like this. In comparison to some other brands on the market, and you can do it to by comparing them to some Simmons reviews, you do get a cheaper mattress. It’s because the Miralux does not have to spend enormous amounts of money on advertising, like Simmons does.

Get Social, Bookmark Us!!:These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.
  • blinkbits
  • BlinkList
  • blogmarks
  • co.mments
  • del.icio.us
  • digg
  • Fark
  • Furl
  • Ma.gnolia
  • NewsVine
  • Reddit
  • Smarking
  • Spurl

Posted in Home Improvement | Top Of Page | Leave a Comment »

Site Search Tags: No Tags
Technorati Tags: No Tags
Related Tags: No Tags

Find A Contractor not a cowboy builder and get it Finished Right

November 11th, 2008    Subscribe To Our Feed

If you wish to remodel your home, then you may find it difficult to find a contractor to do the job. Many people find themselves in home remodeling nightmares that cost them tens of thousands of dollars because the person hired to do the job failed to complete the project on time, went way over budget or just did really shoddy work. When looking at home improvement contractors, doing your homework before you hire can save you a lot of money and grief later.

Regardless of whether you are planning a basement remodel, a kitchen remodel, a bathroom remodel or want some room additions in an expansive home remodel, it is always a good first step to contact your local builders association for a list of contractors who are members as this will help you avoid the cowboy builders and rogue traders. Check with your state’s regulatory or licensing board once you have your list of contractors. Find out if a prospective remodeling contractor is licensed, and if there have been any complaints made against him. You might also want to check with the Better Business Bureau. Once you are armed your research, request bids from at least 3 contractors. You shouldn’t necessarily hire the lowest bidder either; remember, they have to pay for their supplies and labor costs, so an excessively low bid should be a red flag.

After you have three prospective residential contractors, it is time to ask questions. Ask how long they has been in business. Find out if they are insured. They should have workman’s compensation and liability insurance. If they use subcontractors, contact them and ask if they have a good working relationship with the contractor. Do the same with their suppliers. Ask for references of three homeowners who have had similar types of work done on their homes. Contact them and ask if they are happy with the work, if it was completed at or near the estimated cost and within the promised amount of time. After you find a contractor you feel confident will complete the work to your specifications, it is time for the contract.

Never hire a residential contractor without a written building contract. The building contract should state exactly what work is to be done, the cost of the project, approximately when it will be completed, and the materials to be used, including the brand names. It can be difficult to find a contractor who is reliable and reputable. Doing the homework before you hire is time consuming, but remember you are investing a substantial amount of money in your home improvement project. You want it to be money well spent.

Get Social, Bookmark Us!!:These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.
  • blinkbits
  • BlinkList
  • blogmarks
  • co.mments
  • del.icio.us
  • digg
  • Fark
  • Furl
  • Ma.gnolia
  • NewsVine
  • Reddit
  • Smarking
  • Spurl

Posted in Home Improvement | Top Of Page | Leave a Comment »

Site Search Tags: No Tags
Technorati Tags: No Tags
Related Tags: No Tags

Your New Pool: Indoor or Outdoor?

November 10th, 2008    Subscribe To Our Feed

Swimming Pool Construction

Having a new swimming pool is definitely great, and makes a good addition to a home. If you decide to choose an indoor heated swimming pool or a fantastic outdoor pool complete with diving board, natural landscape, slides or other water features, the addition of swimming pool will provide you and your family with hours of fun and enjoyment, exercise, relaxation and entertainment in the comfort of your own home. The choice of whether to build an indoor heated swimming pool as part of the house or have an outdoor pool in your backyard, depends on a variety of factors. These factors include things such as your budget, lifestyle, the climate and many other factors.

How Is The Swimming Pool Going To Be Used?

If you live in an area where the weather can stay warm well into the middle of autumn, an outdoor swimming pool may be the best choice. You’ll get five to seven months of enjoyment from your pool, and you won’t have to worry about the expense and maintenance concerns that go along with the installation of an indoor heated swimming pool. However, if you live in one of the cooler regions of the country, an indoor heated swimming pool can prove well worth the extra expense. It can offer you a place to unwind or engage in vigorous, low-impact exercise, even if there’s a foot or two of snow on the ground! Also, an indoor heated swimming pool can make a lot of sense for persons who, because of health reasons or age, may desire an increased measure of security or privacy in connection with a daily exercise or therapeutic regimen.

Some Considerations For Indoor Heated Swimming Pools

If your choice for a new pool is an indoor heated swimming pool in your home, then there are some things that you will need to be aware of. These things include things such as the associated costs with installing the pools and the required equipment, and also the costs of insuring the building that will house the pool, and costs of designing a structurally sound and hygienic enclosure. The process of storing a large volume of water in a closed structure means having elevated humidity levels, so there must be consideration for maintaining the proper humidity in the enclosure and that the proper dehumidification equipment is used for the indoor heated swimming pool. high levels of humidity can lead to problems such as molds, rot and mildew in your indoor heated swimming pool, so it is essential to have this properly designed to handle these. In addition, the diffusion of chlorine vapors into humidified air can create health problems and also corrode structural materials. Therefore a good climate control system needs to be part of the indoor heated swimming pool you plan to build.

Get Social, Bookmark Us!!:These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.
  • blinkbits
  • BlinkList
  • blogmarks
  • co.mments
  • del.icio.us
  • digg
  • Fark
  • Furl
  • Ma.gnolia
  • NewsVine
  • Reddit
  • Smarking
  • Spurl

Posted in Home Improvement | Top Of Page | Leave a Comment »

Site Search Tags: No Tags
Technorati Tags: No Tags
Related Tags: No Tags

Sealy Mattress - A Good Choice

November 9th, 2008    Subscribe To Our Feed

Choosing good mattress manufacturer is not irrelevant, small issue. Just think about the fact that 1/3 of our life is spent in the bed, then you can figure out that the type of of mattress is a important matter. Bad night of sleep can ruin your day and have a bad influence on your schedule. Now it’s easy to see why it is important to choose the right mattress, that can help you recover and recharge your batteries. One of the mattresses brands that has that powerful ability is the Sealy mattress.

With a good night of sleep your body is energized and you are ready for every day’s challenges. If you use Sealy Posturepedic mattress, you already know what it means to sleep well and rest. Comfortable mattress is of the utmost importance and should not be underestimated at all. Simply try to spend a few nights on a lousy mattress and you will quickly appreciate a comfortable sleep on a good mattress. Popular Posturepedic was released to the wide market some 50 years ago. In no time it became a popular mattress, which brought Sealy good image and reputation No wonder they get great mattress reviews on the websites.

The international exposure of Sealy Posturepedic gave huge success to the company, because millions of people were using their mattresses for comfortable sleeping nights. It’s a fact that says more then enough about the quality of Sealy mattress. With a healthy body, you have a healthy and productive life. And if you have a comfortable sleep, your stress will disappear while you feel more and more happiness due to good night of sleep. A quality Sealy mattress gives you that opportunity, and this stays true with any quality mattress out there.

When you buy a good Kingsdown mattress, you will still feel rejuvenated. Just because Kingsdown manufactures great mattresses. The idea that Sealy spent 125 years in improving their mattresses tells you quite a bit about the products of this company. Choosing a Sealy mattress means that you choose life, and that’s the way it should be.

Get Social, Bookmark Us!!:These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.
  • blinkbits
  • BlinkList
  • blogmarks
  • co.mments
  • del.icio.us
  • digg
  • Fark
  • Furl
  • Ma.gnolia
  • NewsVine
  • Reddit
  • Smarking
  • Spurl

Posted in Home Improvement | Top Of Page | Leave a Comment »

Site Search Tags: No Tags
Technorati Tags: No Tags
Related Tags: No Tags

« Previous PageNext Page »