Buying the wrong size bed comforter can be a nightmare. Matching a comforter to your queen size bed can be tricky because some bedding manufacturers view double and queen comforters as being interchangeable while others don’t. 

You know that buying an oversized or undersized comforter is not what you want for yourself or your kids. Getting the right comforter is also difficult because the specifications offered by mattress and bedding manufacturers may not match up what you’re looking for.

This guide will help you figure out what is the best bedding that fits your bedroom and budget. We also provide information on how to measure so that you can get an accurate measurement of your bed and its dimensions. Before that, let’s try to differentiate a bed comforter from a duvet and a bed cover.

What is a Bed Comforter?

A bed comforter is a thick, quilted blanket usually filled with synthetic filler to keep you warm. It’s quite similar to a duvet. The quilted element helps to prevent the fill from collecting to one side. Getting the right quality and size will also help you get perfect bedding for decorating your bedroom. Before purchasing a comforter, consider some ways to ensure you get the right-sized comforter for your bed.

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What is a Duvet?

Many people use the word duvet and comforter interchangeably, but these two items are different. A comforter is made to be used with other bedding, while a duvet is meant to replace your top sheet and blanket. This is why duvets are thicker than an average comforter.

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What is a Bed Cover?

A duvet cover and a comforter cover acts like a pillowcase. You slip it over the comforter for protection. Some duvet covers have a zipper, while others have a series of buttons.

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How to Know the Right Comforter Size

Check the Label

Manufacturers print comforter sizes on the labels. The length and width will be given in inches. Check the labels attached to the bedding and mattress size. The queen comforter size will range from 86 to 88 inches in width and 96 to 100 inches in width. 

The twin bed size will range from 66 to 68 inches and 86 to 88 inches in length, while the twin XL ranges from 68 inches in width to 90 inches in length. California king bed size ranges from 107 inches to 110 inches in width and 96 to 98 inches in length.

On the other hand, the king size comforter or Easter king ranges from 102 inches in width and 86 to 88 inches in length. Full comforter ranges from 81 to 84 inches in width and 86 to 88 inches in length. As you can see, each label brand of bed comforter has its specific dimensions that are followed.

dd Width and Thickness

You can know the right width of your comforter by adding the thickness on each side. Opt for a king-size mattress that is 80 inches and 11 inches thick. You should buy a comforter that is 80 inches +11 inches, a total of 102 inches wide, for it to be a perfect size. The length can be similar to the length of the mattress because the comforter doesn’t cover the whole bed.

Check the Stuffing

For a perfect stuffed comforter that will stay in place, check the number of ounces or grams it has. For example, down comforters are soft and tend to fluff up once placed on the bed. Some comforters are labeled as oversized, meaning that they are bigger than the average comforter size. Go for oversized comforters because they’re typically wider and will allow you to cover mattresses with pillow tops.

Make Sure the Bed Size is Similar to that of Your Comforter

The size of the comforter should be similar to your bed size. If you have a king-size mattress, purchase a king-size duvet comforter for it to fit perfectly. Whether you have twin, full, or queen beds, make sure you buy those that fit your bed when shopping for your duvet comforters.

King bed comforter sizes are between 86 to 88 inches and 102 inches wide, while California king comforters are 96 to 98 inches long and 107 to 110 inches wide. California king mattresses are long and narrow compared to a standard king mattress. 

Twin XL comforter sizes will be longer twin mattresses since twin XL mattresses are 5 inches shorter than twin XL mattresses. Therefore, you cannot use twin XL comforters with twin beds.

Measure Your Mattress

Before you go out to shop for your comforter, you need to measure your mattress. Be sure to buy a comforter that will fit your bed with proper coverage on all sides and at the top and bottom of the mattress. To ensure this, always buy oversized comforters rather than undersized ones. Mattress depth will help you determine how wide your comforter should be. 

Comforters come in a variety of sizes, so it is important to know the dimensions of your bed before you purchase one. A standard king-size comforter is 76 inches wide and 80 inches long. A California king comforter is 72 inches wide and 84 inches Some brands may list the maximum mattress thickness a comforter will fit. So, check the label and the specifications if you’re shopping online.

Get an Oversized Comforter

Some manufacturers are offering oversized queen and oversized king comforter sizes in addition to the standard sizes, thanks to the popularity of deeper pillow-top mattresses. These comforters offer more width for their length. For example, queen comforters are about 98 inches wide, while king comforters are 115 inches wide.

This can be a good option if you’re looking for a wide comforter but do not want to jump up to the next standard size. It’s okay for the comforter to be slightly oversized, so it hangs below the bottom of the mattress. You can cover the space between the bottom of the mattress and the floor with a bed skirt or ruffle. This will make it more pleasing for the comforter to overlap the bed skirt to fall short.

Consider Bed Frame Height

When selecting a comforter size, also consider the height of your bed frame. If you have a low-profile bed frame or platform bed, you may want to choose a comforter that is one size smaller than what you would typically select. This will help to avoid the comforter from appearing too bulky and overwhelming on the bed.

If you have a very tall or short-bed frame, make sure you consider this while measuring your mattress and choosing the right comforter size. Extra-high beds require wider comforters, or they may fall too short on the sides. If you have shorter frames, you may find your comforter is far too long and drops onto the floor.

Drape Length

Your comforter might be the right size, but if it hangs too low onto the floor, it will look like an old-fashioned bedspread. Therefore, make sure you consider how much drape you want when shopping for your new comforter. Most people prefer to have their comforters fall between six to nine inches above the floor.

FAQs about Bed Comfort Sizes and Dimensions

re full and queen comforters the same?

Many manufacturers put full and queen sizes together as one size of two. However, this shouldn’t be the case because a full or queen-sized comforter may be too small for a queen-size mattress and too big for a full bed. Opt for a comforter that’s labeled queen size or full size to achieve a better fit.

Is an oversized comforter better?

Yes, it’s better because it can fit any bed. Oversized comforters are not just a great comfort option; they’re also a great and stylish way of keeping the area under your bed out of sight.

Final Thought about Bed Comforter Sizes and Dimensions

Perfect-sized bedding will make your bed look more pleasing and comfortable for you. Make sure you do your research and purchase a comforter that fits your bed so you can enjoy getting into your bed each day. And, as the best comforter will last a long time, you should pay attention not only to the price but also to quality and durability if you want it to stand up well over the years. Also, learn how to wash a comforter so it serves you better and longer.

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When you’re shopping for mulch, there are a lot of options you’ll come across. Some mulches are made from wood chips, some recycled paper, and others from ground-up corn cobs or pine needles. You may have heard that cypress is one of the best kinds of mulch to use in your garden because it’s free of chemicals and will help improve the soil over time. But other people say that using cypress mulch can be bad for your plants and may even affect the quality of your soil. 

This article will lay out all sides to this debate so you can make an informed choice about whether or not you want to use this type of mulch in your yard. Read on!.

What is Cypress Mulch?

Cypress mulch is made from the shredded wood of the cypress trees, bald cypress trees, and pond cypress trees. Home improvement stores and garden centers sell either 100 percent cypress mulch or a cypress mulch blend containing other types of woods. 

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Cypress mulch comes mainly from Central Florida and Louisiana, where it was a by-product of lumbering. The increasing demand for cypress mulch has put it under attack by the cypress mulch industry. All cypress mulch 

Cypress mulch is often cheaper than hardwood mulch, but it’s not environmentally and sustainable mulch. So, consider the pros and cons of using cypress mulch in your garden before you start using it.

Benefits of Cypress Mulch

Deterrents

Cypress mulch shares other benefits of cypress wood mulch. It prevents weed growth because weed seeds need light to germinate, and mulch keeps them in the dark. This mulch is an organic material used in landscaping and gardening and is a great mulch in deterring weeds. All organic mulches help the soil retain moisture, keep the soil cool and insulate plant roots during freezing temperatures. This mulch doesn’t only deter weeds, it also deters insects and reptiles.

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Chips and Shredded

This mulch is made from pond cypress trees and bald cypress trees. Both the back and wood of the tree are ground up to make cypress mulch, and the mulch is available in either chips or shredded cypress. The shredded is the better choice than chips because it stays in place longer and composts faster. Shredded cypress mulch is also cost-effective, making the cypress mulch less expensive than other organic mulches.

Nutrients and Microbes

Cypress mulch decomposes to add nutrients to the soil, while some mulches such as shredded newspaper do not. Most plants benefit from these added nutrients from cypress mulch. Some organic mulches such as pine needles and pine bark change the soil pH as they decompose, thus adding acid to the soil and lowering the soil’s pH. On the other hand, cypress mulch is neutral and doesn’t change the soil’s pH as it decomposes.

ppearance

Cypress mulch is an attractive ground cover than other wood mulches such as pine bark, cedar bark, and shredded hardwood mulch. It also has a fresh, pleasant smell when it’s fresh. Cypress mulch weathers to a soft, gray color, a property that is often considered a valuable attribute. While other mulches might blow away, cypress mulch, especially pine bark mulch, tends to float away after heavy rains. Therefore, it will not need to be reapplied, unlike other mulches.

Why Cypress Mulch is Bad

While cypress mulch has a lot of benefits, it’s also a bad choice of mulching material due to the environmental impact of harvesting cypress trees and the detrimental effect this mulch can have in your yard.

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Unsustainable

The demand for this cypress has caused these trees to be harvested faster than they can grow. The continued harvesting of cypress trees for mulch is unsustainable and may decimate old-growth cypress forests.

Properties

One of the purposes of mulch is to help the ground retain moisture. This relieves you from watering your garden bed and protects the plants from the effects of drought. However, cypress isn’t a good conveyor of water and moisture because it’s very fibrous.

The mulch has a high capacity for holding water, preventing the available water from seeping below the mulch. When the cypress becomes dry, it repels water instead of absorbing it. This prevents water from reaching the ground below the mulch and the roots of the plants.

Stability

Cypress mulch tends to wash away more easily than other mulches. This makes it a bad choice in areas subject to heavy and frequent rains. When it’s also saturated with water, it becomes heavy and does a better job staying in a place, making you replace it more frequently than other mulches.

esthetics and Acidity

Cypress mulch is also known for its unpleasant odor. Some people find it offensive, and others say it smells like rotting flesh. Cypress mulch is also very acidic. This can harm or even kill plants that are sensitive to acidity.

lternatives to Cypress Mulch

There are several sustainable alternatives to cypress mulch. If you’re looking for a long-lasting mulch, opt for a tree-based mulch such as pine trees, mixed hardwood mulch, and eucalyptus mulch. Like cypress mulch, these alternatives come from trees in the south and central Florida.

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Eucalyptus is grown specifically for mulch, and the trees grow much quicker than other cypresses. Fortunately, the best mulch for your garden will depend on various factors, such as the needs of your green space, your visual preferences, and how much work you want to have in maintaining it.

FAQs about Cypress Mulch

Is cypress mulch better than regular mulch?

Cypress mulch is better because it’s less expensive than many other organic mulches, and it adds a lot of benefits to the soil. Also, all old-growth cypress groves have been clear cut and what is left is under attack by the cypress mulch industry.

Final Thought about Cypress Mulch

As you can see, cypress mulch isn’t always better. It’s sometimes worse, but it is what some gardeners prefer. If you are looking to care for your plants by protecting them from certain insects or weed growth, cypress mulch may be the way to go, but if you want something more sustainable, look for other types. 

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You may notice your water heater making strange noises. This is a problem because you don’t know what’s causing the sounds or danger to you or your home. 

Not all of these sounds mean something wrong with your water heater, but it’s always good to understand the reasons behind them and learn how to fix them. Here are water heater noises to look out for and how to diagnose them:

Sizzling, Hissing, and Crackling

These are typical noises coming from an electric water heater. They are attributed to sediment build up and mineral deposits at the bottom of your water heater. There is nothing to fix this yourself, but it’s not a cause for concern either. Plumbers will sometimes use chemical agents to get rid of the sediment buildup and prevent such sounds from occurring in the future.

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Irritating noises are not the only symptom of this problem. Expect your heating bills to go up as the water heater struggles to heat the same amount of water with a greatly reduced ability to produce heat from the lower heating element.

A gas powered water heater can also make sizzling sounds, even though the problem isn’t the same. Sizzling noise in a gas water heater is caused by internal condensation, which makes a sizzling sound when dripping down into the burner. If you notice condensation in the tank, there could be a leak, so call a plumbing professional to deal with it.

A crackling sound may also mean that there’s condensation in the water heater burner. A water heater won’t create condensation if the temperature remains consistent, but condensation can form when the tank is full. Make sure the plumber checks the crackling sounds immediately. Also, use a wire brush for clean up and if the sediment blocks the drain valve, it might be impossible to remove the water in the storage tank, so buy a new water heater.

Tankless Water Heater Noise Problems

Apart from regular heaters, other heater models can make annoying noises. For example, an electric tankless water heater has its sound. You should know the normal sounds if you know how a tankless water heater works. A tankless gas water heater can also have the same issue. If you hear a clicking sound from the water heater, it means that the flow switches come on and off. 

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And if you hear more noise, check for debris from the hard water area or if there’s build-up within the unit. You can fix this problem by practicing regular maintenance to help you keep on top of any unusual sound.

Popping Sound

Some sounds that you hear may seem irregular or irritating, but these are normal for this type of heater. The first sound you will probably notice is the popping sound. Popping noises occur when the temperature inside the unit rises to 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celsius). 

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However, this doesn’t indicate a dangerous problem. Popping noise is also caused by limescale and sediment build-up within the tank. The sound is created when steam bubbles form under the sediment, then burst as the water heats up. You can quickly diagnose this problem by using a descaling product to help break down the limescale and minerals.

Ensure you flush and drain the tank to remove any sediment. Popping noises can also be caused if an aluminum anode rod within the tank is exposed to high levels of alkalinity. Professional plumbing can solve this problem by replacing the aluminum anode rod with a magnesium anode rod.

Loose Water Heater Element can Cause a Humming Sound

Some water heaters make humming noises. For example, electric water heaters don’t have gas burners. Instead, they have at least one electrically powered heating element associated with a thermostat. If the water falls below the set temperature, the electricity heats up the element, and the water flowing around it heats up. 

The heated water then circulates, warming the rest of the water. When the electric heater makes a humming noise, the heating element is loose due to wear and tear or poor installation. 

The loose element acts as a tuning fork, vibrating from the push of water cycling around it, creating a humming noise. You can easily correct these humming sounds by making the heating element tighter.

Screeching Sounds can Signal Restricted Water Flow

A screeching noise may indicate the water is too hot. As the heated water comes out of the tank, it can bump into air bubbles in the piping, which creates the sound of metal on metal screeching or scratching.

 Screeching noises also show that water flow is restricted either at the valve letting water into the heater or at a valve connected to water in your home. When the relief valve isn’t open all the way, water moves through a narrow space at a higher pressure, creating a high-pitched sound. 

The inlet control valve is often to blame for this, and you can easily address it by turning the valve to fully open it to lower the water pressure. And if adjusting the inlet valve doesn’t stop the noise, you may need to replace them.

Ticking Noises

If you can also hear a soft ticking noise, this indicates changes in water pressure. The heat trap can sometimes be the reason for ticking noises. You can easily remedy this problem as long as the changes in water pressure aren’t dramatic and frequent, like rapidly opening and closing the main building control valve.

 These tapping sounds are normal, but if tapping sound from a valve is concerning, swap the heat straps with dielectric nipples, smaller fittings that perform the same function. Boosting heat strap nipples can also improve the functionality of the water heater.

Make sure to tighten and replace the pipes if they become loose. This will stop the ticking sound and prevent the pipes from shifting. Lowering the heat by a few degrees may also reduce the expansion of water lines and stop any ticking sounds.

Hammering and Knocking Noises

A hammering noise, also known as water hammering, occurs when pipes aren’t securely anchored. They move and hit against each other and the interior of the wall. Any abrupt change in the water flow can lead to the sound because the pipes move as water does. 

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This can happen when you flush the toilet, run a dishwasher, or a pump with a holding tank is running. Water hammering is not an immediate problem, but it can cause damage to pipes and the surroundings over time. You can diagnose this problem by securing pipes with insulation or installing a water hammer arrestor to stop the knocking.

Rumbling Sound

A few things can cause rumbling pipes. Sediment build-up and mineral deposits are common reasons. Sediment build-up occurs when minerals are suspended in the water flow and accumulate over time. This sediment can also cause damage to the inside of your pipes, but it usually creates a rumbling sound when you turn on hot water faucets. 

You can flush and drain that hot water tank with a long hose to remove the sediment or use a descaling solution to break down limescale within the tank. You should take your time to learn how to drain a water heater before doing anything. And if you aren’t experienced with plumbing, have a professional plumber flush the tank once a year.

FAQs about What to Do When Your Water is Making Noises

Is it bad if your water heater is making noise?

The noise might be annoying, but it doesn’t mean that your heater is malfunctioning.

Can a water heater explode?

If there’s steam build up in the heater and there’s no outlet, the increased pressure could cause the hot water tank to explode.

Final Thought about What to Do When Your Water Heater is Making Noises

As you can see, a water heater noise shouldn’t bother you that much. But if you suspect a fault, don’t hesitate to contact a water repair to rectify the situation before it worsens.

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Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral mined and used in building materials for more than 100 years. It was widely used because of its heat resistance, water repellent nature, and affordability. Chances are that you are also considering using it for building your own house. However, it has been discovered that asbestos can cause serious health risks.

The most common disease caused by asbestos fibers is lung cancer called Mesothelioma, which affects the lungs or abdomen lining. Although there are many countries where it is banned from use completely, you may find some buildings with this material installed even today.

That’s why we have compiled an exclusive guide on identifying dangerous asbestos installations so that you remain safe at all times if your house happens to be built with these harmful chemicals. Let’s get started!

Why Asbestos Insulation is Dangerous

Yes, prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers can lead to serious respiratory illness and cancer called Mesothelioma. When disturbed, tiny abrasive asbestos fibers can be inhaled. In homes built before 1975, asbestos is most commonly found as thermal insulation on basement boilers and pipes.

When is Asbestos in a Home Dangerous?

The material in good condition will not release asbestos fibers, but when disturbed, it may create a health hazard where none existed before. Asbestos becomes dangerous if it has been damaged over time. The ones that crumble easily if handled can release asbestos fibers and create a health hazard.

Types of Asbestos Insulation

Loose Fill Insulation

Loose fill insulation is made of asbestos. The particles may be very small and do not feel gritty to the touch. This type of insulation was found in older homes before the 1980s. Loose-fill insulation comes in various materials and is easy to identify, thanks to its loose, lumpy form and fluffy or granular texture.

It doesn’t have paper or other types of backing like batt, and blanket insulation does. After determining if your attic insulation or the wall has loose insulation, you also need to determine which type of material it is because some types may contain asbestos.

Vermiculite Insulation

This type of loose-fill material was often used in attics and walls of older homes before the 1980s. When you contact a professional for an asbestos inspection, they’ll check for this type of insulation by looking at your home’s construction records or telling you what got installed in your home when it was built.

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Vermiculite loose-fill insulation is one of the most common household materials that contain asbestos. It has a pebble-like appearance and typically is a grayish-brown and silvery-gold color. It’s made from a natural mineral material that can release tiny fibers when processed and handled.

In the United States, most vermiculite insulation containing asbestos was sourced from a mine near Libby, Montana which was active until 1990. And because the LIbby mine closed in 1990, houses built before that date might have asbestos containing insulation.

Cellulose Insulation

If you have a loose-fill insulation that is gray, soft, and without a shine, then it’s cellulose insulation. Cellulose insulation contains a high percentage of recycled paper and doesn’t contain minerals. It looks like shredded gray paper. It’s a perfectly safe type of insulation that is commonly blown into attics. It also comes in batt and blanket forms.

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Loose-Fill Fiberglass Insulation

Fiberglass fill is a popular choice for homes. It’s also one of the safest types of insulation to get installed in your home. The main problem with fiberglass insulation is that it can irritate skin and cause respiratory problems if it isn’t installed correctly or if there are loose fibers from the previous installation that have been left at the site of the installation.

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And because it’s a glass product, fiberglass has a slight shine when subjected to bright light. It’s very soft, almost like cotton candy, and is composed of very fine fibers.

Rock Wool Insulation

Also known as mineral wool, rock wool is another popular insulation product. It also comes in two different forms, either as loose fill or batts. The materials are similar to fiberglass, except that rock wool fibers are much larger and therefore more difficult for the body to breathe into it. It has a fibrous, soft, cottony texture.

Rock wool is usually gray, white, off-white, and brownish white. It’s a manufactured product made by melting basaltic rock. The raw materials get exposed to temperatures up to 2750 degrees Fahrenheit, making them melt, then fibers are spun from the molten material.

Blanket Insulation

Blanket insulation is manufactured from rock, slag, or cinders. It’s lightweight and fibrous. It’s either in the form of batts or large rolls and looks like a big, cotton-like blanket. It’s flexible and is often used on attics and walls.

Inhalation of rock wool or blanket insulation material may result in a variety of health problems, including lung disease, cancer, and asbestosis. Therefore, it is important to install these materials using proper protective gear and methods.

Block Insulation

These are rigid panels manufactured from the same material that is used to make concrete. It can be found in either pre-formed or bagged blocks and comes in a variety of thicknesses. The most common type of block insulation is cement fiber. It’s lightweight, easy to cut, and looks like a grayish-white sponge.

It is not amenable to cutting with a rotary saw, so it has to be ground down before it can be installed into the wall cavities or floor of your home.

How to Identify Asbestos Insulation

According to research, there’s no safe level for asbestos exposure. Therefore, if you discover insulation in your home that may contain toxic material, don’t remove or inspect it yourself. If you suspect the area is contaminated with asbestos, call a professional. If you find asbestos in your ceiling, floor tiles, and anywhere else in your home, get the sample tested by a professional lab.

Call for an Inspection First

Before you call an asbestos abatement contractor, you should contact an industrial hygiene firm to inspect the affected area. A proper assessment should include a complete visual examination and careful collection and analysis of samples.

If there’s asbestos, the inspector should provide a written evaluation describing its location and extent of damage and provide recommendations for correction and prevention.

Contact an Asbestos Abatement Contractor

Before the work begins, get a written contract specifying the work plan, procedures, and time frames. The agreement should also specify what happens if the work is delayed, who will pay for future inspections.

And whether you will be charged for other services such as cleanup, applicable federal and local regulations, which the contractor must follow. You can contact your state, local agency responsible for asbestos regulations, Environmental Protection Agency, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s regional office.

Removal of Asbestos

If you decide to remove the asbestos or asbestos repair, ensure that the contractor gets written assurance that you are getting exactly what is on the label. There should be a label specifying the type of asbestos, where it’s located, and how much has been removed.

Repairing Asbestos

Sealing 

Sealing treats the material with a sealant that binds the asbestos fibers and coats the material, so fibers are not released. You can repair a pipe, furnace, and boiler insulation this way. 

Covering

Covering involves placing a protective wrap and jacket around the material to prevent burning and wear. Covering is used for asbestos-cement pipe insulation, ceiling tiles, floor tiles, and other materials that aren’t damaged if left in place. Only a professional trained to handle asbestos safely should undertake these repairs.

FAQs about How to Identify Dangerous Asbestos Installation

How do you test for the presence of asbestos?

Use asbestos testing kits which work in a two-step process. After purchasing a low-cost kit at a home improvement center, you obtain suspected asbestos from an area of your home. After that, mail your findings to the laboratory, and the results will be sent to you after a few days.

Final Thought on How to Identify Dangerous Asbestos Installation

As you can see, dealing with asbestos requires the use of a special kit. Asbestos testing kits are available through home improvement centers and other outlets, or you can contact an asbestos abatement professional. If handled correctly, you can prevent asbestos from causing a problem in your home.

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Flowering trees are a great way to add color and beauty to your yard. They also provide shade in the summer months, which is much appreciated when it’s hot outside. However, choosing the right tree can be a difficult task.

Choosing the best flowering tree for your landscaping needs is not an easy task because of all the options out there. When deciding which type of flowering you should plant in your yards, such as sunlight exposure, longevity, or flower color, there are several factors to consider. We’ve gone through all those factors and chose the best flowering trees that will do well for your gardening project.

Here are varieties of flowering trees that will add color to your yard:

1. Flowering Dogwood or Cornus Florida

The flowering dogwood is one of the most popular flowering trees for good reason. The white flowers in spring are very attractive, especially when they contrast with the deep green leaves. These trees are relatively small at about 25-30 feet, making them perfect for any yard. 

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They’re also disease-resistant. They offer landscape interest in fall and winter as their glossy green leaves turn attractive shades of red and berries appear. Dogwood is best suited to hardiness zones 5 through 9. 

They’re easy to care for and prefer moist, rich soil and partial shade during warmer months. Spring is the most popular plant, but you can also plant it in late fall when trees become dormant. The soil needs for dogwood include medium moisture and well-drained soil.

2. Japanese Tree Lilac

Japanese Tree Lilac is a deciduous, fast-growing tree resistant to cold temperatures and has beautiful lacy leaves. It can reach up to 15 feet in height, but it usually stays smaller at about 7-10 feet tall. This makes it ideal for small yards or garden areas because you won’t have to prune it. 

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It flowers in springtime with beautiful bunches of fragrant white blossoms. After the blooms are gone, the leaves change colors to yellow, purple, or red before falling off for winter. The Lilac Tree is best suited to hardiness zones 3 through 8 and prefers moist, well-drained soil with lots of sun, but the Japanese Tree Lilac will still grow in shade or partial sun.

3. Cherry Trees

If you’re thinking of adding a cherry tree to your yard, there are many varieties to choose from. Flowering cherry trees are a central part of worship in Japan. These flowering plants have a lot to offer as landscape trees. The two popular varieties are Kwanzan and Yoshino prunus x yedoensis.

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Kwanzan grows to about 30 feet with beautiful pink blooms while Yoshino cherry grows a bit bigger, up to 40 feet tall. There’s also prunus subhirtella which grows 20 to 30 feet tall.  Depending on the species you choose, these trees do well between zones 4 through 5, while kwanzan and Yoshino cherries grow in zones 5 through 8. 

These trees can be a bit fragile against strong winds, so plant them in a sheltered spot. Early fall is their best planting time, but you can plant them in the fall or after the last spring frost if you’re planting in a container. Cherry trees need to be kept moist, especially in drought conditions. They are typically planted individually as specimen trees and in small groups.

4. Southern Magnolia

Also known as the magnolia, Magnolia Grandiflora is the evergreen tree known for its fragrant blooms. It grows best in zones 6 through 8 and can reach 40 feet tall with an equal spread. Choose the southern magnolia if you’re looking for a beautiful ornamental tree to grow indoors or outdoors in your landscape.

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Do not overwater this tree since it does not do well in moist soil. Container-grown trees need watering only once every two weeks during the summer season. This is not a fast-growing tree, so you can expect it to take about ten years for this plant to reach its full potential. 

5. Star Magnolia

This is one of the first plants to bloom in the spring with white star shaped flowers that appear in March and April before the leaves appear. This is a large shrub that can grow from 15 to 20 feet but it can be trained as a tree by pruning to retain a single stem to serve as the trunk. It can be used as a specimen tree and in woodland borders.

6. Saucer Magnolia

If you’re looking for a flowering tree that will catch the eye of everyone in your neighborhood, consider the saucer magnolia. These medium-sized trees will grow to be 30 feet in zones 5 through 8 and have pink flowers, describing their saucer shaped flowers.

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Magnolias like part shade and well-drained soil. To ensure it blooms each year, you need to protect it from a late frost if newly emerged buds are in danger of freezing. These are best planted when dormant in late fall, winter in warm climates, and early spring in cold climates.

Magnolia trees possess fragrant flowers that bloom during spring to early summer. These large, white flowers are especially showy on the southern magnolia trees. They are hardy and attractive trees with dark green leaves that grow up to 60 feet tall. The fall foliage also turns red, orange, or yellow, depending on the variety of trees you choose.

7. Golden Chain Tree

The golden chain tree is another flowering tree that will draw attention because of its stunning flowers. They are one of the earliest blooming trees in the spring, with white flowers that drip to resemble a chain. Golden chain trees can grow 30 feet high in zones 5 through 8 and like full sun.

If you’re looking for a flowering tree without white or pink blooms found in most spring-flowering trees, this is your best bet. This tree will typically have yellow blooms but may also have white or pale green flowers. Golden chain trees require sheltered location and attention to a variety of pests and diseases.

8. Eastern Redbud

Eastern redbud is one of the best flowering landscape trees. These trees typically have pink to purple flowers in early spring, before new leaves emerge on the tree. The magenta buds of eastern redbud unfold into an explosion of pink flowers before the leaves appear on the tree. 

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Their flowers are not large, but they stand out because the blooms are among the first to appear on bare branches in spring, coating them in a pinkish-purple fuzz. It has a variety of landscape uses as a specimen, street, lawn tree, and naturalized woodland settings.

Eastern redbud only grows 20 feet high and prefers part shade and moist conditions. They also require pruning as they can become lanky with age if not properly maintained. Between the flowers and the unique heart shaped leaves, this plant should never miss in your landscape.

9. Kousa Dogwood

Kousa dogwood is a small tree that blooms with flowers resembling the blossoms of peonies. This small tree is wonderful and will stand out in any landscape, featuring white blossoms in late spring and early summer. This handsome small tree adds year round beauty. 

White flowers in May and June give a Milky Way effect, purple and scarlet fall leaves add intense color. This beautiful tree form with horizontal branching prefers partial shade to full sun. The Satomi Kousa Dogwood has splendid pink to red bracts followed in fall by hanging red fruit. The autumn leaves have red scarlet tints.

10. Crabapples

Crabapple trees are wonderful flowering trees for the yard. They offer a variety of different colors and blooms in spring, growing quickly to fill out that empty spot where nothing else will fit. The crabapples bloom in late winter or early spring, depending on the type you have planted.

Image credit: https://www.gardenia.net/

A few plants can create a visual impact during all four seasons than this flowering tree. When autumn arrives, crabapple foliage and fruit transform to match the vibrant colors of the artist’s palette.

FAQs about Best Flowering Trees for Your Landscape

What flowering tree blooms the longest?

The crape myrtle is the longest blooming tree in existence. Its flowers remain in bloom between 60 and 120 days.

What tree has little yellow flowers?

The laburnum tree is also known as the yellow or golden chain tree that produces little yellow flowers in the spring. The tree grows to over 10 feet high and 15 feet wide, with an average growth rate of 6 inches per year.

Final Thought on Best Flowering Trees for Your Landscape

If you have space in your yard, these flowering trees have a lot of beauty to offer. You can use them for privacy, shade, and color. People who love the outdoors also provide a refreshing environment. Consider planting one in containers on your porch or near your patio if you have a small yard. You can also consider the following shade-loving flowers for your garden, though they might not grow as big as the above trees.

The post 10 Best Flowering Trees for Your Landscape appeared first on Kitchen Infinity.

When you open your refrigerator and find it is not cold inside, there must be a problem that requires your immediate attention. This means that it’s not cooling enough. When you witness such, don’t rush to replace the refrigerator, figure out the problem first. Find out if it’s just not cold enough or if it doesn’t have the power to run. 

If your fridge suddenly stops cooling, you need to check several things before replacing it with a new one. This is because some problems are easy to fix yourself without hiring an expert technician or calling for repair services. Here are some of the reasons your refrigerator is not cooling.

Evaporator Fan Motor Not Working

The evaporator fan motor is located at the back of your fridge. If this is not working, it causes insufficient airflow resulting in a warm refrigerator. Without air circulation, you can’t expect things inside your fridge to stay cool for a long period.

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If your unit has only one fan, it will be located in the freezer compartment. The evaporator fan motor circulates the cold air from evaporator coils through the compartment. If the fan motor isn’t working, you may have a cold freezer but no cool air in the refrigerator compartment.

Clogged Condenser Coils

The condenser coils are located in the back of your fridge behind the coils. Over time dust and dirt may accumulate on the coils, blocking air flow through them and leading to clogged condenser coils. This pressure creates heat and gas, which cools to absorb heat and turn back into liquid.

If this is happening, you need to pull out the refrigerator and disassemble it. Clean the coils with a brush or shop vac away any debris that’s obstructing airflow.

Damaged Control Boards

The control board is a series of electrical components that relay the proper signals to regulate different parts of your refrigerator. If it’s damaged, you need to replace it as soon as possible.

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A modern refrigerator uses two circuit boards, including the main control board and the temperature control board. These issues are not easy for a novice to diagnose and repair, so contact a service professional if you suspect a control board failure.

Door Not Closing Properly

A malfunctioning door is often the result of an improper installation or a broken hinge. You can correct this problem by adjusting the hinges, readjusting the door, and removing any debris that might be blocking its path. The fridge door must be sealed shut for the food to stay fresh and temperatures and temperatures to remain where they need to be.

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Also, a broken gasket can stop this from happening. The gasket is a rubber strip around the edge of the fridge door. It should be airtight without leaks and not allow warm air inside.

Outdated Defrost System

A refrigerator’s freezer does not cool as well as it should if there is no airflow. Defrost system controls the cooling and defrost cycle. The components of the defrost system include a defrost timer, and a defrost heater. A defrost timer switches the refrigerator between the cooling and defrost mode.

If it goes bad and cooling mode stops, it causes excessive frost to build up on the evaporator coils, reducing the air flow. On the other hand, a defrost heater melts the frost developed over the evaporator coil. If it goes bad, the excessive frost accumulates on coils reducing the cool air flow inside the refrigerator.

Faulty Compressor

A compressor is the main component of the refrigerator cycle. When it starts to malfunction, the entire cooling process doesn’t even start. The main function of the compressor is to compress the refrigerant from a cool, low-pressure vapor into high-pressure hot vapors. 

The compressed refrigerant is hot, high-pressure vapors that flow through the condenser, where it gets condensed into a high-pressure liquid. The liquid flows through the evaporator coil, where it evaporates and cools down to a low-pressure vapor.

Broken Thermostat

The first thing people check when the fridge is feeling warm is the thermostat. The thermostat setting off can also be another issue if your refrigerator isn’t cooling. This can happen, especially if you have children and inconsiderate houseguests messing around with the thermostat.

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And when the temperature on the thermostat doesn’t match the actual one, then your thermostat could be broken. You can easily replace it if it becomes faulty without involving a professional.

Defective Condenser Fan

In most refrigerators, there is a condenser fan that forces hot air out of the refrigerator. When it becomes faulty, it cannot release hot air into the room. The hot remains inside the refrigerator, making the temperature inside shoot up. Defective fan blades prevent the condenser fan from working correctly.

Dirty Condenser Coils

Household dust and dirt could prevent the condenser fan from picking up enough airflow. This might be a reason why your refrigerator isn’t cooling well. You should clean the condenser coil once per and even more if you have a lot of dust and pet hair in your kitchen. 

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This is a problem you have to fix yourself because if not attended to immediately, it can even damage other parts of the refrigerator, making it harder to repair. Clean it using a vacuum and a long brush.

Blocked Vents

If you have a fridge and freezer combination, the cold air issue could be coming from the vents that join them. The vents ensure the cold air flows freely from the freezer into the fridge. So, if it gets clogged with ice and other debris, the flow won’t happen, meaning your fridge won’t cool down.

Fortunately, you can easily fix this by turning off the refrigerator and letting the ice inside the clogged vent melt. Make sure you keep these vents open and clear to control internal temperature.

FAQs about Reasons Why My Refrigerator is Not Cooling

What is the first thing to check if your refrigerator stops working?

The first thing to check is the circuit’s breaker serving the fridge because there could be no electricity supplying the machine. If it is not tripped, check for any loose connections of power supply to the unit.

What are the signs of a bad refrigerator compressor?

The obvious sign is that your appliances will start making abnormal noise due to overheating and not providing proper cooling.

Final Thought about Reasons Why My Refrigerator is Not Cooling

Of course, a refrigerator that isn’t cooling is not good for you and your kitchen. The good side is that you can easily rectify these issues without purchasing a brand new fridge.

The post Reasons Why My Refrigerator is Not Cooling appeared first on Kitchen Infinity.

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Cleaning your house isn’t always the most exciting task on your to-do list, especially if your home has a mixture of bare floors, carpeting, and lots of stairs. Using a bulky vacuum cleaner makes the task more unbearable. If this is the case in your household, then a canister vacuum is your best choice. 

Canister vacuums are compact machines that are lightweight, easy to maneuver and take up less storage space than a traditional upright vacuum. ​If you’re looking for an affordable machine that will make cleaning quick and convenient without sacrificing quality and performance, check out our top 10 list below of best canister vacuums:

1. Ovente Bagless Canister Vacuum with HEPA Filter

Ovente is a cheap and lightweight canister vacuum cleaner that works well on bare floors, tiles, and rugs. It features a 12-amp motor, which is powerful enough to easily pick up large and small debris. Ovente’s HEPA filtration system traps 99% of the dirt and allergens found in the household, which is great if you have pet hair or suffer from allergies.

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Besides HEPA filtration, it comes with other useful features that include automatic cord rewind that keeps you from wrapping a cord around the vacuum. It also has a telescopic wand that provides hard-to-reach areas like the tops of windows, ceilings, and corners. 

It doesn’t flake out when it comes to attachments because it comes with a pet brush, floor brush, and a combination crevice nozzle and bristle brush. The entire vacuum weighs 12 pounds, courtesy of its large wheels, making it easy to drag around.

2. ProTeam Backpack Vacuum with Telescoping Wand

If you are looking for a vacuum cleaner that comes with advanced features, then this model by ProTeam is worth checking out. It has an automatic throttle control system that ensures the suction will not be too powerful to harm your floor or ceiling, or furniture.

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While it looks large and features a 9.9 amp motor, it only weighs 11 pounds, which is barely noticeable on your back, thanks to its adjustable and padded straps. It comes with several attachments, including a crevice tool, telescoping tool, dusting brush, upholstery tool, and a multi-surfaced floorhead.

3. Miele Complete C3 for Soft Carpet Powerline Canister Vacuum

Cleaning a super soft and plush carpet is always a daunting task because of the dense tufts. However, Miele complete C3 comes with a power nozzle and brush roll that adjust to five different levels to make plowing through plush pile carpets easier. 

Image credit: https://evacuumstore.com/

It also comes with a metal telescoping wand, a dusting brush, an upholstery tool, and a crevice tool are also included in its accessories set since it’s a Pure Suction Floorhead made for use on all smooth flooring.

It uses a high filtration bag and HEPA AirClean filter to retain 99 percent of dust from being released back into the air. This is the best canister vacuum when it comes to picking up and keeping dust and dirt particles inside the vacuum.

4. Bissel Bagless Hardfloor Expert Deluxe Canister Vacuum

Once again, Bissell is proving that they know what makes a canister vacuum worth buying, and the hard floor Expert Deluxe Canister Vacuum is no exception. One of the most convenient features of this vacuum is its OnePass Technology which allows you to clean your flooring quickly and easily by picking up hard-to-reach dirt and debris.

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Thanks to the rotating brush roll, this technology is made possible that will agitate more of your flooring with each pass you make over it. It’s the best canister vacuum for cleaning hardwood floors. Hardwood floors are an investment that you wouldn’t want to scratch and destroy while cleaning. 

This canister vacuum comes equipped with features that protect your hardwood, easing your worries. This bagless vacuum weighs nine pounds and glides on floors on its non-marking rubber wheels that feature felt treads. It won’t scratch your floors as you clean, but it will suction dirt and dust into its one-liter dirt cup, which is emptied from the bottom to avoid messy situations. 

While some vacuums have cleaning brushes that are more abrasive, Bissel models come with a soft-driven bristle brush designed to clean hard floors without scratching them. It has digital fingertip controls that let you reduce or increase suction as needed. It also has a telescopic wand, a perfect tool for lifting debris and dust from curtains and ceiling fans. It also has an automatic cord rewind. So, if you’re wondering how to mop your floors quickly, this is the best vacuum for you.

5. Oreck Compact Canister Vacuum Cleaner

Oreck compact canister upright vacuums are best for cleaning bare floor surfaces. They can’t reach underneath low furniture, and they don’t have the same power as bagless uprights, but if you buy an Oreck vacuum, you’ll never need to buy another vacuum because these things last forever.

Its combination of suction and versatile attachments, including an upholstery tool, dusting brush, crevice tool, and extension wand, allows it to eliminate dust and dirt throughout the room, from ceiling fans to furniture to baseboards to carpet. The HEPA bagged filtration also prevents any dust from getting out once it’s in and seals upon disposal. 

This compact canister vacuum can also function as a blower and a vacuum, which comes in handy if you need to dislodge a mess from tight spaces and sticky spots before sucking it up. If you’re looking for a canister vacuum with the portability of a dustbuster, then this is the right choice.

6. Bissel Zing Bagged Canister Vacuum

If you want a canister vacuum that’s lightweight and mobile, then the Bissell Zing Bagged Canister Vacuum is right for you. The canister weighs about 7.5 pounds when empty and has a 20-foot power cord. The automatic cord rewind allows it to retract neatly when not in use.

This bagged canister vacuum also comes with one flip of a switch that can take you from hardwood floors to carpet and an adjustable knob that lets you lower the suctioning power to enable you clean thin rugs, drapes, and upholstery. This vacuum’s integrated carrying hand and the telescopic wand will help you clean them with ease if you have stairs. You can convert it into a hand-held vacuum for above-floor cleaning and spot cleaning as well.

7. Eureka Lightweight Canister Vacuum Cleaner

This is a pack of two canister vacuums from Eureka, each weighing about 8 pounds when empty. Its 20-foot power cord works well on both hard floors and carpets. The patented anti-allergen complete seal technology traps more dust and pollen than standard vacuum cleaners. 

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This lightweight canister vacuum cleaner can be hauled all over the house, but the 10-amp motor provides ample suction for picking up messes of all kinds. It is easy to assemble out of the box and has more tools than most other models on our list.

It comes with a 16-foot cord, a combination floorhead, and a wash brush for curtains and furniture. Plus, the HEPA filtration system components are all washable, so you’ll save money on filters and bags.

8. Miele Classic C1 Cat and Dog Canister Vacuum Cleaner

The small design is ideal for stairs and smaller rooms. The wheels are not as sturdy as some, but the pick-up power of this sweeper more than makes up for that fact. This good housekeeping seal star was created for cleaning up dogs and cats. It can easily clean pet hair and any pet odors.

Miele vacuums come equipped with an Active AirClean filter that helps to neutralize any lingering pet hair, making it great for trapping and locking that dreaded dog smell. It also comes with a flexible hand-held mini turbo brush attachment for cleaning upholstery, stairs, and other tight spaces prone to collecting cat hair, dog hair, and other dirt.

9. Craftsman Corded Wet or Dry Canister Vacuum

If you’re looking for a bot that can suck up rocks, Craftsman Corded Wet or Dry Canister Vacuum is the vacuum cleaner you are looking for. The powerful suctioning system of this sweeper, along with its easy-to-use features, makes it one of the best-rated canister vacuum cleaners on Amazon today. 

The powerful suction engine of this vacuum provides you with a durable and reliable cleaning experience. A 5-foot hose is attached to the unit’s base, allowing you to easily clean in hard-to-reach places. The canister weighs less than 9 pounds allowing you to use it without getting too tired after extended usage periods. In addition, two universal wands are included with this vacuum. One is 12-feet long, and the other is 15-feet long for more efficient cleaning.

10. Hoover ONEPWR High Capacity Cordless Wet or Dry Canister Vacuum

The Hoover ONEPWR canister vacuum cleaner is designed to conveniently clean your home while being easy to maneuver. There are several features included with this vacuum that make it one of the best options on this list. First, the Hoover ONEPWR cordless design is convenient for those who need to clean their house quickly between other chores. 

The rechargeable battery included with the vacuum allows you to clean up to 40 minutes worth of space before needing to be recharged. The good thing about this canister vacuum is that you can use it outside your home in places including the garage, basement, deck, and other outdoors that need attention.

You can also clean up leaky pipes and backed-up drains using a wet or dry utility vacuum. This vacuum can pick large and fine leaves and sawdust. It can also pick wet messes and water that can destroy a traditional vacuum cleaner.

Unlike other wet or dry utility vacuums, Hoover’s ONEPWR is cordless and runs off a rechargeable battery, so you’re not tied to an outlet. Your pet might be out of the house most of the time, but their dander and pet hair remain on the furniture. Your new sofa will stink if you don’t do anything about it. Apart from unique large wheels, it also has a low horizontal design for stability and less tipping.

FAQs about Best Canister Vacuums of 2021

re canister vacuums hard to use?

Unlike large upright vacuums, canister vacuum models are much lighter and easier to maneuver around. Plus, the hose attachments make quick work of most vacuuming jobs.

Where is the best place to empty a canister vacuum?

You can empty a canister vacuum straight into your usual trash bin. If so, it releases too much dust into the air; consider emptying it outside into a trash bag.

What are the benefits of using canister vacuums?

There are many benefits of using a canister vacuum. Other than flexible hoses and longer cleaning wands for hard-to-reach spots, canister vacuums are lightweight and easy to carry than upright vacuums. They also have better suction and flow rate, meaning you can clean faster and efficiently.

Final Thought about Best Canister Vacuums of 2021

As you can see, there are many different types of important canister vacuums. The one you pick depends on your budget, the surface you will be cleaning, and the features you want.

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