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How to Vacuum & Purge Refrigerant Lines

Home coolant systems need to be purged and vacuumed to remove any moisture and keep the system operating properly. To keep the oil in the system from turning to sludge, all moisture and any contaminated refrigerant or coolant needs to be removed annually. Moisture can also increase the occurrence of corrosion, which can ruin the system over time. Another problem is a "freeze up," where the moisture forms ice crystals on the inside of the system.

Parts of an Ironing Board

Table of Contents Cover Padding Face Legs and Mechanical Latches Extras Variations Ironing boards have been around for many years. They came into usage back when irons were cast iron and heated in the coals of a fireplace. The first ironing boards were wooden, according to Made How, and were set up on four wooden legs.

How to Get Rid of an Outdoor Smell

The outside of your home provides a wonderful area to relax, and enjoy nature. Unfortunately, stray cats, skunks and even mold can all cause a nose-wrinkling odor to appear on the outside of your home, and in the yard. These odors will quickly turn the great outdoors into an unpleasant place that you avoid at all costs. If rinsing the offending area with a water hose does little to alleviate the stinky odor, try a few inexpensive remedies, that some homeowners keep on hand.

What Happens to Silver-Plated Flatware if You Wash It in the Dishwasher With Stainless Steel?

For generations, silver manufacturers have warned consumers not to place silverware or silver-plated flatware in the dishwasher with stainless steel flatware. Grandmothers, antiques dealers and even dish detergent manufacturers also give out this common bit of advice. A fork and knife are set on a linen napkin on a wooden table. While the advice is on the mark, it might leave you wondering why mixing silver and stainless in the dishwasher is a bad idea.

How to Clean a WaterBoss Brine Tank

Water hardness consists of calcium and magnesium content in water. Water softeners such as WaterBoss removes minerals through a process called ion exchange. The resin in your WaterBoss acts like a magnet to attract the hard elements in water. Salt is then used to clean the resin and gets stored in the brine tank. Clean your WaterBoss brine tank and continue to enjoy the benefits of softened water. To keep your WaterBoss functioning efficiently, it's necessary to clean out the brine tank and replace the salt once every year.

How to Bleed a Hot Water Heater

As you use a hot water heater to warm the water in your household, "bleeding" your tank helps ensure the system continues to work well. Bleeding helps remove mineral deposits that settle at the bottom, which potentially affects the heating capability. Bleed your hot water heater to keep it in good working condition. Your tank needs to be bled at least once a year, but if your hot water heater experiences a lot of sediment buildup from hard water, perform this biannually.

How to Bypass a Frigidaire Dishwasher Thermostat

The thermostat in a Frigidaire dishwasher controls the temperature of the heating element for hot water during the wash cycles and drying dishes at the end of the cycle if the power-dry option is selected. If water is not getting hot enough inside the appliance, or the drying cycle doesn't work properly, try bypassing the thermostat to determine if it has malfunctioned. This is a quick way to troubleshoot the appliance and verify if the thermostat needs replacing.

How to Paint Wooden Blinds

Freshen up a room, change your decor and give new life to old blinds. It's easy to do without spending much money. For the cost of a can of paint, you can change the look of your blinds rather than replacing them, which can be expensive. It's not complicated, either. Paint Wooden Blinds There's a simple trick that will make the painting easy. Things You Will Need + Flathead screwdriver Damp rag Paintbrush Paint Drop cloth Clothespin or clip Tip Use a pair of sawhorses to hold the slats while you paint.

How to Paint Around Ceiling Fixtures

Painting your ceiling probably isn't a frequent occurrence, but when you're ready to paint it, you may not want to remove the ceiling light or other attached fixtures, such as vent covers or smoke detector bases. Fortunately, you can paint around these items if you take steps first to protect them. Protect light fixtures before painting the ceiling. Apply painter's tape to the outside edge of all ceiling fixtures.

How to Use River Birch for Fire Wood

River birch, which goes by the botanical name of Betula nigra, has a red colored bark that peels off in thin layers giving the trunk a distinctive appearance. River birch wood can be used as firewood since it burns very hot and fast. However, unlike hardwoods, birch does not last very long, so you will need more of the wood to keep the fire burning. Before using river birch firewood, you must season it.