Posted by Jason Gettum on Thu, Mar 28, 2013 @ 11:04 AM
Installing your New TV
Installing your home entertainment system is often one of the final steps of moving or a renovation project, but the importance of a precise and accurate installation is none-the-less important as is the electrical wiring used to power all your entertainment devices.
In addition to simple, proper installation, there is a certain level of necessary integration that you have to make when installing your TV. Whether you want it mounted on the wall, hidden in a cabinet, or something a bit more discreet, yet pretty like in a custom box or behind a picture or mirror, there are several things that need to be more than noted, but rather applied.
How large is your TV?
TVs can be big and very heavy. The average flat screen, whether it is LCD, LED or plasma is 42 inches to 55 inches. If purchasing a new TV, or just reinstalling the one you already have, you need to consider the dimensions in regards to placement in your room. For installation, you should calculate the viewing distance from the TV to figure out how big of a TV you should get, or perhaps where you should sit. The minimum size of you TV should be 1/3 of the viewing distance; the maximum size should be 2/3 of the viewing distance.
Here's an example to better understand this:
Of course the actual size of TV you get depends on what you can afford and how big of a feature you want the TV to be. After you get your desired TV and figure out where you want your ideal viewing area to be, you can move on to installing the TV. Depending on how handy you are, and what how you want the TV displayed, you may choose to hire someone to do it for you. TV installation should not be taken lightly, as previously stated TVs are big and heavy and can be a hazard if not installed correctly. Here are some guidelines to follow when installing, or having someone install your TV.
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Use the correct mounting equipment. If wall-mounting the TV, make sure you use a bracket that is able to hold and properly support your TV
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If not wall-mounting the TV, make sure the TV stand is stable and will provide enough support. If purchasing a new stand, make sure it can hold a weight greater than what your TV weighs.
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Follow the instructions, simple as that. If installing the TV yourself, follow the directions provided with the TV, TV stand or bracket to ensure correct installation.
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Have someone help you. If installing the TV yourself, have a friend, neighbor or relative help you with the install so you ensure your safety and the proper installation.
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If hiring someone to install your TV, ask the store where you purchased the TV for recommendations, or friends and neighbors who have had theirs installed by a professional.
Getting your TV installed is much easier than you may think. Once you know what you want and where you want it, you can easily and quickly have your TV installed and ready for viewing you favorite programs in no time.
Bio:
Cami is a regular blogger for all things TV, home and family related and regularly posts on Cable.tv. In addition to her love of TV and decoration, Cami also enjoys writing about children's entertainment and home improvement projects.
For more information on home improvement and renovation, as well as useful household advice, subscribe to our monthly newsletter, The Gettum Associates Home Front.
Posted by Jason Gettum on Thu, Jul 12, 2012 @ 09:25 AM
Clean your window screens as part of routine summer maintenance
Window screen maintenance tips and advice
Oftentimes overlooked during yearly maintenance, window screens need regular cleaning and care. Gettum Associate Inc, Indianapolis home experts recommend removing and cleaning window screens every year for maximum performance in the home.
Window screens are generally made of fiberglass or aluminum mesh and require proper maintenance to allow for maximum airflow into the home and prevent insects from getting in the house.
Window screen cleaning tips:
To clean window screens, remove the screens from the window frame, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Place the screens on a flat surface (such as the driveway) and use mild soap and water with a soft bristle brush to remove dirt and grime. Clean both sides of the screen and around the interior and exterior of the frame. Rinse off the unit with lukewarm water. Allow the screen to dry completely before replacing in the window.
Never pressure wash screens or windows because the force of the water may damage the units. Use extreme care when cleaning aluminum mesh, since it can be dented or creased if too much. pressure is placed on the screen.
Maintaining Window Screens:
While most window screens may remain in the windows year-round, some homeowners prefer to store screens during winter months. If you choose to remove your window screens, make certain to store them either in an upright or flat position. Covering them with plastic or a sheet will keep them clean while in storage. And, make sure nothing sits on top of (or leans against) the screens to eliminate the chance of bending of the frames or poking a hole in the screens.
If a small hole or tear does occur in your screen, patch kits are available in most hardware and home stores. Homeowners unhappy with the look of a patch (or who have a large gash in their screen) may choose to get the screen mesh replaced on the entire unit. Many cities have screen repair services where you can take your screen frame and have new mesh added to replace torn mesh.
Window Screen Safety:
Screens are not meant for animals or children to lean up against. Screens can be damaged or pop out if a child or animal pushes against them with enough force. Never consider a screen a safety feature in the home … they’re available only to allow in the flow of air, not to restrict anything of force. Another safety tip for the home is not to place cribs or furniture directly under a window. Children can climb and push out on the screens when the windows are open, resulting in a potential fall.
Window screens are terrific for ventilating the house and keeping insects outside, but that’s all they’re intended to do. Maintain their screens regularly and make sure to keep the bottom sash of windows closed when children and pets are around to prevent potential problems.
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Posted by Jason Gettum on Mon, Feb 13, 2012 @ 05:16 PM
Need ideas for your screen porch? Search for pictures for visual examples
For those looking to enjoy the outdoors and their backyard without getting scorched by the summer sun, a screed porch might be a perfect option. A screened in porch provides a shady place to read, listen to music or even watch TV in the summer without being stuck indoors. If you have considered having a screen porch built on to your indianapolis area home, chances are you have wondered what it will look like on the back of your house.
Thankfully, many houses are similar enough that there are plenty of examples of what it may look like on the back of yours. Technology now allows access to hundreds of thousands of pictures that can help visualize the end result of such a project. Take your pick, there are many choices when it comes to finding pictures of screen porches, or pictures of any kind for that matter.
Stick with what you are comfortable with. If you typically use Google to search the web, you can use Google to search for picture examples of screen porches. However, to make it easier, instead of typing in your search into the normal search box, click the "images" tab then input your search. For example, the image above and to the right shows the key word search "Greenwood Indiana screen porch pictures". You can click on that screen shot to get a larger version!
Besides typical search engines, such as Google, Yahoo and Bing, there are specialized image sites. Some examples are Flickr, photobucket, SmugMug, and the newer Pinterest. On each site you will be able to search for the pictures your looking for. Honestly though, you can pull up some great pictures by using your favorite search engine. If your looking for area-specific pictures, be sure to include your city in the search query. For example, if your in the Greenwood, Indiana area, a suburb of Indianapolis, you could type in "Pictures of screen porches in Greenwood Indiana" and find some results that way.
In summary, many of us have trouble visualizing the end result of a remodeling project. By using the internet to seek out pictures of your specific project, you can most likely find a suitable example. Don't be afraid to experiment. You can even search for specific features such as porches with Eze Breeze porch panels, or porches with skylights or any other thing you can think of.
Happy searching!
If you would like to see pictures of porches and other remodel projects, specific to the Indianapolis area, check out the before and after remodeling picture galleries on the Gettum Associate website at http://www.gettum.com/Indianapolis-remodeling-picture-galleries.htm