| How to Block Drafts from a Fireplace Posted: 02 Sep 2018 05:00 PM PDT Everyone likes to cozy up in front of a fireplace during the cold months. When the fireplace is off, however, you may experience the cold air coming through the chimney and stealing the warmth out of your home. By properly using a damper, covering the fireplace, or installing a chimney balloon, you can keep the heat in and the cold out! EditOperating a Chimney Damper - Hire a professional to install a damper if you don't have one. A damper rests inside of or on top of your chimney and prevents drafts from coming down the chimney. Since improper installation could result in a chimney fire or chimney blockage, hire a professional service.[1]
- A top damper sits on top of the chimney and has a cord that runs down the length of the chimney. Top dampers can also protect against animals getting into your chimney.
- A throat damper sits just above the area the fire is lit and requires more work to install.
- Pull the lever or cord to open and close the damper. The cord or lever be on the top or side of the fireplace. The position of the damper control will depend on the which damper you have installed. Pay attention to which position is open and which position is closed when the damper is installed.[2]
- Open the damper before you light a fire. If you fail to the open the damper before you light your fire, smoke or gas could build up inside your home. If you see or smell smoke or gas, open the damper as soon as you can.[3]
- If you lit the fire and forgot to open the damper, use pliers or an oven mitt to pull the lever so you don't burn yourself.
- To help clear the air in your home, open a few windows.
- Close the damper after all the embers are burnt out. Make sure your fire is completely out or else residual smoke could fill your home. When the embers are cold to the touch, pull the cord or lever to close the damper. Keep the damper closed when the fireplace is not in use.[4]
- Wait 5 minutes before closing the damper on gas fireplaces. This allows time for any unburned excess gas to escape without it entering your home.[5]
EditCovering the Fireplace with a Draft Guard - Measure the width and height of the fireplace opening. Use a tape measure so you can determine what size draft guard you need.[6]
- Purchase a draft guard online or in store. Once you find the measurements, make sure you buy a guard that is at least the size of the opening. Buy a guard that is at least larger on each side of the hole so you have some wiggle room.[7]
- Draft guards are sold in hardware stores or online.
- Buy a guard in a color that accents the inside of your house.
- Unfold the guard and place it over the hole. Place the guard so it's flush with the opening of your fireplace. The guard is sturdy enough to stand on its own and will block any draft coming down your chimney.[8]
- Keep the guard over your fireplace whenever you aren't using it.
- Remove the guard and fold it flat when you want to use the fireplace. The guard folds flat for compact storage when you want to light a fire. Stand it next to the fireplace or hide it underneath a piece of furniture so it's not in the way.[9]
- Once the fireplace is cool again, place the guard over the hole.
EditInstalling a Chimney Balloon - Purchase a chimney balloon. Chimney balloons are reusable and inflatable plastic pieces that fit inside your chimney to block any drafts. They are easy to use, but only if you have access to the interior of your chimney.[10]
- Chimney balloons can be purchased from online retailers.
- Inflate the balloon partially so it resembles a floppy pillow. Blow air into the plastic tube attached to the handle of the balloon. A few breaths should be enough to spread the balloon out. This helps you work with the balloon so it fits easily into the chimney.[11]
- Place the balloon in the chimney flue. Take the balloon by the handle and hold it up to the opening of your chimney above the main firebox. The balloon should be parallel to the opening so it fills the entire area.[12]
- If you need to make the balloon fit better, push the corners of the balloon up into the chimney with your fingers.
- Blow up the balloon until it holds firmly in the chimney. Hold the balloon by the handle as you blow into the plastic tube. Make sure the balloon holds tight once you inflate it. After it is inflated enough to fill the chimney, close the valve on the handle.[13]
- Remove the plastic tube so it doesn't hang down in your fireplace.
- Remove the balloon before you light a fire. The balloon needs to be removed before you start a fire so smoke or gas doesn't fill your home. Chimney balloons have a fail-safe if you forget to remove them and will deflate when it's heated.[14]
- Keep a reminder card or tie something to the handle of the balloon so you don't forget it's there.
- Reinflate the chimney balloon once the chimney is cold. Place the balloon back into the chimney so it fits firmly. Chimney balloons can be reused as long as it holds air. If it has a leak, replace the balloon.[15]
- Have your chimney inspected and cleaned once a year so build-up does not form. Excess build-up can cause a chimney fire.[16]
- Be careful operating any metal cords or levers after a fire is lit. Use pliers or an oven mitt to prevent any burns.
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| How to Keep Your Feet Dry in the Rain Posted: 02 Sep 2018 09:00 AM PDT If the fear of soggy socks is enough to keep you confined to your home during a stiff downpour, it may be time to invest in some footwear that's appropriate for wet weather. Materials like leather and Gore Tex provide excellent water resistance, or you could try waterproofing an old pair of sneakers using a repellent wax or oil. And, of course, you'll want to keep your distance from puddles, heavy streams, and other wet spots that could leave you with wrinkly toes. - Pull on a pair of rain boots. Rain boots are designed specifically for this purpose, so it's no wonder they work so well. The thick rubber material used to make them is completely impervious to water, and will keep your feet and lower legs dry up to about shin-height, or even higher, if you go with a knee-length model.[1]
- You can even find lined and insulated rain boots for protection from winter storms and treks through wet, cold conditions.
- If you're going to be making your way through several feet of standing water, consider purchasing a pair of waders, which are essentially extra-tall rain boots.
- Switch to shoes that are made from water-resistant materials. Synthetic fabrics like nylon and Gore-Tex are tough for moisture to saturate, making them ideal for mild inclement weather. Leather is another material with natural water-resistant properties. Full-grain leather has stood the test of torrential rains for centuries.[2]
- Be sure to grab a pair with a solid, one-piece construction, as water can still seep through woven fabrics when submerged or exposed to a heavy downpour.
- Keep an eye out for water resistant products from your favorite brands. Nowadays, more and more companies are offering water resistant versions of classic styles.
- Waterproof your shoes yourself. Assuming you don't want to drop a bundle on a new pair of shoes or boots, you have the option of re-outfitting an old pair. Treating leather and textile footwear with a quality oil or silicone spray will instantly make them more wet-weather worthy. If your go-to kicks are canvas, rub them down with an even coat of all-natural beeswax.[3]
- It may be necessary to reapply your waterproofing agent of choice periodically, depending on how frequently you go stomping around in soupy settings.
- The oily molecules in most oils, waxes, and sprays actually block and repel water, keeping it from coming into contact with the vulnerable material underneath.
- You can typically find waterproofing products at shoe stores and outdoor supply shops. If you're not having any luck, try purchasing them online.[4]
- Invest in some quality shoe covers. Shoe covers slip right over the shoes you're wearing and cinch snugly to the ankle to provide a top-to-bottom buffer against rain and standing water. The biggest advantage of shoe covers is that you can wear whatever you want on your feet without worrying about them getting wet, rather than having the weather dictate your choice of footwear for the day.[5]
- Shoe covers are available at most major shoe stores, as well as outdoor retailers in the rain gear section. They can often be purchased for as little as $10.
- If your feet are on the small side, a shower cap could double as a makeshift shoe cover in a pinch.[6]
- Wear wool socks. Ditch your ordinary cotton socks and trade them in for a pair spun from merino wool. Wool is naturally lightweight, breathable, and moisture-wicking, so your feet will dry much faster even if you do happen to get drenched. For this reason, they're an excellent companion for water-resistant or waterproofed footwear.[7]
- Wool socks will even make sweaty feet less of an issue when it's not raining cats and dogs.
- Best of all, wool can be worn year-round—the material's superior ventilation means your feet won't get as hot in the warm spring and summer months.[8]
- Cover your feet with plastic bags. When you've got no other options available, a little ingenuity can spare you the discomfort of walking around with cold, wet feet all day. Slip into a pair of clean, dry socks (preferably wool), then bundle a plastic shopping bag or waste basket liner around each foot. Smooth out the excess material and secure the plastic around your ankles using tape.[9]
- Fit your fortified feet into your shoes, making sure there's as little plastic showing as possible, or pull a second pair of socks on over the bags for maximum protection against the elements.
- This trick works well with ordinary sneakers and boots, but may not be as successful when attempted with slip-ons, heels, dress shoes, or similar styles.
EditFinding Other Ways to Stay Dry - Avoid walking in areas where rainwater has collected. Tread carefully and scan the ground with your eyes as you go. Take an alternate route, if need be. Since your goal is to keep your feet from inadvertently becoming sponges, the last thing you want to do is sink ankle-deep into a puddle because you aren't looking where you're going.
- Overhangs, underpasses, and gutters are other places where water tends to flow freely following a heavy rain.
- If you have no choice but to step through a puddle or stream, do it on tiptoe to keep the parts of your shoes that are most easily infiltrated out of the water.
- Run to escape sudden showers. When it begins pouring unexpectedly, head for a dry, covered spot on the double. The faster you move, the fewer raindrops you'll be exposed to and the sooner you'll make it to a place where you can wait out the worst of the storm.[10]
- Watch your step. The surface you're running on is likely to become slick once it gets wet.
- Tree branches, extended ledges, and other natural and man-made objects can provide a little helpful cover until you reach a better shelter.
- Have a friend drive you around. Call up your most dependable pal and ask them if they would mind giving you a ride to run some quick errands. They'll be able to drop you off and pick you up right at the entrance, minimizing the amount of time you spend sloshing through rain-soaked parking lots and city streets.
- Offer to pay your friend back by treating them to lunch or putting up a few dollars for fuel.
- Bring along an extra pair of socks. If you've taken every possible precaution and still ended up with wet feet, never fear. Simply throw a second pair of socks into your purse, backpack, or gym bag to serve as a backup. You'll be glad you did in the event that you actually have to use them![11]
- Be sure to leave your spare socks where they won't get wet. A glove box or locker is a more secure location for them than inside one of your jacket pockets.
- Keep a pair of water resistant shoes in your bag or the trunk of your car so you'll be prepared in the event of an unforeseen drizzle.
- Read reviews of water-resistant footwear and other products to find out how well they actually work. Otherwise, you could end up spending a big chunk of change only to discover that they don't.
- Cotton absorbs far more moisture than other materials. In most cases, it's best to reserve those canvas hi-tops or slippers for dryer days.
- Not only are wet feet uncomfortable, they can actually lead to serious health risks like fungal infections, trench foot, and leptospirosis if they stay damp for too long.
EditThings You'll Need - Rain boots
- Water-resistant footwear
- Waterproofing agent
- Shoe covers
- Wool socks
- Plastic bags
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| How to Send Luggage to Another State Posted: 02 Sep 2018 01:00 AM PDT When you travel, dealing with luggage is sometimes the hardest part. Bags that are only a few pounds over the weight limit, extra airline fees, and long lines are just the beginning. What do you do when you don't want to deal with the extra hassle at the airport, or when you're taking a road trip and your car is packed to the brim? That's when sending luggage comes in handy. By using a mailing service or a luggage forwarding service, you can send your luggage to another state with no hassle. EditUsing a Mailing Service like UPS or FedEx - Weigh and measure your bag. Use a bathroom scale and a tape measure to take the weight and dimensions of each bag you're sending. Knowing the size and weight of your bag before you visit the UPS or FedEx store will speed up the process and let you know how much to expect to pay.[1]
- The heavier and bigger the bag, the more expensive it will generally be to ship.
- If you don't have a scale or a measuring tape at home, these services can be performed for you at a UPS or FedEx store.[2]
- Bring your luggage to a UPS or FedEx store. Go to your local UPS or FedEx store with your luggage and talk to an associate. Tell them when you want your luggage to arrive at its destination. Do you need your luggage overnighted, or can you wait a week before it gets to your destination?
- The faster you want your luggage to arrive, the more expensive it will be.[3]
- Some locations offer door-to-door luggage pick-up services.[4] Check with your local branch to see if this is an option if your area.
- Use a luggage box. Many UPS or FedEx stores offer luggage boxes.[5] These are heavy duty cardboard boxes that you can put your luggage in to ensure nothing falls out or breaks during travel. If your suitcase isn't very durable, this is a good option.
- If you use one, make sure you're aware of the guidelines for what can and cannot be sent.[6]
- You can also have the store ship your luggage as-is, with no box.
- Write down the destination. UPS or FedEx stores can ship your luggage to a variety of places from a home residence to a hotel. Double-check the address to ensure your luggage arrives at the right place.
- Get the tracking information. Make sure you get the tracking information for your luggage so you can be aware of its progress in transit.[7] You can track your luggage using your mobile device.
EditUsing a Luggage Forwarding Service - Choose a service. There are many luggage forwarding services out there, like DUFL, Luggage Forward, or Send My Bag.[8] Research each one and see which option best suits your needs. How does the pricing compare? What option is offered in your area?
- DUFL, for example, caters to business travelers and can store, wash, and pack your clothes for you.[9]
- Luggage Forward is known for shipping sports gear like skis as well as clothes.[10]
- Personalized services like these will usually be more expensive than mailing services like UPS or FedEx.
- Schedule your luggage for pick-up. Most luggage forwarding services offer door-to-door pick-up and delivery. You'll need to schedule a time with the company for your luggage to be picked up. Make sure it's ready and waiting by the door.
- Some companies offer an online booking option to make the process even easier.
- Buy insurance. Some companies offer a base level of insurance that's included with the price of shipping your bag. If the value of your luggage is greater than the amount of included insurance, you'll want to buy additional insurance.[11]
- Track your bags. Make sure you get the tracking information for your bags so you don't have to worry about where they are. Tracking information gives you specific information about exact location and estimated delivery times.
- Luggage forwarding services will let you know when your luggage has arrived at its destination, as well.
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