Make Your Home Pollen-Free In Three Steps

Seasonal allergy sufferers know how difficult hay fever season can be. Sometimes, it seems like there’s no escaping the terrible symptoms no matter whether you’re outside or indoors.

But there are ways of achieving the kind of clean air in your home that will help to remove pollen from the air you breathe and minimize your allergy symptoms.

1. Keep Your Windows and Doors Closed

From spring to fall, you’ll notice during the weather report that they often include a current pollen count. That’s because, a wide range of plants, weeds, grasses and trees produce pollen during this time.

It gets released into the air, triggering allergy symptoms like itchy and watery eyes, runny noses, and even asthma in some cases.

Your first line of defense in keeping these airborne allergens at bay is to prevent them from entering by keeping your doors and windows closed, particularly during the hours most associated with high pollen counts. These include the early morning and midday (roughly 10 AM to 3 PM).

2. Install a HEPA Filter In Your AC

The filter in your AC is designed to remove dust and dirt from the air before it enters into your ductwork on its way to the various rooms of your home. Did you know that air filters are not all created equal?

If you or members of your family are allergy sufferers, you should look for a filter that is designated with the HEPA symbol. HEPA, which stands for High-Efficiency Particulate Air, means that these filters will do a better job of trapping tiny particles like dust mites, pet dander and, of course, pollen, as air is forced through their fine mesh.

eUsing a HEPA filter will significantly reduce the amount of pollen entering your house and circulating through your home.

3. Lower the Humidity In Your Home

Allergens, like dust mites and mold spores, thrive in environments with high moisture content in the air. With the addition of a dehumidifier in your home, you can keep the relative humidity below 50%, which will provide some relief for your allergy symptoms and make your home feel more comfortable.

By doing these three simple things, you won’t have to put up with all of the sneezing, red, itchy eyes, and other symptoms of seasonal allergies, at least while you’re in your home.

And for more great ways to have clean air in your home, the experts at Peterson Plumbing, in Grand Junction, CO, are only a phone call away at 970-399-7063.

Tips for UV Safety Awareness Month

July is Ultraviolet (UV) Rays Safety Awareness Month. Never expose your skin to unsolicited sunlight attention without sunscreen protection. Make a pledge to yourself to protect your skin from UV damage.

Prolonged UV Exposure

Every time you go outside during daylight hours, you are exposed to UV rays. A quick walk down the driveway to the mailbox probably won’t do any short term damage but prolonged exposure can have several consequences:

• Sunburn: Red, peeling skin is uncomfortable and unattractive.
• Skin damage: Sun exposure can lead to wrinkles, premature aging, and unwanted freckles.
• Skin cancer: Sunburn and sun exposure have been linked to skin cancer.

How can I keep from getting burned?

Avoid direct sunlight to your skin by:

1. Sunscreen. Experts recommend using at least Sun Protection Factor (SPF) 30-50 and applying 15 minutes before going outdoors. Remember that sunscreen loses its effectiveness after 2 hours (Always read the direction). Make sure to bring sunscreen when you are planning a day outside.
2. Protective Clothing. Wide-brimmed hats can protect the delicate skin on your face. Some clothing has built-in SPF protection. Don’t forget SPF-rated sunglasses to protect your eyes.
3. Shade. The best way to block the sun is to stay out of the sun during the hot times. Spend some time under a tree, canopy, or bring an umbrella.

What’s the Hottest Time of Day?

While the sun is highest in the sky at noon, the hottest time of the day is actually around 3:00 p.m. During summer, sunlight is most intense between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Remember that even on a cloudy day, UV rays can still cause skin damage and even sunburn. Sometimes the best way to protect yourself on a hot summer day is to relax with a cold drink inside your climate-controlled environment.
Make sure your home stays cool this summer. Call Peterson Plumbing, in Grand Junction, CO, at (513) 398-5907 to schedule an A/C tune-up today.

Home Improvement Projects to Complete Before the 4th of July

Preparing Your Home

With the 4th of July weekend just around the corner, its time to get your home ready for the star-spangled celebration.

There is no better time for all those home improvements you have been dying to get done.

Your home should be up-to-date before you host your friends and family. So here are a few home improvements projects that you can tackle.

Clean the deck

A clean deck is the rich, inviting hallmark of your yard. A sparkling clean, well-maintained deck can be very inviting.

Other than the fresh look, cleaning your deck maintains the integrity of the wood and provides a longer deck life.

It is, therefore, important you make sure that your deck is safe and clean before the holiday weekend.

On that account, there is no better time to give your deck a thorough cleaning as the 4th of July weekend approaches. Here are simple steps to cleaning your deck.

Step 1 – Preparation

Prepare to clean your deck by getting rid of anything that could get in your way. Remove all the potted plants and the patio furniture. If you have fragile plants in the ground near your deck, cover them lightly to protect them from any potential disturbance.

Step 2 – Sweep your deck

Simply get rid of debris by sweeping them into a trash bag. Use a slender tool to remove any debris that is trapped in between the deck boards.

Step 3 – Hose off/power-wash your deck

Wash the surface of your deck using your garden hose with a spray attachment. Aim directly at the muddied spots using the highest setting on the sprayer to remove as much dirt as possible. Rince your deck, beginning at one end and continuing until the entire deck is rinsed.

Step 4 – Cleanse your deck

Use a solution of water and a laundry detergent or a commercial cleaner. Apply the solution to the deck and scrub it using a push broom or a long-handled brush with stiff bristles. Rince off the deck with plain water to remove the cleaning solution.

Step 5- Bleach

If your deck has algae or mildew growth bleach it with a solution of 1 part bleach to 4 parts water. Allow the bleach to sit for 10-15 minutes depending on how old the growth is. Scrub the area once again and rinse it clean.

Persistent areas will require a second bleach scrub. Allow the area to dry before treating it again. Allow your deck to dry completely before applying a sealant. It may take 2-3 full days to dry.

Step 6 – Reseal your deck

Purchase a wood sealer based on your preference and needs. A good sealer should include a waterproofing agent that offer your deck a year-round protection. Follow the directions on the sealant as you apply it.

Step 7- Redecorate

Once your sealer has dried off, go ahead and replace your furniture along with your potted flowers or any other items you wish to keep.

Clean Outdoor Grills

The memorial weekend offers the most pleasurable time to barbecue. But have you cleaned up your grill? To clean a gas grill, turn the heat to maximum, close the lid and leave it on for 25 minutes. Wait until it has cooled down to clean the racks with a grill brush. For the exterior, clean with warm water or a gentle cleanser.

To clean a charcoal grill, empty the old charcoal and ashes and wash the entire grill with hot water and dishwasher soap. Allow it to dry completely.

Clean your windows

Windows naturally light and brighten your home and have a significant effect on how people perceive your home. They also affect the overall heat efficiency of your home.

To self-clean your windows, invest in a good squeegee that has a long handle. You can use soapy water or glass cleaner, whatever you preference may be. You can also schedule a window cleaning service for a thorough and a convenient clean.

Check Your Outside Faucets

Winter is over! It’s time to turn your outside faucets on to wash and spray off the patio, clean your windows and run water for yard work purposes in the preparation for the 4th of July holiday.

As you enjoy this time in your yard, be sure to take all the necessary steps to guarantee you don’t end up with a flooded basement that could cause a costly mess. Outside faucets are prone to freeze damage, and it’s important to make sure that they are in good working conditions. Turn on the outside faucet and let it run while you go back inside the basement to check for any leaks.

Check Your Air Conditioning

Summer extends throughout the month of July. Therefore, The 4th of July celebrations are at the peak month of summer. Check to see that your air conditioning is cooling properly before your weekend holiday.

Schedule an inspection for your home’s central A/C system. Remove debris on your window units and clean the filters before turning them on. Also, clean the blades of your ceiling fans with a damp piece of cloth.

Lawn Care Tips

During the 4th of July celebrations, the weather is usually nice and sunny. At this time of the year, you need to prepare your lawn for the fun and traffic of the holiday weekend. Here are a few care tips that will get your lawn in shape for the holiday.

• Lawns love the sun: clean all leaves, debris or branches from your yard.
• Fill up all bare spots with an early germinating seed after raking up all the dead grass.
• Test your soil for nutrients, PH, and mineral levels to learn what your soil is deprived oand add the recommended amount.
• Core aerate your lawn to open the soil for healthier plants.
• Apply fertilizer to enhance plant growth.
• Have your sprinkler system up and working.

The staff here at Peterson Plumbing in Grand Junction, CO has the experience you can count on, so call us today at (970)-399-7063 to receive the expertise you need before making one of the largest investments in your life.

3 Things You Should Know About Summer Solstice

The summer solstice is going to be happening in just a few weeks, but many people do not realize the meaning or origins of this event. The summer solstice has been celebrated for thousands of years. It is commonly referred to as “the longest day of the year,” but this is not all that happens during the summer solstice.

What Is the Summer Solstice?

According to astronomy, a solstice happens when the tilt of a planet is most inclined towards the star it rotates around. This means that the summer solstice occurs when the Northern Hemisphere is pointed as far towards the sun as possible during its yearly rotation. In the summer solstice, the Northern hemisphere experiences the most hours of daylight during the year, and summer officially starts.

Ways to Prepare for Summer Solstice

Why Do We Have Longer Days in Summer?

During the time around the summer solstice, the days are very long. This happens because the northern half of the Earth has tilted towards the sun, so it spends more time in the sunshine each day. Meanwhile, the farther half of the Earth has tilted away from the sun. Meaning that in certain places, like Australia, they will experience darker days and cooler weather during the summer solstice. However, if you travel far enough north during the summer solstice, the sun will appear to travel around the horizon instead of setting each night because the days are so long.

Where Does the Phrase “Solstice” Come From?

The name, “solstice,” comes from the Latin language. It is a combination of “sol,” which means sun,” and “sisto,” which means “I stand still.” Therefore, the basic phrase used to refer to the longest day of the year means “the sun stands still.” A solstice was called this by the ancient Romans because the day was so long that it seemed like the sun was practically standing still in the sky for most of the day.

Enjoy the long summer days in Grand Junction, CO without worrying about your plumbing. Call Peterson Plumbing today at (970)-255-8430 to learn more about how we can meet your summer needs.

Garbage Disposal Smelling Funky? Release the Odor with These Five Tips!

Do you have a garbage disposal in your kitchen sink? Are you noticing a smell that you just can’t get rid of? Is that odor growing to the point that you don’t like to be in your kitchen and your family members are beginning to complain? Are you wondering if your kitchen will ever return to normal? If you’ll be able to walk in without holding your nose?

If you are having garbage disposal odor issues, you certainly are not alone. Garbage disposal odor is a common problem for many homeowners across the country – and it has to do with the natural collection of different foods and materials in your garbage disposal.

The good news is that every garbage disposal can get that fresh smell once again with a few simple, inexpensive tricks. Best of all, the odors often can be addressed with natural home remedies. Continue reading our quick guide of the top five tips for getting rid of odor in your garbage disposal, and begin smelling freshness once again!

Tip #1: Release Odors with H20

Before you run out to the store to spend money you could save on a garbage disposal cleaner, try a few natural remedies that just might do the trick.

Sometimes food particles are caught in the disposal, and they just need a little loosening. To do this, run hot water down your drain for a few minutes while the disposal is on. Leave the kitchen for about 15 minutes and return to test the air with your nose.

Tip #2: Throw in a Few Cubes

Fill your disposal with ice cubes. Turn on the cool water and then the disposal. The crushing of the ice in the disposal acts with an abrasive force and helps to freeze food particles that are lingering in the disposal.

Continue this process for a few cycles. Leave the kitchen for about 15 minutes, and then return to take a whiff. If needed, you can repeat this process again.

Tip #3: Whip up a Kitchen Concoction

You also can try the home remedy of using baking soda and vinegar in your disposal. Measure about a half cup of baking soda, and dump it into your disposal. Follow with about a half cup of vinegar. Let your concoction sit in your garbage disposal for a few minutes, and then turn on the hot water to flush it away.

With these three natural home remedies for combating odor in your garbage disposal, you’re also naturally cleaning your disposal and protecting it from any corrosive commercial cleaners that may damage your disposal over time.

Tip #4: Don’t Underestimate the Power of Citrus

If water and ice aren’t doing the trick, you can deploy the power of citrus in your drain. Chop up a lemon or an orange into small chunks. It is Okay to leave the peel on these fruits, but the key is to chop the fruit into small chunks so your disposal does not get overwhelmed.

Turn on the water once again, as you never want to run your garbage disposal without the water running, and then drop the fruit chunks into the disposal, one piece a time until all of the pieces have been ground. If after you’ve tried these tips, you still have a smell lingering in your disposable, then you may want to consider a biodegradable disposal cleaner that is made for garbage disposals.

Never use drain cleaning products such as Drano in your garbage disposal. These products are made for drains, and the chemicals used in them may quickly corrode the garbage disposal’s parts.

Tip #5: Avoid Putting These Objects in Your Disposal

Sometimes education about your garbage disposal is everything. Some people don’t know that certain foods have a way of naturally clogging your garbage disposal and getting stuck. When enough of those food particles get caught in your disposal not only do you have a clogged disposal and likely clogged pipes connected to the disposal – but you all have trapped food particles that begin to rot and to smell.

Before you flush something down your disposal, think twice. Avoid foods such as potatoes, bananas, rice, pasta and beans. These foods have the tendency to expand when grounded up in a disposal, creating a clog that is difficult to overcome. Also, avoid stuffing into your disposal any kinds of fibrous foods – such as onion skins, celery, asparagus, corn husks, artichokes, lettuce, and carrots. These foods have a tendency to get wrapped around the blades of your disposal.

You also should avoid pouring grease, oils and fats into your disposal, as these liquids solidify and not only start to smell but will begin clogging your drains. Finally, egg shells and any non-food items are an absolute no-no. A garbage disposal is a powerful appliance –- but it’s not a landfill for your kitchen. Use wisdom and know what you can and cannot put down your disposal to avoid a clog and a resulting odor that fills your beautiful kitchen and makes it an unpleasant place to be.

Ready to take on those pesky odors in your kitchen? Remember these five top tips as you are working in your kitchen and trying to understand how your garbage disposal works and should be maintained over time.

With a little know-how and a few simple tricks, you’ll be able to keep your garbage disposal in working order and you’ll be able to keep your kitchen smelling fresh for weeks to come. The power is in your hands – literally – and you’ll feel great knowing you fixed the problem at hand. For the tougher plumbing issues, call in the experts to help you solve your garbage disposal problems.

Learn more about how the experts at Peterson Plumbing in Grand Junction, Colorado can help you with your plumbing issues by calling (970)-255-8430.

It’s the time of year when everyone is excited about new beginnings and fresh starts. It’s a time for setting goals and reaching out to be your best. If you’re looking for some personal growth in 2016, then here are a couple of easy ideas that could lead you just where you want to be.

Don’t let yourself “hang out” in a negative place.   Now, I’m not talking about literally hanging out in negative places, although that wouldn’t be good either. But, I’m talking about not letting yourself dwell on the negative thoughts inside your mind.

Let’s face it, life happens and sometimes there is really hard, terrible stuff we have to deal with. But think about this: two people can go through the same bad experience and one can come out stronger and the other can be broken. How is that possible?

Usually, the difference between a person who recovers with resilience and one who folds and never recovers, is the way negative experience are processed in their own minds. Of course, there are life-altering events that can happen to a person that shakes them to their very core, and sometimes they need professional help and support to recover. But, for most of life’s ups and downs, a real change between the ears can do wonders for your personal growth.

One way to avoid staying in a negative place is to simply not allow yourself to do it. Accept what happened and then replace these feelings and thoughts with “bright spots,” the things in your life you are truly grateful for. Experts seem to agree that people who make a daily practice of gratitude are inherently happier.

Another proven way to expand your personal growth is to give to others. Giving makes you happier and will make you feel good. There are many ways you can incorporate giving into your life. Whether it’s helping an elderly neighbor clear their driveway of snow, taking cookies to a friend, cheering up a depressed friend with a text message or card, contributing to a family in need, giving to a favorite charity, or volunteering to help in an assisted living home or hospital. Giving, in any way, will help you to grow and be happier.

Who doesn’t want to have beautiful, glowing skin? No matter what your age, you can have a healthy glow and look awesome.

Here are a few easy steps you can add to your daily routine to boost the glow factor for your skin.

#1: Dry skin brush. Have you heard of this daily ritual? It’s easy and cheap, and many people swear by it. You need a natural bristle body brush, and you can usually pick one up at the health food store for less than ten bucks. Then, before you shower each day, use the brush in sweeping motions starting at your toes and working your way up your body. Sweep towards your heart and then go ahead with your shower. Many people claim this dry brushing will stimulate your lymph system and exfoliate dead skin, giving your body a fresh glow. Check out www.MindBodyGreen.com under “dry skin brushing” for a nice article on this technique.

#2: Take collagen. Last month we talked about healing bone broth. Well, many experts claim the collagen in bone broth can help your skin be healthier and firmer. Lots of companies make tasteless collagen powders that mix easily with water and other liquids. Find one that works for you and try adding it into your daily routine. (For some interesting reading on this subject go to www.DrAxe.com and search “collagen.”)

#3: Drink your greens. Unless you’ve been living under a rock somewhere, you’ve heard all about the benefits of drinking green juices and smoothies. One of the many side effects of drinking the green stuff happens to be giving your skin a nice, healthy glow. (Kris Carr of www.KrisCarr.com is a wonderful resource if you want to get started pursuing your glow this way.)

*Disclaimer: These are just suggestions, I’m not a doctor or health specialist of any kind, so please clear anything your do with your doctor.

It’s a New Year and that means it’s the perfect benchmark for trying new things, setting goals, and making resolutions. Many people are interested in improving their health both physically and fiscally, so here are a couple of easy ideas for 2016:

#1: Move More. Everyone hears about how we need to stay active and move more. Experts are even starting to claim, “sitting is the new smoking.” Obviously, we are living at a time when it’s really easy to be sedentary, and unlike our ancestors, moving and being physically active takes a bit of conscious effort. So, why not just set an easy 30-minute goal for yourself this year? Thirty minutes of activity a day could be a walk, a run, dancing with your kids, doing a YouTube video class, or a trip to the gym. Find a way to break a sweat for 30 minutes a day and it could be transformational.*

#2: Save More. This is easier than it sounds, especially if you can do it in a way that is painless. Take 5% of your paycheck and set it in an untouchable account. Make a game of saving money with the whole family. Set a budget and try to pay in cash, take the money you save and put it aside. You just might surprise yourself at how much extra you can squirrel away when you put your mind to it.

#3: Eat Less. Okay, losing weight isn’t rocket science; it’s just science. Experts say if you eat fewer calories than you burn, you’ll lose weight.   So why is it so darn hard? Sometimes the biggest battle is just between our ears. If you really decide to just commit and then cut down on your portion sizes, you might be pleasantly surprised by your results. Weight loss doesn’t have to be all or nothing; it’s a journey, not an event. Find ways to make the food you love more diet friendly, or try to fall in love with simple foods that are naturally slimming. Savor your meals, eat smaller portions, and you might just find that you’re losing weight without having to try so hard.*

#4: Spend less. You don’t have to give up your daily trip to your favorite coffee shop, but what if you just cut back a little on the expensive coffees? Or, maybe it would make sense to invest in a cappuccino machine and see if it can pay for itself with homemade gourmet coffee. Make a deal with yourself to only shop the sale racks at your favorite stores, and look for social media coupons and local discounts to fund your recreation. Again, it doesn’t have to be “painful,” because it’s these little changes that can have big effects.

*These are just suggestions, please check with your doctor before embarking on any exercise or weight loss plans.

With the advent of the Smartphone our lives have gotten easier, we can talk, connect, research, pay bills, get entertained, make a dinner reservation, and conduct business all from the palm of our hands.  But, this uber convenience does not come without a price.

Several studies have found that people check their phones from 150-221 times per day.  That is major time suckage that didn’t exist a decade ago.  We know dozens of reasons to pick up our phone but here are 2 great reasons to put it down once in a while.

#1.  Be present.  When you’re with other people, at least some of the time, make it your goal to be present and resist the urge to check statuses, texts, emails, and calls.

#2.  Free yourself.  You don’t have to do any of it.  You can choose to free yourself from checking everyone’s FB and IG posts.  You can choose to live under the radar and not tell the world every move you make.  It can be a freedom you haven’t felt since Facebook took over the world.

Hey I love my phone, too!  But it can’t hurt to take an occasional break.

October isn’t just Breast Cancer Awareness month, among many other causes, it is a month to raise awareness about shelter dogs.  That’s right, it’s National Adopt A Shelter Dog Month!  This is a cause that can bring joy to both families and dogs.  Here are 7 reasons why adopting a shelter dog is awesome…so help spread the word!

#1:  You could be saving a life.  According to www.aspca.org  approximately 1.2 million dogs are euthanized each year.  That’s a staggering number of dogs being destroyed.

#2:  You won’t be supporting puppy mills.  There is cruelty in mass breeding facilities.  Often, the animals spend their lives in a cage producing litter after litter and are destroyed when they are no longer a profit center.  Conditions are often dirty and crowded and the breeding dogs aren’t getting the companionship from a loving family they crave.

#3:  You get a dog who is already potty trained.  Everyone knows what a pain it is to deal with potty training a puppy no matter how cute they are.  When you adopt an adult dog from a shelter they usually have worked out the whole potty training thing and you get to skip that part.

#4 : You get a healthy animal.  Most shelters examine a dog upon arrival and make sure they are healthy and vaccinated.  Many also spay or neuter animals when necessary.

#5:  You know exactly what you are getting.  Most shelters have observed enough about their dogs in residence to tell you the temperament of the animal and how they will do with children.

#6:  You save money.  Adoption fees are usually nominal and a whole lot cheaper than buying from an exclusive breeder.

#7:  You set a great example to others.  When you adopt a dog from a shelter you are encouraging others to do the same.  Especially when they see what a cute and awesome dog you got!