Choosing the Right Fire Extinguisher

Moving into our house last year, my wife and I had to make sure we had the bare essentials. These usually involve things like lawn equipment, cleaning supplies, home repair tools and the like. However, one thing that we didn't consider at first was a fire extinguisher. While as many as 75 percent of homes have a fire extinguisher of some kind, there are many out there that don't know their classifications, and at worst, how to use the extinguisher itself.

For the uninitiated (I am including myself in this category), This Old House has put together a list of tips and tools on how to choose and use fire extinguishers. It covers the three types of fire extinguishers (A for flammable items such as wood or cardboard, B for flammable liquids and C for electricity) as well as other useful pieces of information for fire safety newbies like myself. I think the most interesting portion of the article would have to be the section that recommends the size of fire extinguisher that is appropriate for different places. If I'm being honest here, I'd admit that I didn't know fire extinguishers came in as many sizes as This Old House lists. The more you know, right?

To read more about fire extinguishers, I'd definitely recommend checking out This Old House. How many of you have fire extinguishers in your home? Do you know how to use them?

Which HDTV is Right for You?

If you’re in the market for a new HDTV the sheer volume of choice on the market can be a little overwhelming. Many people simply don’t take the time to learn enough about their options and end up with a TV that doesn’t suit their needs.

Instead of just wandering around your local big box store like a kid in a very expensive candy store and relying on the high-school students/sales assistants for advice, go in prepared like a pro and you’ll be sure to find the right TV. Here are the decisions you should make before heading to the store to buy:

• Screen Size – This comes down to two main concerns: money and space. It’s no fun to come home with a new TV that won’t fit in your room, so measure where you’re planning on setting up the TV to set your maximum screen size. And while everyone wants a huge screen, you may have to compromise to fit your budget—work out the minimum screen size that will make you happy. Now you have a range of screen sizes that will work for your needs.

Make Your Move Smoother with WhiteFence

Moving is incredibly exciting and amazingly stressful at the same time. My wife and I moved into our first house last year, and it was one of the most daunting projects we’ve ever had to deal with. Luckily, we planned our move with WhiteFence and everything went nice and smoothly.

Here are just some of the ways WhiteFence can help make your move a little easier:

• Organize everything with our moving checklist – Planning is the first step to a smooth move. Our checklist tool lays out everything you’re going to have to do, and when you’re going to have to do it. You may be surprised just how many things you haven’t thought of yet. Get started with the moving checklist now.

• Get quotes on moving service – No one wants to have to lug all of their junk to their next house. Leave the heavy lifting to the professionals and hire a moving company for your move. Visit our mover quotes page, tell us some details about your move and you’ll start receiving affordable customized quotes from moving companies. Get mover quotes for your move now.

• Change your address online – Who has time to waste an afternoon in line at the post office? At WhiteFence, you can change your address for free in just minutes. Change your address online now.

• Set up your utilities and home connections – Getting your new home up and running means connecting lots of services: phone, Internet, television, electricity, natural gas and more. Instead of wasting a weekend on the phone calling a million providers, simply enter your address on WhiteFence.com and you can start comparing offers from all the top companies in just seconds. Compare and order home services now.

• Change your locks – Many people don’t really give their new house keys a second though, but that can be a mistake. Just imagine how many people the previous owner has loaned keys to. Do you want all of those people to be able to open up your house whenever they please? Of course not. WhiteFence let’s you compare locksmith service to keep your home safe for less. Find a locksmith now.

Good luck with your move! Let me know if you have any questions about moving by leaving a comment.

How to Set Up a Wireless Network

If you’ve just ordered a new high-speed Internet package, chances are you’re probably ready to start making the most of it. One of the coolest things you can do with your new service is to cut the cord and set up a wireless network for your home. This lets you use Internet service on laptops, desktops, and all sorts of other nifty devices like DVRs and game consoles, without any wires. How futuristic!

Many Internet providers will furnish a wireless router, either for free or with an additional charge. But, if you are looking to set up your wireless network on your own, check out these handy steps:

• Make sure your devices are ready – Setting up a new wireless network without making sure your stuff is wireless-ready is like buying an awesome new cereal without checking that you have milk at home. Avoid disappointment by checking your computer and device specs to make sure they are ready. Most laptops and many desktops from the last few years come equipped with wireless ability right out of the box, but it’s always best to check.


• Buy a wireless router – There are a million options on the shelves, and they seem to change daily. With that in mind, instead of giving you specific recommendations here, I’m referring you to Cnet’s excellent, constantly updated guide to the best wireless routers on the market. Check through the reviews to find the router that best meets your needs and budget. Then buy it.

Cable vs. Satellite

There are more options for television service out there than ever before. While this is good news for consumers, all the choices can be a little daunting when it comes time to order a television package. One of the first things most people have to figure out is whether they are going to go with a cable provider or a satellite provider.

In order to make that first big decision just a little easier, I’ve come up with this handy list of things to consider when comparing cable and satellite.

• Similarities – Cable and satellite have a lot in common. All of these are features available on both platforms: HDTV service, local channels, pay-per-view programming, on-demand options, DVR service and premium channels (such as HBO, Showtime and Starz).
• Availability – Unfortunately, not every area is served by a cable provider. In areas like this, satellite is usually the only choice for non-broadcast television. If you’re unsure on what your options are, enter your address at WhiteFence to find a list of providers that serve your area.
• Digital vs. Analog – All satellite channels are 100 percent digital, but with cable some channels may be analog. Analog is quickly becoming a thing of the past though, so it’s possible to have a totally digital cable package.
• Equipment – Satellite service requires more equipment than cable, the biggest addition being a satellite dish that has to be mounted on your house for reception. Depending on the provider or contract you sign up for, this equipment may come at a price. Also, while both satellite and digital cable require a box for each television, basic cable content does not require a box.
• Bundling – In general, cable companies provide a little more choice when it comes to bundling telephone and Internet service with your television package.
• Programming – While most channels are available on both platforms, some things can be exclusive to one provider. For example, NFL Sunday Ticket is only available on DIRECTV.
• Weather – In bad weather, satellite reception quality can suffer. If you live somewhere with lots of extreme weather, this may be something to consider.
• View – For satellite television to function, you’ll need to have a clear view of the southern sky. This is not a problem for most people, but something to keep in mind if you live in dense forest.

Whichever option you end up choosing, WhiteFence has you covered. Start comparing your options now at our television service page!

Need Help Keeping Your New Year's Resolutions?

Every year, millions of us start the new year off with promises to make positive changes. Millions of others swear this is the year they won't make any resolutions at all! For those of us in former group, there are plenty of resources to help get started and stay motivated. And we'll probably need all the help we can get!

According to ProactiveChange.com, between 40 to 45% of American adults make one or more resolutions each year. However, only about half of those resolutions make it past the six-month mark. You shouldn't give up all hope, as they also found that people who explicitly make resolutions are 10 times more likely to attain their goals than people who don't.

New Year's resolutions are so popular for Americans that even the government wants to help. USA.gov provides links to resources on everything from weight loss to saving money to reducing stress. If you need a little more help setting and keeping up with your goals, check out the New Year's Resolution Kit from Psychology Today. This handy worksheet walks you step-by-step toward resolutions that are, "realistic, achievable, and meaningful."

If your resolutions include lowering your bills, moving to a new city, or making greener energy choices, WhiteFence.com is here to help, too!

Here's to a happier, wealthier, greener 2010!

How to Change Your Address Online with WhiteFence

Have you ever had to drag yourself down to the post office and stand in that never-ending line just to change your address? Then right as you get to the front of the line most of the postal workers seem to disappear and you're left with the disgruntled one that is mad at you because they can' go on break.

Well say goodbye to those dreadful days, because WhiteFence can help you change your address easily online. Watch our short video demonstration to see for yourself how simple and fast changing your address with WhiteFence can be.

How to Choose the Right HDTV

Ready to take the plunge this holiday season and buy a new HDTV, but overwhelmed with all of the options on the market? Don’t worry—you’re not alone. With the multitude of confusing choices on the shelves and new features showing up on a seemingly weekly basis, even the most tech savvy of us can get a little confused when it comes to TV shopping.

“What size screen do I need?” “Should I go with an LCD or a plasma?” “What in the heck are refresh rates and which one is right for me?” If these are the sort of questions that run through your head at in the TV aisle of your local big box store, HDGuru is here to help. They have published an in-depth guide to help you navigate through the HDTV maze and emerge with the perfect television for your needs.

Check out the guide here.

Recycle Your Old Cell Phone

This holiday season when you open your gift and find a brand new cell phone for you to tinker around with, don't forget to be green and recycle your old phone.

I found this awesome post that has all kinds of information about recycling your old cell. You can drop it off at certain retail locations such as a few select Target and Radio Shack stores. You can even mail it in. If the cell phone is in good condition you might want to donate to a charity like Call to Protect that refurbishes old cells and gives them to people who have suffered domestic abuse.

So if you need to recycle your old phone, read Bluetooth? iPhone? Don't just ditch the Old Phone.

Save Money and Go Green by Upgrading Your Home’s Insulation

Yahoo! Green has posted an in-depth guide on how to lower your bills and reduce your carbon footprint by upgrading your home’s insulation. On average, heating costs make up about one third of a home’s energy budget, making insulation upgrades one of the quickest ways to make your home more energy efficient.

The article walks you through how you can identify trouble areas in your home and how to choose your new insulation. Included is an in-depth breakdown of every style of insulation on the market, featuring innovative new green choices like bio-based fibers, radiant barriers and blown-in insulation. To help you determine which type of insulation is best for your situation, the guide even provides a link to a handy cost-to-savings calculator.

With winter just around the corner, there’s not much time left to protect your home from the cold before temperatures drop and energy rates soar, so consider upgrading your home’s insulation today.