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Ask The Pro Newsletter
-How to Care for Your Valuable Carpet
-Plant Now? Or Wait Until Spring?
-Home Sprinkler System Maintenance
-Installing Heating & Cooling Equipment
-Tips from Ace Hardware
-How to find a good contractor
Volume 2, Edition 1
The Ask The Pro Newsletter is your outlet for pre-qualified contractors, tips from professionals, and
instruction on how to find safe contractors. The Ask The Pro Newsletter is loaded with information to
keep you up to date in what to look for when hiring professionals today.
For more information on how to find qualified contractors, weekly tips from Ace Hardware, and weekly
information from qualified professionals listen to the Ask The Pro Radio Show Saturdays from 11 AM -
12 PM central on CNN 650. For more information about the Ask The Pro Radio Show click here to visit
our website!
If you are not currently a subscriber to The Ask The Pro Newsletter but would like to receive the email
on a monthly basis, you can subscribe here.
Thank you for your interest in the Ask The Pro Radio Show.
Jim Klauck
Host, Ask The Pro Radio Show
______________________________________________________________________
Clean As A Whistle, Inc.
Howard Partridge
How to Care for Your Valuable Carpet
Your carpet is a valuable investment. Any investment requires maintenance. You change the oil in your
vehicle so that the engine will last longer and to avoid costly repairs. The same is true for your carpet,
or any floor covering for that matter. By properly maintaining your carpet it will look better, last longer
and contribute to a healthier indoor environment.
Here are 5 Easy Ways to Get the Most Out of Your Carpet:
1. Check the Warranty
Copies of specific warranties on your carpet purchase may be available from your carpet retailer. Stain
resist warranties can vary from 5 to 20 years. ALL STAIN RESIST WARRANTIES REQUIRE REGULAR
CLEANING AND IMMEDIATE SPOT REMOVAL.
2. Vacuum, Vacuum, Vacuum!
It is said that the three most important rules for maintaining carpet are vacuum, vacuum, vacuum.
Vacuum your carpet often. Once or twice a week at least. Vacuuming removes the sharp soil that can
cut and slice the fiber causing premature wear. Much of this soil is not visible to the eye. Remove any
loose particles such as loose food, leaves, pieces of crayon, bugs, etc. as these items can cause a
spot on the carpet.
3. Have Your Carpet Professionally Cleaned Often
Most people don’t clean their carpet often enough. Perhaps due to the cost, the hassle factor, or
because they do not realize how important regular professional cleaning can be. For example, if your
traffic areas are visibly soiled, you have already waited too long! Traffic area soil is somewhat oily and
bonds to the carpet fibers, eventually staining the carpet. Once this has taken place, even though
professional cleaning will make it look much better, the traffic pattern will still be visible. In addition,
traffic area soil is sharp – like sandpaper – and it abrades the carpet fibers. To keep this to a minimum,
clean your traffic areas before they look visibly soiled.
As a general rule, professional cleaning by a professional, certified firm should take place about once
per year. For extremely heavy traffic areas, cleaning may be required more often. Proper professional
cleaning will not leave a sticky residue behind and can be done as many times per year as needed.
MANY STAIN RESIST WARRANTIES REQUIRE PROFESSIONAL CLEANING EVERY 2 YEARS.
Professional cleaning removes the damaging soil from the traffic areas that vacuuming has not been
able to remove. WARNING: UNINFORMED CARPET CLEANERS MAY VOID THE WARRANTY, BE VERY
SELECTIVE WHICH COMPANY YOU HIRE.
4. Remove Spots Immediately
Spots that are not immediately removed can turn into permanent stains very easily. When a carpet is
new, or has sufficient protector on it, plain tap water will remove many spots. However for those spots
that will not move easily with water, you must use a spot cleaner. Select a spot cleaner that is
recommended by the carpet manufacturer or your trained, certified professional cleaner. Most spot
removers that are purchased over the counter leave too much soap residue and can cause yellowing.
Avoid using foam carpet cleaners or any product that is not made specifically for carpet.
Apply spot cleaner sparingly to white terry cloth and gently massage spot causing it to transfer into the
cloth. Never pour spot cleaner directly on carpet. If the product that you are using seems to cause the
spot to re-soil over a few week period, discontinue use. Any spot that you are not able to remove, and
for pet urine or feces, call your professional cleaner immediately.
5. Have Carpet Protector Re-Applied
Residential nylon stain resistant carpets are treated with stain resist properties and soil resistors
known as Dupont Teflon or 3M Scotchgard. After a period of 2 to 3 years, some of the soil-resistor
wears off. At that point you should consider having a professional carpet cleaner re-apply the treatment
after professional cleaning. The soil resistor will help the soil slide off of the carpet easier when
vacuuming, spots will be easier to remove, and professional cleaning will be more effective.
Unprotected carpet soils faster, doesn’t last as long, and is prone to permanent staining.
______________________________________________________________________
Dream Landscape Design, Inc.
Melinda Sperl
Plant Now? Or Wait Until Spring?
As a landscaper my favorite question this time of year is if this is a good time of year to plant. This is
the best time to plant! In the fall and winter in the Houston area we do not get the winter extremes,
maybe a freeze now and again but nothing like our northern neighbors. Our plants do not go through
the extreme temperature changes from snow and ice (usually) and we really are more concerned
about the plants capability to make it through our hot summer than anything else.
In the winter most trees in shrubs go through a dormancy period. Now is the plants time to forget
about how their above ground parts look and they focus on what is going on underground, in their
roots. By planting now, you are ensuring that the plant focuses all of its energy on its root
establishment and in the spring it will be ready to give you a beautiful show.
Anytime you plant something the most important part you can give that plant is water so make sure for
the first two weeks you water it well and after that keep an eye on it. If we were to get the rare winter
hard freeze then you may want to cover it but for the most part just give it water and wait for the spring.
Melinda Sperl is the owner of Dream Landscape Design, Inc., a full service landscape company. You
can reach Melinda at Melinda@dreamlandscapedesign.com or www.dreamlandscapedesign.com
_____________________________________________________________________
Economy Irrigation
Brandon Seay
Home Sprinkler System Maintenance
Proper maintenance of your home’s sprinkler system can mean the difference between a lush, green
lawn or a dead one. As winter weather ensues this year, give your home’s sprinkler system some
much needed TLC to keep your lawn happy and healthy.
1. Wrap your pipes. Any above ground piping needs to be insulated from freezing weather. Most home
stores carry foam insulation tape with self-sticking adhesive for an easy, do-it-yourself fix. Or you can
try foam insulation sleeves, which can be cut to any length and made to fit almost any shape.
2. Only water once or twice. In the winter months, plants require less water than in the summer, so it’s
not necessary to stick to a strict watering schedule. Water no more than once or twice a week to keep
landscaped areas from being overwatered or flooded.
3. Check your rain sensor. Make sure your irrigation system’s rain sensor is in an open area and clear
of debris. Materials like pine needles and fallen leaves can clog the sensor keeping it from shutting on
and off properly. A simple inspection of the rain sensor can keep your landscape free from root rot and
help prevent waste water.
4. Run your system. Check to make sure no pipes are leaking and that water is being correctly
disbursed. Watch for overwatering of your house, driveway, and walkways, ensuring coverage in the
proper locations of your lawn.
5. Turn your system off. Though it’s not necessary to turn off your irrigation system in Houston, it can be
a safeguard against freezing weather. To shut off your system properly, locate the vacuum breaker. It
can typically be found near your water meter and against your house or fence line. Once found, turn
both blue knobs a quarter of a turn until they are perpendicular to the pipe they are located on. This will
shut the water off from the rest of the sprinkler system.
Economy Irrigation is a Katy-owned-and-operated business specializing in irrigation and drainage
systems and landscaping services. For more information, contact economyirrigation@hotmail.com, or
visit www.economyirrigation.com.
_____________________________________________________________________
Air Express Air Conditioning and Heating
David Svobada
Installing Heating & Cooling Equipment
When installing your new cooling and heating equipment, your contractor should do the following to
ensure a quality installation:
1. Perform a heat load to determine the proper size of the unit selected. Don't assume that the size of
your new system will be the same size as the old equipment. Bigger does not mean better. A larger
unit can experience less comfort and increase costs.
2. Measure and verify proper airflow. Humidity control is a big factor.
3. Verify that your furnace has been tested for proper gas pressure and vent piping is to current code.
4. Provide service room around the equipment for future maintenance.
5. Replace the indoor coil of the equipment when replacing the outdoor unit. To receive the maximum
efficiency, you should have a matched set.
6. Confirm the level of refrigerant charge meets the factory recommendation. It's estimated that more
than 60% of central air conditioners are incorrectly charged during installation.
7. Place the condenser (outdoor unit) in an area that can be protected from rain or vegetation. Each
manufacturer suggests guidelines for proper operations. Also, positioning is important to the current
city codes.
______________________________________________________________________
Tips From Ace Hardware
The Helpful Hardware Man's Corner - Answers by Lou Manfredini
Q: I am wanting to repaint some of the rooms in my house. How do I recognize a good paint to use?
A: Paint has three components: the binder, the pigment and the liquid. The best paints contain a
higher volume of solid materials. Pay close attention to the solid content. For example, a $13 gallon of
paint with a solid content of 19 percent might cover about 200 square feet, while a $20 gallon of paint
with 41 percent solid content will cover about twice that amount. The binder is the most important factor
in the durability. Some paints also have additives to enhance their performance, such as mildewcide.
________________________________________________________________________________
Finding A Good Contractor
Sponsored By Check A Pro
When considering a contractor always be sure to 'Check' them out! You should:
-Research license information with the State of Texas
-Ask them for references
-Ask them if they are insured
-Contact the local business bureau
For a list of pre-qualified service providers visit www.checkapro.com.
-Plant Now? Or Wait Until Spring?
-Home Sprinkler System Maintenance
-Installing Heating & Cooling Equipment
-Tips from Ace Hardware
-How to find a good contractor
Volume 2, Edition 1
The Ask The Pro Newsletter is your outlet for pre-qualified contractors, tips from professionals, and
instruction on how to find safe contractors. The Ask The Pro Newsletter is loaded with information to
keep you up to date in what to look for when hiring professionals today.
For more information on how to find qualified contractors, weekly tips from Ace Hardware, and weekly
information from qualified professionals listen to the Ask The Pro Radio Show Saturdays from 11 AM -
12 PM central on CNN 650. For more information about the Ask The Pro Radio Show click here to visit
our website!
If you are not currently a subscriber to The Ask The Pro Newsletter but would like to receive the email
on a monthly basis, you can subscribe here.
Thank you for your interest in the Ask The Pro Radio Show.
Jim Klauck
Host, Ask The Pro Radio Show
______________________________________________________________________
Clean As A Whistle, Inc.
Howard Partridge
How to Care for Your Valuable Carpet
Your carpet is a valuable investment. Any investment requires maintenance. You change the oil in your
vehicle so that the engine will last longer and to avoid costly repairs. The same is true for your carpet,
or any floor covering for that matter. By properly maintaining your carpet it will look better, last longer
and contribute to a healthier indoor environment.
Here are 5 Easy Ways to Get the Most Out of Your Carpet:
1. Check the Warranty
Copies of specific warranties on your carpet purchase may be available from your carpet retailer. Stain
resist warranties can vary from 5 to 20 years. ALL STAIN RESIST WARRANTIES REQUIRE REGULAR
CLEANING AND IMMEDIATE SPOT REMOVAL.
2. Vacuum, Vacuum, Vacuum!
It is said that the three most important rules for maintaining carpet are vacuum, vacuum, vacuum.
Vacuum your carpet often. Once or twice a week at least. Vacuuming removes the sharp soil that can
cut and slice the fiber causing premature wear. Much of this soil is not visible to the eye. Remove any
loose particles such as loose food, leaves, pieces of crayon, bugs, etc. as these items can cause a
spot on the carpet.
3. Have Your Carpet Professionally Cleaned Often
Most people don’t clean their carpet often enough. Perhaps due to the cost, the hassle factor, or
because they do not realize how important regular professional cleaning can be. For example, if your
traffic areas are visibly soiled, you have already waited too long! Traffic area soil is somewhat oily and
bonds to the carpet fibers, eventually staining the carpet. Once this has taken place, even though
professional cleaning will make it look much better, the traffic pattern will still be visible. In addition,
traffic area soil is sharp – like sandpaper – and it abrades the carpet fibers. To keep this to a minimum,
clean your traffic areas before they look visibly soiled.
As a general rule, professional cleaning by a professional, certified firm should take place about once
per year. For extremely heavy traffic areas, cleaning may be required more often. Proper professional
cleaning will not leave a sticky residue behind and can be done as many times per year as needed.
MANY STAIN RESIST WARRANTIES REQUIRE PROFESSIONAL CLEANING EVERY 2 YEARS.
Professional cleaning removes the damaging soil from the traffic areas that vacuuming has not been
able to remove. WARNING: UNINFORMED CARPET CLEANERS MAY VOID THE WARRANTY, BE VERY
SELECTIVE WHICH COMPANY YOU HIRE.
4. Remove Spots Immediately
Spots that are not immediately removed can turn into permanent stains very easily. When a carpet is
new, or has sufficient protector on it, plain tap water will remove many spots. However for those spots
that will not move easily with water, you must use a spot cleaner. Select a spot cleaner that is
recommended by the carpet manufacturer or your trained, certified professional cleaner. Most spot
removers that are purchased over the counter leave too much soap residue and can cause yellowing.
Avoid using foam carpet cleaners or any product that is not made specifically for carpet.
Apply spot cleaner sparingly to white terry cloth and gently massage spot causing it to transfer into the
cloth. Never pour spot cleaner directly on carpet. If the product that you are using seems to cause the
spot to re-soil over a few week period, discontinue use. Any spot that you are not able to remove, and
for pet urine or feces, call your professional cleaner immediately.
5. Have Carpet Protector Re-Applied
Residential nylon stain resistant carpets are treated with stain resist properties and soil resistors
known as Dupont Teflon or 3M Scotchgard. After a period of 2 to 3 years, some of the soil-resistor
wears off. At that point you should consider having a professional carpet cleaner re-apply the treatment
after professional cleaning. The soil resistor will help the soil slide off of the carpet easier when
vacuuming, spots will be easier to remove, and professional cleaning will be more effective.
Unprotected carpet soils faster, doesn’t last as long, and is prone to permanent staining.
______________________________________________________________________
Dream Landscape Design, Inc.
Melinda Sperl
Plant Now? Or Wait Until Spring?
As a landscaper my favorite question this time of year is if this is a good time of year to plant. This is
the best time to plant! In the fall and winter in the Houston area we do not get the winter extremes,
maybe a freeze now and again but nothing like our northern neighbors. Our plants do not go through
the extreme temperature changes from snow and ice (usually) and we really are more concerned
about the plants capability to make it through our hot summer than anything else.
In the winter most trees in shrubs go through a dormancy period. Now is the plants time to forget
about how their above ground parts look and they focus on what is going on underground, in their
roots. By planting now, you are ensuring that the plant focuses all of its energy on its root
establishment and in the spring it will be ready to give you a beautiful show.
Anytime you plant something the most important part you can give that plant is water so make sure for
the first two weeks you water it well and after that keep an eye on it. If we were to get the rare winter
hard freeze then you may want to cover it but for the most part just give it water and wait for the spring.
Melinda Sperl is the owner of Dream Landscape Design, Inc., a full service landscape company. You
can reach Melinda at Melinda@dreamlandscapedesign.com or www.dreamlandscapedesign.com
_____________________________________________________________________
Economy Irrigation
Brandon Seay
Home Sprinkler System Maintenance
Proper maintenance of your home’s sprinkler system can mean the difference between a lush, green
lawn or a dead one. As winter weather ensues this year, give your home’s sprinkler system some
much needed TLC to keep your lawn happy and healthy.
1. Wrap your pipes. Any above ground piping needs to be insulated from freezing weather. Most home
stores carry foam insulation tape with self-sticking adhesive for an easy, do-it-yourself fix. Or you can
try foam insulation sleeves, which can be cut to any length and made to fit almost any shape.
2. Only water once or twice. In the winter months, plants require less water than in the summer, so it’s
not necessary to stick to a strict watering schedule. Water no more than once or twice a week to keep
landscaped areas from being overwatered or flooded.
3. Check your rain sensor. Make sure your irrigation system’s rain sensor is in an open area and clear
of debris. Materials like pine needles and fallen leaves can clog the sensor keeping it from shutting on
and off properly. A simple inspection of the rain sensor can keep your landscape free from root rot and
help prevent waste water.
4. Run your system. Check to make sure no pipes are leaking and that water is being correctly
disbursed. Watch for overwatering of your house, driveway, and walkways, ensuring coverage in the
proper locations of your lawn.
5. Turn your system off. Though it’s not necessary to turn off your irrigation system in Houston, it can be
a safeguard against freezing weather. To shut off your system properly, locate the vacuum breaker. It
can typically be found near your water meter and against your house or fence line. Once found, turn
both blue knobs a quarter of a turn until they are perpendicular to the pipe they are located on. This will
shut the water off from the rest of the sprinkler system.
Economy Irrigation is a Katy-owned-and-operated business specializing in irrigation and drainage
systems and landscaping services. For more information, contact economyirrigation@hotmail.com, or
visit www.economyirrigation.com.
_____________________________________________________________________
Air Express Air Conditioning and Heating
David Svobada
Installing Heating & Cooling Equipment
When installing your new cooling and heating equipment, your contractor should do the following to
ensure a quality installation:
1. Perform a heat load to determine the proper size of the unit selected. Don't assume that the size of
your new system will be the same size as the old equipment. Bigger does not mean better. A larger
unit can experience less comfort and increase costs.
2. Measure and verify proper airflow. Humidity control is a big factor.
3. Verify that your furnace has been tested for proper gas pressure and vent piping is to current code.
4. Provide service room around the equipment for future maintenance.
5. Replace the indoor coil of the equipment when replacing the outdoor unit. To receive the maximum
efficiency, you should have a matched set.
6. Confirm the level of refrigerant charge meets the factory recommendation. It's estimated that more
than 60% of central air conditioners are incorrectly charged during installation.
7. Place the condenser (outdoor unit) in an area that can be protected from rain or vegetation. Each
manufacturer suggests guidelines for proper operations. Also, positioning is important to the current
city codes.
______________________________________________________________________
Tips From Ace Hardware
The Helpful Hardware Man's Corner - Answers by Lou Manfredini
Q: I am wanting to repaint some of the rooms in my house. How do I recognize a good paint to use?
A: Paint has three components: the binder, the pigment and the liquid. The best paints contain a
higher volume of solid materials. Pay close attention to the solid content. For example, a $13 gallon of
paint with a solid content of 19 percent might cover about 200 square feet, while a $20 gallon of paint
with 41 percent solid content will cover about twice that amount. The binder is the most important factor
in the durability. Some paints also have additives to enhance their performance, such as mildewcide.
________________________________________________________________________________
Finding A Good Contractor
Sponsored By Check A Pro
When considering a contractor always be sure to 'Check' them out! You should:
-Research license information with the State of Texas
-Ask them for references
-Ask them if they are insured
-Contact the local business bureau
For a list of pre-qualified service providers visit www.checkapro.com.
Check A Pro Radio Show Check A Pro Radio is sponsored by CHECK A PRO. Learn more at www.checkapro.com.