The Ryobi Cordless Electric Snow Blower combines the convenience of cordless with a powerful brushless motor to deliver instant power at the push of a button. (Ryobi)
If dealing with snow is part of regular chores this time of year, you know the hassles of shoveling or starting a snow blower on cold mornings. That’s what makes the Ryobi Cordless Electric Snow Blower such a convenient option.
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It features a powerful brushless motor that delivers instant power at the push of a button to clear driveways and sidewalks up to 10 inches deep in an 18-inch-wide path. All this without the hassle or maintenance of gas!
The adjustable 180-degree directional chute lets you control where snow is thrown up to 25 feet away.
And its LED lightbar increases visibility, so you can clear snow at any time of day.
Cordless Convenience
With its cordless design, you can quickly clear snow from large areas without worrying about cords getting in the way.
Ryobi 40V HP Brushless tools deliver superior run time and performance to give you provide from gas-powered lawn and garden equipment.
Plus, its 40V 6 Ah battery and 40-Volt Charger are compatible with more than 75 other Ryobi 40-Volt products.
Other Features
When the job is done, the folding steel tube handles allow you to store it away in the garage conveniently, for increased durability and storage in tight places.
Plus, it also comes with a 5-year limited tool warranty and a 3-year battery warranty for peace of mind.
Winter storms have you worried about power outages? I’m chatting with Rick True, president of Batchelor’s Service in Mobile, Ala., an expert in whole-house generator installation.
A whole-house generator can keep your home comfortable in the event of a power outage. (Lex20, Getty Images Pro)
When did you get introduced to installing whole-house generators?
Rick: Back in the ‘80s, a buddy of mine who had a heating and air conditioning company in Birmingham, Ala., suggested to me selling generators. He said with the hurricanes we have in Mobile, Ala., it will be a great deal.
He started selling generators because of the ice storms they have up there. Their power problems up there happen during the winter, and for us down here it’s during hurricane season.
He sent a Generac salesman to me. At the time, Generac was the only company making home standby generators, and that’s how we got started.
Aging infrastructure is leading to more and more power outages across the United States. (Guillermo Munt, Getty Images)
Infrastructure in the U.S. is aging. So, there’s a lot of opportunity for growth in the whole-house generator industry, right?
Rick: Yeah, there really is. Here’s something I learned from a manufacturer this past year when there was a real shortage of them — there’s a big demand for generators in California because of power phaseouts.
Out there, utility companies are shutting people’s power off for a couple of hours a day, so people are buying them so they can have continuous power.
Make sure your generator can provide power to your home’s essential appliances, like the refrigerator and water heater. (AndreyPapov, Getty Images Pro/JulNichols, Getty Images Signature)
How do you determine what size generator a home needs?
Rick: Now, all the manufacturers have an app or a calculator on their website where a homeowner can enter the square footage of their home, how many air conditioners they have, what type of dryer they have, all those kinds of questions.
The big thing is the number of 240-volt appliances you have in your home. That’s the real driver of the size requirement for a generator. Now with so many houses having LED lights, you can light a big house with not much kw of a generator. But when you start trying to run air conditioners, electric ovens and dryers, that’s when you start running up into bigger sizes.
The key things a homeowner should consider are electrical appliances that power on by themselves, like air conditioners and water heaters. If you don’t have those covered, it could trip the breaker on the generator, and then you’re out of power.
Installing a whole-house generator can bring numerous benefits to your home, such as providing backup power to ensure your home isn’t left without electricity during a power outage. (JodiJacobson, Getty Images Signature)
A lot of people think you can only get a standby generator in a new-construction home. Do you do a lot of retrofits?
Rick: Probably 95 percent of our whole-house generator installation is on existing homes.
Before installing a whole-house generator in a home, our technicians must first assess a home’s electrical situation.
A lot of times, the electrical service needs to be upgraded before we can install the transfer switch. The transfer switch needs to go between the meter and the main panel for the house so it will transfer properly.
Rick: Most of our customers have a maintenance plan we provide for them. We change the oil, check the batteries and stuff like that. Just like you get your car tuned up a couple of times a year, that’s what we kinda do with a generator.
A liquid-cooled standby generator, the big ones that are 25 kw and above, are basically car engines. The air-cooled, the smaller ones, are like a riding lawn mower engine. They all need maintenance.
Some of our customers like to change the oil in their generators, but most people don’t feel comfortable doing that.
What’s some advice you would give to a homeowner whose looking to buy a standby generator?
Rick: The brand you pick matters, but it’s no better than who’s going to be installing it for you.
Research who will install it for you and make sure they have a licensed electrician to do their electrical work, and a licensed plumber to do the gas work. Find out the company has technicians that are certified by whatever manufacturer you choose.
This week, hear our advice for preventing slips on ice and space heater safety tips. (victorass88/-aniaostudio-, Getty Images)
Hour 1
Listen to hear our space heater safety tips, advice for preventing slips on ice, how to fill in a gravel pothole, and more.
Space Heater Safety Tips
Never leave a space heater running unattended or while you’re asleep. (-aniaostudio-, Getty Images)
As the cold weather starts to intensify, many homeowners are looking for ways to supplement their heating systems. A space heater may be a good way to do that, but you have to make safety a priority anytime you use one of these things.
First of all, a space heater should be set up on a flat, level surface that isn’t within three feet of bedding, drapes, or other flammable materials. Also, never plug a space heater into an extension cord.
It should have a thermostat, so you don’t run the risk of overheating a room, and a “tip switch” to turn the unit off if it accidentally gets turned over.
Finally, don’t let children or pets play around the heater. And never leave it running when you leave the room or go to sleep.
Preventing Slippery Ice
Slippery ice on wooden steps poses a real hazard to homeowners. (victorass88, Getty Images)
Ice that forms on walkways, driveways, and decks following a winter storm poses a real hazard to homeowners and passersby, causing slips and falls.
Before the next big freeze comes, do this to prevent slippery ice outside your home.
Apply an ice pretreatment to surfaces up to 48 hours before it snows. Sodium chloride (salt), magnesium chloride, calcium chloride, calcium magnesium acetate and potassium acetate are the chemicals used to prevent and remove snow and ice. Once applied to the surface, these chemicals prevent the ice and snow from sticking, so you can easily wipe it off.
Lay down abrasive tape on steps. This adds an extra layer of grip once the snow is melted. Simply dry the surface well and stick the tape to the edges of the steps to create more traction.
Reinforce handrails. Not only do you need to have handrails along steps, but you also need to make sure they are sturdy enough to hold the weight of a person in case of a slip.
Filling Potholes in a Gravel Driveway
You don’t have to buy extra gravel to fill potholes. (Sandra Sapp, Getty Images)
Joyce in Alabama has a gravel driveway with several potholes.
She asks, “Is there a product that I can use to fill in those holes?”
As far as potholes on a gravel driveway, you can rake the gravel back to fill in the holes, but over time it will compact down and create a new indention.
You can mix up some concrete and fill in the holes, so there’s a hard surface for the gravel to rest upon. However, this could create the opposite problem in the future. Erosion could lead to the concrete spot protruding from the gravel driveway.
A third option is to use Pavestone Paver Base. This will build up the foundation under the gravel driveway and also match the surrounding dirt texture. Simply tamp down the crushed stone and concrete mixture, then cover with gravel.
Hour 2
Listen to hear some fall front porch decorating tips, what’s causing dust to be blown through a furnace, and more.
Fall Front Porch Decor
This festive sunflower and pinecone wreath adds interest to your fall porch décor and extends an inviting welcome to your guests. (The Home Depot)
With the change of the seasons upon us, it is officially time for sweaters, pumpkin-flavored everything and, of course, updating your fall decorating ideas for both the inside and outside of your home.
Your front porch is the first spot your guests will see, so make sure it’s ready for fall with these easy fall DIY ideas from The Home Depot.
Create a warm, inviting space by incorporating browns and shades of green, yellow and red to bring together your harvest-inspired fall look.
Door decorations are statement accessories. They add interest to your fall porch décor and extend an inviting welcome to your guests. This festive sunflower and pinecone wreath that is set on a rich brown twig base is a great stylish accent for a wall, window or front door. If you’d prefer to create your own wreath that lasts throughout the seasons, purchase one with a neutral base. Burlap, moss, vine and plain fabric wreaths are all good choices. Then, all you have to do is add decorative accents to reflect each season. Dried or faux flowers and leaves look nice in the fall. You can also add decorative wood monogram letters for a personal touch.
Welcome fall into your home with a visually appealing doormat that not only keeps dirt from being traipsed into your home but also can function as a nice welcome to your home for all your guests. This pumpkin-inspired one is perfect for welcoming the new autumn season!
Outdoor lighting takes fall porch decor to a whole new dimension and is an important consideration you don’t want to miss. If you have the space, string porch lights around the perimeter of your porch or zigzag them between columns. These LED Hampton Bay Edison-style bulbs are the perfect accent to any patio deck, or pergola, as well.
Furnace Blowing Dust
If dust is blowing from your furnace vents even after you’ve changed the air filter, call an HVAC technician ASAP. (BanksPhotos, Getty Images Signature)
Martin in Missouri has an ongoing problem with his furnace blowing dust throughout the house.
“I have changed the filter and put plastic down in the crawl space. But dust is still being sucked into the furnace and then blown through the vents and in the home. What do you suggest I do next?” he asks.
This sounds like there’s a breach in the return air that’s pulling dust into the return air plenum before it passes through the filter.
Call an HVAC technician immediately, because the furnace unit will not last long operating like that.
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Simple Solutions
Sanding the caulk tube tip inside the wood joint alters the angle to fit perfectly in the joint. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
How to Apply Caulk Like a Pro — Applying caulk to a 90-degree joint can be challenging because it’s easy to squeeze out too much caulk, which is wasteful and creates a mess to clean up. Here’s how to produce perfect caulk beads:
Snip off the tip of the caulking tube to a 45-degree angle, as you normally would.
Fold a piece of 120-grit sandpaper in half and crease it very tightly. Then, place it into the corner of the 90-degree joint that you’re about to caulk; be sure the abrasive surface is facing out.
Rub the tip of the caulking tube back and forth right against the sandpaper. Sanding the tip alters the angle, so that it’s not just cut at 45 degrees, but it’s also beveled back at 90 degrees to fit perfectly into the joint.
Now, just draw the caulk with steady, even pressure all the way across the joint and you’ll get a nice neat bead with no wasted caulk.
This week, Danny Lipford chats with Michelle Tennant from Erie Insurance to discuss how folks can find peace of mind with homeowners insurance. (3 Echoes Content Studio/Erie Insurance)
This week, I’m talking with Michelle Tennant, vice president of Product Management in the Erie Insurance Personal Lines division.
Michelle has been with Erie since 2001 and has helped to develop Erie Insurance’s Auto, Umbrella, and Renters insurance products, as well as its Homeowners insurance coverages.
Erie Insurance has been in business since 1925, and for nearly a century we’ve been providing home, auto, business and life insurance.
We are based in Erie, Penn., and we serve customers in about 12 states. We know insurance can be complicated so with every policy, we have a knowledgeable independent agent within your community that can guide you through the process to get the right coverage for your life.
Homeowners insurance provides financial protection in the event of a disaster. (Mohamad Fazil Bin Ramli/Getty Images)
Why You Need Homeowners Insurance
Every homeowner has homeowners insurance but many don’t know why — what is the purpose of homeowners insurance?
Michelle: Homeowners insurance provides financial protection in the event something crazy happens, like an accident or weather-related event that damages your home.
At Erie Insurance, we think about this in a few different ways.
First is the home itself — the structure. It would cover the exterior of your home if there is damage.
Next is your personal property. A policy will cover valuable items that are important to you inside your home should those be damaged or stolen.
Another thing is liability. If you were responsible for damage to someone else’s property or someone was injured on your property or if your pet injures someone.
Additionally, I’d like to add, one coverage that Erie offers and we recommend all customers have is guaranteed replacement cost. If your home is destroyed, this coverage will to pay to rebuild it to matter what the cost. If you don’t have it, you might come up short up on funds and face steep out-of-pocket costs.
Some home insurance policies only cover a certain amount of square feet, so let your agent know if you’re planning to remodel. (Adobe Stock)
What to Talk About With Your Agent
What all should you discuss with a home insurance agent?
Michelle: You should have an open dialogue with your agent. Make sure everything that is important to you in and around your home is covered.
If you’ve remodeled your home or plan to remodel, tell your agent. Do you run a business out of your home? Make sure to mention that so your business materials are covered. And, let your agent know if your family is growing or changing.
These are just a few things you want to talk about with your agent. With that information, they can get the ball rolling and find the coverage that’s right for you.
When compiling a home inventory, save receipts for big-ticket items. Original receipts are always best, but a photocopy can work in some cases. (c-George, Getty Images)
Creating a Home Inventory
How do you even start the process of creating a home inventory?
Michelle: If a catastrophic event were to happen, it can be extremely overwhelming to remember for memory everything valuable in your home.
When creating a home inventory, begin at a small starting point. Maybe your most valuable items or go from room to room.
Take videos or photos and narrate or write down what each item is so you remember in the future. Categorize clothing and keep receipts.
Apps are popular and there’s an app for everything, even home inventories. Shortly, Memento Database and Nest Egg are a few you can use.
You can find a checklist of what you need on the Today’s Homeowner page on Erie’s website.
A renter’s policy from Erie Insurance can protect your belongings after a covered loss. (designer491, Getty Images)
Renter’s Insurance
Let’s not leave our renter friends out of the conversation. Talk about renters insurance for those who are the tenants.
Michelle: If you’re renting, you should definitely consider a renter’s policy. Your landlord probably has a policy to cover the building or structure, but not what’s inside. You’ll need some kind of coverage to protect your personal property.
Erie Insurance’s Secure Tenant policy covers your personal property or loss of use in case you need to relocate. It also provides coverage to protect your possessions if they’re damaged lost or stolen, even if you’re away from home.
Erie Insurance offers a variety of policies and endorsements to help protect your property. (Joe_Potato, Getty Image)
Insurance for Landlords
Is there a different type of policy for a homeowner who wants to lease out their home? Michelle: Landlord insurance policies are somewhat different. If you’re a homeowner and thinking about renting out your property, the Secure Rental product from Erie Insurance is what you need. It’s basically made for dwellings rented to others for one- or two-family homes. That provides similar coverage to our home products, and with that you’ll also get the guaranteed replacement cost.
Overall Advice
Talk to a local independent insurance agent to review your policy to make sure you have the coverage that’s right for you. It will give you some peace of mind to know you have the protection you need in case a disaster happens.
Check out Today’s Homeowner page on Erie’s website. It has a lot of videos and articles about your home to keep you safe and prepared for the unexpected.
Further Reading
Ask a Question! (Podcast)
Ask a question and we could answer it on the “Today’s Homeowner Podcast!” We also may use it on our nationally syndicated radio broadcast or on todayshomeowner.com.
This week, Danny Lipford chats with Michelle Tennant from Erie Insurance to discuss how folks can find peace of mind with homeowners insurance. (3 Echoes Content Studio/Erie Insurance)
This week, I’m talking with Michelle Tennant, vice president of Product Management in the Erie Insurance Personal Lines division.
Michelle has been with Erie since 2001 and has helped to develop Erie Insurance’s Auto, Umbrella, and Renters insurance products, as well as its Homeowners insurance coverages.
Erie Insurance has been in business since 1925, and for nearly a century we’ve been providing home, auto, business and life insurance.
We are based in Erie, Penn., and we serve customers in about 12 states. We know insurance can be complicated so with every policy, we have a knowledgeable independent agent within your community that can guide you through the process to get the right coverage for your life.
Homeowners insurance provides financial protection in the event of a disaster. (Mohamad Fazil Bin Ramli/Getty Images)
Why You Need Homeowners Insurance
Every homeowner has homeowners insurance but many don’t know why — what is the purpose of homeowners insurance?
Michelle: Homeowners insurance provides financial protection in the event something crazy happens, like an accident or weather-related event that damages your home.
At Erie Insurance, we think about this in a few different ways.
First is the home itself — the structure. It would cover the exterior of your home if there is damage.
Next is your personal property. A policy will cover valuable items that are important to you inside your home should those be damaged or stolen.
Another thing is liability. If you were responsible for damage to someone else’s property or someone was injured on your property or if your pet injures someone.
Additionally, I’d like to add, one coverage that Erie offers and we recommend all customers have is guaranteed replacement cost. If your home is destroyed, this coverage will to pay to rebuild it to matter what the cost. If you don’t have it, you might come up short up on funds and face steep out-of-pocket costs.
Some home insurance policies only cover a certain amount of square feet, so let your agent know if you’re planning to remodel. (Adobe Stock)
What to Talk About With Your Agent
What all should you discuss with a home insurance agent?
Michelle: You should have an open dialogue with your agent. Make sure everything that is important to you in and around your home is covered.
If you’ve remodeled your home or plan to remodel, tell your agent. Do you run a business out of your home? Make sure to mention that so your business materials are covered. And, let your agent know if your family is growing or changing.
These are just a few things you want to talk about with your agent. With that information, they can get the ball rolling and find the coverage that’s right for you.
When compiling a home inventory, save receipts for big-ticket items. Original receipts are always best, but a photocopy can work in some cases. (c-George, Getty Images)
Creating a Home Inventory
How do you even start the process of creating a home inventory?
Michelle: If a catastrophic event were to happen, it can be extremely overwhelming to remember for memory everything valuable in your home.
When creating a home inventory, begin at a small starting point. Maybe your most valuable items or go from room to room.
Take videos or photos and narrate or write down what each item is so you remember in the future. Categorize clothing and keep receipts.
Apps are popular and there’s an app for everything, even home inventories. Shortly, Memento Database and Nest Egg are a few you can use.
You can find a checklist of what you need on the Today’s Homeowner page on Erie’s website.
A renter’s policy from Erie Insurance can protect your belongings after a covered loss. (designer491, Getty Images)
Renter’s Insurance
Let’s not leave our renter friends out of the conversation. Talk about renters insurance for those who are the tenants.
Michelle: If you’re renting, you should definitely consider a renter’s policy. Your landlord probably has a policy to cover the building or structure, but not what’s inside. You’ll need some kind of coverage to protect your personal property.
Erie Insurance’s Secure Tenant policy covers your personal property or loss of use in case you need to relocate. It also provides coverage to protect your possessions if they’re damaged lost or stolen, even if you’re away from home.
Erie Insurance offers a variety of policies and endorsements to help protect your property. (Joe_Potato, Getty Image)
Insurance for Landlords
Is there a different type of policy for a homeowner who wants to lease out their home? Michelle: Landlord insurance policies are somewhat different. If you’re a homeowner and thinking about renting out your property, the Secure Rental product from Erie Insurance is what you need. It’s basically made for dwellings rented to others for one- or two-family homes. That provides similar coverage to our home products, and with that you’ll also get the guaranteed replacement cost.
Overall Advice
Talk to a local independent insurance agent to review your policy to make sure you have the coverage that’s right for you. It will give you some peace of mind to know you have the protection you need in case a disaster happens.
Check out Today’s Homeowner page on Erie’s website. It has a lot of videos and articles about your home to keep you safe and prepared for the unexpected.
Further Reading
Ask a Question! (Podcast)
Ask a question and we could answer it on the “Today’s Homeowner Podcast!” We also may use it on our nationally syndicated radio broadcast or on todayshomeowner.com.
