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Got Mold? Know the Signs!

2/26/2019

Featured blog post from ServiceMaster of Bethlehem

One of the most commonly asked questions ServiceMaster of Bethlehem receives is, do I have mold? Often times, a home or business owner will ask our experts how to determine if they have mold, and how to remove it.

Signs of mold:

Musty/strange smell
Visual growth or discoloration on walls
Allergies acting up (i.e. – runny nose, itchy eyes, etc.)
Signs of recent water or flood damage

Mold negatively impacts your health and can lead to structural damage. It should be treated right away by trained professionals. If mold is discovered, do not try to clean it yourself. Sprays and chemicals can often worsen the issue.

At ServiceMaster of Bethlehem, our restoration professionals will respond to your home or business and take air samples. These samples are immediately sent out to a lab to be tested for mold spores present. When the data is returned, our team reviews the results and reports back to you, fast.

If harmful mold is identified, we will develop a comprehensive mold remediation plan to clean any affected areas and carefully remove any mold-damaged materials that cannot be saved. After clean-up services are provided, an independent certified industrial hygienist takes final air samples and tests them to confirm that your spore count is back to normal.

Don’t know what to do next? We do. If you believe that you may have mold, contact ServiceMaster of Bethlehem at 1-800-253-7366 to set up a mold test site visit. Your local restoration professionals have the right tools and training to assist with mold damage, and get you back into a clean, healthy home.

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What is Custom Picturing Framing?

2/19/2019

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Featured blog post by Carla Binder, Creative Framing by Carla

Custom picture framing is basically a package that to enhances, protects and displays your art or cherished mementos. Although the definition makes it sound simple enough, there are many things that must be taken into consideration. Don’t be mistaken, there’s a big difference between just “putting something in a frame” and choosing a custom frame.

So what exactly makes custom picture framing so different? Well, it’s the custom part that really makes the difference. A custom frame is specifically designed for you and the item being framed, it’s not a “one size fits all”. We all have different styles and different reasons for having something displayed in a frame. Considering all of this is just one part of ensuring the custom framing is a success.
This is my personal approach.
What, Where and Why?

What? My first step in a custom framing project is to find out what this object or piece of art is.
Where? Have you given any thought to where you might like to display it. Depending on what you’re having framed I may ask you about your favorite colors. I may also ask about the style of your furniture and decor or if you’re adding this to a collection or using it as a focal point in one of your rooms.
Why? What does this item, photo or piece of art mean to you? Custom framing is very personal and your input in the design process is very important. How much you value the piece will impact the materials used to frame it.

Choosing the MaterialsMy second step in custom framing is the actual design of the framing package (all the framing materials for your item). Using the information from the first step, the ultimate goal is to find the best selections for the art or object while still allowing the finished framing to fit nicely in your home.
Visually, combining the colors, textures and styles of the various framing materials is the process of designing a frame that enhances your art. Technically, the design involves knowing if the frame is sturdy enough to display your art or objects. Or knowing if the frame is deep enough or if the materials used are safe and will protect your items.
There are many different designs and combinations of materials that will work nicely for every framing project. Although it may seem overwhelming at times, I will guide you through the best solutions as you make your final decision on the framing materials.
Building Your FrameThe next step is the actual handcrafting of your custom framing. The frame is chopped and joined, mats cut, your art or objects are mounted securely, the glass is cut and all are neatly fitted together. It’s ready for you to display in your home or office.
So, what is custom picture framing? It begins with a love of art or a cherished memory. You take it on a creative journey. At the end of the process your custom framing, specially handcrafted for you, is as unique as you and what you’ve had framed.
Enjoy!

Creative Framing by Carla offers custom picture frame solutions for your art, photography and cherished items. Preserve your memories. Carla will walk you through the process step by step to design the custom framing package and delivery a quality product for you to display in your home or business. Let’s get started on your project, set up an appointment or stop by today.

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Cutting back doesn't mean you have to be uncomfortable...

2/13/2019

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Guest Blog Post by Carol Obando-Derstine | Regional Affairs Director, PPL Electric Utilities

Making a few small lifestyle changes can add up and help you decrease your energy bills. With heating being the single biggest contributor to a home’s energy expense, these changes may make a significant difference in your costs as the temperature drops. We recommend starting with these tips:

Set your thermostat to 68 degrees. PPL offers a programmable one for purchase at our new PPL Online Marketplace at 30 percent off retail price. Go to www.pplelectricsavings.com .
Check all of your vents to be sure they are free from obstruction. This includes items children or pets may have placed on top of a vent or dirty filters. Anything obstructing your vent will cause your system to use more energy to push the air through.
Close your fireplace damper if you are not using it. Leaving it open is like having a window open.
Use insulated drapes or curtains. In the winter, keep them open on the south facing side of your house to allow sunlight in and closed at night.

Water temperature can also affect your energy costs. Lower the temperature in your water heater from the typical 140 degrees to 120 degrees. Most people don’t realize that the largest cost related to running a washing machine is heating the water. Try to do a few loads in cold water and air dry your clothes in the warmer months.

Another issue you may not realize or think about is something called standby power or vampire power. This relates to the power used by appliances when they are plugged in but not in use. So while an appliance may be turned off, it continually draws electricity all day. Consider these two options to decrease your energy use.

Buy a power strip with a switch. You can plug in all of your like appliances into one strip and turn off the switch when not in use. Some examples of like appliances are a computer, printer and shedder in a home office or a television and gaming center in a family room.
Unplug all appliances which aren’t used regularly, such as a toaster oven or space heater. Unplug cell phones, tablets and laptops after they are fully charged because they will still draw energy when plugged in.

Lighting accounts for 20 percent of your monthly energy use. You can get immediate results by switching all of your bulbs inside and outside of your home from incandescent to LED bulbs. An added bonus to using LED bulbs is you are helping the environment. Every 60 watt bulb replaced with an LED bulb saves you $4 a year. That’s $160 per year for a home with 40 bulbs.
Finally, you can take a free online energy assessment on our website. Go to www.pplelectricsavings.com/onlineassessment. We provide you with an assessment and energy saving recommendations and offers customized to your home. You can even receive a free energy efficiency kit! And those with a qualifying income, we will perform an in-home audit and provide free energy improvement recommendations. Some homes even qualify for a new refrigerator, water heater and heating and cooling system repairs or replacement.

Remember saving money on your energy costs doesn’t have to be difficult or uncomfortable. We invite you to try these simple ways to save money and reduce your daily power consumption.
Guest blog post by C

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GREATER LEHIGH VALLEY CHAMBER BLOG

Got Mold? Know the Signs!

What is Custom Picturing Framing?

Cutting back doesn't mean you have to be uncomfortable...

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