About Stark County, OH

Canton Ohio Market Report for June 2009

Active Listings 107

Average List Price $61,673

Medium List Price $59,00

Medium means half are above $59,00) and half are below $59,000.

Pending 24

These listings have an accepted offer and are working through inspections, financing and appraisal.

Average List Price $49,569

Average Market Time 35

Medium List Price $27,450

Sold Listings 72

Average List Price $41,872

Average Sold Price $38,545

Average Market Time 92

Medium List Price $20,500

Gary Collins, dryer exhaust expert, answers questions about how to have an energy efficient clothes dryer

Akron, OH - As with any new appliance purchase, consumers are concerned with energy efficiency with they choose a new model. Gary Collins, owner of Dryer Vent Wizard in Greater Cleveland, Ohio, was recently interviewed. When asked what to look for in a clothes dryer, Gary said, "Your clothes dryer is one of the most expensive appliances to operate. The most energy efficient feature on new models is the automatic sensors that shut the dryer off when the clothes are dry. Not only does this prevent over-drying your clothes so they last longer; it also keeps the dryer from running longer than it needs to, saving energy."

The next question we asked Gary was about gas versus electric; which is less expensive to operate? Gary answered, "Generally speaking, gas dryers cost about half as much to operate as electric dryers. Your local appliance store should have information about the operating costs for both gas and electric on the model that you are considering."

Knowing that clothes dryers produce a lot of heat and that they vent the hot air to the outdoors, we asked Gary why homeowners don't use the additional heat for their homes. Gary explained, "By law, all clothes dryers must be vented to the outdoors. The combination of heat and moisture from a clothes dryer can produce mold which is harmful to your health and damaging to your home. If you have a gas dryer, then there is also a concern of carbon monoxide."

Gary also spoke to us about proper dryer exhaust ducts, "The dryer exhaust duct should be 4 inches in diameter and have a smooth interior. We no longer recommend the use of vinyl or plastic; dryer vents and ducts must be made of rigid metal. Short and straight is the rule for dryer venting and optimum air-flow. Bends of 45 and 90 degrees and extra long dryer ducts slows down the air-flow and puts additional stress on your dryer. When the dryer overworks it uses more energy to do its job."

As the interview concluded, Gary advised us of proper maintenance of the dryer duct system. "Professional dryer vent cleaning is recommended at least once a year to keep the system working properly. No matter how energy efficient your new clothes dryer is, it will cost an additional $200 - $300 per year to operate if it is not getting proper air-flow. When dryer lint accumulates inside the dryer, around the drum, motor and heating element, you have a potential fire hazard.

Gary Collins, owner of Dryer Vent Wizard of Greater Cleveland specializes in dryer vent cleaning, maintenance, repair and alterations, while educating consumers on preventing clothes dryer fires. Visit http://dryerventcleaningcleveland.blogspot.com/ for more information.

Contact:

Gary Collins

Dryer Vent Wizard of Greater Cleveland

Phone: 440-360-0631

Email: gcollins@dryerventwizard.com

Website: http://www.dryerventwizard.com

As with any new appliance purchase, consumers are concerned with energy efficiency when they choose a model. When looking at clothes dryers, choose one that has automatic sensors that shut the dryer off when the clothes are dry.

Electric versus Gas Dryers

Generally speaking, gas dryers cost about half as much to operate than electric dryers. Your local appliance store should have information about the operating costs for both gas and electric on the model you are considering.

Outdoor Venting

By law, all dryers must be vented to the outdoors; not the basement, attic or craw space. The combination of heat and moisture can produce mold which is harmful to your health. It can cause damage to the walls and ceilings in your home. If you have a gas dryer there is also a carbon monoxide concern.

Proper Venting Code

The dryer exhaust duct should be 4 inches in diameter and have a smooth interior. It should be made of rigid metal, not flexible foil or vinyl. Short and straight is the rule for dryer venting for optimum air-flow. 45 degree and 90 degree turns slow down the air-flow and put stress on the dryer. A very long duct also slows down air-flow.

Dryer Vent Cleaning

There are tools available for homeowners to purchase for cleaning their dryer ducts. One is a brush that attaches to a long, flexible rod. There is also a vent cleaning augur brush that rotates on a cordless drill. Dryer lint also accumulates inside the dryer, around the drum, motor, heating element, etc...

Some dryer vents are short, straight and easy for the homeowner to get to. Others require special tools and the expertise of a dryer vent cleaning professional.

No matter how energy efficient your clothes dryer is, it will cost an additional $200 - 300 per year to operate if it does not get proper air flow. You must have a proper dryer vent and exhaust system for your dryer to operate efficiently.

Gary Collins, owner of Dryer Vent Wizard of Greater Cleveland specializes in dryer vent cleaning, maintenance, repair and alterations, while educating consumers on preventing clothes dryer fires. Visit http://dryerventcleaningcleveland.blogspot.com/ for more information.

4 Interior Painting Tips
Painting is a quick and easy way to liven up a listing. But some smart prep work can make a huge difference in the quality of the results. April 2009

1.Get the surface ready.

You want the paint to glide on smoothly, so be sure the surface is clean before you start painting. Remove any handprints, dirt, or scuff marks. Lightly sand any glossy spots to avoid streaks.

2. Select a paint sheen and color.

Ah, the choices! Many paint stores are making it easier to narrow down your choices by offering small trial sizes so that you can test the color at home and look for any variations in daylight and night. Lighting has a big effect on the way color appears. Remember: Higher sheen paints tend to offer more durability than flat paints, so use them in high-traffic areas. Stain or low-lustre finishes offer more warmth and depth than a flat paint. Consider a high sheen paint on the ceiling, which offers good reflection in the room.

3. Don't go cheap on the paint.

It's always tempting to save a buck, but it might not be worth it on paint. Painting is a big job, so you want the expense and quality to show. The Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute, a national painting education group, recommends purchasing top-quality acrylic latex interior paint, which will go on smoothly and allow for easy soap and water cleanups.

4. Choose the right paint tools.

If you're using a roller to paint, select the right length of roller nap cover for proper paint coverage. The smoother your painting surface, the shorter the nap should be. Use synthetic materials, which are made from nylon or polyester, when applying latex or water-based paints.

www.davidangione.com

Source: The Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute

I've been under a lot of stress lately worrying about Annabelle and her health. Today I thought I'd take a minute and view some of my favorite beach cams. Let's face it- I really could use a vacation right now being almost 32 weeks pregnant and trying to decide about Annabelle. Feel free to add your own favorite links.

Crown Reef Myrtle Beach SC

Grand Shores Myrtle Beach SC

Royal Caribbean Voyager of the Seas

Tradewinds Resort St. Pete Beach Fl.

I wish I could teleport myself to one of these places right now. I think I'd like an oceanfront beach chair and a non-alcoholic pina colada.