Peppermint Oil and Mice Do Not Mix

The topic of this post is peppermint oil and mice.  That may seem a bit random, but as how to tips go, I think its a pretty good topic.  A while ago, I wrote a post about how to get rid of mice.  Honestly, when it comes to having mice in the house, if I have to deal with it, I want them gone…Immediately, if not sooner.  I tend to go for the approach of getting rid of them for good.  I think some people might have actually been offended by the video in that post if they didn't watch it till the end.  Some people prefer kinder, gentler methods of rodent control, so today I thought I’d consider one of those options.  The thing that actually got me thinking about this was a friend who mentioned that he had heard something about peppermint oil and mice.  He couldn’t remember the whole story, so I started looking around.  I don't think peppermint will help much if you already have a mouse problem, but it could help prevent one.


It turns out that peppermint oil is seen by many as a viable option for repelling mice.  The idea is that mice and other rodents have extremely sensitive sniffers on them.  The ultra intense peppermint scent is supposed to be too much for them to bear.  You put out the peppermint oil and mice do their best to get away from it.  Simple.  The little vermin get one snootful of peppermint oil and they decide to move on to your neighbor’s house, where it smells like old beef and cheese or something similarly attractive to mice.

Peppermint 100% Pure Essential Oil

Peppermint Oil and Mice Procedures

The process for using peppermint oil to repel mice is pretty straightforward.  You have to get yourself some peppermint oil and mice.  You'll have to buy the peppermint oil, but the mice tend to show up on their own.  Everything I have read says that it must be the pure OIL, not peppermint extract.  You simply put some of this on cotton balls and then place the tasty smelling pieces of fluff where you think mice might be entering your home.  This might include any small openings around garage doors or pretty much any space where a mouse’s head could fit since it is pretty much accepted that if a mouse can fit its head someplace, it will be able to squeeze its entire body through without much effort.  If nothing else, this should motivate you to get started on some home improvement projects like sealing cracks around doors.

As a parent, what I like about the idea of using peppermint oil is the fact that it is relatively harmless.  It is non toxic and at worst it is going to make your garage smell nice.  Now this is all well and good, but I believe it is really only useful for keeping mice out.  If you already have the furry little visitors hiding inside your house I would imagine it would be pretty tough to herd them out the front door using smells that offend them.  I’m still a big fan of the more traditional methods of actually getting rid of mice, but assuming our home is mouse free when the weather starts to turn cold, I’ll probably put some minty fresh cotton balls around the garage.

If you are thinking of buying peppermint oil to try this in your own home, be aware that you can end up spending more than you would think if you don’t shop around.  I found some people selling large bottles for around forty bucks.  Really, I can’t imagine you would need nearly that much to start.  I found it on Amazon for under ten dollars.  You can see what is available by clicking HERE.

If you have had success with your own peppermint oil and mice experiment, please leave a comment below and I'll be happy to post it!

I used to scour the local ad papers looking for cheap carpet cleaning deals.  Although I did find some decent deals from commercial carpet cleaning companies, it always bothered me that I could just be doing the work myself and saving a decent bit of money.  Whether it's in anticipation of approaching holidays or some other type of gathering or just because it appears to be time for it, sooner or later we all decide it's time for a carpet cleaning.  Particularly with the economy being in the tank for a long time, many people's thoughts will turn to the search for cheap carpet cleaning.

Finding Cheap Carpet Cleaning Services

There are a variety of options available when it comes to carpet cleaning services.  At the low end, cost wise, is going off to a local home center or super market and renting do it yourself equipment.

Do it yourself carpet cleaning is surely the number one choice when it comes to cheap carpet cleaning.  However, it seems unlikely that anyone would argue that it produces results that can be compared seriously to shelling out for professional carpet cleaning.

If your carpets are relatively new or otherwise have managed to avoid serious traffic (or pets!) and your goal is merely to freshen them up, do it yourself carpet cleaning may be a good option for you.

Be aware, though, that carpet cleaning is hard work.  In addition to having to move the furniture (you are going to move the furniture, aren't you?!), you'll have to schlep the equipment home and back to the store, set it up, supply it with hot water any number of times, and vigorously work the wand to do the cleaning and dirt extraction.

If you decide to do it yourself, consider whether you are going to have issues with significant staining.  While all carpet stain removers that you can find at the store claim that they'll remove all the stains, the truth is that some stains on some carpet fabrics are beyond their reach.  Think ahead about whether you'll actually be able to remove a particular stain before committing to be responsible for the result.

Commercial carpet cleaning services not only have superior equipment to do the job, but they are knowledgeable about stains- they deal with them day in and day out.  They know what issues particular carpet fabrics present.  Most importantly, they have access to cleaning solutions that the government thinks that the average Joe is too much of a dumbkopf to use safely.  When it comes to serious carpet stain removal, you may want to consider consulting the pros for some carpet cleaning quotes.  You certainly don't want to mess up and accidentally set the stain permanently.

The biggest advantage to using a professional carpet cleaning service is that they have powerful equipment that just can't be matched by the do it yourselfer.  Many commercial carpet cleaners make a very substantial investment in truck or trailer mounted units that supply a constant flow of hot water to where the work is.

In addition, they have incredibly powerful pumps to deliver the cleaning solution and suck it back up.  While all cleaning agents will leave some residue on your carpet, a professional cleaning system will suck far more of it back for disposal than you could hope to with a rental unit.

If your focus is on getting cheap carpet cleaning, you can often hire a professional to do it for less than you might think.  One important clue- don't wait for the approach of the holiday season.  This is their busiest time of year and they'll be working overtime to meet the demand.

The Hoover MaxExtract gets tons of rave reviews. Click the image above to see some of them and to get product details.

The Short Route to Cheap Carpet Cleaning

An idea that has worked out remarkably well for my family is sharing the cost of a decent carpet cleaner with relatives.  We split the purchase price of a Hoover MaxExtract Dual V Carpet Cleaner and have not had a single regret.  I was the one put in charge of research for the purchase and I read many carpet cleaner reviews.  The MaxExtract looked like one of the top models available without getting into commercial units.  It didn't take long to see that this machine stood out from many of the others with a comparable price.  It had excellent reviews and it looked powerful enough to handle what we would need it to do for us.  My wife and I split the purchase price with my wife's parents and her sister's family.  We all live within fifteen minutes of each other, so it is never really a problem getting the machine when we need it.  It cost us less than $75 for unlimited access to an excellent carpet cleaning machine.  Each of us bought our own cleaning chemicals.  That wasn't really planned, it just worked out that way, but the cost of those was pretty reasonable considering we have been using the machine and still have plenty of cleaner left.

Of course, if you decide to split the cost with family or friends, you're free to get whatever type of machine you like, but with the great performance this machine provides, I don't personally see any reason to pop for something more expensive.  Of course if you want a commercial machine, they are there for you, but I'm happy with this arrangement and I think the Hoover MaxExtract Carpet Cleaner is worthy of recommendation.  We've got two dogs and three kids and it's taking care of our carpeting just fine.  It also does a nice job on cleaning up the sofa in our living room using the hand attachment.  If you want cheap carpet cleaning, it is hard to beat paying what we did and being able to use the machine whenever we want it.  Considering how much even the best carpet cleaning prices were, I think we did very well on the deal.  We've already gotten our money's worth, without a doubt.

If you have an interest in a machine like this, I recommend checking out what is available on Amazon.  When I looked locally, I couldn't find this exact machine and to be honest, the prices I found locally did not really impress me too much.  Here are some images of the machine that you might want to check out.

If you end up getting this machine or some other one, please be sure to come back and leave a comment.  We used to hunt around for cheap carpet cleaning services, but now I'm pretty much sold on this approach.  If you read my post about the Shark Vac Then Steam, or the Troy Bilt Cultivator I bought, you probably already know that I really like helpful gadgets around the house.  Splitting the cost of these things  with close family is something I wish I'd started doing a long time ago!  It's a great way to make cheap carpet cleaning options even cheaper.

Does Your Netgear Router Work with Your Nook?

My Netgear router and my Barnes and Noble Nook want nothing to do with each other.  I recently went through a bit of a pain in the neck ordeal and I thought I would take a minute to post what I learned.  I received a Barnes and Noble book reader (a Nook first generation) as a present recently.  I was very excited to put it to use and, following the directions that came with it, I sat down in front of my PC ready to download some books to read.

NOTE: Since writing this, I changed to a different brand of router and everything works perfectly with my Nook... go figure! I don't know if Netgear and Nook ever got things straightened out.

This is where I ran into my first problem.  After doing some research and talking to several people on the phone and in person at Barnes and Noble, I learned that there seems to be an issue with Nooks connecting via a Netgear router.  I spent quite a bit of time on the telephone with a nice lady from Barnes &Noble support, but her an advice basically boiled down to I would have to get in touch with Netgear to see if they could do anything on their end.  Whenever I tried to find support for my router, I learned that since it was no longer under warranty, I would have to try to make most of the information available in their forums.  Most of what I found there was simply people complaining about the same problem I was having.  Nobody seemed to have an actual answer about how to connect a Nook with a Netgear router.

I did not really have a problem with not being able to connect via WiFi except for the fact that it seems to be the only way you can register your Nook.  Until you register your Nook, it is basically an expensive paperweight.  I do not live near any Barnes and Noble stores, so making a quick trip to one was not anything I could have done conveniently.  I also was not crazy about doing my initial signup in a public place other than Barnes &Noble.

Today my family and I ventured out to a restaurant that my wife wanted to try for her birthday.  It just so happens that it was a bit of a drive, but it was also located near a Barnes &Noble store.  Realizing that, I took my Nook along with me.  I also made sure that I had signed up for an account at the Barnes and Noble website before we left.  Just as a note, when you do this, you have to give them a credit card number.  I explained my situation to a very nice lady who worked at Barnes and Noble.  She acknowledged that there was a problem with connecting via Netgear routers.  She then walked me through registering my Nook using the free Barnes and Noble WiFi in the store.  It was actually quite simple.  She also took my Nook into a mysterious back room and downloaded the latest Nook software onto it.

I was hoping that when I got home I would be able to connect using my router, but it still did not work.  Undaunted, I still purchased a Nookbook and downloaded it to my computer.  After looking around for a bit on the Internet, I found that you can do this and then, with the Nook connected by a USB cable, drag the book from your computer onto the Nook.  What confused me was that I assumed you would drag it to the folder for eBooks, but what you must do is drag your downloaded book to the My Documents folder on the Nook Drive.  Once you do this, you can find the book on the Nook and start reading.  I also learned today, that this is called side loading.  If you have a WiFi connection that works, you’ll probably never have to worry about this.

Now that I am actually able to see something on my Nook, I do think that it is a nifty little piece of equipment.  I sort of wish that it lit up, but it does not.  You need an external source of light to be able to read what is on the page.  Still, I like it and I’m sure I will give it plenty of use.  I should also note that the model I have is the first addition.  Barnes &Noble has since come out with new and improved models to keep pace with Kindle readers.

I know that this is nothing earth shaking, but I’m hoping that it can save some folks with Netgear routers a bit of wasted time.  There is not much information out there and no one seems to know any answers. Just go to a Barnes and Noble to register, and then side load books you want using a USB cable.  You could also do your registering and book downloading somewhere else with a WiFi connection.  The main point of this post was to let owners of Netgear routers know that they aren’t just imagining their connection difficulties when using a Nook.  Hopefully they will have this resolved in the near future, but for now, it seems to be an issue.

I should also mention that I am otherwise happy with the performance of both my router and the Nook.  They just don’t seem to play well together.

Do You Save with Auto Insurance Discounters?

Auto insurance discounters have really found a sweet spot among American consumers.  Auto insurance is a legally mandated necessity of life if you live in the United States. Auto insurance discounters realize this and have carved themselves a very nice spot in a lucrative niche serving people who want or need to avoid paying very much for the insurance they are required to carry. Long gone are the days when a person would motor about legally without regard for his responsibility for the harm he might cause other people as a result of his negligent or reckless driving.  Today, people are searching for a happy medium between getting the best insurance and the cheapest insurance they can afford.

Each state has its own particular requirements for the amount of insurance required for each vehicle and the risks to be covered by that insurance. Auto insurance risks are determined by each company based on actuarial data. That is information based upon historical records showing how much risk a particular vehicle owner's actual or projected usage of their vehicle will present to the insurer.

The records on which such risk assessments are made span many decades and are the same regardless of which insurer looks at those records. One might think, then, that if the risks are the same for all insurers, the coverage they offer and the price they charge for it should show little variation.

Wrong! You might not want to count on that.

Anyone who ever watches television or reads any media outlet is well aware that insurance companies incessantly tout their rates as being lower than others. In recent years there has been a growing trend for companies to advertise themselves as auto insurance discounters. They promise to provide their customers with legally mandated coverage for less than any other insurers can or will do. These claims are often enough to get people to pick up the phone or visit insurers online in search of cheap auto insurance quotes that will keep them legal in their state.

How Do Auto Insurance Discounters Do It?

How are these discounted rates possible, if the risks and liabilities for which they are providing coverage are the same when looked at from an actuarial perspective? If you are in the market for discount auto insurance you should be aware that, as in most markets, you will get what you pay for.

One way that auto insurance discounters can make a profit and stay in business is to save money in doing their business by adopting policies and practices that other companies avoid. An example, perhaps the prime example, is to cut out the insurance agent who has typically been the interface between the company and the customer.

Auto insurance discounters typically choose to do their selling and all customer interactions via the telephone or the internet. If you value having a friendly local agent with whom to have a personal relationship to advise you about your insurance needs, you are in for a disappointment. Any questions you may have will be dealt with by a random customer service representative who won't know you from a lump of clay. Many people are uncomfortable with this arrangement.

Depending on the discount auto insurance company you may choose, you may find yourself in for a long siege on hold if you call with a question or claim. Auto insurance discounters have to save money somewhere. Once they have a customer, they are willing to risk his or her dissatisfaction with long wait times and less than fully knowledgeable representatives.

Another way that insurance discounters save money is by denying or delaying claims that other insurers would pay quickly. You can check with your state insurance department for a record of claims by insureds against their insurers for improper denial of coverage.

Before signing on with an auto insurance discounter, or any auto insurer for that matter, it's a good idea to investigate its record. Ask yourself if you're willing to put up with some inconvenience to save some money. Assess the risk of having your insurer turn against you regarding a claim based on a denial of routine liability under the policies it issues. Keep in mind that you are going to get what you pay for, and proceed accordingly as you check out the auto insurance discounters of your choice.

I don't personally watch a whole lot of television, but when I do, it is usually to watch a movie or something else I've been looking forward to seeing. TV pillows make watching television or reading in bed a more comfortable experience. They can be useful in numerous situations I suppose, but I like using them for what their name implies, kicking back and watching TV.

If you frequently experience back pain, a pillow for watching TV can sometimes provide much desired comfort. A tv wedge pillow with a head rest may be ideal. You can select a wedge that has the thickness that best suits your specific need. The head rest or head roll is helpful in reducing neck pain or discomfort. When searching for a tv pillow for bed you may want a pillow that offers more support than a simple wedge offers. If so, you should explore the many options of tv pillows shaped like a chair. These provide a place to rest your arms and often have a side pocket to store your remote. If the wedge or chair style of tv pillow doesn't fulfill your need there is also the option of a more flexible type pillow called double hinged pillow. This pillow offers more flexibility and also comes with a head rest option.

Just as adults may enjoy lounging in bed and watching tv, children might also enjoy the same activity. There are tv pillows available that will blend in well with the bedroom decor of a child. A tv pillow for a child can be a welcome source of comfort when a child is ill. A large floor pillow makes a good choice for a child's pillow for watching tv. Usually a child simply seeks comfort and something to cuddle with more so than a pillow to relieve pain.

Bedlounge Hypoallegenic (Regurlar Size, Green Color, 100% Cotton Cover): The Ultimate Back Wedge, Bed Rest, Back Support, Comfort Reading Pillow

My Pillow Pets Panda 18"

TV pillows usually have removable covers. You can select cover colors, patterns, and styles that compliment your bedroom decor. TV pillows have various types of filling. You can select memory foam pillows for maximum comfort. They are also available with hypoallergenic filling so almost anyone could find a pillow that satisfies their requirements.

Lounging in bed and watching TV is an excellent way to relax if you are comfortable sitting in bed. TV pillows make it possible for you to lounge in bed and comfortable enjoy your favorite television show or movie. With the choice of wedge pillows, bed loungers, or flexible back rest pillows you should be able to find the pillow that is perfect for you. The price range for tv pillows is pretty reasonable, which makes them an interesting possibility as a gift you can get for the entire family. If you are looking for just one more thing to add on to someone's Christmas or birthday present, one of these pillows can make a nice add on gift that will most likely see a good bit of use.

As we get older and start raising a family, we learn quickly that you've got to be willing to spend some money if you would like to live comfortably. Having kids is pretty much the greatest thing in the world if you ask me, but there is no denying that supporting extra people will increase your household expenses. I learned early on to search out coupons for things like diapers and formula. One of my favorite finds was always Huggies coupons. They seemed to show up in my paper fairly regularly and I also put out the word for friends and family to keep their eyes open for them.

For many people, the costs of raising a baby can be a strain on the budget. Babies need certain things, and there's just no getting around it. One of those things that are indispensable are diapers, and most people strongly prefer the disposable variety. The cost of these items can be surprisingly high in light of the fact that the little ones tend to go through them at a remarkable rate.

Although there is a variety of brands available, some people swear by Huggies disposable diapers and will pay extra if necessary to obtain them. They tend to be a bit on the pricey side, but by taking advantage of savings opportunities, including the use of Huggies coupons, that monthly diaper budget can be trimmed significantly.

Many people are aware of this, to the extent that Huggies coupons are even traded on eBay! Of course, there are plenty of other opportunities to acquire these money-saving treasures.

First, and probably most obviously, Huggies coupons can be found in the coupon inserts that come with the Sunday newspaper or in the mail, depending on where you live. While just about everyone is aware of these coupon inserts, not so many are aware that you can actually do some planning with regard to acquiring and using them.

Sunday Coupon Preview is a website that's devoted to alerting consumers to coming coupon releases. They will send an email alert showing all the coupons available in the inserts referred to in advance of their actual release. This is a Godsend for those who take their savings seriously.

You can watch for the Huggies coupons to appear in the notices and plan your shopping accordingly. If you know that a coupon will be coming out you can watch the store advertisements for sales on Huggies and couple the coupon with the store sale for really substantial savings.

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Home Comfort

You can also check for local coupon trading clubs, or ask around among friends, neighbors and co-workers for their unused Huggies coupons. People who don't have babies obviously have no use for these items and will generally be happy to provide them.

Also be sure to check for printable Huggies coupons available over the internet. You may have to download special software to allow you to print them, but it's a good investment of your time to take advantage of this free opportunity. Be aware, though, that some supermarkets and other stores have been forced into taking a hard line against computer printed coupons. As with so many good things, scammers have gotten into the act and produced fraudulent coupons, so some retailers reject all of them.

When I was a kid, it was a big time treat when I'd go to stay with my cousins for the weekend. The highlight was always making milkshakes at some point during my stay. Today, although milkshakes are still a nice treat occasionally, I've found that making smoothies is a pretty popular event for my own kids. The great thing about smoothies is that you don't really have to do that much to make a luscious treat, and you can easily customize them for people's individual preferences. Of course, the health benefits compared to milkshakes is also a bonus. I actually feel somewhat energized after drinking a smoothie.

Smoothie makers are not anything too new. They have been around for a while, but they are one of those kitchen items that seem to fall somewhere just beyond the "kitchen necessities" category. Honestly, I find a smoothie maker to be more useful than many of the other kitchen gifts we received when we got married.

There are many different sizes and styles of smoothie maker available. Big name brands like Hamilton Beach are some of the most popular. This makes sense since people tend to trust names that they have seen around before. You shouldn't count out smaller names though. Remember also that there are a variety of both sizes and shapes. If you only need a small smoothie maker for personal use they are pretty easy to find. You might want to check out this listing of Best Reviewed Smoothie Makers before you buy.

There are many Smoothie makers, that you can find at surprisingly low prices, that are perfect for making  delicious smoothies on the go.  I was shopping around for them and realized that I could buy a smoothie maker for less than it costs me to take my family out for a round of ice creams!  The Hamilton Beach 51101 Personal Blender is one of the most popular smoothie making bargains on Amazon, but there are a lot of options out there.

Everyone loves smoothies they are tasty, nutritious and simple to make for even those with only the most basic skills in the kitchen. Blended fruit drinks are a great way to drastically increase your fruit and vegetable consumption in minutes, which is why smoothie makers are a staple in the kitchens of most health conscious individuals.

The benefit of smoothie machines is that you hardly need to do any chopping of fruit, as they slice easily through large chunks and liquefy in minutes. Most should also be able to crush ice and blend frozen fruit easily. Using frozen fruit is convenient as it saves you from having to use ice your drink will be chilled by blending in the fruit.

There are many recipes that can be used as meal replacement drinks for periods of busyness. Healthier than grabbing a bar of chocolate or a slice of toast, most smoothies contain carbohydrate, fat and protein, with vitamins and minerals from the fruits you choose, meaning that they are a meal in themselves.

One popular breakfast smoothie contains a banana, some fresh or frozen strawberries, low fat frozen yogurt, honey, skimmed milk and granola. Once this is blended together the result is a tasty breakfast drink which can be enjoyed on the way to work. Many smoothie makers now provide a cup with a commuter lid with the machine itself so that you can take the drink wherever you go.

The variety of drinks that can be produced by smoothie makers is nearly endless. Sometimes it can be a little bewildering at first when trying to work out what flavor combinations go well together, but with a little trial and error most people can quickly start to produce tasty drinks. To start off with it is a good idea to go visit the local fruit and vegetable market to find out what is in season, as fresh fruit always tastes better, and then experiment.

I can assure you that there may come be a point this winter where you will wish you had purchased a propane heater.

It may have occurred to you last year as well, but it slipped your mind. It is possible you were working out in the freezing garage or you found yourself in a too cold to bear basement. In either case, it occurred to you last year, but you still have not taken action (and continue to be cold).

After purchasing a propane heater, will it magically turn your freezing garage or basement into a tropical climate? A lovely thought, but I do not want to get your hopes too high. It will certainly cause the temperature to rise in the room to a more comfortable level, but you may not want to reach for your swimsuit or anything. Regardless, it is still a very nice home comfort item to have when the temperatures drop!

Choosing a propane heater instead of an electric will ultimately save you money. An electric model may cost less, but the cost of electricity, as a heating source is far greater than propane gas.

In general propane heaters are quite safe; however, there are certain usage guidelines you should follow. A propane heater should not be used in unventilated areas because you run the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Ensure that the room is properly ventilated. Using one outdoors poses less of a risk, but fresh air should still be a concern.

There are a few other safety guidelines to be followed when a portable propane heater is in use. Always keep the heater well away from flammable materials such as paint cans and the like. Having these items near the heater can cause a fire. Verify that the heater is capable of shutting itself off in case it falls. In addition, make sure the heater has a sensor that can detect oxygen depletion; this allows the heater to go off if the room does not contain enough oxygen.

Mr. Heater MH12T Single Tank-Top Propane Heater

Click to View Product Details

$34.52

The ideal propane heaters have adjustable heat controls, which gives you more control of the room temperature than a lesser model with a simple on/off button. Check for a warranty, which should cover the heater for no less than a year. It is important to remember to only purchase CSA safety certified heaters.

Deluxe Doorway Pull Up Bar

When looking for some home exercise equipment that is easy to install you could look at the homemade pull up bars available. There are a few points to consider when purchasing a pull up bar to use for doing pull ups at home. The first is making sure you have the right available space for installing the item.

While these units can install easily on a door frame, they generally protrude a bit on either side. It is also a good idea to look for doorway pull up bars that have foam protection to prevent any damage to your frame.

Another point to look at is how the piece is secured to the doorway. Does it need to use screws and bolts or can it be levered in some manner. This product is going to have to support your full weight when you use it so having it secure is extremely important. If you are unsure about the stability of using an over the door style you can choose a ceiling mounted unit. This design comes with two side braces made of steel that are attached to the ceiling. The chin up bar is in the middle of the unit.

This is a good option if you have the available room to place a ceiling mounted piece. It will provide adequate clearance space for you to do your exercises in. A door mount unit may not provide enough clearance for your elbows as they extend when you pull up on the bar. The ceiling units are available in small, medium and large to accommodate the space you have to place them in.

The price of a bar used for a chin up exercise will depend on the design of the piece and where it is used. You can find the standard ceiling items retailing for around $140 online.

It's not uncommon for advertisements for garage door openers to suggest that installing such items is a good do it yourself project. Before we go further here, be aware that garage door opener installation can be a dangerous undertaking. One should frankly assess one's ability and the existing door and supporting hardware before launching.  It would probably not be a bad idea to learn a little bit about the different types of garage doors too.  It might help you to assess what materials you will need.


Garage doors are heavy, and some of them (although not so much with residential models) rely on torsion springs that can be dangerous if not properly handled. Remember, garage door opener installation cost by a professional will be less than the cost of a severe injury.

Having said that, start by reading and comprehending the instructions all the way through. Locate and have on hand all the tools listed before starting, and take an inventory of the parts supplied.

Then, check the door for balance. If you raise the door to around chest level and release it, it should stop on its own before falling to the floor. That reflects the tension on the springs. If out of balance, it's time to check with a knowledgeable professional. Check to make sure that the glides move smoothly and uniformly through the rails. Rails that are out of alignment can put undue strain on any opener.

When mounting your garage door opener, be particularly careful to mount it to a structural component that can withstand some force being applied to it. Never consider mounting an opener with expansion type fasteners even of a heavy duty nature. With regard to mounting components, never install the switch or keypad where it can be reached by very young children. You don't want your garage door to become a toy to a toddler.

If your model of garage door opener requires being hard wired into the electrical system and you aren't quite sure of your ability to do this job properly, consult a professional. Also, if you are clueless about matters electrical, you might not want to deal with even the low voltage aspects of the system, such as the connection from the switch to the power unit or the electric eye sensors to be installed to reverse the downward movement of the door if it becomes obstructed at all.

Be sure to test your garage door opener installation thoroughly before going into the house and putting your feet up. Ensure that the door reverses direction if it hits any obstruction on its way down. Ensure that it stops running when the door is fully up or fully down and that the motor doesn't run on.

For the do it yourselfer of at least moderate experience, installing a garage door opener can generate some substantial savings in return for a few hours of work. For those less experienced or competent, the cost of professional garage door opener installation can be a long term bargain in terms of money and regrets.