Beyond Blue Home Improvement Thread

[geoff]

Hi everyone. I'm Geoff and have been a dedicated Volunteer on the forums for 13 years. I am proud to have stopped some of the stigmas that are associated with mental health as well as doing my best to help others too

Before my health went south I was a builder in all aspects of home construction and renovation. If you don't have a handyman around I hope I can offer you some tips that may be of help. I have had many years of experience in home renovation and will do my best to help you out if you are stuck and need some advice

I hope my experience may be of help to the people on Beyond Blue and make their life a little bit better. Even if you need help with the most basic painting job or putting up a shelf I can help there too with some tips

I will do my best to get back to anyone that has a question when I can as this is social yet important thread

Geoff

[geoff]

Hello Grandy, isn't it a shame as we get older our strength disappears.

I remember years ago Mum used to ask me to open a jar for her, now I'm asking my son to do the same.

Newspaper scattered under the bedroom suite maybe another option, just be careful.

There are also spray cans, not sure whether the colour is right, but if you do decide to use them please let me know.

Beest wishes.

Geoff.

[geoff]

Hello Hanna, a good question because years ago these chimneys were blocked to stop any flies, bees or other insects from entering your house, the really should have checked this when the heater was installed, but 'assume' it's OK, that's why I don't use that word, sorry.

If it's still a housing home then ring them straight away, as I know they are going around and checking on all gas heaters, due to some emitting carbon dioxide, ask them to check the top of the chimney to make sure a proper gas flue is on top of the chimney.

Another option is that the chimney may need a clean back from the days when it was used as a fireplace.

If it is a housing house/flat they would do a.s.a.p.

Your health and safety is so important and please let me know.

Geoff.

[Hanna3]

Thanks Geoff - I think it goes through some metal thing which is through the back of the wall, it's on the outside of the house outside the heater/chimney...

I have a doctors appointment today but will contact Housing next week - hopefully with the weather warming up I won't need to use the heater much longer, but something is wrong I think 0 I've had gas heating before in a private property and it was warm and comfy, no problems like here.. and yes it is NSW Housing. Thank you so very much for your help!

[geoff]

Hello Hanna, I know what you're talking about with the vent coming out of the wall which may need to be cleaned, or perhaps the heater needs to be replaced, the plumber should know this, especially after telling them what's actually happening.

In Vic where I live, I know that the gas heaters are being checked, cleaned or replaced in Housing as I know someone living in a Housing unit, a group of 40 units.

Best wishes.

Geoff.

[Hanna3]

Hi Geoff,

I went to my GP yesterday for something else and I mentioned the problem to her, she's had gas heating and thinks it's a reaction to how drying it is and has given me eye drops and said to put a big bowl of water in front of the heater to help humidify the air... but with this house having three gas leaks in the past year I'm not too sure! I'll see how it goes over the weekend - I read about that in Housing Victoria on the internet, it's a worry isnt it. Thanks Geoff I'll let you know how it goes!

[Ggrand]

Thank you Geoff, I have got the stay in my mind..I’ll certainly let you know if I go that way...

Hope your weekend is a good weekend..and that you are feeling okay both physically and mentally...

Grandy.

[geoff]

Hi Hanna, a bowl with water in front of a heater will evaporate water vapours to keep the air in the room moist/humid, but you have a heater and you shouldn't have to do this, so please let us know.

Take care.

Geoff.

[geoff]

Hello Grandy, try not to get any blisters.

Take care.

Geoff.

[Hanna3]

Hi Geoff, sorry I don't follow your post - bowl in front of heater but I have a heater - I think you've made a mistype...

I've been a bit unwell the past couple of days, hoping I won't have to use the heater much more now it's Spring - am keeping a bowl of water in front of it and spraying the air with a spray bottle and keeping a door slightly open.. hoping I can get by until after summer...will get it checked if I'm still here next winter... thank you so much for your help..

[geoff]

Hi Hanna, that's OK.

To put water in a bowl next to the heater so that the warm air picks up moisture will make the room less dry by increasing humidity, it's an easy way to add moisture to raise the humidity is to warm some water next to the heater.

This will stop your eyes tingling and drying out, whether it does the job has to be tried, sounds strange I know.

Best wishes.

Geoff.