Published on: 11 March 2016
Last Updated on: 02 June 2021
Maintenance of home devices is one way to keep them for a long period of time and make them energy-efficient devices to decrease electrical bills. There are various ways to maintain the air condition unit and this, we are going to discuss today.
Things you should do to maintain properly the AC condition unit:
The evaporator
The foil insulation in front of air duct junction should be removed first. If it is worn, replace it immediately. Then, the access plate should be cleaned as well. It is located behind the insulation and anchored with a few screws. Remove the screws and plates
Professional contractors who offer AC repair will recommend you to use a utility brush when cleaning the underside of the evaporator. Now, if the back area is unreachable, you just slide the evaporator a little bit.
Clean the tray now from the growth of fungus by pouring a tablespoon of chlorine bleach inside the tray. You can determine if there’s a clog on your tray, there’s water in it. Use the heavy wire in removing the clog.
Now, attach again the plate and tape the insulation back to the original place.
Switch on the AC unit and check for any air leakage. If there’s any, tape them with duct tape.
Maintain the Condenser
According to the professional technicians of HVAC companies, the condenser is always collecting dirt, dust and other debris from the outside environment. The fan inside the unit helps to circulate the air over the coil.
Any dirt, dust, debris like grass or vines should be removed from the condenser. This debris can affect the airflow.
Use a coil cleaner when cleaning the condenser. There is an instruction on the manual on how are you going to clean it. Flush some water on coil cleaner and let it dry.
Clean the fins using a brush. Remove the outer grill so you can reach the fins. Some of the professional contractors said that using the water hose to clean the fins may cause the dirt to clump then turning into mud. A fin comb can be used to get into the spaces of fins to clean it.
Inspecting the concrete pad is essential too. Make sure that the concrete pad is settled properly.
Use condenser cover for your unit to prevent ice damage or leaf blockage during winter months. A heavy plastic sheet with the sturdy cord can also secure your unit.
The maintenance of thermostat unit
Remove the grill and the control panel. Then, you must remove the thermostat carefully.
Test the thermostat using the VOM set into RX1 scale. You should attach the probes to the terminals then switch on the temperature controls to the coolest setting. Licensed HVAC technicians said that if the result is zero, it is functional then. But if the result is above zero, replace it right away.
Filter
The air conditioning filter must be changed once a month according to professional air condition technicians. But if the weather is extreme, change the filter twice a month.
Now, you don’t need to worry about your AC unit, these steps and tips shared by Wincrest will totally help you to do-it-yourself the AC cleaning and maintenance.
Abdul Aziz Mondol is a professional blogger who is having a colossal interest in writing blogs and other jones of calligraphies. In terms of his professional commitments, he loves to share content related to business, finance, technology, and the gaming niche.
Throughout the year our gardens are constantly changing from season to season, which creates a fresh and exciting feel every month. From beautiful blooms in the spring to crisp, frosty layers during the winter, our gardens always provide a captivating aesthetic to enjoy. When it comes to the winter months, many people neglect their gardens and wait until the warmer days arrive again, but this shouldn’t be the case. There are lots of ways to keep your garden looking its best throughout the winter, including adding a deer fence to protect your garden and property from animals and wildlife, and here’s other tips…
Invest in a Greenhouse
Greenhouses are a must for anyone keen to continue gardening during the winter months and maintain a beautiful garden aesthetic. From the moment you introduce a greenhouse, you open up your gardening options, giving you the chance to work on all kinds of wonderful projects. You’ll also find that a greenhouse helps to bring character to the garden, adding to the overall look of your outdoor space. A greenhouse also enables you to work on projects that may need a little encouragement in a warm environment, before adding them back to your garden to help brighten the area and enhance the aesthetic.
Take a look at Two West’s wide selection of greenhouses here to find the right fit for your garden.
Embrace Winter Colour
Keep your garden looking bright and colorful by adding a selection of winter-blooming plants to your pots and beds. From winter-blooming daphne to pansies and cyclamen, you can bring an assortment of gorgeous winter colors to really bring life to your garden. Whether you opt to plant these bloomed plants during the winter for instant color, or you decide to plant your seeds earlier in the year for winter blooms, you can create a stunning aesthetic and add a trendy feel to your garden.
Find the perfect winter blooms here available at Dobies to bring a seasonal touch to your garden.
Install Outdoor Lighting
Having a display of outdoor lighting can really help to illuminate your exterior, not only adding to the overall aesthetic but also enhancing your home's security. There are lots of different ways to introduce lighting, from subtle lights positioned neatly along the outskirts of your lawn or along the path, to brighter lights that stand tall and brighten the whole space. Do a little research into different types of outdoor lighting to see which would work best with your home's style and layout and invest in the best style for you. It’ll be much easier to enjoy your garden on those darker evenings once you have your outdoor lighting fitted.
Visit Lights.co.uk here to find inspiration for outdoor lighting to introduce to your home and garden.
Frequently Sweep Up Leaves
Many people see sweeping up the leaves in the garden to be a pointless task, as sooner or later they’ll be back to sweep up again. This may be the case, but by sweeping up the leaves you are able to keep your garden looking its best, even during the winter. Leaves and generic debris can create a very messy, untidy look for the garden so it’s always beneficial to keep on top of sweeping them off to the side or removing them from flower beds and your lawn area. You’ll be amazed how much of a difference this small but practical task will make!
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A burglary occurs every 18 seconds in the United States. These statistics are scary! Even safe neighborhoods experience crime from time to time, so you need to be prepared. The good news is that there are several ways you can go about making your home safe. Some may require that you purchase equipment while others may not. The more you can thwart a burglar's plans the safer your home will be.
Tips that will Help you to Keep your >H>ome >Safe</span>
When thinking about improving overall safety, do not forget to follow the following tips.
1. Change Your Locks:
Did you just buy a new home?
Don’t be so excited to get the keys that you forget to change all the locks. No matter how wholesome the previous homeowners may seem, you never know who is unscrupulous and who isn’t.
You also never know who they may have given a key to in the past. It could have been a distant relative, a nanny, a house cleaner, or a handyman, to name a few.
The point is, you don’t know if a shady character doesn’t have a copy of the keys to your new home. The best thing to do is to hire a locksmith to change the locks.
2. Get An Alarm System:
Sure, you may not want your home to feel like a high-security vault, but it is never a bad idea to be prepared for the worst.
There are literally dozens of safety systems you can choose from. This makes it more likely that you will find something that is within your budget.
There are also some security systems that you can install yourself. However, if you do get a high-tech security system the security company will have to install it for you.
Once you have installed your security system, put a security sign in your front yard or place security signs on your windows to deter criminals.
If you think that an advanced security system is something you will not be able to afford, you can always go for robust roller shutters.
Roller Shutter People are leading installers in Sydney that states that installing these on windows and doors can be a simple, yet time-tested and effective way to keep burglars out of your house and maintain safety.
3. Vacation Wisely:
Criminals like to target homes when people go on vacation. Protect your home when you are away by setting timers on your television and your lights.
These timers make it easy for you to have your lights and your television on at specific times. When criminals think someone is home, they are deterred from committing crimes.
4. Get Smart:
These days you can monitor your home from anywhere using smart security cameras. Some of these cameras are so tiny the average person might miss them, and you can control them from your smartphone or tablet.
Smart lights should also be a major part of your security plan because you can turn them on or off whether you are just down the road or in another country.
5. Exercise Mail Control To Keep Your Home Safe:</strong>
If you are going to be away for a while, then it is usually a good idea to get a friend or neighbor to take your mail and any delivered packages off your front porch at least once per day.
If your front porch or doorway is flooded with mail, it is a dead giveaway to criminals that no one is home.
You can also go to your local post office in Gainesville FL and explain that you will be away for a while and ask them to hold all your mail.
6. Rethink Your Landscape :
Did you know that the landscape edging of your home can either deter or attract criminals?
Overgrown bushes and untrimmed hedges can provide places for thieves to hide so that neighbors and passersby cannot spot them.
Trim bushes and hedges to at least three feet in height. Plant thorny bushes near your windows with gravel nearby so that it is easier to hear footsteps.
The more you can make it difficult for criminals to gain entry, the more secure your home will be.
7. Motion Detector Lighting:
Motion detector lighting shines the spotlight brightly on anyone who may try to get onto your premises. As soon as an intruder moves so does the light.
You should install motion detector lights at the back and the front of your home, for added protection you can add them to the sides as well.
One of the many benefits of this kind of lighting is that it saves energy since it is only activated when it detects motion.
8. Get A Video Doorbell:
You can get a video doorbell to keep your home secure. A video doorbell will let you see who is at your door before you open it.
Astonishingly enough, many thieves ring your doorbell to get a feel for who is home or not before attempting a burglary. A doorbell camera will give you the upper hand should a thief decide to rob you.
Installing Rodann door chimes is also another security feature you can use. The chimes will alert you when anyone is within a certain distance from your door.
9. Get A Dog:
With all the high-tech security systems mentioned so far, getting a dog may seem like a low-tech way to safeguard your home from intruders. However, if you can get a dog then do so, since burglars tend to avoid homes with dogs.
When a thief wants to rob a home, they want to be in and out as quickly as possible, and a barking dog attracts too much attention and is an unnecessary complication.
10. Watch What You Post On Social Media:
Social media has become a place where you can share the daily happenings of your life with family, friends, and neighbors.
However, if you go on vacation or are away for a weekend, it is not a good idea to announce your absence from home on social media.
This is especially true if you don’t know everyone in your network. Announcing you are away and posting pictures of your getaway is an announcement for anyone with bad intentions.
Literally telling them that you will be far away , and they should break into your home.
Top Safety Measures in a Rented Place
New job, and new rented house!
Everything is exciting about such a prospect, but how to ensure the utmost safety in a new place & home.
Moving into a new rented apartment can be an exciting time with new opportunities and a fresh start in life.
While you are excitedly packing and planning, taking stock of your security is essential when moving into another person’s property.
Here are seven safety tips to keep you safe during this transition.
Locks
Don’t forget to lock all the doors on your first day of entering your new home or apartment. Additionally, never assume that previous tenants have returned all sets of keys.
So, if needed, get the locks changed upon consulting with your landlord.
Smoke Detectors
Next, test the smoke detectors. You might assume they work, but never leave this to chance.
Press the test button on each detector to ensure they function properly. If you don’t hear a sound, replace the batteries or request your landlord to do so. Safety from fire hazards is non-negotiable.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors
While you’re at it, check for carbon monoxide detectors, too. Not all places have them installed, but they’re lifesavers—literally.
Carbon monoxide is a silent killer, and having a detector can alert you to any dangerous leaks. Consider purchasing a portable unit if your new home doesn’t have one.
Check Windows
Another important thing to do is to check the windows. They should open and close easily. You will also want to ensure that they have locks on them as well.
In case of an emergency, such as a fire, you will need a quick and easy way out of your apartment. If you live on the ground floor, being able to lock your windows is important for safety reasons.
Lighting your Outside
You should also make sure that everything outside the apartment is well-lit. If something seems too dim or amiss, then tell your landlord about this right away.
If there are any lights outside, ask your landlord to replace them or put in some more lights. These include spotlights upon entrances or even motion sensor lights around corners.
Know your Area
Finally, get to know your surroundings. Spend some time walking around, getting acclimated with the neighborhood, and pinpointing any places that might not seem safe, specifically at night.
Get to know your neighbors, as they can give you the lowdown on both the area and potential safety issues.
By doing these in the process of moving, your new rental will truly be a sweet home right off the bat. So you’ll feel better about unpacking those piles of boxes.
Hopefully these tips will help you feel more secure in your new place!
If you would like more lifestyle tips, please visit our website. You are sure to find helpful tips for making your life better.
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Pests can be a menace and a mood killer. They dampen your spirits of developing a beautiful garden with their destructiveness. Many gardeners make frequent visits to the stores to buy insecticides to try and save their gardens. But did you know your home is full of natural insecticides that you could use to control the pest? Several items that you use in your home can also be used to control pests in the garden.
So, if you are tired of the frequent visit to the stores or don’t have the time, here are several home items and products you can use to control pests in your garden.
DIY Ways to Control Pests in Your Garden:
One Hot Pepper Spray:
Mix one gallon of water and about three spoons of hot pepper; if you are using fresh peppers, chop about ten peppers. Simmer the mixture or about 15 minutes and then let the mixture settle for 2 hours.
Add a few drops of dish soap to the mixture. The soap helps the mixture acquire a sticky solution that can easily adhere to the plants.
Garlic-Mint Insect Spray:
To make this homemade pesticide, blend some mint leaves with garlic gloves. Add cayenne pepper and dishwashing soap. Boil the mixture and let it settle for 12hours. It should be ready to chase the bugs away.
Apple Cider Vinegar Fruit Fly Trap:
Flies are irritant and spread diseases very fast. Instead of waiting until it’s morning to buy some bug spray, you can easily make a homemade fly trap using basic kitchen products.
Fill a bottle with apple cider vinegar and add a few pieces of chopped apple. The bottle top should be funneled shaped or have a shaker that allows the flies to get in but restrict them from easily getting out.
Coffee Grounds:
Do not throw away used coffee grounds if you have a pest problem in your house. Despite making you a cup of coffee, coffee grounds can be used as homemade pesticides.
If there is an infestation of ants in your garden, place the coffee grounds in the spot they are originating from. Coffee grounds are fatal to many species of ants. Coffee grounds can also be used to control bugs, snails, and slugs.
Eggshells:
If a population of slugs and snails are wreaking havoc on your recently planted seedlings, you can easily win the war with eggshells. Eggshells make the ground rough, and the snails find it challenging to slither. Crash eggshells into tiny pieces and then spread the pieces on the ground. The shells also add value to your garden by adding calcium and other minerals to the soil when they degrade.
Dust Mite Oil Repellent:
You can easily make a pesticide to control mites and aphids that invade your home and garden with some few basic home items. To do this, mix either lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint, clove or rosemary oil with water. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle.
Mites and aphids hate the smell of this mixture and will stay away from the sprayed area. You can add lemongrass and basil to repel lice and fleas as well.
Egg Deer Repellent:
Yes, a deer is also a pest. They can be a big problem for your garden, especially if you live near game reserves. However, you can keep the deer away from your plants by using a mixture of eggs and water. Mix several eggs with water and blend the mixture until it forms a solution. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and then spray the solution on the leaves of your plants. The deer will be repelled by the smell and will stay away from your garden.
Bananas and Tin Foil:
Aphids are some of the most destructive pests in the garden. They can easily destroy a whole garden if they are not controlled. It is one of the best ways to Control Pests.
To control aphids collects banana peels and chop them up into small pieces. Place the peels under the soil around the base of the plants. Aphids are repelled by the peels, and the peels add nutrients to the soil when they decompose.
Foil can also be used to chase way aphids. The foil reflects sun rays to the underside of the leaves when placed at the base of the plants. The heat and light will chase away the destructive pests.
Some people might wonder, “what if I meet banana spiders while spraying the garden?” Well, the best thing to do is to leave them alone. Banana spiders are pest controllers and will help you reduce pests in your garden. Majority of banana spiders are harmless to humans.
Pests should no longer be a big problem if you use the home remedies above. Frequent visits to the store to buy pesticides will also be a thing of the past.
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