With the recent precipitation, now’s a good time to go over the effects of rain on your heating and air conditioning system. Luckily, your outdoor HVAC units are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, such as rain, snow, and even a little hail. Unfortunately, if there are bad weather conditions, you may have to wait for a technician to service your HVAC unit, especially if it’s on the roof. HVAC Design Your air conditioner utilizes heat pump technology to pump heat from inside your home to the outdoor environment. The outdoor unit can either be an air conditioner or a heat pump capable of both heating and cooling. As a “split system,” one unit is located inside (evaporator coil and blower) and the other unit is located outside (compressor and condenser). Since the outdoor unit is exposed to the elements, it has been built to withstand extreme conditions. This is done by sealing electrical components from the rain and using sturdy, corrosion-proof materials, such as copper, aluminum, and plastics. Despite all the precautions, your HVAC system is still vulnerable to damage from falling tree limbs, wind-driven debris, flooding rains, and salty air. Regular maintenance, which includes a full cleaning, is the best way to ward off costly repairs and improve energy efficiency. Is Your Outdoor HVAC Unit at Risk in the Rain? Your outdoor heat pump unit is really only susceptible to damage in flooding situations. If water starts to partially submerge the unit, the wiring, electronics, and motor could get damaged. The heat pump can work in the rain, but not in the water. If the outdoor unit is partially or fully submerged, turn off the HVAC system at the electrical panel. Have a professional inspect the system before turning it back on again. Other than extreme situations, your outdoor unit should be fine. It’s perfectly safe to run your heater or air conditioner while it’s raining or storming outside. Should You Cover the Outdoor Unit? Since your condenser unit has been built to withstand moisture and extreme temperatures, it’s generally not a good idea to cover it. Some people choose to cover their units in the winter to protect it from rain, snow, leaves, and debris, but this can cause more harm than good. If moisture is allowed to evaporate, there’s no problem. Moisture may collect in the cover and the trapped condensation can lead to corrosion and other damage. Do NOT stack anything on top of the unit, especially when it’s running. It needs proper airflow to perform correctly. If you are worried about something falling down and damaging your unit, you may be able to build an awning-type shelter above the unit, but speak with a professional HVAC technician first. Can HVAC Technicians Service Units in the Rain? As a general rule, technicians do not service outdoor units in the rain. Besides the obvious danger of working on electrical components in the rain, moisture could cause damage to the unit. If the unit is on the roof, things are even more dangerous. Not only does the rain make everything slippery, but there may also be high winds and lightning. If the weather is bad enough, it’s just not safe for technicians to work on the outdoor unit. Sometimes, however, we will visit a home in bad weather in cases of an emergency. Always check first, but don’t be surprised if a technician has to wait for the weather to clear before servicing your unit, especially if it’s on the roof. If you do notice leaks or signs of water damage around your HVAC system, contact Affordable Air & Heat LLC. before more damage occurs. Affordable Air & Heat LLC. is known for trustworthy, on-time heating and air conditioning service If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to Affordable Air & Heat LLC.
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(StatePoint) Curb appeal is important, but it’s not the be-all and end-all of house hunting. By factoring in other priorities, such as great schools, a community feel, along with nearby amenities that improve your quality of life, you can feel right at home in your new neighborhood from the moment you arrive. “Many families want it all -- the connection that comes with a small town feel, and the bustle and energy of shopping, dining and culture,” says Blake Gable, CEO Barron Collier Companies, the real estate development firm behind Ave Maria, a 5,000-acre community in Southwest Florida. With the understanding that many families desire to work, live, learn and recreate all in one place, master-planned communities such as Ave Maria have grown in popularity in Florida, and often include residential neighborhoods, schools, town centers with shopping and dining, office space, business parks and recreational amenities. Keyed into what neighborhood features foster community and enhance quality of life, Gable is sharing five quality-of-life amenities to look for while house hunting: 1. A community feel: If you’d like your neighbors to be more than just strangers who happen to live close by, a master-planned community may be the right style of living for you. In many such communities, there are more golf carts and bikes than there are cars, creating a friendly atmosphere where it’s easy to stop, chat and catch up with neighbors-turned-friends. Such self-sustained communities often have their own sports fields, dog parks, nature paths, active events calendars and even social clubs. Whether it’s photography, bird watching or pickleball, you can nurture your interests while meeting new people. 2. Healthy living: The right neighborhood for your family is one that’s built for a healthy lifestyle. Find out whether your prospective new neighborhood has achieved Blue Zones Project certification. This pioneering health initiative is helping communities commit to improving the well-being of residents by offering them opportunities to move naturally, eat better, develop social circles, and live with purpose. As one of the first places to earn the designation in Florida and the Southeast United States, Ave Maria is a good example of a town designed to help residents live their healthiest, happiest life. 3. A town center: A neighborhood with its own town center blends big town convenience with small town connection. Merchants are not just businesses, they are neighbors, too, so that you don’t have to leave the neighborhood to find all the shopping and services you need, from supermarkets, restaurants and boutiques to spas, salons and doctors. 4. Great value: The lifestyle you want should come at the right price. Fortunately, you don’t have to overspend to find a new home in one of the country’s most desirable locations, Southwest Florida. Named the fastest growing new home community in Southwest Florida since 2015 by MetroStudy, and Community of the Year by Collier Building Industry Association since 2015, Ave Maria offers the same type of lifestyle amenities, albeit at a much greater value, than similar options in nearby, more expensive Naples. 5. Top-notch schools: Check out local, state and national rankings, visit school websites, and connect with parents to learn their perspectives. Ave Maria is in the Collier County School District, which is ranked sixth in the state of Florida. Boasting highly-regarded pre-K to post-grad schools that are A-rated by the Florida Department of Education, its private schools are on-site and nationally recognized for excellence. It’s also home to Ave Maria University, which lends the local scene a college-town energy, complete with continuing education, cultural activities and athletic events. This accredited liberal arts university offers 33 majors and 31 minors. To learn more about the quality-of-life amenities found in affordable master-planned communities, visit avemaria.com. As you search for a home, consider narrowing your search to neighborhoods that offer a community atmosphere and a healthy, friendly lifestyle. (StatePoint) When the temperatures drop and the precipitation turns cold, efficiently keeping your home cozy and warm is likely a top priority.
As you make home upgrades this fall, be sure to use materials designed to withstand extreme weather events and which help manage indoor climate control. Doing so will mean greater comfort and more affordable energy bills, not only when it’s cold, but all year long. Roofing As your first defense against all kinds of weather, your roof sustains a lot of wear and tear. Consider prioritizing durability, strength and weather resistance in a new roof by opting for metal. The good news? You can get a classic appearance with this material, thanks to updates in roofing technology. For example, the energy-saving metal roofing offered by ProVia has the textured appearance of natural slate or shake shingles, but is constructed of highly durable 26-gauge steel, for added strength and lifetime protection from wind, rain, hail and corrosion. Siding Is your home is ever drafty or chilly when the temperatures drop and the wind kicks up? The culprit may be insufficient insulation. Keep in mind that most wall insulation is placed only between the studs, and wall studs make up to 25% of the wall surface of an average home. You can fill in these insulation gaps with insulated vinyl siding that’s been tested and proven to increase the R-value (a measure of a material’s resistance to heat flow) of an exterior wall. One of the most energy-efficient exterior claddings on the market, CedarMAX insulated vinyl siding is one such choice that can help reduce your energy bills. Plus, its strong, rigid foam backing offers greater impact resistance against rain, hail, sleet and snow, making a siding upgrade a good project to consider before the first winter storm. Windows Windows are a common point of heat transfer, and as such, they play a huge role in the comfort of your home. It’s not often that you have to purchase windows for your home, but when you do, you’ll want to ensure that they deliver the best in energy efficiency and comfort. ProVia’s vinyl windows, for example, are ENERGY STAR-certified, to help keep your home warm in winter (and cool in summer). Interior Décor You may not think about your interior decorating choices as something that could potentially improve your home’s energy efficiency, but many such updates will not only make your home look more cozy, they’ll actually help keep it warm. Thick area rugs are a good place to start, as they provide insulation underfoot. Likewise, cellular shades or Roman shades can help stop heat transfer around windows, and wall tapestries or fabric-like wallpaper can provide a touch more insulation on walls. To learn more about building and renovating with comfort and energy savings in mind, visit provia.com. By selecting the right products during a renovation, you can prepare your home for greater comfort and energy savings in cool weather. (StatePoint) Achieving your dream home through a remodeling project is an exciting prospect. Just ask the 55% of homeowners who reported renovating a part of their home in the past year.
As eager as you are for the work to get started, taking the time to ensure the job is done smoothly, safely and securely is important. Before contractors begin, take the following steps first: 1. Ensure that any contractor working on and having access to your home is adequately insured and bonded should there be a mishap, injury on site, or damage to your property. It is appropriate to ask for your contractor’s license as well as proof of insurance, coverage limit details and a lien waiver. 2. Read the contract carefully and ensure it includes a construction schedule, detailed hard and soft cost estimates, and any other information that may be required by your city’s building inspection department, such as construction drawings or permitting plans. 3. Make a good investment by checking references and reviewing any Better Business Bureau ratings or complaints that have been filed against the company. Some states also provide public access to civil and small claims cases that have been filed against companies or individuals. This is important, considering homeowners spend significant sums to renovate their spaces according to their vision. In fact, the Joint Center for Housing Centers of Harvard University estimates that Americans will spend $485 billion on home improvement projects in 2023. 4. You can’t be there at all times to let in contractors. Certainly, don’t start giving out your garage door code or leaving your door open -- this comes at high risk for theft. Instead, invest in a versatile lock box for which only you control the combination so you can grant access to a particular contractor on a given day, and then change the combination for the next need or worker. From the front door to the pool gate to the storage shed, find lock boxes that fit your project’s needs. The newest models from Master Lock include #5480D, which features a removable shackle for easy installation in many locations; #5481D, which is wall-mountable, and #5482D, which features a removable cable that provides flexibility to secure it in hard-to-reach and discreet locations. All feature double the storage capacity to accommodate keys, fobs, garage door openers or key cards in all shapes and sizes. “We studied customers’ needs and reimagined our product solution to provide bigger, easier to use lock boxes that work for any door, piece of property or access point,” says Becky Fellows, senior category manager at Master Lock. “And after the remodel, you can repurpose it to provide a dog walker or short-term renter access to your property.” 5. Make a plan for pets. This could be as simple as using gates to separate them from construction. However, if the project is kicking up dust and debris, or your pet is sensitive to loud noises, consider having them stay elsewhere, whether that’s with friends or at a pet hotel. 6. Protect your property and make life easier for your contractor by clearing their work area of furniture and other items. Determine whether you’ll relocate these items to rooms not being remodeled, store them in the garage or shed, or use a third-party storage space. No matter the size of your home project, if contractors are involved, you’ll want to ensure they are up to the task, and that your home is prepared for their arrival. (StatePoint) Want to help guarantee your child’s academic success? While you can’t control what goes on in the classroom, you can facilitate their study time at home by setting up an A+ workstation. Here’s how:
1. Choose a location: Select a location that’s well-lit, preferably with some natural light, and away from noise and distractions. Whether it’s your child’s bedroom or a corner of the dining area, the area should be large enough for all their supplies and tech to stay organized. 2. Use color wisely: Research has shown that certain colors have the power to boost productivity and creativity or promote a sense of calm. Decorating the space with care could potentially help your student weather crunch periods with ease. You may also opt to color code binders, dividers and other supplies by coursework so that your child can quickly identify the items they need. 3. Update tech: Equip the workstation with the latest technology and educational tools. For easy essay composition, your child’s suite of devices should include a tablet or laptop and a printer. To get your student prepped for math and science classes, be sure to supply them with a graphing calculator featuring the latest capabilities. The fx9750GIII, for example, is not only stylishly available in trending colors, it’s capable of programming in CASIO Basic and MicroPython. Python files are easily stored and transferred via USB to a computer. With graph and statistical functions, exam compatibility mode and a suite educational resources, your student will be well prepared to take on all their STEM coursework and test prep. 4. Prevent clutter: Clutter can pile up all too easily, making it difficult to find notes and assignments. Keep the mess to a minimum with the addition of a few organizational tools. Hang a corkboard to post reminders and to-do lists. Add wall shelving or a sorting tray to keep papers filed by subject area or due date, and use small baskets or cups to collect erasers, paper clips and other small supplies. Finally, be sure the workstation has its own waste bin, so that items that are no longer needed can be efficiently tossed or recycled. 5. Consider ergonomics: Eliminate distractions by making sure the workstation is ergonomic-friendly and comfy. If your child sits at a desk, ensure their computer monitor is at eye level and that their feet touch the floor. Adjustable laptop tables can transform a makeshift work area on the couch or bed into a comfortable workstation. By setting up a dedicated homework area designed for productivity, you can help your student make the grade. ----------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------- PHOTO SOURCE: (c) netrun78 / iStock via Getty Images Plus (StatePoint) While finances are a main topic that families fight over, a new survey discovers that cleaning and organizing also top the list.
According to the survey, which was conducted by Duck brand, 76% of people feel “overwhelmed” by their family members’ messes. In fact, the research finds that messiness impacts relationships between family members: 46% of people say it causes “tension” between them; 35% say it causes arguments; and 33% say it is a “source of stress on a daily basis.” Knowing that disorganization impacts relationships, the survey aims to shed light on the source of the stress, as well as pet peeves families have when cleaning and organizing: • Arguments about tidying up may happen frequently because 74% of people say they have a different idea of what “clean and organized” is compared to other members of their household. Additionally, 44% say “cleaning and organizing frequency” is the most difficult task for their family to agree on. • Survey respondents say their top peeves about their family’s cleaning and organizing style is they procrastinate (56%) and they don’t like to clean/organize themselves at all (36%). According to 48% of survey respondents, another big annoyance is having to frequently remind other people in the home to pick up their belongings. When they don’t clean up after themselves, most (58%) say it makes them feel annoyed and some say they feel angry/frustrated (29%). • Clutter in the living room is the “most annoying mess” that family members make on a regular basis, followed by not wiping up spills in the kitchen or fridge (45%), according to the results. Although there is a lot to disagree about when it comes to clutter, there is one thing families are aligned on: 85% believe “living in a tidy home leads to more harmony among household members.” Duck brand offers simple solutions for a happier, more efficient home: Install EasyMounts Interior Drywall J Hook in the hall closet, entryway or garage to encourage family members to keep bags, hats and toys off the floor. If the kitchen is a messy hotspot, place Clear Classic EasyLiner Brand Shelf Liner in the fridge to cut down on sticky spills. For expert tips and ideas on how to use EasyMounts and EasyLiner around the house, visit Duck brand. “Families are constantly on the go, so it is hard to keep up with daily tasks around the house,” says Angee Mantell, Insights & Innovation product manager at Shurtape Technologies, LLC, the company that markets the Duck brand. “Implementing a few simple solutions can help teach tidy habits and encourage everyone at home to play their part in making spaces neat and clutter-free.” ***** |
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