Cooling your home during the hot summer months can be a challenge if you don’t have the right system installed. If you choose one that doesn’t have the power to cool your home, or one that just doesn’t work well with the layout of your house, then you run the risk of making your system work harder than it should, costing you money.

Fortunately, there are several options for air conditioning systems out there that you can choose from to make sure you keep your house cool without breaking the bank. Here is a quick guide to rating different air conditioning systems as well as a few different types that you can research to find one that works for you and your family. Each type of unit has its pros and cons, so each will be discussed to give you the best information to make your decision.

How Are Units Ranked?

One of the most popular ways that air conditioning systems are ranked is by the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ration, or SEER. Once you understand the ranking system, then you can quickly glance at the stats and see which type of system may be right for you.

The SEER is measured on a level of 13 to 28, and is derived by taking the total cooling in British thermal Units (BTUs) over the course of a summer season and dividing it over the total energy consumed over that same period. This may seem a little technical, but it is a fancy way of telling you how efficient each type of system is, with the higher the number being better.

The upshot of this is that the higher the number, the more efficiently your system runs, which means better cooling at lower costs. Of course, higher SEER are usually more expensive, so you may need to find a middle ground to satisfy your cooling and financial needs. Some state governments will give rebates for higher SEER, so see if you qualify before deciding.

HVAC Systems

HVAC systems are your standard air conditioning systems that use an outside unit to exchange hot air and a central unit, usually in the attic, to maintain temperatures inside.

Pros: HVAC units are some of the most efficient systems you can have, with an average SEER of 18. They work so well because they are attached to thermostats throughout the house that can turn the unit on and off as needed, limiting wasted power. They will also cool every room that is attached to the duct-work.

Cons: New units can be pretty expensive, so you need to know what your needs are before making it worth the money. Also, duct-work can leak and need to be replaced, which can also be expensive.

Window Units

Window air conditioners are the units you’ve probably seen attached to the outside of an open window. They were used much more in the past, but they still offer a cheaper alternative to HVAC units.

Pros: Window units are produced with varying power outputs, so you can find one that can cool just one room or an entire floor. They are also fairly inexpensive, ranging from $500 to $1,500, depending on the size and power. Window units are easy to install, so you don’t need to pay a professional to do so.

Cons: Window units aren’t as versatile because there are limited places you can install them, i.e., in a room with windows. It will take more time to cool a large area, as the cooling effect will move slowly throughout the room since there is no direct duct-work to move it along. For larger homes, you will need to install several units to stay cool.

Mini Ductless Units

These units are like the systems that are installed in hotel rooms, a single unit that plugs in, has it’s own thermostat, and can be installed anywhere near an electrical outlet.

Pros: Mini units can be placed throughout the home and individually controlled, either by hand or with a remote, to get the most out of each unit. They are usually rated with a fairly high SEER as well, so the efficiency can help keep your cooling costs down.

Cons: Depending on your needs, you could pay upward of $5,000 per mini unit. You will also need a professional to install each unit.

You can find more information on air conditioning systems and tips to keep your house cool all summer long at Academy Air.

Amelie Jordan is a stay-at-home Mom who uses her everyday knowledge of running a house and raising kids to write her useful and informative articles. A keen gardener, Amelie also enjoys carrying out small DIY and restoration projects around the house.

If you have been living in your home for a number of years it can be easy to not notice certain issues with your property creeping up on you, especially when you are looking at them every day and they even become something you learn to live with or just another thing for your to-do list.

A good example would be your windows, which might actually be giving you some strong hints that now would be a good time to get around to fixing your window, unless you want to face an even more expensive repair bill if you do nothing.

Condensation confirms it

The clues are there if you know what to look for and condensation on your windows confirms it, you have a problem with ventilation in your home, or it might be that moisture levels are higher than they should be.

The ventilation issue is a problem of sorts, but definitely not as serious as high moisture levels in your property.

Moisture can form on your windows as condensation or maybe even frost, when the temperature dial takes a dive below freezing. The big issue here is that this moisture can quickly escalate into a problem where you are then having to contend with the consequences of mold and mildew, and even rotting wood sills on your windows.

You will often find that newer houses are built so tightly that moisture can often find itself captured inside your home, which is not what you want, so you have to do something to eliminate this risk.

If your windows are telling you that there is a problem with moisture in your home by displaying condensation, you will need to find a way of reducing the moisture levels before it causes some damage to your windows, and beyond.

When the window is the problem

The above scenario makes the assumption that your windows are in good order, but if you find that condensation is forming between the panes of glass, it is a clear sign that the seals on your double or triple-pane window have deteriorated or failed altogether, which means they are failing to properly prevent outside air from coming in.

If you notice that moisture is trapped between these panes and is condensing into small droplets, or creates a fogging effect, it might be that the window needs some attention or replacing.

Get a window company to look at the problem. It might be that one panel that is letting moisture in could be replaced, or it might be that it is time to replace the whole window.

Possible gas leak

Double-pane windows are filled with gas between the two panes, so if you notice that condensation is forming in the center of the glass on the pane that is inside your home, this is a probable sign that you have a gas leak.

The fundamental point to remember in this situation is that once the argon gas leaks out, your window is basically providing minimal or even zero insulation.

If this is what is happening to your window, the only viable solution is to get the window replaced. Check to see whether there is any warranty left on the window before you go ahead and pay for the replacement yourself.

If you notice leaking around your window

Another problem to look out for is when you notice that water is leaking around the edges of your window.

There are can be several reasons for this. It may well be that your window is not closing tightly enough and some small adjustments need to be made in order to create a tighter seal.

However, if you are happy that the window is shutting as tightly as it can do and yet there are still signs of water getting in around your window, especially at the top, this could well be a sign of a problem that is not related to your window itself.

You may want to check the integrity of your roof or siding to see if there is a potential leak that is running down your wall and then entering the property through your window.

Good windows make a big difference

There are plenty of positives attached to having good windows in your home

Aside from the obvious curb appeal that is obtained when you have windows in your property that are well maintained and in a good state of repair, efficient windows help keep your energy bills low and improve the comfort levels and performance of your home generally.

So if you spot a potential problem that you windows are perhaps trying to tell you, aim to get the problem fixed as quickly as you can.

Bethany Pearce is restoring her own home and likes to share tips that she has learned along the way with other homeowners.

Keeping your lawn looking lush, healthy and the perfect shade of green is not always that easy, as it requires a combination of time, experience and diligence, in order to end up with a lawn that looks stunning all of the time.

It is this level of commitment and knowledge required to achieve great lawn care, that prompts homeowners to seek out a company who can deliver what they are looking for. For example, you can visit Atkins Inc for more detailed info on what they have to offer, in your quest to find a lawn care company who can deliver what you are looking for.

It should also be noted that not all lawn care companies are the same, so if you want to weed out the ones that are unlikely to deliver that perfect lawn, here are some factors to consider which should help you to make an informed choice.

Deciding what you want

One of the most important things that you need to do when choosing a lawn care company that is right for you, is to first of all, decide exactly what it is you want them to do and what you want to achieve from the service.

If you are overrun with weeds and want that brought under control or you want a pristine lawn that looks as fabulous as it can throughout the year, these are all perfectly achievable goals, but you have to list your priorities when talking to a lawn care company, so that they can offer to provide the right amount of time and attention to give you what you mainly want from the service.

What to expect

It is fair to expect that most lawn companies will provide some standard services, and if they don’t, that should have you asking some further questions.

It is likely that when you talk to a lawn care firm about providing you with a comprehensive service, they will offer to carrying out aerating and mowing, in addition, you can normally expect them to carry out weeding and fertilizing, as well as offering pest control that is specific to contending with threats that have the capacity to damage your lawn.

Philosophies and methods matter

It would be a good idea to inquire about the philosophies and methods that they lawn care company abide by, especially if you are concerned about things like which type of fertilizers they are proposing to use.

If they are promising to use long-acting fertilizers, that could be viewed as a positive sign of their competency and if you are trying to establish whether they offer a bespoke service tailored to your specific lawn care requirements, or simply treat every lawn the same, as them about their fertilization program.

If they offer to check your soil before making any recommendations on fertilization, that is a good indication that they are going to approach the job with a degree of professionalism. The same can be said if they don’t simply offer to routinely spray for pests or problems that you don’t actually have an issue with.

The better approach is always to find out what is currently affecting your lawn, what threats it is facing and then provide a service that is tailored to those needs rather than just treating each lawn in the same way, which is not a good sign if that is what a lawn care company is proposing to do.

Getting quotes

You should be able to request a free lawn inspection and estimate of ongoing service costs from the company, and if they give you an annual quote without even asking to see your lawn beforehand, ask yourself how professional this company might actually be.

A good lawn care company will invariably need to see what they are dealing with and then provide a price and recommendations based on what they think is needed in order to bring your lawn up to scratch and then keep it looking good thereafter.

Ask about different payment options, as it might be that you can get a discount if you pay an annual fee upfront . Also ensure that you get a written quote of what the lawn care company are providing for the money and check to be sure that proposed treatments are included within the price quoted.

Finally, do also inquire about guarantees. You can find that some lawn care companies will provide certain assurances on their performance levels and some will agree to refunds if the work is deemed to be unsatisfactory.

Getting your lawn looking great all year round is perfectly achievable, if you manage to choose the right lawn care company.

Poppy Robertson is a property manager. She loves to write about her insights to post online. Her articles are available on a number of home and yard improvement websites.

Having your house flood can be a traumatic and often times expensive disaster. The problem is that many people — even those who live in flood-prone areas — don’t know what to do in case water starts getting into their house.

But flooding doesn’t just occur from storms and broken water mains. Sometimes, a leak within your home can grow to disastrous proportions if left unchecked. However water may get into your home, don’t let it cause more damage than it needs to. Plumbers in Perth can help you look for possible leaks, but if you find water getting into your home, remember these important things:

Find and Stop the Leak

Your first priority when there’s water getting into your home should be to stop it. If the flooding is caused by a natural disaster, then you may not be able to stop the rising waters, but if a pipe bursts then you should be able to locate the problem very quickly.

Never risk your personal safety, however. If an area is filled with water or there are potential problems with electricity, call a professional and stay as far away from the area as possible. If it’s safe, locate the shut off valve that will stop the water. There is a valve located near the front of most homes that will shut of water to the entire house, so if you can’t find the localized valves, find that one quickly.

If the valves have round handles, then turn them anticlockwise to stop the flow. If the handle is a lever, then push it so it is perpendicular to the pipe. Once the water has stopped, you can asses the damage more closely. Just be careful of slippery surfaces.

Look at the Damage

Hopefully you can stop the leak before it causes too much damage. If it was a natural flood, you may have a lot of damage to look for, like cracks in your foundation or other structural damage, so you should call a professional to help you.

A localized flood like a burst pipe can cause a lot of damage too, but typically not structural damage. In this case, you are likely to have floors that will need replacing — especially if the water sits on it for an extended period of time. If the water is not naturally receding, use absorbent cloths around the edges of the flood to begin sopping up as much as you can. Mops and buckets can also move a good amount of water out of the area.

If at anytime you suspect that there could be danger, stop what you are doing and leave. Slips, cuts and even electrical shocks can happen after a flood, so be careful.

What Color is the Water?

Once you’ve stopped the leak, make sure to look closely at the water, because depending on the source of the flooding, the water can be very harmful.

If the water is clear then you are probably safe, especially if the source of flooding came from within your home. This is all fresh water and there should be no cause for alarm.

During a storm or a broken water main, however, the flood waters can be dangerous to you and your family. Ranging from brown dark black, flood waters of this nature should be avoided at all costs. It is highly contaminated with harmful agents from sewers and untreated water supplies that can make you very sick. Under no circumstances should you attempt to handle this situation on your own: call a professional immediately.

Clean Up

Cleaning up after a flood can be a daunting task, but it is necessary that you clean everything as thoroughly as possible. Water can get into places through the smallest openings, so if you aren’t careful, you could find water weeks or even months later.

Once the flood waters recede, mold will start growing fairly quickly, especially on materials like carpeting and carpeting pads. Do your best to sop up all of the water from these places and use fans to dry them. Mold can make people very sick, especially after long exposure that can result from unchecked growth after flooding.

Water can also damage wood, so check out any dry-walled areas that cover up wooden beams that may have gotten wet. Water damage can cause mold and structural problems.

Hopefully, you’ll never have to deal with flood damage, but if you find the waters rising in or around your house, remember these important things.

Olly and his team at WA Asset Plumbing and Gas as a professional, experienced team that cares about the quality of their work and taking care of their customers!

Over time, many of us will accumulate lots of “stuff”. From a keepsake from high school to a pile of books that have been read and are now collecting dust, our homes can soon become cluttered and full of things that we really don’t need. But as many of us approach the subject of decluttering, the question arises as to what we should and shouldn’t be keeping.

The reason why the majority of people hold onto worthless items is either because they’re sentimental or because they feel they might come in handy at some point. But the truth is, if you haven’t used or looked at something in the last year, the chances are, you’re not going to miss it if you find it a new home. So, perhaps now’s the time to declutter – selling, donating or throwing out unwanted items or perhaps even moving some more important things into storage (an example of a great self storage website can be found here) until you have somewhere to put them.

Here’s where your deacquisitioning can start:

Keepsakes

We’ve all got that box full of “memories” which includes your first ever concert ticket, a lucky charm that someone (although, you can’t remember who) gave you a few years ago, a menu from a restaurant you visited on holiday and the first-ever medal your pet won. But do we actually need all of these things?

Even without them you’ll still remember that first concert you went to, your luck won’t change without the charm, you’ll remember the meal you had at that fancy restaurant and you’ve got photos of your dog winning that award. These are memories that are stored up in your mind, and they will last a lifetime. This stuff, it’s all clutter, and you don’t need it in order to reminisce.

Clothing

Until you start emptying out your drawers and wardrobes, you’ll probably not realize just how much stuff you’ve hoarded over the years. But if you’ve not worn something in the past year, are you really going to be wearing it again in the next year? Keep what you wear regularly and sell, donate or chuck out the rest!

DVDs and CDs

If you’ve got a hard drive and you’re connected to the internet, DVDs and CDs are now redundant. With access to as much music and as many films as you want, these are just more items that are cluttering up the storage space in your home.

Books

The same can be said of books too – with many different devices offering you books at the touch of the button. However, many do still like the feeling of turning the page of a book, and if that’s the case, you’ll want to hold onto some of these. But, you don’t need to hold onto them all.

Instead, go through your books looking at ones that have a sentimental value (e.g. they were a gift) ones that are valuable to you or are signed by the author and ones that you often re-read. What are you left with? A lot of books that are just going to sit there gathering dust for the next however many years? Well, it’s time to get rid of these too! Ask your friends if they want to read them before donating them to charity or taking them to your local second-hand bookstore.

Gadgets

At some point, we all fall victim to the latest gadget that’s been released and one of the places you’ll probably find a lot of these is the kitchen. From bread makers to soda streams, you’ll probably find a number of these must-have gadgets lurking in the cupboard. But it’s time to sort out which ones you need and which ones you can live without.

However, it’s not just these faddy gadgets that you can declutter because the microwave is one larger gadget that you could potentially get rid of. A microwave provides us with some ease when we’re cooking – it quickly reheats those leftovers from the night before and is ideal for a ready meal. But, you’ll get a much better taste if you re-heat these things in the stove and binning the ready meals all together will help to make you a much healthier person.

And finally, just like with all of the other bits and pieces in your home; if you haven’t used something in the last few months, you’ll probably be able to get rid of it without noticing too much!

First Choice Mini Storage is a family-owned self storage facility in Lakeland, Florida. Owners Keith and Robin Aronoff are passionate about their business and serving the local community. They are also owners of Creative Coach Collision Repair and Design Center, located directly across the street from First Choice Mini Storage. Creative Coach serves the motor home community nationwide from its 16,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility with three generations of motor home enthusiasts.