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Category: Home & Garden

  • How to Garden Organically

    How to Garden Organically

    Aquaponics 4 You

    How to Start an Organic Garden in 9 Easy Steps

    How to Garden Organically: It’s that time of year when you might want to think about starting an organic garden, and you should! Gardening with young children in tow can indeed have its challenges. But gardening also offers virtually unlimited learning opportunities for kids and adults alike, so here are five simple tips for planning a garden with your kiddos.

    Despite the economic downturn, the gardening industry has grown year on year since 2008, with sales totalling more than £4.6 billion in 2010. Meanwhile, “grow your own” and self-sufficiency are fast becoming gardening buzzwords, as both cash-strapped and environmentally conscious people turn to their gardens in search of a cheap – and ethical – the source of fresh food. According to the Horticultural Association, half of the garden owners intended to grow food in their gardens last year, 12 per cent of whom were first-time gardeners. Most gardeners’ obvious starting point is seeds, which are both plentiful and cheaper than investing in seedlings.

    First, not all beetles are destructive. Many are good, like ladybirds. Organic gardening encourages beneficial insects while discouraging pests. Crop rotation is one way to deal with pests. The idea is that when pests wake up in spring, their favourite snack is now in a completely different place, far away (at least within bug distance). If bugs are plaguing your garden, sometimes the best thing to do is to remove them and put them in some soapy water. You can also make a natural pest spray at home that is simple to make, safe, and effective.

    A garden is an easy way for aspiring homeowners to become more self-sufficient and grow some of their food. And going organic is the way to go. It’s not difficult to start an organic vegetable garden, but it can be daunting. The steps to making your own are outlined below. My daughters and I have a lot of fun gardening.

    Birds in your garden

    You will get bugs in your organic garden—a lot of bugs. You want bugs in your organic garden for pollination and healthy soil and more. Bugs only really become pests if there are no predators to keep them in balance. The best predators for most garden pests are, of course, birds, so you want as many birds as possible in your organic garden from the start. That means feeding them.

    Organic pest and disease control methods mean a healthier garden for you, the plants and the insects, birds, and animals around you. Organic vegetable pest control does not attempt to eradicate all insects. The vast majority, 95 per cent of insects, are benign or beneficial. Take Insects and diseases are drawn to stressed, harmed, or otherwise unhealthy plants, so taking good care of your plants is necessary for prevention. It means giving them plenty of attention and creating the conditions they need for healthy, vigorous growth.

    A powerful natural insecticide extracted from the seeds of the neem tree can interrupt the life cycle of insects at any time (adults, larvae and eggs), making it an excellent organic gardener’s resource. Neem oil acts as a hormone disruptor and an “antifeedant” for insects that feed on leaves and other plant parts. Pets, birds, fish, and other animals are not poisoned by neem oil because it is biodegradable. It is effective against a wide range of garden pests and is a natural fungicide that can control powdery mildew and other fungal infections on plants.

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    Open-pollinated seeds are just that they are allowed to pollinate naturally. This can happen outdoors by wind, bees, butterflies or other pollinators or even birds and humans. Open pollination creates a more diverse plant population, and this diversity can lead to more vigorous plant varieties in future generations if you save the seed. However, if you save the seed for future gardens, make sure that the plant has not been cross-pollinated with other varieties. The seed produced may be a hybrid variety even though it was produced by natural means.

    Growing a community garden

    Most plant nerds like me are happy to share our knowledge and plants. Part of it is selfish, and I have to admit. Look, I know I’m not going to find all the best techniques and plants on my own, but if I can spread my love of gardening, I can trade my plants and produce with friends and neighbours for what they have. Growing local food is a great way to build community, and it’s one of the core things we do at the nature hub. So when I decided to grow pumpkins in half of my front garden this year, I expected some neighbours to express at least mild dismay at the disruption to the perfectly mown suburbia on our street.

    If you don’t have land where you live, many cities have community gardens where you can get a plot. Community gardens in some urban settings have changed the landscape and the community itself. Read about some community gardens in New York City from beyond pesticides’ pesticides and you. If you don’t mind getting your hands dirty but don’t have space or inclination to start a garden, see if any community-run farms near you could use your helping hands with weeding or other projects.

     

    The Basics for Gardening Organically

    Once you’ve mastered the basics of organic growing, you’ll soon be ready to get started. Regardless of how new to organic gardening you are, the following fundamentals will help put your mind at ease and reassure you that growing organic fruits and vegetables is not a magical process.

    Organic gardening is the way of the future, with a nod to tradition. It entails returning to our roots and planting in the manner of our forefathers and foremothers. It entails reclaiming our agricultural heritage from multinational companies and returning to its roots. The key to success in organic gardening is to take the time from the beginning to plan how the different parts of your garden system will work together to achieve the best results. Any garden is only as strong as the weakest part of its system.

    A healthy organic garden is easy to achieve if you know the basics of gardening. Growing organically needs a little more effort than using artificial pesticides and herbicides. Read on for some organic gardening tips that any gardener can use.

    Learning the basics of mulch is an essential part of organic gardening. There are many different types available, depending on your needs and budget and things to avoid like the pest.

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    Ten tips for a healthy garden

    Eating healthy doesn’t have to mean paying exorbitant rates for fresh produce from the town’s only big store. nor should it mean crossing your fingers hoping your local grocer will have something good in the tiny organic section of their department of produce Follow these ten tips to successfully grow your organic garden in a greenhouse, on your patio, or in the ground, and save yourself some money and the hassle of finding new, nutritious food!

    Vegetable growing tips
    Organic vegetables are more flavourful than regular vegetables and taste better than regular vegetables. You can grow your fruits and vegetables instead of getting them from the shop. Read this article to learn how you can grow your organic vegetable garden right at home!
    If you have healthy soil in your vegetable garden, your plants will avoid pests. Healthy plants are more robust and have more power to fight off these insects and various diseases. To increase your garden’s prospects of giving you the healthiest plants, start with a good quality soil that contains fewer chemicals than accumulate salts over time.

    How would you like to grow healthy and delicious organic fruits and vegetables in your vegetable garden? Here are just a few pointers to help you get your greenhouse up and running. 1. Stay away from greenhouses made of synthetic materials. 1. avoid greenhouses that are made of synthetic materials. Many greenhouses have sidewalls that are made of various types of plastics and polycarbonates. For a truly organic garden, opt for a glass greenhouse. The material the panels are made of is important because moisture will collect on the surface of the panels and drip onto your plants.

    Scotts Turf Builder lawn food protects the lawn while also preventing potential issues. Like their winter version, this fertiliser creates stronger and deeper roots, making your lawn more resilient. It also promotes the ability to absorb water and nutrients compared to a natural lawn. You are featuring Scott’s exclusive all-in-one particle technology to ensure a consistently green, healthy lawn. Unlike other garden fertilisers, this one is suitable for all lawn types, so if you’re unsure about Whatever sort of lawn you have, you can rest assured that it will boost it.

    What Is Organic Matter?

    Organic material is decaying plant and animal waste. This includes compost, grass clippings, dried leaves and kitchen waste to manure and fish heads.
    Organic material is used as a soil conditioner or conditioner. It can be incorporated into the soil of a new garden or used as a top dressing or mulch in an existing garden.

    So how do you start growing your organic vegetable garden? You start the year before. Organic gardens depend on good soil, and good soil depends on compost. Compost is decomposed organic waste materials that include garden clippings, grass, leaves and kitchen scraps. Building a compost heap is simple. It can be as simple as 6 feet of wire mesh formed into a circle. Start by putting leaves or grass clippings in the bottom and putting in all kitchen scraps (including eggshells, coffee grounds, scraps and animal waste).

    Many garden plots do not have the deep, well-drained, fertile soil ideal for growing vegetables. If you do, you will need to amend the soil to ensure good drainage and aeration. If the soil is heavy clay, you can improve it by adding organic material, sand or gypsum. In late winter or early spring, add 1 to 2 inches of healthy soil and the surface with sand and 2 to 3 inches of organic matter, then transform then turn it over to completely blend with the soil.

    What’s so Important About the Soil?

    The health of the soil is essential. Urban soils can sometimes contain contaminants such as heavy metals (e.g. lead, cadmium) that find their way into fruit and vegetables. Check if local organisations that promote urban gardening test soil samples for free! And learn more about healthy gardening practices.

    One of the many best ways to protect your organic garden is to use a tried and tested method called ‘crop rotation’, which means putting plant species in a different place each year. Here’s why this is important: If members of the same plant family ((nightshade family members include onions, peppers, and aubergines)) are always planted in the same place, pests and diseases attack that particular plant species can accumulate in the soil and overwinter. Then they are ready to attack the plant the next time it is planted.

    Flower boxes and planters are also used to create a vegetable garden. You can hang them from an existing railing or place them on the ground. It’s completely up to you if you use them. In these planters, do not use normal garden soil. Use either good quality potting soil or compost-rich soil. Fertilising is also essential to improve productivity, but it varies depending on the plant: peppers and tomatoes are heavy growers, while green leafy vegetables do not need much fertiliser.

    Planning and Starting a Vegetable Garden

    I have a few tips that I wanted to share on organic vegetable gardening for beginners. I will lay out my top 7 organic gardening tips for starting a vegetable garden. Full sun means at least 8 hours a day. I am lucky to have some areas with the only partial sun (4 to 8 hours) where I can grow some lettuces, greens and certain herbs, but most of the main vegetables and fruits I want to plant need lots of light and heat to photosynthesise.

    Starting your organic vegetable garden in the correct position from the start makes a huge difference.
    The espoma ss16 mix is an American-made organic seed starter potting mix. It’s fine for root cuttings and seedlings. It’s also a great option for starting seeds indoors in the early spring and winter before transplanting vegetables to the garden. This vegetable-growing soil encourages root growth and increases your soil’s water-holding ability. It’s made up of an outstanding blend of around 80% peat. Lime, earthworm droppings, hummus, and perlite make up the majority of the mix.

    Is there anything more discouraging than planting your vegetable garden with high hopes, only to be disappointed when the garden doesn’t produce as much as you had imagined? The soil is often the cause of the problem. More specifically, a lack of nutrients in the soil. Many vegetables are heavy feeders and need the right amount of nutrients to grow and thrive. This is where fertilising your vegetables comes into play. With proper planning and a little knowledge, Your vegetable garden will have all it needs to produce the harvest you want.

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    Placing Your Vegetable Garden

    To help beginners, we thought it might be helpful to see a garden design. Here is an example of a beginner’s family garden, using mainly the easy-to-grow vegetables listed above. Also, plants that do well together are planted near other plants. You will see that we have given the garden decent-sized paths and mixed in some herbs and flowers too. Honestly, if we had planted this garden in our first year, we would be thrilled! By planning the garden this way, we have made it so much easier for you to succeed.

    Organic Fish & Seaweed

    One of the main problems with organic fertilisers is the smell. Some of the fertilisers smell bad and sometimes even worse. This is because they are made from unique ingredients like algae or fish. When you add this fertiliser, the smell remains around the pot. If you plant indoors, then this can cause a lot of problems for you. It is also not suitable for outside.

    At johnny’s, we offer a wide range of omri-listed gardening products approved for use in organic farms. Choose from environmentally friendly products for sowing, such as biodegradable pots and compost-based soilless mixes. We select the highest quality products on the market to control plant diseases and pests in organic systems. We also offer nop-compliant fertilisers derived from natural ingredients such as algae and fish extracts, and solubles build your soil, not destroy it.

    Starting From Seeds vs. Buying Plants

    Seeds can be started indoors to get a head start. in the garden and a longer growing season. It is almost necessary for plants like tomatoes and peppers to grow indoors to have a good growing season. You can, of course, buy starter plants, but growing some of your own from seed is a fun learning experience!

    You will need to decide if you want to grow all your plants from seed or buy starts (established seedlings) from your local garden shop or farmers market. You can also choose to do a combination. You can choose a start if you have limited space or want to try a few different varieties rather than a large quantity of one plant.

    Hybrid seeds were developed to improve the growth and fruiting as well as the resistance of a plant. Cross-pollinating plants of different varieties create hybrids to improve the characteristics of the resulting offspring. However, hybrid seeds do not consistently reproduce true to type. That is, second-generation plants may give different results. When buying hybrid seeds, look for seeds that are labelled “true to type”.

    Organic farming does not limit your choice of vegetables. A wide range of vegetables is available to you if you choose organic. Consider the sense of accomplishment you’ll feel when you serve an organically grown salad that you grew yourself. Choose bonnie plants® organics certified as USDA organic when buying seedlings to ensure you get organic plants. Another choice is to start from scratch and grow your vegetables from seed. This is easy, and you can be sure you are growing your vegetables this way. One way to start the season is to plant the seeds indoors in trays or paper cups and bring them outside when the weather warms up.

    Designing Your Vegetable Garden

    Permaculture can be briefly defined as sustainable and artisanal living. Midsummer Farm had always used the words “sustainable” and “artisanal” as buzzwords for our values, even before we heard the word “permaculture”. Permaculture is notoriously difficult to define clearly, as it always feels like something is being left out of the definition. Permaculture is a broad term that includes all facets of life. But one of the main focuses is food production in connection with nature, working in all aspects of the landscape, creating and designing spaces where people can thrive without depleting natural resources.
    It would be beneficial if you begin planning your garden well in advance of the planting season. If you are starting a new garden in Colorado, preparation includes choosing a suitable site, designing the layout and preparing the soil. If you are a novice gardener, it is essential not to get carried away with your garden’s size or scope, as this will only lead to frustration. Start with a few plants that you can easily handle to give you an idea of what you can handle and how things grow in your area.

    The Article How to Garden Organically was found on https://limitsofstrategy.com

  • Air Conditioning Maintenance Tips From Expert Technicians

    Air Conditioning Maintenance Tips From Expert Technicians

    Helpful Air Conditioning Tips For Maintaining Your AC Unit

    Spring is here, and it’s time to get your air conditioning system ready to handle the hard work of summer. When it gets hot, your ac unit is a blessing for sure. No one is comfortable when they are sweltering in the heat. Central air is one thing most of us tend to take for granted until it stops working, and these Air Conditioning Maintenance Tips are sure to help.

    An air conditioner’s coils, filters, and fins require consistent maintenance for the unit to work efficiently and effectively during its lifetime. Ignoring necessary maintenance ensures a steady decline in air conditioning performance while energy use steadily increases.

    By keeping your airconditioning system maintained, you can not only extend the lifespan of the unit, but you’ll also save money on energy while also expanding its lifespan. This in turn will save on costly early replacement. Inadequate maintenance can spell the death of your airconditioning system over time. By allowing your ac filters and coils to get dirty, you can cause the system to not work at peak efficiency. Then the compressor or fans are likely to fail prematurely.

    Air conditioners need a bit of love and attention to ensure that the ac unit operates at the highest efficiency. The best time for maintenance is just before you start using the system to cool down the house.

    Set out below, we will look at some of the most common air conditioner maintenance tips to keep your home cool and comfy.

    Air Conditioning Maintenance Tips From AC Maintenance Technicians-Griffin GA

    AC Maintenance Tip #1 – The Importance of Changing Your Filter

    A new filter helps optimize airflow, which keeps the air conditioner running efficiently. This enables you to avoid potentially costly repairs later on. Your basic air filter needs to be changed every 30 days, while the thicker pleated filters typically have a longer lifespan. Noting replacement dates on your calendar will help remind you to change your filters on a regular schedule.

    The filter in your HVAC system ought to be changed a minimum of four times a year. If you live in a dusty part of the country or have pets in the house, you may consider changing your filter more frequently. Always make sure that you replace the filter with a new filter that has the same airflow rating. Be mindful of air purifying filters or HEPA filters as they can drastically reduce the airflow in your ac system. Because of the reduced airflow, the indoor coil can freeze.

    Locate the filter housing on the indoor furnace/air conditioner. Quite possibly, you might need a screwdriver to turn the latch and open the filter housing door. You then need to remove the old filter and insert the new filter. Be sure to match the airflow direction arrows on the filter with the arrows on the unit. Close and latch the door.

    AC Maintenance Tip #2 – Clean your condenser

    Important: Shut Off Power First!

    Because there is high risk of working around electrical power. And the fact that the air-conditioner’s parts move and can be dangerous, it’s essential to turn off power to the system entirely. On the exterior condenser/compressor, search for an outside shut-off box near the device or turn the power off at the breaker box.

    Another essential maintenance step is to keep your condenser cleaned. A thorough spray with the garden hose once a year or more often if needed will help dislodge grass clippings, leaves, dirt, and other debris to improve airflow. Although these ac units are designed for outdoor installation and most can handle a spray from the hose, be sure to check your owner’s manual first or consult an HVAC professional. It is most vital to turn off the power at the circuit panel before cleaning. And leave it off for at least half an hour after you’re done. Rain doesn’t typically wet the fan motor inside the condenser, but the hose spray might. Don’t try to clean your condenser with a brush. The the fins are easily bent. Bending the fins impedes airflow and reduces efficiency.

    Remove All Visible Debris From The AC Unit

    Remove the fan cage on the outer condenser/compressor unit. Using a wrench or screwdriver, remove the fasteners and lift the enclosure or fan grille off the top of the ac unit. Clear out all accumulated leaves and other debris from the interior by hand or with a wet/dry vacuum.
    On the exterior condenser/compressor, open and remove the fan cage from the unit. Also, while using a screwdriver or wrench, remove the fasteners as well and lift the fan grill or cage away from the top part of the ac unit. This action can be done by hand or with a wet/dry vacuum cleaner. This will remove all leaves and various other caked-on debris from the interior.

    Clean And Straighten Bent Fins

    Take off the outer covers and use the brush attachment on a shop vac to eliminate all caked dirt. Then, spray a gentle stream of water from your garden hose; spray the water through the fins from the inside out to eliminate any built-up dirt or debris in between the fins. Never use a pressure washer because extreme pressure can harm the fins. If the fins are filthy, utilize a commercially available fin cleaning spray (offered by your local home-improvement store; (read and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.

    Aligning The Fins

    Bent fins can significantly decrease the efficiency of your ac unit. Considering that any decrease in airflow via the fins can reduce efficiency, it is crucial to carefully straighten bent fins using a butter knife or a readily available fin-straightening device. Be very gentle so that the tubing embedded within the fins is not damaged.

    AC Maintenance Tip #3 – Keep Area Around Air Conditioner Condenser Clean

    Keep the surrounding area around the condenser clear of weeds and keep lawn furniture and other items at least a few feet away. This will promote good circulation around the unit and allow easy access for service personnel.

    Many people plant shrubs around their condenser to hide it from view and help it blend into the landscaping. Growing plants around the condenser can be a great idea. However, if you decide to have shrubs around your condenser, keep them trimmed back so that you have at least a couple of feet of clearance around the unit on all sides. Your air conditioning unit has to breathe freely to operate at maximum efficiency. But properly positioned shrubbery serves more than a decorative function. It can also shade the condenser from the hot sun to protect the finish, improve efficiency and even help prolong the life of the unit. Evergreen shrubs are best for this purpose because they don’t lose their leaves in the winter.

    Advanced Planning Is A Great Air Conditioning Tip

    If you’re going to plant new shrubs, look into the future and keep the mature size in mind as you determine planning locations, and remember to leave enough space in the back of the unit for accessibility. Do you have pets that spend a lot of time in the yard around the condenser? If so, it is recommended by experts to install a protective fence around the unit. Protective fencing will help keep both your pet and your condenser safe. Choose a fencing material that won’t impede airflow. And be sure to include a gate and leave enough clearance around the unit for accessibility.

    If you cover the condenser in the winter to help keep it clean, the best way to go is to only the top of the unit to allow for adequate airflow through the sides, thereby preventing moisture buildup, which can damage the unit. Be sure to remember to remove the cover before you turn on the air-conditioner in the spring. It’s also crucial to be sure your outdoor unit is indeed an air conditioning condenser and not a heat pump because you should never cover a heat pump.

    Check The Level Of The AC Pad

    If the condenser unit is out of level, it can cause the condenser to fail earlier than its natural life span.

    Over time, the platform upon which the condenser unit sits can begin to lean as the soil settles beneath it.

    Check the condenser for levelness and use rot-resistant shims to bring it back to the proper height. But, if you have a heat pump system, it’s okay if the pad slopes slightly away from the foundation of the house to allow for defrosting in the winter.

    Clean A Plugged Evaporator Drain

    Inside your home, warm, moist air from your residence’s inside is circulated through the evaporator coil. The cold coil takes in warmth from the air, cooling it before the air is flowing back into your home. The moisture buildup in the air condenses on the evaporator coil’s surface as liquid water, trickling right into a pan below. The water moves into a drainpipe tube that is generally routed right into a cellar floor drainpipe, utility sink, or outdoors from the pan.

    With time, mold and algae can accumulate and also potentially clog up the drain hose. If the drain is either flowing slowly or not flowing at all, it will need to be unclogged. A clogged drain can either trigger damages by spilling out all over the floor or, if the unit is equipped with a drain float, cause the system to quit cooling to avoid flooding.

    Locate Drain Line Exit

    First things first! You will need to locate where the drain line leaves the evaporator coil enclosure. Under normal circumstances, the drain is usually a one-inch PVC pipe. Follow it to the end of the pipe, where it drains out. Most times, the line drains outside near the condenser unit. In other circumstances, it can drain into a floor drain in the basement or a utility sink or, in the case of a unit located in an attic, down an outside wall.

    When you have found the drain line location, use a wet/dry vacuum to clear out the drain. Be sure to take out the paper filter from the wet/dry vacuum so as not to wreck the filter. Hold the tube of the wet/dry vacuum to the end of the drain line. You can utilize duct tape or hold a cloth around the gaps. Then turn on the vacuum cleaner for a couple of minutes, then turn it off. This process will remove the drain of any growing organic matter.

    Maintenance Tips For Central Air Conditioning Systems

    While these simple DIY steps will help keep your AC system in top running shape, keep in mind that there are upkeep things, some maintenance tasks that just a qualified HVAC technician will certainly have the ability to do. For example, a slow leak in the refrigerant line in your air conditioner system can result in costly compressor failure. However, your average homeowner does not have the equipment or necessary skills essential to inspect the refrigerant levels properly.

    Clean Air Ducts Are Essential

    Also, the importance of clean ac ducts and proper airflow cannot be overstated. These are essential to a well-functioning system, but most homeowners lack the necessary skills, tools, and equipment for the work. The bottom line takeaway? While some airconditioning recommendations are twice a year, a savvy homeowner can do simple tasks and maintenance. However, it’s still essential to have an a/c specialist technician inspect the system periodically. The recommendation by experts is twice a year: Spring and Fall.

    A professional inspection also helps to catch and to resolve most minor problems before they have a chance to morph into a significant and expensive ordeal.
    These ac maintenance tips will help you keep your air conditioner at peak operating condition!

    These helpful air conditioning maintenance tips have been provided by Blake Heating and Cooling Griffin GA

    The Article Air Conditioning Maintenance Tips From Expert Technicians was found on https://limitsofstrategy.com

  • Furnace vs Heat Pump Systems for Heating Homes and Offices Compared

    Furnace vs Heat Pump Systems for Heating Homes and Offices Compared

    Furnace vs heat pump. What are the advantages of a heat pump when compared with a furnace? It is clear that a heat pump emits less carbon dioxide per unit of heat produced, but the cost for the initial installation is higher. Is the furnace which uses the fossil which is fuel natural gas really so bad? Does the heat pump really provide cleaner heating? And, why do you say “reducing carbon emissions can’t wait, or it’ll be too late.”

    What Goes on in a Heat Pump?

    It is not always clear to people who are not familiar with the science and history of heat pumps that they were developed from day 1 to reduce the emission of carbon dioxide. It is principally carbon emissions that are proven to be heating up our planet. This will have dire consequences for mankind if it is allowed to continue. A heat pump is an appliance that transfers the heat from one area from one source to another. In other words, it transfers heat from a cooler part of space to a warmer part of space.

    Image with text: "Furnace vs heat pump".

    Even a Heat Pump is Not Perfect for Our Planet

    A heat pump does not currently produce zero carbon emissions because it needs electricity to run the pump. However, as globally all nations reduce their use of fossil fuels in old power stations and electricity generation moves on to renewable sources heat pumps will become “cleaner”. That’s because the power used by heat pumps, running on electricity from the grid, the carbon emissions they reduce will also go down as decarbonization progresses. That’s a point often missed in the Furnace Vs Heat Pump debate.

    Heat Pump Was Though to be an “Impossible Invention” When First Sold

    The invention of the heat pump was amazing to everyone when the concept was first explained in the 1960s because people said that you cannot take something cold, and pull warmth out of it. “How would you use that heat to make another cold thing warm-up?”; they asked. But it was shown to be perfectly possible to do in a heat pump. During heat pumping that “warmed up thing” becomes warmer than the original cold thing, and can be used to heat homes, offices etc! When people started to use the heat pump to heat up their homes it was not believed that this could be possible. They said entropy is an inviolable principle of nature! Everything in the universe gets cooler and heat dissipates everywhere all the time. The entire universe has been running down since it was created and one day everything will turn cold. As that continues, all reactions, eons into the future will slow down to a stop. But, they forgot that science is clever and can (in this small way) for a while (by expending energy in a particular way) reverse an inviolable Law of Nature, namely “entropy”.

    However, we all have refrigerators and inside their systems, they have been quietly reversing “entropy” by pumping heat out of the food in the fridge. The pumped heat warms up the radiator wires on the back of every fridge. Yes, a fridge is a form of heat pump, but nobody quite thought of it that way.

    In fact, if the original inventors had not thought outside the box about fridges, we wouldn’t even be having a Furnace Vs Heat Pump debate, because heat pumping would never have been discovered.

    Furnaces Which Burn Natural Gas are Damaging Our World – The Truth

    The great majority of furnaces in the US and Europe burn natural gas. The name “natural gas” is to a degree deceptive because most people assume that what is natural is also “green” and in harmony with nature. However, natural gas is just as much a fossil fuel as coal and oil, which once burnt releases fresh new carbon into the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide from burning natural gas is almost as damaging as that from coal, or oil, and that’s highly relevant to the Furnace Vs Heat Pump debate.

    Thankfully though, natural gas is both:

    1. warms the globe less than coal and oil from the point of view of the fact that releasing each calorie of heat causes less carbon dioxide when using natural gas, and hence for the same heat output, less carbon is emitted
    2. the result of burning it releases far fewer impurities than are emitted from within the coal or oil, when those are burnt. This means that there is far less air pollution from burning natural gas then when using coal or oil.

    Furnaces are OK – Except “Not Renewable” Powered By Natural Gas and Oil

    Furnaces are damaging simply because the energy source is not renewable. If a renewable replacement was available for natural gas the furnace in your home could be replaced by another when it is worn out, and there would be no need for a heat pump instead. If that was true I doubt we would even be having this Furnace Vs Heat Pump debate. People have been talking for the last 20 years or so of hydrogen as the new fuel and there are plans afoot in Europe to construct a completely new gas grid distribution for hydrogen. In other countries, including the UK the idea is to add hydrogen in with natural gas, and “renewable natural gas” (natural gas made through the use of anaerobic digestion of organic waste – for example from sewage sludge).

    Converting Gas Grids to Hydrogen/ Renewables Can’t Happen Any Day Soon

    Unfortunately, in all nations, the conversion of gas grid distribution systems to renewable gases and especially hydrogen will take at least 20 years to progress. At the moment solar and wind turbines are used to make renewable electricity. Once enough of those have been built to replace all fossil fuel used to generate electricity for day to day grid supply, a huge quantity of yet more renewable energy will be needed for heating and transport use.  In fact, three or more times more solar and wind sources will need to be built to decarbonize heating, transport, and industry and used to electrolyze water and make hydrogen gas to replace natural gas for heating our living spaces and powering all transport.

    While the more permanent renewable solution of hydrogen gas grid distribution is developed, heat pumps plus much-improved heat insulation will tide us over. It is often said that hydrogen is “the future for energy”, and so it most probably is, but it isn’t here yet! Hydrogen is a much better option than batteries as a 24/7 always available power source. Batteries need rare elements in their construction and present major problems for the environment when disposed of.

    Furnace vs Heat Pump – How Does a Heat Pump Work?

    There are 3 main components to a heat pump:

    • a low-grade heat source, such as a fan to collect the ambient air around a building, or a pump and a loop of pipe buried in the ground in the garden. Swimming pools in the home have also been used.
    • a compressor and condenser system to do the heat pumping
    • a fan or a water pump to convey the pumped heat into the property. If so designed, this system can also cool the property in summer.

    It is a closed-loop system. The most common type is an air heat pump. The air heat pump uses a fan to collect low-grade heat from the ambient air outside the property. A compressor is used in a condenser pump system similar to the workings of a fridge in reverse and releases the heat during the process which emanates as very warm (not hot) water. Just don’t get the idea anything particularly high-tech is going on in a heat pump! It is exactly the same principle as a refrigerator. It just works in reverse. The main component is a compressor to compress the gas in the condensing system that will be the energy source to power the system. The heat exchanger is normally a system of warm water pipes laid beneath the floors of the property. An alternative is to provide heat as hot air which flows out via fans into the rooms to be heated. For more information on heat pumps visit: https://sites.google.com/site/groundsourceheatpumpuk/

    Air-Source and Ground-Source Heat Pumps

    The other basic heat pump in the market is often called a fluid heat exchanger usually fed by water from a ground heat source (Ground Source heat pump). It acts in exactly the same way as an air heat pump. The fluid heat pump will extract the heat from an intermediate fluid, typically water which has passed for example, through buried pipes in the ground, outside the property. This fluid will become cooled as it flows through the heat exchanger, the warmth will then be emitted to heat the property. The cooled water will flow back through the loop into the ground and its temperature will be raised again in a repeating cycle. It is the same principle as for the air heat pump except rather than from the air around the building, the fluid heat pump extracts warmth from the ground. When the heat exchange air is released from a heat pump of both types, it will become warm air.

    The Unique Advantage of Heat Pumps Which Double as Air-Conditioners in Summer

    Now you might ask, what is cooling and heating? It is when there is a need for both heating in winter, and air conditioning (air cooling) in summer. Heat pumps can do both, although for summer cooling they may need some additional controls. Furnace technology simply can not provide any air-conditioning.

    It is important to keep in mind that while heat pump appliances are perfectly easily run in reverse to bring immediate cool relief, there are no guarantees that it will work that way after a long winter if the equipment is not maintained regularly. It is important to make sure that all appliances are kept up to date and maintained. It will give you peace of mind.

    Heat Pump Maintenance Versus Furnace Maintenance

    Whether you have a heat pump system or a furnace is also important to remember not to panic when you feel that something isn’t right. Heat pumps tend to be more complex than a traditional furnace. There is more to go wrong in a heat pump than for a furnace central heating system. For example, if the fluid of a heat pump is not flowing through properly or the fan is not functioning then your heat pump will not function.

    Furnace vs Heat Pump – Heat Pump Air Filter Problems

    Another cause could be the air filter. The air filter is what removes the dust and other particles that are floating around in the air outside or the air of the room, depending on your system type. With the air filter clogged, you will not be receiving the cooling effect as well as the heat removal. Make sure that you always change your air filter at least once every few months. If you don’t it is possible that you will be losing the heat as well as the comfort of your home. There are several other causes of heat pump system failure, but the most common ones can cause your house to feel like a furnace during the summer season.

    Furnaces Cannot Do Cooling But Heat Pumps Can…

    However, as we have said earlier no furnace will ever cool a home or office, so if you have a furnace you will have to buy and maintain a separate air-conditioning system for the summer. That increases the complexity of your home systems and once again raises the chances of things going wrong and costing you money on maintenance and repair.

    You may also find it relevant to know, that it is just as possible for you to experience a malfunction when it’s a problem in the furnace. You might feel that the furnace is not bringing you heat, but it is possible that the furnace is not delivering the hot water or air that it is supposed to deliver. This is the main cause for complaint from furnace users, it may also be possible that the furnace water pump is circulating cold water to the radiators when you need hot water for the room heating.

    Heat Pumps vs Furnaces and Technical Complexity

    On balance, heat pump systems are more complicated than a fossil fuel burning natural gas furnace central heating system. But, as natural gas furnaces have been made to condense for greater efficiency, and gas safety controls applied, furnaces have become more complex and more prone to failures.

    When you also take into account that with global warming raising summer temperature more and more people require air conditioning, there is very little benefit in lower maintenance bills from having a furnace. This is because the maintenance costs, including maintenance of a separate air-conditioner, are likely to be very similar.

    Heat Pump Materials Used in Manufacture Versus Furnace Construction Material Use

    Both heat pump and furnace product can equally be made with eco-friendly, reusable and recycled materials, which can help save the earth and its environment. You can also take note that air conditioner prices vary according to the features they have. However, it is always wise, to pay attention not only to the price you will require, which means that a unit with an additional feature is probably more costly than a unit without the additional feature, both ecologically and in terms of cash expenditure.

    Furnace vs Heat Pump – Which is Best for Temperature Control?

    There are many reasons for buying an air conditioner, but the primary and major reason is always temperature control. This is the reason why a unit with an additional temperature control summer cooling feature is always more costly than air conditioning without a temperature control feature. If you want to have an air conditioner that controls the temperature with 100% accuracy, you will need to pay around $1,000.00 or more for a unit. There are some air conditioners that can control the temperature with 65% to 75% accuracy. This is less expensive but more complicated to install. A thermostat is a device that is placed in the room to control the temperature.

    Why Should I Buy a Heat Pump if I am Not a Green Eco Freak?

    There are many reasons for people to buy an air conditioner beyond the intention to be “green”. The main reasons are to have a cool and comfortable room during the summer and winter seasons and to have the protection of the environment. If you want a unit that can control the temperature with 100% accuracy and you want to control the temperature of your room with high accuracy, then you’ll need to pay $800.00 to $1,200.00. The best temperature control units are less complicated to install and are slightly less expensive than the less accurate air conditioners, but more expensive than the units that can control the temperature with 65% to 75% accuracy. These units are less costly to purchase but more expensive to operate and are the most expensive overall.

    Comparing Furnace vs Heat Pump Systems – The Verdict

    For convenience and minimizing the initial installation cost, there is no doubt that a furnace heating system, even with a separate air-conditioner system in the main rooms, wins. But despite that fact society needs to stop using furnaces and go for heat pumping systems in a big way! That’s due to the rate at which the planet is warming which is exceeding the rate predicted by scientists even a few years ago. The Furnace Vs Heat Pump debate is becoming more urgent every month. The increased risk from a much more variable and volatile climate is there for us all to see, from melting glaciers to forest fires, drought and floods.

    Choosing a Heat Pump System in preference to a new Furnace is not all bad news either. Once installed the cost of running it may be as low as just one-third of your past monthly energy bill, even allowing for the cost of the electricity to run the heat pump system. Over a period of 8 to 12 years, the cost of the heat pump will be recouped in lower monthly power bills.

    Now, most will say, “that’s too long”.

    But if you have children they will tell you 8 to 12 years is nothing to them, because they hope to be around in 50 years and if carbon emissions are not abated now, their lives will be extremely uncomfortable by then…

    The verdict:  We all should consider installing heat pumps and stop buying new furnaces. Like it or lump it. Heat pumps ain’t perfect, but they are the best tried and tested technology to decarbonize home and office heating. The climate change reality is that reducing carbon emissions can’t wait, or it’ll be too late.

    The Article Furnace vs Heat Pump Systems for Heating Homes and Offices Compared was found on https://limitsofstrategy.com

  • When To Call A Pest Control Company

    When To Call A Pest Control Company

    When to call a pest control company is a question we are asked so we have listed the top signs that you have unwanted house guests.

    Your​ ​home​ ​is​ ​an​ ​investment​ ​in​ ​your​ ​future,​ ​so​ ​you​ ​want​ ​to​ ​ensure​ ​it​ ​is​ ​well​ ​protected.​ ​
    ​Our​ ​Brisbane​ ​pest​ ​and​ ​termite​ ​control​ ​and​ ​inspections​ ​team​ ​are​ ​trained, certified​ ​and​ ​knowledgeable​ ​in​ ​all​ ​facets​ ​of​ ​pest​ ​control.​ ​
    We​ ​have​ ​all​ ​the​ ​knowledge​ ​and​ ​experience​ ​you​ ​need to​ ​have​ ​the​ ​job​ ​completed​ ​quickly​ ​and​ ​to​ ​maintain​ ​a​ ​pest-free​ ​zone.​

    ​pest control Brisbane

    Signs Of Termites

    Termites are very destructive and can enter a home and start causing damage without you being aware of it until it is too late

    • Frass is termite waste and it looks like sawdust. It tends to accumulate near the entrances to their nests.
    • If you see mud tunnels on the outside of your house, they are no thicker than a drinking straw.
    • The appearance of discarded wings or a clump or winged insects likely warrants an immediate termite inspection.
    • Trouble opening and closing doors and windows in cooler weather.In warm weather timber can swell and then in cooler weather the swelling subsides.When termites destroy the wood around door frames, they weaken the timber and moisture can enter into the area. These two factors can cause frames to shift or warp, which is why you’re having difficulty opening or closing doors and windows.
    • The noises they make!You can actually hear termites eating and if danger is detected, the termites bang against their surrounds to warn the colony

     

    Signs of Cockroaches

    Cockroaches are not loners. If you see one, then there is likely 100 that you have not seen.
    That’s why proper cockroach control is a tricky business.

    • Strange smell happens when cockroaches in larger numbers give off a bad odour which is like a wet dog. It’s an oily, musty smell that comes from a mix of their pee and poo.
    • Cockroach droppings  look like little patches of what look like coffee grounds on the floor, they are probably pellets of poo.
    • Cockroach egg casings can also be found around the place. These casings are brown in colour and shaped like a cylinder. Depending on which species of cockroach, they can hold between 10 and 50 eggs in each one.

    If you don’t get the pest control problem sorted quickly, you can easily have a full-on infestation happening and that’s not fun or funny. Calling a trusted team of professionals in pest control is your best bet.

     

    Signs of Wasps

    Whenever you see a group of insects or bees swarming around your  home it means it is either a food source or a nest.

    • Look for these nests under decks, eaves, and balconies as this keeps them protected from the elements.
    • If it is a swarm of bees, contact your local pest control company and they will arrange for a local bee keeper to come and remove the swarm.
    • If it is wasps then these can be treated and care needs to be taken as wasps can quickly swarm and attack a person or pet.

    There are three main types of wasp in Australia:

    Paper wasps: Build nests from eaves, the underside of branches and leaves. Nests are normally quite small (maximum 100-200 wasps) and hang by a stalk. They tend not be aggressive, only stinging when defending their nest.

    Mud-daubing wasps: These are large solitary wasps than build a small nest consisting of a number of cells made of mud, often plastered to the wall or ceiling. They tend not to be aggressive, only stinging when defending their nest.

    European wasps: These bright yellow and black striped wasps are capable of forming very large nests of up to 100,000 individuals! The majority of nests are found in the ground (80%), often visible only by a hole (with wasps flying in and out), with the remainder of nests found in buildings (roof spaces, wall voids and eaves). These are not often found in Queensland.

     

    Signs of Ants

    In Brisbane we mainly deal with a Black ants, Green ants and Carpenter ants
    Ant infestations inside the home are pretty obvious and you see them.
    Often, these may be ants nesting outside coming in looking for food and moisture. Act as soon as you see them and to put all food away if this is what they are targeting.

      • If you find ants in your house and cannot see where they are coming in from, you may have ants nesting in or under your house. They quite often nest in wall voids, roof spaces and behind cupboards. This can take some searching to find the nest and apply a treatment.
      • Signs of an infestation outside are piles of dirt and sand appearing between pavers and mounds in the lawn.

     

    • Also if you find family members or pets being bitten, then it is time to treat the ants

     

     

    Signs Of Fleas

    If your pet has fleas then you may have fleas in your house!

    • If you have bites appearing on your lower legs , then you may already know you have fleas. You will have to start treating them.
    • Your pet’s bed should be the first place you look, as well as any other spots your pet is allowed to sleep. Flea eggs are tiny, off-white ovals that can be hard to see on light-colored upholstery and rugs.
    • Put on long white socks and walk around your home and shuffle around areas where your pet sleeps. Then, check the socks for fleas. If they’ve taken up residence in your home, odds are that a few will be visible on your socks.

    cat bedding

    Your Neighbours Have A Pest Problem

    Many pests are able to travel into the surrounding properties and from one home to the next. It is especially true for mice control and cockroach infestations.
    Look for the signs pests leave
    In doubt call in a professional pest control and carpet cleaning service to check the property and put in place monitors or a preventive treatment.

    You Have Been Trying To Do Your Own Pest Control

    You have spent money on baits and sprays but the problem still exists
    They do not know how often and how thoroughly they need to treat. Professional Brisbane pest control  are your local expert team and are available when it is time to call in the professionals

    The post When To Call A Pest Control Company appeared first on GQ Central.

  • Brisbane Window Cleaning Professionals

    Brisbane Window Cleaning Professionals

    When it comes to window cleaning, many homeowners try and do this themselves!
    Window cleaning supplies are readily available and they are easy to use when windows are easy to get to.

    When it comes time to clean them it can be daunting to know where to even start.
    Because once you clean one window – You know you will have to clean all the rest of them and that includes the high set windows that you will need to get a ladder or step stool out.
    Window cleaning is not an easy task. It is difficult to reach the high set windows and every streak and smear is highly noticeable.

     

    window cleaning tips

     

    Windows Need To Be Cleaned On Both Sides

    You have to clean both sides of the glass. It is no good cleaning only the outsides when the insides have not been cleaned and vice a versa.
    The window tracks and frames also require cleaning. Cleaning the window tracks is the most time consuming part of getting your windows perfectly clean.
    If you are in a rental property, all window tracks must be left in a spotless state.
    Although you may have never considered hiring a professional window cleaner, and may even wonder why your windows should be cleaned regularly.
    We can all agree to the fact that having a window covered with grit, dust and dirt is not attractive.

     

    HOUSE FOR SALE

    The Benefits Of Using A Window Washing Company

     

    Brisbane is an area prone to dust haze and that is why it makes sense and is highly beneficial to use the services of a professional window cleaner.  When it is time to do a spring clean on your home, call in the professionals

    Just in case you are still considering the cost of hiring a Brisbane window cleaning service, we have highlighted a couple of reasons why it is actually worth it to hire one.

    • It Saves Time And Stress:

      One would agree that having to clean your windows yourself, can be a daunting task and highly time consuming. No one really wants to spend their free time cleaning windows when they could be doing something more productive or fun!
      This is why having a professional window cleaner is a great option for you.
      These professionals save you the time and stress you would spend in having to clean these windows yourself. While you have the professionals in to clean, consider having your carpets steam cleaned at the same time.

     

    • Durability Of Your Windows :

      Ever wonder why glass can become brittle and crack easily?
      This can be linked with poor maintenance in form of proper cleaning of dust and debris that have accumulated for weeks, months or even years on the surface.
      A Build up of dust and debris speeds up depreciation and damage of the glass and also of the window frames. With the services of a professional window cleaning company here in Brisbane however, you can be assured of extending the lifespan of the glass in your windows and frames.
      Dirt, dust, sand and contaminants from acid rain and dust haze can cause etching in the glass and causes damage to the window framework which subsequently weakens the windows.
      By engaging the services of professional widow cleaners, you can prolong their useful life and avoid spending on window replacements.

     

    • Windows Are The Eyes Of  Your Home:

      It is popularly said that the first impressions matter. One of the best benefits of having a professional window cleaning service for your home is, it leaves your guests with a positive first impression. When going on a visit to someone else’s home or even at an office, one of the first things that gets our attention at first glance is the windows.
      Streak free windows give a great boost in confidence if you are planning on a function at your home. The overall effect in your home is a lighter and brighter feeling in all your rooms.
      The effect this has on your visitors definitely makes hiring professionals worth every cent.

     

    • Safety First:

      Cleaning windows is a chore that requires you to be using ladders and step stools.
      Falling off ladders is is the number one DIY injury that requires hospital treatment.
      1 in 10 ladder falls will result in a brain injury and males aged between 65 and 74 were the most likely to fall off a ladder.
      Please consider hiring a professional team of window cleaners who use the right equipment and set up their ladders and cleaning gear properly
      Look after you health and safety by keeping your feet on the ground!
      Window cleaning is also a dusty job and if you suffer from asthma or dust allergies, you are likely to suffer from a difficulties breathing.

     

    • Look After Your Home:

      Window cleaning often results in some sort of damage being done to the glass, fly screens or to the frames if it is not done correctly.
      To effectively clean windows we do lift sliding windows out of their frames. They are big and heavy and them slipping and dropping often happens if you are not able to hold them correctly.
      With a professional window cleaner like ourselves,  you are assured that window cleaning services are insured with a good policy as they would take responsibility for any damage caused in the process of cleaning.
      They are also trained to carefully handle these windows and to be aware of looking after the frames, sills, window tracks and any window covering like curtains and blinds.

     

    The benefits of using a professional window cleaner in keeping our windows clean  and family members safe and sound on the ground cannot be overemphasized.
    From aesthetic benefits, to health and eventual financial gains, it is clear that you definitely have to consider hiring one today!

    The post Brisbane Window Cleaning Professionals appeared first on GQ Central.