How to prepare a garden for a heatwave
Wondering how to prepare a garden for a heatwave this summer? This summer is being touted as possibly as hot as last. And it will wreak havoc in our gardens. So, best to over-prepare than under prepare with these tips for keeping your plants healthy during extreme weather.
1. BEST TIME TO WATER PLANTS IN HOT WEATHER
The best time to water your plants in hot weather – and especially during a heatwave – is early morning or evening, when all risk of burning tender growth is gone. Watering during lunchtime is a big no-no, as water droplets will act as tiny magnifying glasses, making the heat damage much worse. The best time to water potted plants in hot weather is the same, but you’ll need to make sure you water your container garden both in the morning and evening, as the soil dries out much quicker in containers.
If you have the budget, consider installing a water irrigation system, which is a water-efficient way to ensure your plants get watered, even when you’re away on holiday.
2. TIPS ON WATERING PLANTS IN EXTREME HEAT
It may seem logical to flood your plants with as much water as possible, but this will actually do more harm than good during extreme weather. By over-watering, you are adding to the stress the plant is already under in needing to acclimatise to higher temperatures. Plants that have access to good soil are able to adjust to hot weather, provided the soil at root level doesn’t dry out completely.
So, every morning during the heatwave, perform this test: stick your index finger into the soil around the root; if the soil is still wet below the surface, there’s no need to water. If it’s just damp, it’s time to water again.
If you don’t think you’ll have much time to water plants regularly during a heatwave, consider choosing from our list of best drought tolerant plants.
3. PROTECT PLANTS FROM DIRECT SUN
Lunchtime is by far the most dangerous time of day for plants during very hot weather. There are several things you can do to prepare your garden for a heatwave and alleviate the pressure on your plants:
Mulch: mulching is one of the most effective ways to prevent moisture loss from around the root area. Make sure the mulch layer is at least a couple of inches deep;
Use a shade cloth: if you’re worried about young plants or soft fruit, putting up a shade cloth might be a temporary solution. You will need a structure to mount it onto, such as a frame or pergola;
Row covers: if you’re planning a kitchen garden, these are very useful for protecting tender growth and the soil. You’ll need hoop supports and shade netting to build your row covers.
89-year-old woman reunited with wallet missing since the 1940s thanks to plumber
An 89-year-old St. Louis woman was reunited with a wallet she had been missing since the mid-1940s this week after an unlikely discovery.
A plumber found her wallet along with more than a dozen others in the wall of a girls’ bathroom as the old Centralia High School building in Centralia, Ill., was being converted into a church.
“We’ve been working on this building for six months,” City Hope Church lead pastor Seth Baltzell told CNN. “I’ve been kind of waiting for that really cool thing that nobody’s seen in at least 75 or 100 years to pop out.”
While all the cash was long gone, photos and other documents remained in the wallets.
Baltzell listed the names of several of the women in a Facebook post, which was shared more than 3,000 times, in hopes of returning them.
Betty Sissom was one of those women.
A St. Louis TV station recognized her name and asked Baltzell if he could deliver the wallet to her.
She graduated from Centralia High School in 1947 and now lives near St. Louis. She was shocked to see the wallet again.
“I can’t imagine somebody stole all those wallets and put them behind the toilet in a space I didn’t even know was there,” Sissom told CNN.
The wallet had pictures of classmates and one of her brother who was fighting in World War II at the time and has since died.
“I was just so glad to get that, because I don’t have a picture of him,” Sissom said.
She also found her Social Security card, which has been missing for more than 70 years.
Keep The Flow Going In Your Central Air
If you are noticing weak or little air flow through your AC vents, the unit’s compressor may be failing. In case your areas or rooms in your home are getting cold air while others are not, then the trouble might be with your ductwork and it’s a sign that your AC system needs urgent repair.
Over time, debris can get stuck in your air conditioning vents. Not only this obstructs airflow, but it also presents a health risk to you and your family. Having your air conditioner’s ducts cleaned is a great way to restore airflow and ensure that your AC system is working well when you need it most.
Green Apple are the experts you can trust. We have been serving the New Jersey area for years with professionalism and expertise. Customer service and care are always our number one priority. If you have any questions or concerns regarding any of your HVAC or plumbing needs feel free to call Green Apple Plumbing & Mechanical NJ toll-free at 888-315-5564
What To Expect From Your Plumbing This Summer
- Clogged toilets – During the warmer seasons of the year, school is out, and this can contribute to more toilet clogs. Having some kids in the house can mean more trips to the toilet and using too much toilet paper which results in clogs.
- Sewer line backups – Summers are typically the time for multiple thunderstorms and heavy rains. Although these are usually for the warmer months, this can cause problems with your sewer line.
- Water sprinkler problems – The time you use your water sprinkler the most is during the summer months. Keeping your lawn watered can contribute to having issues with this system.
- Green Apple Plumbing & Mechanical NJ are the experts you can trust. We have been serving the NJ area for years with professionalism and expertise. Customer service and care are always our number one priority. If you have any questions or concerns regarding any of your HVAC or plumbing needs please feel free to call us toll-free at 888-315-5564
Reasons Why Central Air Is Just Common Sense
1. Comfort. Perhaps that best feature of central air is that it keeps all of your rooms cool and comfortable, not just the ones that have a window unit. With central air, you won’t have one room that’s hot and steamy while another room is almost chilly.
2. Energy efficiency. A central air system can be more efficient than having multiple small window units. This is especially true if you use a heat pump system to cool your home. Heat pumps use the naturally-cooled air from the ground surrounding your home and funnel it into the interior,
3. Better air quality. Another major benefit to central air is that by running all of your indoor air through a central unit, the air gets filtered more efficiently, resulting in fewer allergens, pet hair, and allergens in the air that circulate via your ductwork system. In addition, by having your windows closed and secured, less dirt will be blown in via the cracks around a window unit.
4. Quieter. Window air conditioning units make a lot of noise. Making the switch to central air will make your home more peaceful.
5. Less hassle. Another disadvantage to window units is that you have to take them in and out of the windows in the spring and fall. Often, you also have to fit wood or other pieces around the unit so it will fit snugly in the window opening and not allow bugs to enter. Once the units are out of the window, you have to find a place to store them for the offseason.
6. Security. Having your windows partially open to allow for the window air conditioning units can make it a lot easier for burglars and vandals to enter your home. Even if you nail the windows in the open position, they are much less secure than being closed and locked.
Green Apple Plumbing & Mechanical NJ are the experts you can trust. We have been serving the NJ area for years with professionalism and expertise. Customer service and care are always our number one priority. If you have any questions or concerns regarding any of your HVAC or plumbing needs call toll-free @ 888-315-5564
No Bones About It, Don’t Put These In Your Disposal
What Not to Put in a Garbage Disposal
Some foods don’t grind up easily, so avoid putting the following items in your garbage disposal:
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- Grease or oil can solidify inside a garbage disposal and cause clogs in the drain pipe.
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- Potato peels contain starch which can cling to the sides of the disposal, making it difficult to flush out into the drain pipe.
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- Glass, plastic, metal, or paper can jam or dull the blades of a garbage disposal.
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- Big bones, seeds, or pits can also dull the blades, jam the disposal, or become lodged in the drain pipe.
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- Egg shells can stick to the pipes and having enough of them in there could result in a clog.
- Expandable foods, such as pasta and rice, also contain starch which can cling to the disposal. In addition, water can cause them to expand in the disposal and cause a clog.
Following these tips can keep your disposal clean and fully functional. If you do run into problems with your garbage disposal, turn the power off at the circuit breaker before attempting to remove a clog or jam, or call a qualified Green Apple Plumbing & Mechanical NJ plumber to handle the repairs for you.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding any of your HVAC or plumbing needs call toll-free @ 888-315-5564
Spring Into Action For Your HVAC System
Spring cleaning should apply to your HVAC unit as well. Be sure to clean the outside of the furnace; dust is a fire hazard and removing it also helps improve the quality of the air circulating through the system.
Before the summer heat arrives, take the time to clean around your outdoor unit. Air conditioning systems need 12 to 18 inches of clearance space in order to work properly. Prune bushes, trim back any plants and grass growing near the unit and clear away leaves, twigs, and dirt which can all enter into your system and slow it down.
CLEAR THE AIR
Spring is a good time to vacuum registers and air filters to clear out any dust that has accumulated. You should replace the used, worn-out air filter before turning off the heat for the season. Remember that HVAC system filters should be replaced at least every 90 days. If you have pets, or if someone in your family suffers from allergies, filters can be changed more frequently – about every 30 days.
For optimal indoor air quality, now is the time to schedule annual maintenance. Before turning on the A/C, it’s good to free ducts of dust and allergens that have built up during the winter.
Green Apple Plumbing & Mechanical are the experts you can trust. We have been serving the New Jersy area for years with professionalism and expertise. Customer service and care are always our number one priority. If you have any questions or concerns regarding any of your HVAC or plumbing needs call toll-free at 888-315-5564
Breathe Easy With These HVAC Tips
Heating and air conditioning systems offer improved comfort and air quality when they’re operating at peak efficiency. Without regular annual maintenance, your HVAC system has to work harder or stay on longer to keep your home at the same temperature. Regular maintenance can help your HVAC system save energy and last longer before replacement is necessary. To keep up that efficiency, you should have your HVAC system inspected by a Green Apple professional at least once per year.
Check your air filters once per month and change them at least every three months or as soon as they get dirty. Changing them regularly keeps dust and dirt from building up in your system and leading to expensive problems. Airborne pollutants will also stay in your home as your filter loses its effectiveness. You can even add an air filter monitor that measures air pressure differences in your HVAC system so you can tell exactly when to change your air filter. Some monitors can send a wireless reminder to your smartphone or tablet when it’s time to change your filter.
Green Apple Plumbing & Mechanical NJ are the experts you can trust. We have been serving the NJ area for years with professionalism and expertise. Customer service and care are always our number one priority. If you have any questions or concerns regarding any of your HVAC or plumbing needs call toll-free at 888-315-5564
Small Clues That Could Lead To Big Problems
Gurgling noises from your water-using appliances
A gurgling noise coming from your toilet, shower or any other water-using appliance may be your system trying to ‘find air’ in a clog. This can potentially cause a system backup. In addition to gurgling – these appliances may drain very slowly, signaling a blockage somewhere in its pipes.
Stubborn clogged drains
Appliances or facilities with continuously clogged drains despite your best efforts signal a much larger problem at hand. Most homeowners repeatedly attempt to fix this issue themselves, inadvertently putting more stress on pipes and making the problem worse.
Harsh cleaners like Drano can eat away at the inside of your plumbing system and make the piping brittle. When attempting to fix a clogged drain, the best thing to do is boil some hot water and pour it into the source to clear the clog. If the drain is still plugged, leave the job to a professional.
Very low water pressure
Prolonged low water pressure in any water-using appliance in your home could signal a broken or cracked pipe. To investigate the source of the issue, Call a certified Green Apple Mechanical technician. Another hint to the source of the problem is the color of the water coming out of the affected faucets. Any brownish discoloration of the water indicates a water line break.
Sewage / Sulfur Odor
A sulfur or sewage odor is typically an indication of dried up debris in specific drains; however, this issue may also point to a broken vent or sewer pipe. In addition to odor, be on the lookout for sewer flies, backed up drains and malfunctioning toilets. A sewer line backup needs to be addressed sooner rather than later. If you don’t have the issue repaired in time, it can cause a backup of raw sewage, which can cause serious damage to your home.
Green Apple Plumbing & Mechanical NJ are the professionals you can trust. We have been serving the NJ area for years with professionalism and expertise. If you have any questions or concerns regarding any of your HVAC or plumbing needs call toll-free at 888-315-5564
This Is How To Make Your Furnace Last
Changing the filter is an easy task that is often overlooked; so if it’s helpful for you, put a reminder on your calendar or electronic device to help you remember to regularly do this. The frequency of filter changes often depends on how often the furnace is running; but it’s probable that during the winter months, the filter needs to be changed every month. Not only does this help increase the overall life expectancy of your furnace by keeping the inside clean, but it helps your furnace run more efficiently so that your utility bills will be lower.
You can also help your furnace last longer by putting less stress on the furnace by better winterizing your home. This can be done by adding insulation to your home, lowering the thermostat a couple of degrees, and better insulating windows and doors. When less heat is transferred through the attic and windows of your home, your furnace can run less frequently while still being able to keep your home at the temperature you prefer.
It’s also important to have a professional Green Apple Plumbing & Mechanical technician perform your annual furnace service in New Jersey to prevent breakdowns, identify needed repairs, and increase the safety of your heating system. A professional inspection will identify blockages of the outdoor combustion air pipe and exhaust pipe and problems with the burners and heat exchanger. Cracks or holes in the heat exchanger may not cause your furnace to stop running, but it can allow deadly carbon monoxide gas to enter your home. The flame sensor and gas pressure will also be checked. This inspection makes it much more likely that your furnace will last longer and perform as it should throughout the winter.
Green Apple Plumbing & Mechanical NJ are the experts you can trust. We have been serving the NJ area for years with professionalism and expertise. Customer service and care are always our number one priority. If you have any questions or concerns regarding any of your HVAC or plumbing needs call toll-free at 888-315-5564