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.
Spring Plumbing Tips You’ll Love!
- Check the temperature setting on the water heater. It should be set no higher than 120°F to prevent scalding and reduce energy use.
- Carefully drain several gallons from the water heater tank to flush out corrosion causing sediment, which reduces heating efficiency and shortens the life of the heater. Check your water heater manufacturer ‘s website for specific instructions concerning your make and model.
- Consider replacing a water heater more than 15 years old. (The first four numbers of the serial number represent the month and year it was made.) Newer water heaters are more energy efficient.
- Make sure flammables are not stored near the water heater or furnace.
- Check dishwasher, washing machine and ice maker supply hoses for bulges or leaks. Replace hoses showing signs of weakness or older than ten years. Use stainless steel hoses wherever possible. They are more reliable and less prone to bursting than other types.
- Green Apple Plumbing & Mechanical 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
Improve Air Quality With Central Air
It Helps With Air Quality
A central air conditioner is great for people with allergies or concerns about contaminants in the air because it is hooked up to your furnace’s air handler. This means that the air is actually getting pumped through the filter. The cool air that your home is receiving has been filtered and freshened.
A window unit not only doesn’t properly filter the air but because of its design, it actually lets warm air back into your home, not to mention anything else that slips past the seal.
Green Apple Plumbing & Mechanical NJ are experts in installing and repairing central air. We 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
If You Want A Trouble Free Toilet, Follow These Rules
- Teach your household to follow the basic rule of proper toilet bowl maintenance: “The only good paper is (regular-thickness) toilet paper.” Disposable diapers, wipes, paper towels, feminine products, and even ultra-thick, extra-strength TP can get in there and clog up your drains. Place a handy covered bin in the bathroom for disposal of these items.
- Don’t try to flush leftover food, either. Large, hard particles can get stuck, while grease and oils will tend to harden and contribute mightily to drain clog. Besides, all that unnecessary flushing will add up to many gallons of wasted water over time.
- Consider replacing any old-fashioned water hog toilets with the low-flow variety, to save even more H2O. If you’re still using a toilet manufactured prior to 1994, it may be quaffing as much as 7 gallons per flush. Compare that with today’s water-sparing models, at only 1.6 gallons per flush.
- Install a toilet lid lock if you have small children in your family. Besides its vital function of helping to keep your sweet babies safe, this handy device will prevent mischievous toddlers from conducting their own brand of science experiments.
- Equip your bathroom with a convenient plunger. Unlike the standard model made for use in flat bathroom or kitchen sinks, a dedicated toilet plunger is manufactured with a flange – picture a broad rubber lip — that seals to the curved shape of your toilet bowl outlet for the most effective plunging. If the toilet threatens to overflow, bail out some of the water with a bucket or similar container so you have room to plunge.
- 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. 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
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
Celebrate World Plumbing Day
World Plumbing Day is an international event, initiated by the World Plumbing Council, held on March 11th each year to recognize the important role plumbing plays in societies health and amenity.
The WPC, through its member countries and its partnerships with bodies like the World Health Organisation, works all year round to promote the benefits of safe plumbing, but in 2010 it decided to launch the concept of embedding a single day on the world’s calendar dedicated to plumbing. The idea was that on March 11th each year people all over the world would pause to reflect on the vital role plumbing plays in preserving their health and way of life – in the case of countries like ours – or in building sustainable disease free futures for millions in the developing world.
And so World Plumbing Day was born, and it is big and getting bigger all the time.
Today, on the continents of Australia, Europe, and Africa events are organized to mark the occasion and draw attention to the importance of good plumbing and sanitation. In China, England, Germany, India, Canada, North, and South America and many more places industry leaders – like us here today – governments, policymakers, and community-based organizations are promoting World Plumbing Day.
Green Apple Plumbing & Mechanical 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
How Moving Furniture Can Make Your Furnace More Effective
Blocking vents with furniture. Sometimes a vent just happens to be in the same location you want to put your couch. But you’ll sacrifice the quality of heating and cooling in the room if you place it there.
You’re more likely to achieve an even distribution of warm air by keeping vents free of obstruction. But if you like your furniture where it is, you may benefit from exploring different heating options. Hydronic heating, which heats rooms with hot water pipes under the floorboards, may be a better fit to keep your design aesthetic from being dictated by vents. Some vents can be closed individually, but depending on your duct system, closing vents may make your furnace less efficient. We recommend consulting a Green Apple Plumbing & Mechanical NJ HVAC professional to determine what’s best for your home.
Green Apple Plumbing & Mechanical 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
How To Safeguard Your Plumbing
-
Turn off those taps
A dripping tap is more than just an annoying sound; it can waste up to 15 gallons of water per day and add approximately $100 to your yearly water bill. To avoid wasting precious water, make sure you turn your taps off all the way. If a fully closed tap continues to leak, have it repaired or replaced. Investing in plumbing maintenance now will help you save money in the long run.
-
Go for low-flow
Installing a low-flow showerhead is an easy way to significantly reduce water consumption. Even a 10-minute shower with a conventional showerhead can use up to 42 gallons of water. Low-flow showerheads are easy to install and use far less water. Go the extra mile and set a household shower time limit.
-
Expose hidden leaks
Not all water leaks can be spotted with the naked eye. Some leaks are hidden and require some detective work on the part of the homeowner to be found. To determine if your home has any hidden leaks, check your water meter before and after a specific period of time when no water has been used. If the meter has changed, there may be a leak lurking somewhere in your home.
- If you have any questions or concerns regarding any of your HVAC or plumbing needs call Green Apple Plumbing & Mechanical NJ toll-free at 888-315-5564