Monthly Archives: December 2011

New Year’s Resolution: Fix the AC

Posted on by Bid Boomerang

Yes, we realize it’s the middle of winter. But do you really want to wait until June and your house is sweltering before you get your broken AC fixed?

This is one of the instances where it’s good to be prepared ahead of time. It’s cold now, but you never know when the first heat wave will hit. What if it’s in the middle of a dinner party or movie night at your house? Baking your guests in an oven-like living room is a less-than-ideal plan, unless of course you intentionally planned a sauna-themed party.

Keep your guests and your ice cream sandwiches intact at your spring and summertime parties by fixing your HVAC system in advance. And don’t worry — this is one resolution that won’t detract from your time spent using your new gym membership. BidBoomerang can quickly and easily put you in contact with professionals who specialize in AC repairs in Mesa AZ, so you can focus on surviving your early-morning spin classes.

 

The Ins and Outs of Winter Rye Grass

Posted on by Bid Boomerang

If you live in an area that gets blanketed with snow in the winter, chances are that you aren’t too concerned with the condition of your grass in January. But if you live in a warmer climate, you can feasibly be landscaping green grass year-round.

When it comes to winter grass, you’ve got a couple options — perennial or annual. These two types of rye grass are the most common types of winter grass, and they each come with certain advantages and disadvantages. Perennial rye grass can be more expensive, but that price tag brings with it a faster germination time, a richer color and lower likelihood of grass stains. You also don’t need to replant perennial grass every year because it is designed to last year-round. However, if heat becomes extreme, there’s a chance the grass won’t survive the summer.

Annual grass isn’t likely to withstand extreme temperatures either, but it is intended to be re-planted every year and, consequently, costs less than perennial rye. It is best to plant annual rye in August or September — if you plant too early, the heat will kill the seeds. Annual rye will last through about May, when it’s time to switch back to a summer grass such as Bermuda.

Whether you choose annual or perennial, both varieties need a lot of sun and regular watering to thrive. Sprinkler systems are recommended rather than irrigation. An advantage of rye grass in general is that the grass will not spread — meaning your landscaping and flower beds won’t be overrun by over-eager grass.

If you want a professional opinion on your backyard, let BidBoomerang hook you up with expert landscapers in Mesa AZ.

How To Be Prepared for a Power Outage

Posted on by Bid Boomerang

People are likely to experience a handful of power outages during their lifetimes, especially so during the winter. Storms and adverse weather can increase the potential for power outages to occur, so it’s important to be prepared for the possibility. Here are a few key things you can do to be prepared for a power outage:

Emergency Supplies

If a storm has caused a power outage, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to get to the store, even to grab basic food items. Prepare ahead of time for a power outage or storm by keeping emergency supplies on hand. You can store these items in backpacks or containers underneath beds or in closets. Aim to have enough food and water to last 72 hours per person in the household. Non-perishable items such as beef jerky, peanut butter, crackers, oatmeal and applesauce are all good items to keep in your supplies. Take careful note of expiration dates and be sure to empty and refill your supplies regularly as needed. In addition to food and water, important items to keep in your emergency storage include candles, matches, flashlights, batteries, blankets and a first-aid kit.

Food Safety

If your power stays out for an extended amount of time, it’s likely that a good portion of your refrigerated and frozen foods will not survive the outage. To preserve the foods as long as possible, avoid opening the refrigerator and freezer during the power outage. Many of the frozen foods will be able to survive for 1-2 days, depending on how full your freezer is. The more tightly packed the space is, the longer the items will stay safely chilled. For refrigerated foods, if you have ice on hand you can pack the items in a cooler. If your power outage is caused by a snow storm, make use of the frozen resource and pack the cooler with snow!

Temperature

Whether it’s the middle of summer in Arizona or the middle of winter in Minnesota, if the power goes out the temperature can pose hazardous to you and the people in your household. If you are in a heated environment and your power goes out — and along with it, the AC — it’s best to escape the home and stay elsewhere for the night. In high temperatures, it is key to remain properly hydrated. Pay close attention to any dizziness or light-headedness, as these are symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. In cold weather, the biggest risk is hypothermia. There are many details to treating a person affected by hypothermia, including not rubbing or massaging their frozen skin. It is a good idea to keep a list or booklet of these instructions with your first-aid kit.

If your power outages are caused by an electrical problem rather than weather conditions, don’t hesitate to use BidBoomerang to locate qualified electricians in Mesa AZ.

 

3 Types of Waterproof Paint

Posted on by Bid Boomerang

Whether you’re painting indoors or outdoors, the freshly painted surface is bound to be exposed to the elements — be it rain on the back patio or splattered food in the kitchen. Using waterproof paint is the surest way to prevent wear and tear on your paint jobs, and there are several options available.

Masonry Paint

Intended for surfaces such as brick, stucco and sandstone, masonry paint is specifically designed to work with these porous materials by letting moisture escape the crevices but preventing it from getting in. It is usually oil, water or latex-based, and engineered to prevent water absorption better than regular paint. It is also a low-maintenance option because it is mildew-resistant and cleans easily with soap and water.

Epoxy Paint

Epoxy paint is typically used on flooring surfaces such as basements and garages. Its low flammability makes it a safe choice for factories and areas where open flames are commonly used. Extremely durable, epoxy paint contains a plastic resin that hardens rapidly as it dries. Because the quality of the paint job can eventually deteriorate when exposed to UV rays, epoxy paint is best used indoors.

Acrolein Elasticized Paint

Like masonry and epoxy paint, acrolein elasticized paint works best on hard surfaces — in this case, specially on concrete. Similar to masonry paint, it inhibits growth of mold, mildew and other bacteria caused by moisture exposure. The chemicals in acrolein elasticized paint are considered toxic when used alone or in large amounts, so it is generally combined with acrylic paints to create a waterproof paint mixture.

For advice on when and where to use waterproof paint, let BidBoomerang connect you with professional painters in Mesa, AZ.

The Natural Appeal of Bamboo Flooring

Posted on by Bid Boomerang

In tropical areas, particularly where stilted houses are the norm, bamboo has been used as a housing and flooring material for centuries. In recent years, bamboo has become progressively mainstream in more urban areas.

The first thing you’ll notice about bamboo is that it looks good. Bamboo floors are an attractive alternative to more expensive wood flooring or less-appealing vinyl tiles. Bamboo shares many similarities with hardwood floors when it comes to strength, durability and ease-of-care. However, bamboo flooring is widely considered the leader in eco-friendly flooring options.

As a member of the grass family, the plants used to create bamboo flooring grows significantly faster than wood. While it takes wood anywhere from 20 to 100 years to fully mature, a bamboo can reach maturity in just 3-5 years. It is also possible to harvest the bamboo without needing to plant a new crop, making it very sustainable. The environmental-friendly factor increases because pesticides are rarely used in growing bamboo.

Don’t assume you’ll be missing out on variety and options by choosing bamboo — the plant is highly customizable. During the curing process, in which sugars and starches are removed and the bamboo is steamed, the bamboo can be altered to varying levels of hardness and coloring. Additionally, bamboo can be stained or varnished to fit your individual flooring tastes.

The Pros and Cons of Evaporative Coolers

Posted on by Bid Boomerang

Evaporative coolers are named for the system’s key reliance on evaporation to cool a house or building. Also known as a swamp or desert cooler, an evaporative cooler unit typically sits in a window because it relies on a flow of outside air to work properly. By drawing air over a wet, sponge-like material, the air from the outside is cooled and then transmitted into the adjacent room. In comparison to traditional air conditioning, evaporative cooling has several advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages

First of all, evaporative cooling is considerably less expensive than air conditioning. Not only does it cost less to install, but it requires 1/4 of the of cost to operate. Because it has less working parts, it consumes less power than an AC unit. Because evaporative coolers are mechanically simple, they are much easier to maintain — no need to call out for AC repair on a hot day. Because of the system’s heavy reliance on water, an evaporative cooler increases humidity in the air — making it more breathable for people who live in highly dry climates.

Disadvantages

An evaporative cooler relies on dry air to work properly, so for people who live in humid climates it is a less-ideal option. The increased humidity in the air might make it more breathable in some climates, but it can have an adverse effect on people who suffer from asthma. The added moisture in the air can also have a negative effect on home electronics because of increased risk for corrosion and condensation. Another downfall of an evaporative cooler is that certain types of cooling pads can pose a high-risk fire hazard.

Let Bid Boomerang connect you with qualified Mesa ac repairmen for Free. Our qualified contractors will give you bids on your project so you can ensure you are getting the best deal for your AC repair or replacement.