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

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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

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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

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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.

Grow Your Own Christmas Tree

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Is the chaos of the tree lot putting a damper on your family’s holiday traditions?

Why not grow your own tree? With the right knowledge and patience, you can have a whole flock of Christmas trees available in your own backyard.

First, you’ll need to get your hands dirty. A tree won’t require a lot of land space, but the soil does need to be properly prepared. Pick an area away from any other bushes or plants that might hinder the tree’s growth, and clear away old stumps or rocks.

Before planting your tree, you’ll need to select the type of tree you want to plant. Popular breeds include pines, firs and spruces. Each of these species includes multiple sub-types, so do your research and you’ll discover that you have many options. No matter where you live, you can find the right type of tree to thrive in your climate. Order your seedlings and follow the accompanying instructions to get it in the ground.

After your tree is planted, follow the watering and care instructions. Keep your tree’s area free of weeds and other interfering growth. Depending on the height you’re aiming for, it can take anywhere from 4 to 10 years for your tree to reach your end goal. When the tree is 2 or 3 years old, begin regularly shearing and landscaping it into a cone shape.

It might sound like an intimidating length of time to wait for a Christmas tree, but consider it an investment! If you want, you can plant a new tree every year. After you harvest the first one, you’ll have a new tree ready to use each successive year. And if you’re hesitant to cut it down after all that hard work, break with tradition and decorate it where it stands in your backyard.

Like the idea of having a tree in your backyard but don’t want to grow it yourself? Still think your dry, desert landscape won’t yield a successful pine? Bid Boomerang can hook you up with a professional to take care of your Mesa, AZ landscaping needs.

How to Safely Use Christmas Lights

Posted on by Bid Boomerang

The holidays are just around the corner, and you’re getting ready to drag the tinsel out of the attic and start decking the halls. Before you string lights around the tree and along the rooftop, be sure you’re following a few safety precautions to avoid accident or injury this Christmas season:

Play it safe.

First, avoid buying Christmas lights from a secondhand source — you’ll have less ability to properly judge the quality of the lights, leaving you exposed to potential danger. When you do purchase your own lights, check the labels! If the lights have been tested for safety, it will say so on the label. Also, be sure to always switch the lights off when you go to bed or leave home.

If it’s broken, fix it. (Or throw it away.)

Before hanging lights, check for any broken bulbs or damaged wiring. You can usually replace a missing or broken bulb, but if any wiring is broken or exposed it’s probably time to invest in new lights. Broken sockets or frayed cords can cause electrical shorts, potentially sparking a fire.

Don’t overload the circuits.

As a rule of thumb, don’t attach more than three strands of lights to a single extension cord. Additionally, it’s a good idea to spread the lights between different circuits. A typical household circuit will max out at 20 amps. The label of the lights will generally tell you how many amps it requires. It is recommended that you don’t exceed 80% of a circuits maximum capacity — e.g. if a circuit maxes at 20 amps, try not to attach more than 16 amps to it.

Location is everything.

Certain lights are intended to be used indoors, and others are meant for the outdoors. They might appear similar, but it’s a good idea to use them in their intended environment — they are built to handle different temperatures, etc. Also, avoid stringing lights around any metal structure (e.g. stair railing, rain gutters, metal fencing). If the wires come in contact with the metal it will become electrically charged, creating an electrocution hazard. Wherever you choose to hang your lights, avoid attaching them with nails and staples, as these are more likely to damage the wires. Plastic hooks and fasteners intended specifically for Christmas lights are the best way to go.

Consult a professional.

If you follow the above guidelines, you’ll more likely avoid potential fires, damage and personal injury. If you have any concerns about your home’s electrical circuits, it’s a good idea to consult a professional before hanging any lights. Bid Boomerang can help you quickly find a skilled, experienced electrician in Mesa, AZ.

How Paint Color Can Affect Your Mood

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There might be more than aesthetic appeal to consider when choosing a new color to paint your walls. Whether it’s your bedroom, kitchen or sitting room, if you’re going to be spending considerable time in a room then you should be aware of its potential effects on your mood. Psychologically, certain colors have a tendency to make us feel certain ways — and in addition to the look, it is important to consider the feel of your home as well.

Red

Traditionally, red is all about energy. Used as the focal point in bullfights and archery targets, red creates excitement and stimulation. In a kitchen or living room, a red accent wall can generate conversation and add a sizzle to the atmosphere. It might be best to avoid it in rooms where you want to unwind, such as bedrooms and studies.

Yellow

Yellow is all about sunshine! Perfect for kitchens and bathrooms, it can create energy and a happy aura. The key with yellow is to remember that less is more — too much of this bright color can be overwhelming and create feelings of frustration and anxiety.

Blue

If you need to unwind after spending time in a yellow room, head for the nearest blue wall. Lowering blood pressure and slowing your heart rate, blue is considered the most calming and relaxing of all wall-color choices. The most important factor in painting a blue room is to be careful with the hue — the room will seem cold if the blue is too bright, and can evoke feelings of sadness if it is too dark.

Green

Perhaps because it is reminiscent of nature, green is considered refreshing, restful and stress-relieving. From sage to forest green, green has a reputation for being soothing and helping people unwind. Out of all the colors, you can feel safe effectively using green paint in any room.

Purple

Historically associated with royalty, purple walls can add a rich and sophisticated tone to your home. It is also useful as a smaller accent color, adding depth to a room while putting a twist on black hues traditionally used for this purpose.

Why not hire a professional?

If you’ve gone to all that trouble to avoid painting your room a mind-meddling color, don’t burden yourself with the task of painting it yourself. Bid Boomerang makes it easy to find professional painters in Mesa, AZ, so all you have to do is select your color and leave the rest to the professionals.

Taking it Easy with Vinyl Flooring

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Want attractive flooring without the hassle and high expense? Vinyl flooring offers the appearance and versatility of more expensive types of flooring but one-ups its competitors with easy maintenance and prices that won’t put a huge dent in your budget.

Easy Installation

Depending on the type of vinyl you choose, it will come in either small tiles or larger sheets that can be cut to fit the exact shape of your room. Installing vinyl flooring takes very little time — no need to plan on being evicted from your kitchen or bathroom for a week during the installation process! BidBoomerang can help you find a flooring professional who can assess your needs and get the job done quickly.

Limitless Design Options

Selecting an inexpensive option by no means requires you to sacrifice aesthetic appeal. Vinyl is available in designs to suit any taste, including patterns that mimic stone and wood flooring. If you’re aiming for a retro or funky twist on normal home decor, floral or geometric-patterned vinyl can add a unique flavor to an otherwise typical room. Certain patterns feature directional designs, in which the tiles are meant to be placed a certain way to create a larger, ongoing design. But don’t feel obligated to stick to the norm — twisting a few random tiles in a direction design can put a unique and unexpected spin on the original pattern.

Low Maintenance

Just because you want attractive flooring doesn’t mean you’re ready to commit to a high-maintenance relationship. Of the many flooring options available, vinyl is hands-down the easiest to clean and maintain. Vinyl is composed of four layers, including two transparent layers designed specifically to resist scratches and prevent tearing. Additionally, traditional vinyl is seamless — meaning there’s no grout where crumbs and dirt can get trapped. And if damage does occur to your vinyl flooring, it is easy and inexpensive to repair.