DIY

During the coldest days of the winter, your heat pump can truly be a godsend. It’s the only line of defense between you and the freezing temperatures outside. Even a good quality heat pump is not itself immune to the cold weather, however, and you may notice a layer of frost that has built up overnight. While it’s normal for the pump to develop a layer of ice, if too much ice builds up, the heat pump itself will freeze up. Ultimately, this can damage or even ruin the pump. Fortunately, there are steps to take if your heat pump is freezing up in winter.

Learn to Identify a Problem

It is perfectly normal, and not necessarily harmful, for your heat pump to develop a layer of frost during the winter. This isn’t, in and of itself, a cause for concern. Indeed, heat pumps have built-in defrosting features, allowing them to regularly melt any ice that has accumulated before it becomes a problem. Usually, these defrosters work on a timer or a sensor, and they melt the ice off the heat pump by venting heat outward towards the frozen parts.

If your defrosting system is compromised or malfunctioning, however, ice will continuously build up until the whole system is frozen. This risks permanently damaging the heat pump and potentially leading to extremely costly repairs. That’s why it’s critically important for a homeowner to recognize the difference between an ordinary, harmless layer of frost and the beginnings of a frozen heat pump.

Recognizing a Frozen Heat Pump

There are several potential causes of a heat pump that’s frozen—or beginning to freeze—and is not simply frosted. Some are obvious, and others are less so. Regardless, you should learn to tell the difference between a simple layer of frost and a harmful build-up of ice.

The first sign that you’re dealing with something worse than a mild frost is duration. That is to say, your heat pump’s defrosting system can usually deal with a small buildup of ice within about ten minutes. If you notice ice that doesn’t seem to go away after a few minutes of running the defroster, that’s the first sign you have a more serious problem. The thickness of the ice is telling as well. If there’s a thick layer of frost that has built up on your heat pump, it’s a telltale sign your defroster isn’t doing its job.

What You Can Do

Although a heat pump freezing up in winter can be a very serious problem, sometimes it’s possible for you to take care of the issue yourself. This is especially true if the freezing is caused by external factors that you can control. For example, often a frozen heat pump is the result of water dripping into the pump from above. Frequently, dripping gutters are to blame for this.

As water drops onto the pump, the winter cold freezes it before the defroster has a chance to keep up. Over time, this can lead to a massive buildup of ice and cause catastrophic problems, but it is also an easy fix. Simply isolate the source of the dripping water and stop it up. In this case, preventing your heat pump from freezing may be as simple as a few drops of silicone sealant applied in the right spot in your gutter.

Leaves building up on the pump can cause similar issues. A layer of dead leaves will trap snow, ice, and moisture and eventually lead to freezing up. You can deal with this easily as well. Try to keep the pump clear of leaves, and if they do build up, clean them off regularly. If you notice there’s already a buildup of ice forming on the pump, you can often remove it yourself by scraping the ice away. Make sure the heat pump is turned off before you do this, however. You don’t want to risk injuring yourself or damaging your heat pump. And if at any point you’re uncomfortable with the task, it’s always best to contact an expert.

When You Need a Professional’s Help

While some of the causes of a frozen heat pump are easy to fix and require only basic skills, other issues are a lot more complex and will require the help of a professional HVAC technician. Any issues caused by malfunctioning equipment or by electrical problems shouldn’t be tackled without the proper training and certification a skilled technician has.

Indeed, not just any technician will do either. You’ll want to look for highly trained technicians who are NATE certified. NATE stands for North American Technician Excellence, and certification ensures a technician and well-trained and competent.

You’ll also want to read reviews, check references, and talk to other satisfied customers. A poorly handled job can further damage your heat pump and lead to more serious problems and great cost to you. If you live in the Portland or Vancouver area, your best bet is the technicians from Entek. They are certified, as well as highly recommended and experienced.

Problems a Technician Should Fix

A heat pump freezing up in winter is often caused by a small but potentially serious problem. For example, if the thermostat short circuits due to an electrical issue, this can lead to the defroster mechanism not activating when it should. So while the machine remains perfectly capable of removing ice, it won’t know when to do so and will eventually become further damaged from a buildup. Other problems with your heat pump may be more complex. For example, the reversing solenoid coil may have worn out and require replacement.

In either of these cases, you’ll require the assistance of a professional HVAC technician. Unlike with other systems in your home, fixing an HVAC system is not something you should attempt to DIY. Fortunately, if you have a good technician who is a mere phone call away, they’ll be able to provide the repairs you need, as well as perform maintenance so that you can avoid other costly repairs in the future.

When you are flying down the road on your motorcycle, the very most important thing is safety. It is impossible to be safe if your vision is impaired, which is why having some kind of anti-fogging strategy is so vital. The lens on your helmet can fog up for many different reason, but essentially it is always because of water droplets forming on the glass. There are just as many ways to prevent or remove fogging as there are ways the fog can form in the first place. Learn how your motorcycle riding gear fogs up in the first place, and what you can do about it.

How Anti-Fogging Works

There are essentially two ways for motorcycle helmets to deal with fogging. The most common option is ventilation. It is most effective to heat a surface to remove the fog, but this is not easy to achieve in a motorcycle helmet. Allowing air to pass over the visor has a very similar effect, even if it is not quite as good as heat. Any motorcycle helmet that is worth using will have vents built in, which helps you stay cool and comfortable while riding. In many helmets, the vents can be opened and closed. If your visor is fogging up, check if your vents are closed. It can be inconvenient in the winter to open them up and let the warm air out, but it is much better than not being able to see. Another option is to crack open the visor a tiny amount to get better ventilation. Keep in mind that this method will only work for fogging on the inside of the helmet, although this is by far the most common kind. If the outside of your visor fogs up, it is probably because you are riding in the rain or a very humid environment. You can find anti-fog motorcycle helmets online. Aside from ventilation, another method of anti-fogging is to prevent water droplets from forming in the first place. There are actually many different options that employ this strategy.

Other Options

• Face Mask – Most of the time, the inside of the visor fogs up due to your breath. Wearing a face mask under your helmet can direct your breath away from the visor, which prevents fogging altogether. Make sure you are comfortable with your mask and that it does not accidentally direct your breath toward the visor.
• Inserts – Some helmet inserts can block the water vapor entirely. Not all helmets have the pinholes needed to attach an insert, however. If this is the strategy you hope for, look for a helmet that is marked as “Pinlock-ready.”
• External Products – Did you ever do the science experiment of putting soap on your mirror before taking a shower? The soap keeps water droplets from grouping together and the mirror does not fog up. The same principle can be used with your helmet. There are products you can spray or rub on your visor to keep it clear.

Before you start riding, make sure you have all the dual sport riding gear and accessories you need to stay safe.

To read more on topics like this, check out the DIY category.

Within the past ten or fifteen years, e-cigarette alternatives to smoking have been making their way into the mainstream. However, e-cigs have evolved and now there are several alternatives in use for ‘vaping’ instead of smoking. As a newbie vaper, or someone considering tobacco alternatives, it’s time to look at your options. Here are four different types of vaping devices, but just remember that one is not necessarily better than another. It’s a matter of preference!

A Quick Word for Newbies aka Noobs

There is going to be much to learn and it will take time to familiarize yourself with all the terminology and techniques you’ll want to understand. From the different kinds and strengths of e-juices to the kinds of devices you can use and how to care for them, it’s going to be a learning process, so get ready for the journey.

You can read more here about what it means to vape, how to get started and what you’ll need. At the moment, it’s important to understand that vaping does not mean you are limited to cigarette lookalikes. The following information is just a brief rundown on the most popular trends in vaping devices.

1. Cig-a-likes

These don’t take a lot of explaining because as the name implies, they resemble a cigarette in looks. The obvious difference is that you don’t light them and there is no smoke. Usually there is no button to push. You just puff on them, inhale the vapor and blow it out again. The right e-cigs can offer the sensation of smoking and the tip typically lights up just like a burning cigarette! Cig-a-likes are usually disposable but some can be refilled.

2. Vaping Pens

These earned the name of ‘pen’ because they resemble a pen and can actually be mistaken for a pen when placed in a shirt pocket. While some are wider and longer than your average pen, they are fashioned like a pen and thus are called vape pens.

3. Mods

Often referred to as ‘box mods,’ these are the ultimate in vaping experience because they are most often highly customizable. From the kind of tank attached to the battery module to the kind of coil used to produce vapor, there are several ways you can make each mod give you the effect you are after. Some give you that ‘smoking’ sensation of mouth-to-lung vaping and others are direct to lung and usually produce a much bigger vape cloud.

4. Pods

Finally, there are pods. These are typically smaller than a mod and the little pod that holds the liquid is where the coil and juice are held. Like mods, they are refillable and some have coils which can be replaced as well. Pods are great for people on the go and although they ‘can’ resemble a pen or cig-a-like, there are different shapes and sizes as well.

As a newbie vaper, it is suggested that you take the time to learn about the various devices on the market. Think of it like choosing the brand of cigarettes you prefer because, after all, it’s just a matter of preference. Which do you prefer?

To read more on topics like this, check out the DIY category.

Being a mom often means not spending enough time for personal pampering. Even when I have the time to go to the salon or spend the entire day at the spa, I often find myself choosing to stay home with my kids anyway. I’m sure many of you feel the same way too.

That doesn’t mean you don’t deserve some pampering. More importantly, it doesn’t mean you can’t still be beautiful and take good care of yourself. There are many DIY beauty routines that you can do to take care of yourself at home.

In this article, we are going to focus more on the beauty of our nails. You already know how to keep your skin and hair healthy and looking beautiful, so it is time to go through some DIY tricks that will help you maintain the beauty and health of your nails.

Moisturize Often

Washing your hands frequently often result in drier skin; using hand sanitizer has the same effect too. What most moms don’t realize is that these recommended activities also dry up the nails. When you moisturize your skin, you also want to moisturize your nails.

The same rubbing lotion or moisturizing cream can be used for moisturizing the nails. Simply make sure that you apply a moisturizing cream to the cuticles and nails in the morning and before going to bed at night. Your nails will look better and healthier with this simple routine.

If you want to go the organic route, I highly recommend coconut oil for moisturizing the nails. It works great for your skin. It even helps your hair grow stronger and faster, so you know how well it can nourish your nails.

Go with the Alternatives

Older nail polish and removers contain a lot of toxins. They are not harmful in the short run, but repetitive use over the course of several years will cause your nails to decay at a much faster rate. Besides, harsh polish and remover contains chemicals like toluene and formaldehyde, which are best avoided anyway.

The good news is that many beauty brands now use fewer chemicals – if any – and safer ingredients for their polishes and removers. You simply need to read the labels when choosing the next one to buy and make sure you don’t get one with the harmful chemicals.

There are alternatives too. Water-based polishes are becoming more popular on the market. They may not last as long as polishes that contain chemicals, but you will not be harming your nails while trying to look beautiful.

Anticipate Nail Issues

Knowing the most common nail problems and how to solve them will make maintaining your nails at home a lot easier. There are some common problems indeed, including peeling nails and weak nails. In the case of peeling nails, you want to avoid washing your hands too harshly or applying the chemicals we discussed earlier.

Weak nails that split easily can be a huge problem, but making changes to your diet and treating your nails properly will alleviate the issue. Moisturizing helps too, since moisturized nails are less likely to crack thanks to their higher – and natural – flexibility.

Fungus nails are among the issues you want to take seriously. When you see signs of toenail fungus – materializing in the form of spots and a yellowish hue appearing on your nails – you want to treat the issue immediately. The same can be said for black nail fungus, which is the result of an infection or a broken nail not treated properly. This guide will help you prepare for these issues better.

Adjust Your Diet

Speaking of adjusting your diet to prevent nail problems, making some changes to your diet also helps with maintaining the beauty of your nails. Your fingernails need certain nutrients to grow healthily. You need to make sure that you consume those nutrients as this will result in healthier nails in general.

Consuming Omega-3 fatty acids is a great start. You can now find Omega-3 in a lot of food items, including oats, some fruits, and eggs. You also want to consume enough protein for better nail growth. Calcium is another crucial nutrient to consume for better nail health.

Other nutrients serve specific purposes. Zinc helps keep the nails healthy by increasing its flexibility and preventing white spots from forming. Vitamin B also strengthens the nails, making it perfect for when you are dealing with brittleness and split nails. You also need to consume vitamins A and C to maintain the natural shine of your nails while keeping them moisturized.

Avoid Damaging Your Nails

Some treatments are based on misconceptions. Rather than helping your nails become healthier and more beautiful, those treatments expose your fingernails to more risks and potential problems. Trimming the cuticles when cutting your nails, for example, is definitely not something you want to do.

Cuticles are there to protect your nails from bacteria, which means cutting them increases the risk of an infection. Cutting too deep into the cuticles will make things worse, since it often ends up with exposed nails and pain from under the nails. Rather than cutting the cuticles, push them back using a soft pusher.

For cuticles, what you want to remove is the dead skin cells rather than large chunks of the cuticle. Using abrasive materials to scrape the top of the nails is also best avoided. These are common practices of traditional manicure that are no longer recommended by experts.

Sleep Well

Last but certainly not least, give your nails enough chance to regenerate and be healthy naturally. The way to do that is by getting enough sleep at night. You cannot substitute a good night’s sleep with a nap because the body regenerates cells at an optimum level in the evening instead of during the day. Getting enough sleep at night is really good for your nails as well as your hair and skin.

Healthy nails are beautiful nails. Now that you have these tips to use, maintaining the health of your nails and keeping them looking beautiful as ever will be very easy to do.

Join the discussion on this topic with Lilac City Momma by visiting our contact page.

Ask any homeowner, and they’ll tell you the same thing: there’s always room for improvement. However, even with the benefits of comfort and additional value, few choose to pursue upgrades for their properties because of the high costs that it usually entails. The good news is that these types of projects don’t necessarily need to be expensive undertakings. To this end, here are just a few money saving tips for home improvement projects.

1. Carefully compare all available options

When tackling a home improvement project, you’re likely to need equipment, materials and specialist services like furniture removal. Before you make a decision, however, it’s a general rule of thumb to always to do research and carefully compare all available options first. Tedious and time-consuming as this might sound, you’ll be surprised at how much it can help minimize your expenditure and save money on the project by acquiring inexpensive alternatives.

2. Don’t take on too many projects at a time

As much as we would like to improve our homes in their entirety, it just isn’t feasible or economical to do so. Instead, focus your attention on one project at a time. In this way, not only will you be able to speed up the process of its completion, but you’re far more likely to stay well within your allotted budget, giving yourself more financial wiggle room to move for when it is needed.

3. Limit yourself to what you can do

These days, it’s not uncommon for many homeowners to take the do-it-yourself approach with improvements and upgrades. After all, why spend money if the task can be accomplished on our own? But while this practical strategy isn’t wrong, some jobs may require the expertise that only a specialist can provide. In these cases, it’s best to invest in their services rather than do it on your own. Doing so will not only make the task more comfortable, but you’ll prevent any mistakes that can be potentially costly to rectify.

4. Find ways to repair and make use of old items

While it may be easier to replace old items like furniture and fixtures, it can cost a lot to buy them brand new. If possible, it’s good standard practice to find ways to refurbish and reuse the items rather than simply replacing them completely. Since they can take a good portion of the budget, this approach will allow you to save a lot more money, minimizing the project’s expenses even further.

Regardless of the scope and scale of the home improvement project, the expenses towards any changes and upgrades can spiral out of control and break the bank if left unchecked. As such, it makes sense to tackle these types of projects as economically and pragmatically as possible. By keeping these tips in mind, not only are you far more likely to complete the project in a timely fashion, but you won’t have to spend a small fortune in doing so.