Skipping Stone Design

Skipping Stone Design

Lenny

5 Warning Signs It’s Time for an AC Capacitor Replacement

Did you know that your air conditioner is your guardian against the summer heat? Unfortunately, your air conditioner breaks down because a faulty capacitor does you much more harm than good.

A capacitor controls the voltage flow within the air conditioner. If this capacitor breaks down, the air conditioner’s motor will burn out, leaving you without the much-needed protection from the summer heat.

Here is everything you need to know about AC capacitor replacement.

1. AC Capacitor Replacement: Leaking Refrigerant

If your air conditioner leaks refrigerant, it’s time for a capacitor replacement. A capacitor is a small electrical component that helps the AC start up and runs smoothly. Over time, the capacitor can break down and cause the AC to leak refrigerant.

2. Isn’t Blowing as Much Air

The capacitor helps start the compressor, so if it isn’t working correctly, the compressor won’t start. It can lead to a decrease in the amount of air that your AC unit blows. You might also notice that your AC unit is making a humming noise.

If you’re experiencing any of these issues, it’s best to call a professional AC repair person to come to take a look. They can help diagnose the problem and get your AC unit back up and running in no time. This service can help you in replacing an AC capacitor.

3. Isn’t Cooling Your Home

Your home’s air conditioner is essential to your comfort during the hot summer. But when your AC isn’t cooling your home, it can signify it’s time for a capacitor replacement.

The capacitor is responsible for providing the power to start up your AC unit. Over time, it can lose its effectiveness and needs to be replaced. Other signs that it’s time to replace your AC’s capacitor include a clicking noise from the unit, a burning smell, or your AC unit not starting up.

4. Making Strange Noises

If your air conditioner starts making strange noises, it may be time for a new AC capacitor. Capacitors store electrical energy and help power the air conditioner’s motor.

Over time, they can become damaged and need to be replaced. Strange noises from your air conditioner may indicate that the capacitor is failing and needs to be replaced.

5. Cycling On and Off More Frequently Than Normal

Your air conditioner has two capacitors- a start capacitor and a run capacitor. The start capacitor gives the compressor a boost of energy to start up, while the run capacitor keeps it running. If either capacitor fails, your air conditioner will cycle on and off more frequently.

Repairs and Maintenance are Important

It is important to have repair and maintenance on your AC. If your air conditioner is blowing warm air, making strange noises, or shutting off frequently, it may be time to have an AC capacitor replacement. Replacing a capacitor is a relatively simple and inexpensive repair that can extend the life of your air conditioner.

Please explore our site for more articles like this and information on air conditioning and heating services and products.

7 Signs Your Shower Door Needs to Be Replaced

There’s nothing better than a hot shower to lift your spirits after a long day. It’s relaxing, soothing, and invigorating all at the same time.

However, you shouldn’t allow your shower to become less than the relaxing escape it should be. If your shower door is broken in any way, you are putting yourself at risk for a fall or other tragedy.

Most people don’t realize there are warning signs to look for if shower doors are about to give way.

To learn more, keep reading to find the signs your shower door needs to be replaced.

1. Shower Door Is Cracking

If you notice it cracking, it’s time to replace it. Depending on the severity of the damage, you may be able to repair it with a new sealant or clamps, but if the damage is extensive, you’ll be needing to displace the door.

2. Glass Door Becomes Hazy

Your shower door needs to be replaced when the glass door becomes hazy. This is usually caused by soap scum or hard water deposits building up on the glass. If you can’t seem to get the door clean, change it right away.

3. Seal Around Door Becomes Loose

A loose seal can allow water to escape from the shower, which can lead to water damage in your home. Damaged seals can also allow mold and mildew to grow, which can be harmful to your health.

4. Door Is Difficult to Open or Close

Another sign is if your shower door is difficult to open or close. A new door will be easier to use and will last longer than an older one.

You should also consider the style of your bathroom and choose a door that will complement it. Stuck having one that cannot close properly? You can find the perfect replacement from Community Glass & Mirror.

5. Rust on Door Hardware

This is especially true if the door is made of metal. Over time, the metal will start to break down and deteriorate, causing the door to become less stable.

6. Outdated or Dirty Design

When the design starts to look outdated or dirty. It will no longer be able to provide the same level of privacy or protection from the elements, it’s time for a new one.

7. Poor Quality Materials

If your shower door is made of poor-quality materials, it is more likely to break or crack over time. In addition, the door may begin to leak water.

Replace Your Shower Door – Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late!

If you are experiencing any of these signs, it is best to replace your shower door sooner rather than later. When searching for a new shower door, be sure to measure the door opening and consider the style of door that you want and the type of glass that you prefer.

Once you have selected the perfect one for your home, it’s time to replace it.

If you enjoyed this post and would like to read more similar articles, check out the rest of our website!

5 Offline Marketing Strategies To Grow Your Business Locally

The widespread internet penetration has revolutionized the way businesses reach their target audience. Today’s businesses stay one step ahead of their competitors by leveraging the massive reach that digital marketing offers. But that doesn’t mean you should put all your bets on one horse. If you run a business, you must always be on your toes for opportunities, including offline marketing strategies that can substantially grow your business.

Offline marketing strategies like direct mail postcards offer 29% ROI on marketing campaigns, while digital marketing campaigns provide a little more than that- 31%. It makes it evident that a real estate business must invest in offline and online marketing at the same time. If you wish to grow your real estate business, here are five offline marketing strategies for real estate businesses.

Build a strong local community of customers

Though digital marketing puts your business on a global map, it might go unnoticed by your local community of potential customers if you don’t have an offline presence. That’s why you must put more effort into building a local community.

The local community is present around your business, giving you more opportunities to solve their problems and earn business. As long as you offer top-quality products and service, you will create a loyal customer base that helps you grow your brand value.

Improve brand familiarity with direct mail

Physical mail always has that human touch. The physical presence gives it a more brand recall value than online channels like emails. A postcard from a local business they recently bought a product from instantly rings a bell when they see a postcard in their mail. The direct mail postcards familiarize your business with your customers.

Though people may have a smartphone, it doesn’t mean they don’t check their mail. Unlike a pop-up on their phone that they quickly close, people read emails carefully before deciding to keep them or toss them. That means there are more chances that your customers read your direct mail postcards than click on your ad on social media. They are also more likely to keep a well-designed postcard instead of just putting it in the bin. That leaves a long-lasting brand familiarity than a 10-second ad on YouTube. Always remember brand familiarity is always better than brand awareness.

Sponsor local events

A community always loves a neighborhood business that genuinely helps the community grow. So, instead of calling yourself a local business, know what’s happening in the locality. Are there any local events happening that can help the community grow? Sponsoring these regional events will help you create your offline presence and build a trustworthy local brand.

Put Up A Booth At Expos and Exhibitions

Business expos and exhibitions are great platforms to present your business and offerings to the local community. It will create substantial brand awareness. These are also great places to get high-quality leads. The attendees interacting with your brand and sales representatives help you build a mailer list. You can use this list to send informational and promotional postcards of your offerings.

These suitable marketing methods still work if you want to grow your business from the ground up. These strategies will help create a local presence and substantially improve your loyal customer base.

 

Should You DIY Install Light Fixture or Hire an Electrician?

 

Do you have a small DIY project around your home you’re considering?

Installing a light fixture is something many find appealing, especially as the technology improves. DIY projects give you the opportunity to save money and spread your skills further.

But there are things to be aware of – what if something goes wrong? This can be costly to rectify and you may need to call an electrician to help.

Read on to discover if it’s worth it to do it yourself and how to install a light fixture.

Reasons to Hire an Electrician

There are a few reasons to consider hiring an electrician for light fixture installation rather than attempting a DIY project.

First, electricians have the training and experience to know how to properly install a light fixture. This includes selecting the appropriate size and type of fixture for the space, as well as understanding how to wire it correctly.

Second, electricians have the proper tools and equipment to do the job safely. This is important because working with electricity can be dangerous if not done correctly.

Finally, electricians are insured, so if something does go wrong during the installation process, you will be protected.

Reasons to Choose DIY Lighting Installation

You might choose to install a light fixture yourself rather than hiring an electrician.

Maybe you’re on a tight budget and hiring an electrician is not an option. Or, maybe you’re a DIY enthusiast and you enjoy tackling projects around the house. Whatever the reason, there are a few things you should keep in mind before you start.

First, make sure you have a basic understanding of electrical work. Second, be sure to turn off the power to the area you’ll be working in. Third, follow the instructions that come with the light fixture carefully.

And fourth, if you’re not comfortable working with electricity, it’s probably best to hire an electrician.

Tips for Installing Light Fixture Yourself

If you are confident in your ability to follow directions and are comfortable working with electricity, then you can install a light fixture yourself. Here are a few tips:

Before starting, make sure to turn off the power to the circuit that you’ll be working on. This can be done by flipping the switch on the circuit breaker panel. To be extra safe, you can also remove the fuse that corresponds to the circuit.

Once the power is off, remove the old light fixture. To do this, first, remove the shades or bulbs. Then, unscrew the mounting plate and carefully pull the wires out of the electrical box.

With the old fixture out of the way, you can now install the new one. Start by attaching the mounting plate to the electrical box. Then, connect the wires.

Usually, the black (or hot) wire goes to the brass screw, the white (or neutral) wire goes to the silver screw, and the green (or ground) wire goes to the green screw.

Once the wires are connected, screw in the light bulbs and replace the shades. Finally, turn the power back on.

Whether you’re looking to hire a professional lighting installation or you’d like to replace a fixture on your own, Sunrise Electric can help. Make sure to check this link for more information.

Weighing Your Options: Hiring an Electrician vs. DIY Install Light Fixture

It really depends on your level of comfort and expertise when it comes to electrical work. If you’re confident in your abilities, you can install a light fixture yourself and it shouldn’t be a problem.

However, if you’re not comfortable or familiar with electrical work, then it’s probably best to hire an electrician.  In the end, it’s up to you to decide and weigh your options.

If you’ve found this article about whether you should DIY or hire an electrician has been helpful, browse our site for more informative posts.

Shingle Roof Maintenance: 3 Things You Need to Know

 

Roof line of a house with gabels

Did you know that the lifespan of asphalt shingle roofs is 25 to 30 years?

Your roof is one of the essential parts of your home because it protects everything underneath it. One of the most commonly used roofing materials is asphalt shingles, which is why knowing shingle roof maintenance is crucial.

Want to keep your home in its optimal condition? Then read and learn these three things.

1. Check for Damage

It’s essential to inspect your shingle roof regularly for damage. Look for cracked, curled, or missing shingles and bare spots where the granules have come off. If you see any damage, it must be repaired as soon as possible to prevent further damage and leaks.

Here are a few things you should look for:

  • Missing or damaged shingles: look for any missing or damaged shingles
  • Cracks or splits in the shingles: can let water and moisture into your home.
  • Moss or algae growth: can cause premature damage to your roof, so it’s essential to remove it.

If your shingles are in bad shape, you may need to replace the entire roof. If there’s no way you can do it in your shingles, you may check the emergency roof repair. Also, check for any nails that may have come loose and re-secure them.

2. Keep It Clean: One of the Most Important Aspects of Shingle Roof Maintenance

One of the essential aspects of shingle roof maintenance is to keep it clean. If you live in an area with many trees, you will need to clean your shingles to remove leaves and debris regularly. It would help if you also cleaned your gutters and downspouts to ensure that water can flow freely and not cause any damage to your roof.

If you live in an area with high winds, you will need to periodically inspect your shingles to ensure they are still securely attached to your roof. If you see any damage, it must be repaired as soon as possible to avoid further damage.

3. Inspect the Gutters

It is one of the essential aspects of shingle roof work safety maintenance. Clogged gutters can cause water to back up and seep under your shingles, which will lead to rot and decay. Make sure to clean your gutters regularly to prevent this from happening.

Water can pool on the roof without adequately functioning gutters and cause severe damage. Make sure to clean out the gutters regularly and check for any leaks or blockages. Additionally, inspect the gutters for any rust or wear and tear signs.

Maintenance Will Saves Money in the Long Run

You can maintain your shingle roof by yourself with just a few simple steps. Check for debris and leaves regularly and remove them to keep your gutters and drainage clear. Have your roof inspected annually and repair any damage as soon as possible to avoid severe water damage.

Lastly, keep an eye on them and replace any cracks or missing ones. By following the shingle roof maintenance tips, you can keep your shingle roof in top condition for many years to come.

Are you looking for other home improvement tips and advice? Check out our latest blog post today.

Pest Inspection: Three Signs You May Have a Serious Problem

 

Male Worker Kneeling On Floor And Spraying Pesticide On Wooden Cabinet

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, tens of millions of Americans spot either roaches and/or rodents in their homes each year. These people have serious pest problems and could benefit from working with a pest control company ASAP.

If you want to avoid finding yourself stuck in this situation, you should conduct a pest inspection on your own in your home every so often. Or better yet, you should bring in a pest inspector and have them tell you whether or not you might need a Kansas City pest control company to help you out.

Either way, there are certain signs that will suggest you might have a pest problem in your house. Learn about three of the most common signs below.

1. You Literally See Pests Moving Around in Your Home

While doing a pest inspection in your home, you might see ants, roaches, bees, mice, rats, or other pests moving from one room to the next. This is usually a pretty surefire sign that you have a serious pest problem in your house.

You’ll want to touch base with a Kansas City pest inspector right away to have them come out to your home. Visit https://www.heartlandturf.com/kansas-city/ to find out more about one great pest control option.

2. You Identify Pest Damage Throughout Your Home

You might not be able to see pests making their way through your home. But that doesn’t mean that they aren’t there!

You might be able to identify their presence by spotting pest damage in different parts of your home. From chewed-up wood beams to gnawed electrical wires, you should keep a close eye out for any unusual damage. It could be a good indication of pests.

3. You Locate Droppings From Pests Within Your Home

If pests are able to linger in your home for a long enough time, they’re eventually going to start to leave droppings all over the place. This is when you’ll know that you can’t put off pest control any longer.

These droppings could be extremely bad for your health and bad for the health of any other people and/or pets living in your home. If you’re exposed to their droppings on a routine basis, it could result in you having to deal with all kinds of dangerous health complications.

Have a Regular Pest Inspection Done in Your Home

Some people don’t want to do pest inspections all the time. They would rather not know what might be lurking around the corner in their houses.

But you should try to have a pest inspection done regularly so that you’re able to stop a pest problem before it spirals out of control. By identifying a pest infestation in your home early on, you’ll be able to do something about it prior to it overtaking your house.

Do you want to get more pest control-related tips and tricks that will help you in a big way? Look for them in the other articles published on our blog.

The Ultimate Guide to Good Garden Bugs

 

There are over 30 million insect species in the world. Most of them are harmful to your garden, but some are beneficial. Ignoring the critters that protect your garden can leave your plants vulnerable.

A healthy garden needs beneficial insects; they act as natural pest control. Their job is to eat bugs so they don’t kill your crops.

Here is a list of some of the most important good garden bugs.

Ladybugs

Ladybugs are natural enemies to aphids and sap feeders. They can consume fifty aphids a day. They also eat mites, potato beetles, and whiteflies.

Ladybugs prefer pollen, like Angelica, Marigolds, and Sweet Alyssum. Planting “decoy plants” in your garden, like cabbage and radishes, will attract insects. These bugs, along with the proper RDS Lawn Care, will keep your ladybugs full and satisfied.

Dragonflies

Dragonflies can speed about thirty-five miles per hour. They can help control flying insects, such as moths and midges. They can also manage the mosquito populations close to your house.

These insects eat every 30 minutes, and they can consume bugs up to their own body weight. To keep dragonflies to your landscape, install a small pond or fountain for them to lay their eggs. Place water lilies in your ponds and fountains as a sanctuary.

Praying Mantis

The praying mantis has an insatiable appetite for insects. They consume a wide range of bugs, including:

  • Flies
  • Caterpillars
  • Crickets
  • Grasshoppers
  • Moths

As a result, they are very adept at controlling pest populations in your garden. The praying mantis needs water to survive, so a shallow water bowl is beneficial. Straw or hay is an excellent hiding place from nearby predators.

Bumblebee

Pollen grains adhere to bumblebees as they move from one bloom to another. They are transferred to other flowers when the bee lands on them. This procedure is “insect pollination.”

Bumblebees handle two-thirds of the annual pollination in the United States. They are essential for the growth and success of your garden. To attract bumblebees to your yard, grow ground cover to give a spot for them to hide between meals.

Ground Beetle

These little nocturnal beetles feed on slugs, snails, cutworms, ants, aphids, and caterpillars. A single ground beetle can consume over fifty caterpillars.

Plant native perennials and grasses in tiny, raised garden beds to attract them. Offer enormous boulders and logs for the beetles to hide.

Green Lacewing

The larvae of these insects feed on aphids, whiteflies, grasshoppers, and mealybugs. They can digest 200+ bugs every week. Adult green lacewings feed on nectar and pollen before depositing new eggs.

To attract these critters to your yard, provide grass, shrubs, and trees for nesting. Green lacewings thrive on flowers and herbs like:

  • Daisies
  • Dandelion
  • Sunflowers
  • Dill
  • Oregano
  • Mountain mint

You can buy green lacewing from retail and online garden stores. Avoid insecticides while introducing these insects into your garden.

More About Good Garden Bugs

Say goodbye to insect predators today. Your garden has a new sheriff in town to put these creepy crawlies behind bars. From ladybugs to dragonflies, you have both teams monitoring the earth and the sky.

You want to keep your alliances strong, which means having the proper garden care routine. For more information on attracting and caring for good garden bugs, we can help. Check out our blog posts today.

How to Create the Perfect Summer Escape: In Your Own Yard!

 

According to a recent poll, more than three-quarters of Americans value their yard as one of the most important parts of their home.

Having a private outdoor space has never been as desirable as it has been in the past few years. If you have a yard, it’s time to put it to good use.

Why vacation away when you can create the perfect summer escape right in your backyard?

Keep reading to learn more.

Do Some Refreshing

Before you start crafting your backyard getaway, you need to do a reset. Clear away any debris, overgrown plants, leaves, and weeds.

Get rid of old patio furniture you no longer want to use, unused outdoor tools, and anything else that doesn’t bring a feeling of joy.

Once your backyard is refreshed, you can begin making big plans for your summer oasis.

Upgrade Your Lighting

Lighting is everything, especially when it comes to an outdoor space.

Depending on the type of space you want to create, you can match the lighting to exude that ambiance.

You can add fairy lights, oversized lanterns, or rope lights if you want the lighting to wrap around your backyard oasis. Adding lighting to flower beds and gardens can make your backyard feel magical.

Install a Pool

Okay, so most people don’t have the space or money to install an underground pool. If you do, then you should!

However, if you can’t, consider adding an inflatable pool or installing an above-ground pool. Having a private outdoor space with some water that you can relax in is invaluable, even if it isn’t the largest.

Create a Zen Garden

Creating a zen garden can bring a place of relaxation to your space.

This should be a separate corner of your yard, ideally blocked off from the rest.

To block it off, you can use potted plants as a barrier or buy a garden partition. If you have trees in your yard, it’s wise to choose a space that is shaded.

Add a Fire Pit

No yard is complete without a firepit, especially when you’re creating a backyard summer escape. This doesn’t have to be fancy, but it can be.

The crackling and popping of the firewood is the essence of vacationing and camping, and it’s a simple element that you can easily add to your outdoor space.

For more backyard ideas, click here to learn the difference between landscaping vs hardscaping.

Create an Epic Summer Escape in Your Yard

The perfect summer escape can be in your yard; it just takes a little bit of work and vision. Clean up your yard and take a good look at your space.

What do you find are the essential elements to add? Is it the fire pit and zen garden?

Make your plan, and then execute it. You’ll be glad you have the perfect yard to escape to all summer.

If you’d like to read more home and garden-related content, check out the rest of our blogs!

How to Hire a Masonry Contractor: Everything You Need to Know

Do you know there are about 10,000 masonry contractors in the US? However, these contractors aren’t created equally, so not all can suit your needs. You need to navigate available options and pick a good fit for you.

Whether building or renovating your house, getting the right masonry contractor is critical. Hire a reputable contractor with experience and tools to do the job properly.

But how do you go about picking a perfect masonry contractor? Here are tips on how to hire a masonry contractor.

Define Your Needs

Before finding a good masonry contractor, know what you want them to do first. Decide on the type of structure you want them to put up and its design. Also, have your project’s scope and the goals you’d like to achieve.

Finding the right masonry contractor with a clear needs list becomes a cinch. You only focus on the contractors who can work towards your plan and meet your expectations. Hence, you’ve fewer options to navigate and pick a perfect fit for your project.

Set a Budget

Hiring a masonry contractor isn’t cheap. You need to prepare yourself financially and set aside enough for your project. This ensures you don’t interrupt your project due to a shortage of resources.

First, research the costs of hiring a masonry contractor in your area to set a reasonable budget. Compare quotes of different contractors and pick the one within your financial capabilities. Then, look for a contractor who suits your budget and needs.

When setting your budget, don’t be too stingy. You might develop a limited budget that can limit the quality of your hire.

Get Recommendations

Referrals are a foolproof way of finding an ideal masonry contractor. They ease your search as you’ll have few contractors to research and compare. So, get recommendations from your trusted circle before beginning the search.

If you have family or friends who know a good masonry contractor, contact them. Share your needs and budget with them and ask them if the contractor suits you. If they do, get their contact details so you can get in touch with them.

If you don’t get referrals from your inner circle, you can get them online. You need to search for the best local contractors and identify the most recommended ones. You’ll achieve this by reading online reviews to see prior clients’ views.

Consider Experience

If you want to get quality services, ensure to hire an experienced contractor. These contractors are good at what they do and have the right tools for work. They expedite your project to save time and money using their skills and expertise.

To gauge a contractor’s experience, confirm the period they’ve been into imperial masonry. The longer the time, the higher the masonry project experience they have.

Also, you can go through the contractor’s gallery to see their previous work. If their work is perfect and attractive, they have experience.

Even if a contractor has all other qualities but is an amateur, don’t take chances. Consider other options for masonry contractors who have expertise.

These Are Tips on How to Hire a Masonry Contractor

Finding the best masonry contractor can be challenging and time-intensive. However, you can learn how to find one first to ease your work. Above is a guide on how to hire a masonry contractor.

Did you find this article intriguing and informative? If yes, read our other informative blog posts.

5 Insights for Hiring a Lawn Care Service

 

People spend a lot of time caring for their yards. You want things to look nice outside, so you take out the mower for your grass and care for your flower bed. Because of that, the average American spends on average 67 minutes per week doing yard work.

The problem is that you may not have that kind of time to spare. Hiring a lawn care company is an excellent alternative if you’re in that situation.

A lawn care service can make a big difference in your yard, but you need to find a company that manages lawns right. Keep the five insights below in mind to find lawn care experts to give you the yard you’re looking for.

1. Professional Membership

While a professional membership isn’t required for lawn care services, it benefits you. Some companies try to keep things low-key and don’t do anything extra to refine their skills and provide outstanding service. Companies that are part of professional organizations are usually different.

Joining an organization like the National Association of Landscape Professionals shows a commitment to your craft. Check to see if your lawn care choices are members of similar organizations.

2. Product Quality

There are many types of lawn care products, but not all of them are good. Some use harsh chemicals that aren’t the best for the earth or humans.

You don’t want to work with a company that uses harsh products if you care about natural products. Ask a lawn care company what they use to treat yards and how safe their product selection is.

3. Amount of Services

There is much more to lawn care than taking care of your grass. You have to trim trees and shrubs and care for plants. Each of those things takes different skills.

Things get even more complex when you deal with complex landscapes. Before hiring a company, check the services they offer to see if they can handle your yard.

Go here to learn more about the different lawn care services.

4. Pricing

There is a lot of variation in the price of lawn care services, so you’ll need to research what things cost. A little research on the internet can provide the average prices for projects.

Once you know the averages, start getting quotes from your local lawn care companies. Compare the costs with the averages and pick one that offers the most value for the services provided.

5. Customer Testimonials

Great testimonials are a must for any lawn care company you think about working with. It isn’t enough to say you can handle a lawn care job. You have to have proof in the form of positive feedback.

You can check for testimonials by looking for reviews online. A search will reveal your local lawn care companies and show you the good and bad reviews they have.

A Lawn Care Service Isn’t Always Easy to Find

There is a lot to lawn care to learn if you want a great yard. Because of that, you don’t want to work with a lawn care service that doesn’t take the time to learn how to do things right and offers poor service. Keep the items above in mind when choosing a lawn care company to find a service that will meet your needs.

Head back to the blog to find more advice that will help turn your home into a fantastic place to live.