Five Common Air Conditioner Problems - and What to Do If You Encounter Them

If you are reading this article, you are probably having issues with your air conditioning system and hoping to figure out what is causing the problem and how to resolve it. Specific issues most commonly arise, and we have decided to address those situations because no one likes sitting in a house when your AC isn’t functioning correctly.

Air conditioning is necessary nationwide, especially in California - where the warmth is experienced year-round, and the summer months are sweltering. You can only place so many fans in a room, but that still doesn’t provide a viable solution. Home HVAC systems offer families warmth, comfort, and complete security everywhere. When you cannot access cool air - things can get a bit sticky, both literally and figuratively - and dependable AC repair and HVAC solutions may be in your best interest.

An AC Unit That Won’t Turn Off

Once Springtime rolls around in California, everyone’s AC kicks on and seems to stay on through the end of August and, often, even throughout the early Fall months. If your air conditioner is on, your thermostat may be set to ‘Auto,’ meaning your HVAC systems will do the work for you and maintain the temperature you want your environment to be. 

Your AC should automatically kick on, but if it never turns off, even when you intentionally set it to stop - you may be facing an issue with a multitude of things, thermostat, air filters, electrical or compressor problems. You can always attempt turning on the fan through your thermostat, but if the air conditioner is still on - it may be time for professional HVAC repairs.

AC Unit That Won’t Turn On

An air conditioner that won’t turn on is one of the most annoying problems you can have as a homeowner. It is one of the most frustrating events to wake up sweating through your sheets because your AC has been off all night - then when you got to flip it on, and nothing happens - you have no means of cooling down.

You always want to check your circuit breaker because it could be as easy as the system is tripped, but if that does not help, you may have an issue with your wiring or a faulty thermostat. You do not want to attempt to fix these issues, as electrical wiring and thermostat problems can pose a danger. If you aren’t sure what to do, don’t attempt a diagnosis - reach out to trusted technicians to get the job done safely.

AC is On, but There is No Cold Air

If your air conditioner is on, but you are not getting cold air, or hot air is blowing out instead - you may be getting warmer by the minute. This problem calls for a quick fix because no one in California wants to deal with hot air blowing around in the middle of Spring or Summer. However, it may be as simple as your air filter!

When you have a messy air filter packed with dirt, dust, and debris, it can cause severe obstructions causing other areas of the system to overheat. It could also be your refrigerant levels; you must always ensure they aren’t too high or too low, which can also cause issues. So, replace your air filters and check your levels before jumping to too many conclusions!

Water or Refrigerant Leaking

Leaking water or refrigerant is something you will only notice sometimes. You want to take care of this immediately if you see it because you are dealing with coolant, and if you have small children at home, it can be hazardous should they come into contact with the liquids.

If there is a lot of condensation build-up or liquids leaking around your unit, you will first want to turn the unit off. Running your unit while there are leaks could further damage your HVAC systems. You can avoid this by completing maintenance checks regularly and hiring licensed HVAC technicians to conduct inspections. 

Strange Smells or Noises Coming from the System

Sometimes our AC units are simply older and make a lot of noise while they are in use, but if you notice any strange noises that are out of the ordinary or odd smells - that is a clear sign that something could be wrong. Electrical and wiring problems could be the culprit of a burning smell, and pesky leaks could be the cause of mildew scents.

Anything out of the ordinary should be directed to a professional. You can always do a quick peek around the unit but again, be sure to power it down and reach out to a local HVAC company in California to put your home back on track.

It May Be Time to Reach Out to HVAC Technicians for Help…

Air conditioning is a privilege, but it is also a necessity in California. Keeping cool in the Summertime is something that everyone has a fundamental right to because the comfort and security of your entire household depend on it. Universal Heating and Air is a locally owned company servicing families all over California with elite HVAC repairs, installation, and maintenance services.

Universal HVAC has been serving residents and commercial businesses in California for decades, and their experience is something all of their clients can genuinely depend on. When your air conditioner is out of whack or entirely out of order, you must prioritize resolving it. Still, it is not your responsibility to be an expert - leave that up to your trusted HVAC technicians to keep your house cool this summer!

Simple Ways To Use What You Love In Your Interior Design

Your home's interior design may occasionally change. It's bright and airy in the spring, helps your home stay cool in the summer, is warm and inviting in the fall, and you love to keep the spirit of Christmas alive in the winter. Overall, how you decorate your home speaks volumes about who you are and what you value most in life, but it can be challenging to know where to begin when coming up with decor ideas. With that in mind, here are some of the best ways to use your own likes and loves to create your ideal interior design. 

 

Photo by cottonbro

 

Focus On Your Favorite Colors 

What is your favorite color? No matter what it is, even if it’s something quite unusual, this is the color to use most in your home. After all, why would you ignore it or use a color you don’t particularly like? You’re the one who has to live in the house, so it should reflect your personal tastes, and color is the easiest place to start. 

 

So how can you use your favorite color? Put it to work as an accent against darker hues in the bedroom, as a focal point in the living room, or as a dash of color in the kitchen or bathroom. If you have a white carpet or some plain hardwood, put a rug in your favorite shade down on the floor, then add bursts of that color in the cushions on your sofa to spice up the space.

 

Have A Feature Wall

If you don't want your own personality to take over the whole house, a feature wall is a terrific way to show off the items you love. A feature wall is a great place to showcase your eccentric interests, whatever they might be. 

 

And since feature walls make excellent focal points, you can use any unused wall. Places like the back of the sofa, the wall behind the TV, and the wall next to the door are ideal for displaying unique and well-liked decor. Plus, the next time you have guests around, you'll have something interesting to talk about.

 

Speaking of guests, if you have a guest bedroom, this is somewhere you can really experiment with. Since it’s a little used room, you can try out various designs there and see what works. Make sure you have a good bed and mattress and there is some storage, and then you have free rein on the rest. 

 

Get The Family Involved 

You love your family more than anything else, which can help you decide how to decorate your home. After all, you can have the kids make you some art, have your partner put up some shelves, and get an idea from each of them about what to do with an empty corner or wall.

 

The way you decorate your home can also show how much you love your family and want peace there. Buy some family sculptures to put around or put up some quotes about family on the walls. Feeling loved at home is a great way to make sure everyone gets along, and it's nice to see that in your decor.

 

Strawberry Ghosts

Trying to eat a little healthier this fall? You are in luck! With this simple recipe you can make a serving of candy coated fruit to satisfy your cravings.

I am always trying to make fruits and veggies more appealing to my kids. This recipe is a sure way to get kids excited about strawberries, while giving them a little of the candy they desire.

Supplies:

Strawberries

White candy melts

Candy eyes

Parchment or wax paper

Directions:

Wash the berries and dry them on a paper towel.

It is very important that you remove all the exterior moisture before you dip into the chocolate.

If there is still water/moisture on the berries when you dip into the chocolate; it will clump up fast.

When the berries are dry melt the white chocolate/almond bark according to the directions on the packaging.

Dip the berries into the melted chocolate, working fast.

Place the berries on the wax paper.

Before the chocolate has a chance to harden, drop 2 candy eyes on each berry.

When all of the berries have eyes, you can place them in the fridge to help the chocolate harden.

You can enjoy these within 15 minutes or so.

These are perfect for sharing at a Halloween party! What a sweet little spooky ghost!

I bet you can't eat just one!

These are delicious, easy to make, and while they do have a candy coating, they are so much healthier than some of the options Halloween is best known for!

Make a batch and stop by to share a little BOO! with a friend or neighbor!

Or maybe just eat them all by yourself! 

 You can find all of my Halloween ideas here

Reader favorites include:

DIY Halloween Tree

Pumpkin Face Window Clings

Play Doh Ghost Ornaments

Mummy Pretzel Snacks

Paper Plate Spiders

Play Doh Pumpkin Faces

Reclaimed Wood Black Cats

Hillbilly Cider Cocktails

This recipe for hillbilly apple cider is the best easy cocktail for fall. This easy 2 ingredient recipe adds the perfect amount of apple pie moonshine to fresh apple cider for a smooth sipping drink that will really give you a kick in the pants! I love this cocktail for evenings when I don’t want to make a lot of effort for a cocktail because it is ready in about a minute.

Ingredients:

Apple Pie Moonshine

Fresh Pressed Apple Cider

Ice

Optional:

Cinnamon 

Directions:

Fill a glass with ice.

Add 1 ½ ounces of apple pie moonshine to your glass

Top off with 5 ounces of apple cider.

Give everything a good stir.

If you like you can garnish with cinnamon.

Find other favorite cocktail recipes here:

Blueberry Gin Fizzers

Sour Apple Margarita

Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Shrimp

 This 6 ingredient dinner is PERFECT for busy nights this fall. It is so easy and delicious. The whole family will love this one, and it couldn't be anymore fuss free!

Now that school is back in session and we are getting geared up for the fall soccer season, I am all about sheet pan dinners. I love to toss everything in the oven and have less mess to clean up later, and I love that this dinner is fun to eat. Or am I the only one that loves biting shrimp from their tails?

This is such a fuss free meal. With just a few seasonings and some tasty butter, you are in business!

This meal only takes about 25 minutes from start to finish; so you can get a delicious dinner on the table even on the busiest of nights.

Ingredients:

1 pound of frozen shrimp

1/2 pound of baby red potatoes, halved

1 pound of asparagus

1/4 cup of butter, melted

1/2 a Lemon 

2 teaspoons of garlic, minced

Salt and Pepper to taste

Directions:

After cutting the ends off of the asparagus and halving the potatoes, place them on a sheet pan.

Add shrimp.

Add garlic and lemon, salt and pepper to the melted butter and stir.

Drizzle the butter over everything!

Bake at 375 degrees for 25 minutes.

You might like to give everything a little stir at the halfway mark so that the veggies don't stick to the pan.

Enjoy!

You can find other tasty recipes here

3 Ingredient Foolproof Biscuits

Snickerdoodle Cake

Chocolate Cherry Floats

Hungry Caterpillar Process Art

This easy Hungry Caterpillar Process art project is perfect for preschoolers and elementary aged kids. It gives them a chance to create an adorable picture to go along with story time. I don't know about you, but I love storybook crafts for kids!

This project is perfect for fall. We used fresh apples that were too bruised to eat, and painted these cuties with them. If you have an abundance of apples. maybe you will want to put one to work for this art project.

We have lots of apple crafts on site! 

These cork and button apple trees are a favorite fall craft for kids of all ages.

Corked Stamped Apples are an adorable craft for kids.

Apple Tree Window Clings are a fun budget friendly project.

3D Paper Apples are a good project for using up scrap paper.

Apple Tree Addition makes for a fun way to learn math.

Supplies:

An apple 

Green, red , yellow, black paint.

Paper Plate

A pencil

A knife

Paper

Slice an apple in half

Pour a large dallop of red, green and yellow paint onto a paper plate.

We kind of mixed a little green and yellow together to create a cool effect.

Offer a small drop of black paint.

Offer the child an apple and encourage the child to dip the apple into the paint, and stamp the apple, so that the circles touch one another, going across the page.

Have your child give the caterpillar 4 or 5 segments.

Then encourage the child to dip the other apple half into the red paint and stamp the apple to form the head.

Next, dip the pencil into the black paint and create the eyes and mouth of the caterpillar.

Next, dip the pencil into the yellow paint and finish the eyes.

Now, I know what you are thinking.

Why not use a paintbrush?

Well, we did try that, but it smeared the yellow and black together. We found that the pencil was much easier to work with; and it gave Harper the chance to paint with a non traditional object. We both enjoyed that! You can kind of see in the mouth of the caterpillar that it is a little messy; that was the paint brush. 

Next, grab the stem from the apple and dip it into the green paint.

Give the caterpillar some antennae.

 

 Allow to dry completely. 

Display and enjoy this cute Hungry Caterpillar craft!

4 Reasons to Be More Tech Literate If You Work From Home

 

https://unsplash.com/photos/4IxPVkFGJGI 

As fun and refreshing as working remotely can be, it can also come with its share of issues. You don’t get the same camaraderie with your houseplants as you do with your coworkers, at least most of the time, anyway. But another significant issue is tech issues. No matter who you are, tech issues can occur at any time, and it’s usually when you want them to happen the least. As you don’t have tech support on hand, it benefits you to be as tech literate as possible. 

It Will Save You Money 

Tech repair companies have a wealth of specialist knowledge that drives people to run to them whenever they have a computer problem. However, these can sometimes be costly, especially if you factor in parts and labor after the initial consultation. 

Knowing what to do if your startup disk is damaged or if your battery capacity has dropped significantly can save you a lot of money. You can repair and replace these issues by yourself by following helpful videos online. 

It Will Save You Frustration

A damaged device is bound to cause frustration. It could be too slow or it may struggle to stay connected to your wifi. Rather than consider whether it’s worth throwing your laptop out of the window (it isn’t) you should learn how to diagnose and fix these common problems to ensure you can avoid any downtime. 

There may be some issues that are entirely out of your control, but if you know you can do everything possible to avoid common problems, you won’t have as much to worry about. 

It Keeps Your Information Safe 

Everyone thinks they are smart enough to spot a scam when they see it, but the reality is far different. Many people still fall victim to common online scams or tricks, so knowing how to recognize phishing emails among other threats is crucial. 

The more you know about what type of scams to look out for, the less likely you are to fall for one. It only takes one careless mistake to put all of your personal (as well as family and client) information at risk, so make sure you are careful. 

You Can Help Your Kids 

It isn’t just you that will benefit from being more tech literate. Learning about computers can also help your kids once they are old enough for you to feel comfortable about encouraging them to use technology for almost anything in their lives. 

By teaching your kids the basics of computer maintenance and repair, you ensure they are more prepared than you were at their age. This could even spark a passion for computers that directs them into a career where they will thrive. 

Tech Smart 

You don’t need to know how to take your computer apart and put it back together, but knowing a little more than the average person will save you time, money, and frustration and even give you the chance to pass your knowledge on to your kids. By getting to know your devices, you will be more confident and comfortable and never need to worry about downtime again. 

8 Simple Tips to Boost Your Mental Health From Home

 Mental health is just as important as physical health, but unfortunately, it's often neglected. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, one in five American adults experiences a mental illness in a given year. That's a lot of people! The good news is that there are many things you can do to boost your mental health from home. This blog post will discuss eight simple tips that can help improve your mental well-being.

Photo by Ron Lach : 

1) Get enough sleep.

Most people need between seven and eight hours of sleep per night to be mentally healthy. If you're not getting enough sleep, your mental health will suffer. A lack of sleep can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. Make sure you get plenty of restful sleep every night by going to bed and waking up at the same time each day and avoiding electronic screens before bedtime. If you're having trouble sleeping, try relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation before bed. You may also consider using a noise machine or white noise app to help you fall asleep peacefully.

2) Exercise regularly.

Exercise is another important way to boost your mental health. It releases endorphins, which are hormones that make you feel good. Exercise also helps reduce stress and anxiety and even improves your mood.

Try to exercise for at least 30 minutes, five days per week. You can go for a walk, jog, bike ride, or do cardio exercise. If you'd instead lift weights or do some other strength training, that's great too! Just be sure to get your heart rate up and break a sweat.

If you're not used to exercising, start slowly and gradually increase the amount of time you spend working out each week. And if you're currently experiencing a mental health issue, consult with your doctor before starting an exercise program.

3) Eat a healthy diet.

Eating healthy is another important way to boost your mental health. When you eat nutritious foods, your body and brain receive the nutrients to function correctly. Poor nutrition can lead to mood swings, fatigue, and other mental health issues.

Ensure you're eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats. Avoid processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive amounts of caffeine. If you're not sure what a balanced diet looks like, consult with a registered dietitian or nutritionist for guidance.

In addition to following a healthy diet, it's also essential to drink enough water each day. Dehydration can cause problems such as fatigue, confusion, and mood swings. So be sure to drink plenty of fluids, especially if you're active or live in a hot climate.

4) Avoid alcohol.

Alcohol and drugs can seriously damage your mental health. In fact, alcohol and drug abuse are two of the leading causes of mental illness in the United States. If you're struggling with alcohol or drug addiction, get help from a professional Elizabeth, New Jersey, drug rehab center as soon as possible.If you're not addicted to alcohol or drugs but enjoy drinking or using them recreationally, please be mindful of how they affect your mental health. Excessive drinking or drug use can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. So drink responsibly and only use drugs in moderation.

It's also important to note that certain medications can have a negative impact on your mental health. So if you're taking medication prescribed by your doctor, read the label carefully and ask your doctor if there are any potential interactions between your medications and alcohol or drugs.

5) Connect with loved ones.

One of the best things you can do for your mental health is connected with loved ones. Spending time with friends and family members has been shown to boost moods, reduce stress levels, and improve overall mental well-being.

So make sure you take the time to connect with the people you love. Spend time talking, laughing, and sharing experiences. You may also want to consider organizing regular get-togethers or events so everyone can stay connected.

If you're not currently close with any loved ones, building new relationships is never too late. Reach out to friends, family members, or even strangers to develop closer social connections. The more support you have in your life, the better.

6) Use meditation or mindfulness techniques.

Meditation and mindfulness are two great ways to improve your mental health. Both techniques involve focusing on the present moment and accepting thoughts and feelings without judgment. This can help you become more aware of your thoughts and emotions, leading to improved mental clarity and reduced stress levels.

There are many different ways to meditate or practice mindfulness. For example, you can try sitting in silence with your eyes closed, focusing on your breath, walking in nature while paying attention to your surroundings, or practicing yoga or Tai Chi. The important thing is to find a technique that works best for you and stick with it.

If you're new to meditation or mindfulness, start with five or ten minutes per day and gradually increase the time as you become more comfortable. You may also want to consider attending a meditation or mindfulness class in your area. If you're struggling with a mental health issue, it's essential to seek professional help.

7) Consider getting a pet.

Pets can be a great addition to any household, and they can also have a positive impact on your mental health. For example, studies have shown that people who own pets are less likely to suffer from depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues.

This may be because owning a pet provides companionship, love, and support. Pets can also help reduce stress levels and promote relaxation, so you can get information here if you consider getting a new pet. So if you're looking for a way to improve your mental health, consider getting a pet.

If you're not sure if you're ready for the responsibility of owning a pet, start by visiting your local animal shelter or rescue organization. So many animals need homes, and adopting one of these animals can be incredibly rewarding.

8) Remember to take regular breaks.

When feeling overwhelmed or stressed, it can be tempting to push yourself harder and work longer hours. However, this is counterproductive. Trying too hard can lead to burnout, only making your mental health worse.

Instead of working yourself into the ground, remember to take regular breaks. Get up and move around every hour or two, even if it's just for a few minutes. Take a walk outside, eat a healthy snack, or drink water. And if you feel like you need a more extended break, don't be afraid to take one. Mental health is just as important as physical health, so don't hesitate to put your well-being first sometimes.

It's also important to get plenty of sleep. Most people need around eight hours of sleep per night, but everyone is different. Experiment with different bedtimes and wake-up times to see what works best for you. And if you're having trouble sleeping, try some relaxation techniques before bed or talk to your doctor about potential sleep disorders.

You can do many things to improve your mental health from home. Try incorporating some of these tips into your daily routine, and see how you feel. If you're struggling with a mental health issue, it's vital to seek professional help. Many excellent resources are available, so don't be afraid to ask for help. You deserve to live a happy, healthy life.

5 Fun And Stylish Elements To Add To Your Property In 2022

 There are several fun and stylish elements that you can add to your home’s exterior in Atlanta. These decorations or structures can do a lot for the value of your property and its overall aesthetics. If you haven't thought about it seriously yet, maybe this is the right time. The following section talks about a few very interesting ideas. Let's have a look:

1. Gargoyle Statues

If you have an imposing gate, the best structure that is going to complement it is a few statues of gargoyles and/or dragons. These can be as elaborate as you want them to be and if you want to invest in something handmade, that is going to look even more regal on your property. You have several options in these statues ranging from concrete to lightweight metal, sandstone, gray marble, granite, and many more. The finish can be as granular or as smooth as you want. And the placement ideas are unlimited too. You can place them either on the top of your pillars or your gate, your front walls or even on your front porch. 

2. Wooden Seating Arrangement For Your Front Porch

If you are looking for a beautiful rosewood seating arrangement for your front porch, you can get something custom-made for your house. This is going to be a reflection of your personality and the superb craftsmanship is going to say a lot about your taste in exterior designing as well. You can have garden benches as an extension of your porch or perhaps as portable furniture pieces that can be moved around easily. 

3. Invest In A Brand New Swimming Pool

If you have enough space in your backyard for a small swimming pool for your kids, you should not delay this little fun element. This is going to be very entertaining and a lot of fun especially in the summers. You should look for a dependable pool construction atlanta company close to your house that can work quickly and come up with a design that goes with your personality and the overall exterior of your house. You will have to leave about 1 meter of boundary around the pool perimeter for the non-slippery slabs to be put. This could be one of the most interesting elements that you can add to your property and also increase its value in the long run.

4. Say Yes To Greek Pillars

Greek pillars or columns are a great way to make a style statement. They can be made from any dependable and solid local stone that is easily available in your city. The exterior design expert in Atlanta would usually go with limestone and similar materials. These can even be made from wood and carved as per your preferences. Greek pillars are a sign of order, balance, and incomparable strength. They have become quite popular over time for the simple reason that they don't just add support to your property but an unmatched elegance as well.

5. What About A Fiberglass Dome?

Domes made from eco-friendly fiberglass can be shaped like a hemisphere and easily rest on four or five metal pillars. This is going to look absolutely gorgeous in your front yard. You can get the fiberglass painted as per your liking. This is also very appropriate for a mini nursery or a small greenhouse right in front of your house.

Conclusion

These were 5 very innovative and easy-to-install exterior elements that you will fall in love with. They can give your home a distinct character in 2022.

Playroom Ideas To Keep Your Children Safe

 Nothing is more important to a parent than for their children to be able to play and learn freely in the comfort of their own home. If you don't want your children to play in every room in the house, you may designate a playroom for them that is absolutely safe and where you can watch them learn and develop into their own individuality. Here's how to make the ultimate playroom for your kids.

https://unsplash.com/photos/liEmt5SChxY 

Remove sharp edges

The first thing you should do is clear the room of any sharp objects that could injure them if they fall. Tables, cupboards, and large chairs fall within this category. This eliminates the possibility of their tripping and injuring themselves accidentally. This will also free up your time so that you can spend it doing other things around the home, because you know your children are in the safest space possible.

However, even once you’ve removed sharp edges, this doesn’t mean your children are immune to accidents. Broken toys, for example, could easily create a cut on your child, and it’s important to learn more about what to do in this situation to keep everyone as safe as possible.

Add details to their play

It's highly probable that your children already have a plethora of toys to choose from, but adding small features to their existing toys will increase the amount of enjoyment they will derive from their toys in terms of stimulating their creativity. Imaginative play will be greatly encouraged by items such as dolls house accessories, which will help your children to imitate what they see their parents doing with their toys. Alternatively, a race track rug might be laid out on the floor for them to use as a driving surface. These are commonly accessible both online and in many toy stores. These small details can help your kids get the most out of their existing toys!

Build storage

Make wall-mounted storage for your children instead of relying on movable shelves that they could trip over and injure themselves with. This way, their toys are safe and secure until they need them again. Because the storage container is mounted to the wall, they won't be able to injure themselves any further through accidentally pulling the unit onto themselves..

Use soft, neutral colors.

If you have children of both sexes, this is terrific advice because it prevents squabbles over the color of the walls while also making the space appear more open and airy. Depending on the ages of your children, you could hang age-appropriate artwork or even paint a wall mural to match the decor of the room.

Play mats can be used as flooring.

Play mats in the form of tiles can be purchased and laid out on the ground. Not only will they provide hours of safe play, but they'll also brighten up any area with a splash of color.

Take these five suggestions into consideration, and you'll find yourself with the perfect playroom for your children!