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Why Window Air Conditioners Freeze-Up

by Posted in Kitchen Services

Window air conditioners are not designed to be in super cold climates, which means that if you live in a climate that gets below freezing, your window AC will freeze up. This can happen when the unit is running or not being used correctly – it’s just part of how they work.

In this article, we’ll explain how to prevent your window AC from freezing up, as well as give you some tips on how to keep your energy bills down. Keep reading to find out more. 

Solutions To Try When Your Window Air Conditioners Freeze-Up

To keep this from happening, you should either turn off the unit when it’s not being used or install an insulation kit to help protect it from the cold. If you do have any problems with frozen windows, it’s best to call in a professional to help you out. 

Insulation kits are fairly inexpensive and easy to install, so this is a great solution for anyone who wants to make sure their window AC stays functional all winter long. For more information about the kits, contact your HVAC contractor for advice. They’ll be able to help you find a good insulation kit that will keep your room as cold as possible without having to worry about it freezing up.

Another solution is to shut off the AC entirely when it’s not being used. You can do this by removing the front grille and locating the switch, then moving it into the off position. This will stop it from recirculating warm air back into your room, which should help prevent freezing up while also saving energy costs.

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Even if your window AC does freeze over, you shouldn’t let that stop you from using it – just remove some of the ice before turning on the power again (never use hot water or open flames like hair dryers for this). You should be safe to run it normally again, but keep an eye on the ice levels to make sure they don’t get too high.

Other Solutions To Try

While there are manytypes of air conditioning systems, all with their own ways of working, the following solutions might also be worthwhile trying if the above tips do not work.

If you’re not comfortable installing an insulation kit or turning your AC completely off when it’s not in use, there are a few other things you can do to try and prevent freezing.

One is to keep your windows open while the AC is running; this will help to circulate the cold air and keep it from building up. You can also try using a space heater to keep the room warm while the AC is on, as this will help to prevent the unit from freezing over. While it may not be the best idea to use a space heater if you have small children or pets, it can help a great deal.

Most importantly, it’s a good idea to make sure that any air bubbles in the window seal are eliminated before turning on your window AC. These can build up from condensation and cause issues, so poke each one with a long needle until you don’t see them leaking out anymore. If they’re blown out completely, there will be no pressure buildup to cause ice problems – just make sure your windows are as tight as possible before using the unit again.

Window AC’s should not be left running while unattended for safety concerns and also since doing this could prevent the unit from working properly due to over freezing. Shutting the window AC unit off when not in use is a good way to prevent this. The insulation kit is also an easy and effective solution to try. If these solutions do not work, then freezing may be unavoidable in colder climates. 

In this case, just monitor the ice levels and remove any ice before turning the unit back on. Following these instructions should keep your room cool all winter long without having to worry about your window AC freezing up.

The Importance Of Not Having Dirty Filters

Make sure that you’re cleaning the filter regularly. This will help improve airflow and stop the unit from working harder than it needs to, which can also lead to freezing.

When the filter becomes clogged with dust, debris, and pet dander, it is not able to do its job properly. This can cause your window AC unit to work much harder than it needs to by making it run longer for the room to become cool again after shutting it off (this is known as short-cycling).

If you notice that your filters are dirty or clogged up regularly then you will want to replace them more frequently if possible.

Why Window Air Conditioners Freeze Up – FAQ

Can an AC electronic board be responsible for freezing units?

When window air conditioners freeze up, many people wonder if they need to replace the entire unit. In some cases, the electronic board may be at fault and need to be replaced. However, several other factors can cause an air conditioner to freeze up as well.

How do I know if the electronic board is bad?

The best way to determine if the electronic board is bad is to have it tested by a professional. If you are experienced in electrical work, you may be able to test the board yourself. The most common symptom of a bad electronic board is that the AC will not turn on at all. 

You can usually test the board by checking for power at the connector. There should be power at all of the connectors, each connector should have 12 volts. The voltage may not be exact depending on your model, so you may need to check the manual for the correct reading.

How do I test an electronic board?

You can test an electronic board by removing it from the unit and testing it with a multimeter for a continuity test. If you are not comfortable removing wiring or working with electricity, then you should take your AC to a licensed repair shop to have this done for you. If there is no power at any of the connections when attempting to start up the window air conditioner, then the board is likely bad.

What causes my AC to freeze up during use?

A window air conditioner freezes up for a variety of reasons. The most common reason is a temperature that the unit can’t deal with. However, there are several other possible causes. One common cause is a dirty filter. When the filter is clogged with dirt and dust, it can prevent air from flowing through the unit properly. 

Another common cause is a blockage in the condenser coil. If the coil becomes clogged with debris or lint, it will prevent the unit from cooling properly and can cause it to freeze up. Finally, if the refrigerant levels become too low, it can also cause the AC to freeze up.

How do I fix my window air conditioner that has frozen?

There are several other possible causes, so it is important to determine the root of the problem before attempting to fix it. If the filter is dirty, you can clean or replace it. If the coil is clogged, you can clean it with a vacuum cleaner. If the refrigerant levels are low, you can add more refrigerants. However, if none of these solutions work, then you may need to replace the entire unit.

Final Thoughts On Why Window Air Conditioners Freeze-Up

4 Reasons Your Air Conditioner Is Frozen & How to Fix It | Blair's Air

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In conclusion, there are several reasons why a window air conditioner may freeze up. By knowing the most common causes, you can usually fix the issue yourself. If you are not comfortable working with electricity, then it may be wise to seek professional help if your AC freezes up.

Finally, if you want to know what the best air conditioners are, ones that function correctly in different types of weather, you can check out our best air conditioners buying guide

 

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Peat Moss: What It Is and How To Use It

by Posted in Kitchen Renovation

Peat moss is a natural growing medium with many applications, but it can be hard to know how to use it in your garden. But what exactly is peat moss? How does it differ from other types of soil or mulch?

This guide covers everything from the types of peat moss available to how much water each type holds. We’ll cover everything from planting trees and shrubs with peat moss as a potting medium or using it as alternative mulch material in vegetable gardens. You’ll also find out which kinds of plants grow best when grown directly in peat moss without any additional soil mixed into the mix. Let’s get started!

What Is Peat Moss?

Peat moss is a soil amendment that is harvested from peat bogs. Many of these peat bogs are found in wet areas of Canada. Peat bogs are formed over a long period as organic materials partially decompose.


Image credit: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/

Although sometimes referred to as peat, peat moss and peat are not the same things. Peat moss is one of the products harvested from peat bogs. Other types of peat moss come from the partial decomposition of other organic materials. If you know how to make compost then you must know this type of peat moss. The moss in peat moss refers to sphagnum moss.

Where Does Peat Moss Come From?

Peat moss comes from your flower pot or garden from wetlands or bogs. It’s not decomposed material because the surface of the blogs doesn’t allow oxygen and air to filter underground. This makes the fibers of the sphagnum moss remain intact.

Types of Peat Moss

Sphagnum Peat Moss

The most commonly used type of peat moss is sphagnum peat moss. Sphagnum peat moss has a high ability to absorb moisture and holds ten times its dry weight in water. After it’s harvested and dried, sphagnum peat moss is light in color, making it retain 10-12 times its weight in water.

Sphagnum Peat Moss
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Don’t confuse sphagnum peat moss with sphagnum moss, even if their names are similar. Sphagnum moss refers to the plant material harvested when still alive and growing above water. The end product is the light, fibrous material often used to decorate line wire baskets.

Black Peat Moss

This is an important type of peat because it has high nutrient content, making it useful in growing orchids because orchids like organic material in their soil. It’s also used for potted flowering plants and nurseries that produce bedding plants. It’s a little more acidic than sphagnum peat moss and holds more water.

Black peat is harvested differently than sphagnum peat moss in a way that preserves the living plant. It’s cut from Sphagnum bogs in Canada and is probably black because of its high carbon content. It requires more processing before it’s sold but has less dust and fewer contaminants than brown peat moss.

History of Peat Moss

Peat was dried and used as a source of fuel in some countries for centuries. This is because it’s rich in carbon dioxide, just like other fossil fuels. It was until the 1940s that peat had a place in horticulture. Today, it’s used as a soil amendment, soilless mix, seed starting, and mushroom casting.

vailability of Peat Moss

Peat mosses are commonly found in bogs and wetlands of the earth’s northern hemisphere. It’s sold in gardening stores, online, hardware stores, and even supermarkets.

Mining Peat Moss

Before peat moss becomes a useful gardening product, it must be harvested by digging the ground and recomposing the bog’s ecosystem. When it comes to mining peat moss, the process is as follows:

Dig a network of ditches along the peatland to drain the water. Second, remove the native vegetation to get the peat exposed. Third, level the harvest to prevent drainage of the surface runoff. Fourth, harrow the top layer to speed up the drying process of peats. Fifth, suck up the dry peat layer using a large vacuum harvester.

Lastly, the harvested peats will be transported to a processing firm for cleaning, drying, and screening into different labels and packaging.

Pros of Peat Moss

Sterile

Peat moss has a natural ability to kill weed seeds and insects. When peat moss is added to the soil, it leaves no chance for mosquitoes and larvae to grow in your garden. This attribute can be very important if you want to avoid diseases such as malaria.

Cleanliness

Most of the growing materials are not clean. However, that’s not the case with peat moss. If you drop some wet moss, pick it up, get it dried or sweep it up.

Moisture Retention

Peat moss is believed to retain water for longer than other composts. This means that you will need less watering of your plants during dry seasons.

Peat Moss Has Slightly Acidic pH

Peat moss has a pH of 4.9 to 6.5, slightly acidic. This makes it better for soil mix because the acidity helps break down other compounds in the soil. This also makes it a good corrector, especially with plants that cannot stand alkaline soil.

It’s Fully Organic

If you are looking for an organic material to improve the content of your soil, using peat moss is a good option. It comes from bogs and is fully natural. The best part is that it’s now harvested at its optimal stage, further adding that this is an organic ingredient. Also, quarrying and transportation do burn a lot of fossil fuels, so if it’s produced organically, it’s not harvested and delivered organically.

Peat Moss Doesn’t Compact

Even though peat moss absorbs water well, it doesn’t compact, unlike soil. Compaction makes it hard to create space for the water and air to pass through. But if you add peat moss to any compact material, you’ll have solved the compaction problem and made the growing mix drain better.

The Drawbacks of Peat Moss

Poor in Nutrients

Some growers consider peat moss to be nutrient-poor. It doesn’t contain much nitrogen, potassium, or phosphorus, but it does have calcium and magnesium, which are essential nutrients for the growth of cannabis plants. Unlike other organic materials such as manure compost, peat moss is very poor in nutrients.

Dryness Issue

Since peat moss is very dry, it’s not 100% suitable for soil. It can be combined with other organic materials to improve the water retention capacity of your growing medium. When starting seeds with peat moss alone, ensure they get enough moisture. It’s also good to mix it with soils and some other soilless media.

Non-Renewable Resource

Peat bogs are made up of wetland plants accumulating for thousands of years. They are only found in areas where the average annual temperature is lower than 64 degrees F (18C). Peat moss from North America or Canada comes from old-growth forests. In other words, it’s a non-renewable resource that has to be harvested. This is not the case for peat moss harvested in Ireland or Scotland. Their bogs are managed wetland areas that grow peat moss yearly, so they can be harvested without causing permanent damage.

Peat Moss is Expensive

Peat moss exceeds the price of comparable mediums such as coconut coir. If you use it in bulk and the price is an issue, a better alternative is compost.

How to Use Peat Moss in the Garden

Soil Amendment

Peat moss is available in several grades, with different particle sizes. The larger the particles are, the more expensive it is. Use peat moss as a soil amendment to lighten heavy soils and increase water retention. For clay and heavy soils that get compact easily, it softens the soil structure and improves the drainage.

Peat moss helps retain moisture and nutrients for plant roots for sandy soil. If you intend to use it as a soil amendment, you should know that it changes soil pH levels. Ensure you measure and watch out if the pH level drifts too much by testing the soil pH

Hydroponic Growing

Peat moss is used in hydroponic systems because it creates a soil and nutrient solution barrier. This layer increases the stability of the system, keeping the plant roots away from harmful products that are designed to kill them.

People using it use it with other growing media like perlite and vermiculite to balance the moisture and aeration. When using peat moss for pure hydroponic growing, you should know some facts about it’s not appropriate.

Because it’s an organic matter, if provided with plenty of oxygen and nitrogen, it will start to decompose, making the material compress around plant roots and choke off your plants. So, better mix it with other materials.

Seed Starting

Peat moss is often used as a base layer to germinate and grow plants like vegetables and flowers. It provides aeration to the root zone, and it’s very easy to use for newcomers in hydroponics. When using peat moss for seed starting, you also need special trays with drain holes on the bottom because if you don’t, the peat moss will expand and block the water flow out of your seedling flat.

For this purpose, use the peat moss alone or in a mixture with some soils. You can also remove the hassle by getting the peat pellets sold on the market. Many people also prefer a soilless mix of peat moss, perlite, coconut coir, and others in different amounts. This prevents diseases, fungi, bacteria, weed seeds, and other bad things commonly found in the soil.

Peat Moss for Plant Transplants

Using peat moss granules is also the best way to transplant young trees and big plants. It can be easily handled since it is lightweight; you can use it with other components like the potting mix but make sure not to include any fertilizers or pesticides.

Peat Moss for Plant Transplants
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It provides nooks and crannies where new, tender roots can grow. Peat moss also keeps humidity high, essential when plants have a new home. It also corrects the acidity of the soil and breaks down the consistency and texture of the soil, especially if it’s clay soil.

Growing Acid-Loving Plants

Peat moss is also used to grow plants that prefer soil with low pHs, such as rhododendrons, gardenias, heathers, tomatoes, Pieris, azaleas, and camellias. These plants need a peat moss mixture for their acidic soil. When combined with the correct potting mix, these plants enjoy having an environment where they can take up essential nutrients from the soil and conserve water.

Peat Moss Alternatives

Compost

Compost can be used as peat moss alternatives. These are usually less expensive but do not have the pH balancing effects of peat moss, therefore it should be used in conjunction with other ingredients to create the correct balance for acid-loving plants.

Compost is made from decayed organic materials like rotted plants, leaves, vegetable scraps, and animal manures. It has a lot of commonalities with compost peat, like excellent water holding capacity and great material for soil amendment.

Compost is cheaper than peat moss and fully sustainable in that you can easily make your own. On the other hand, compost won’t last long like peat moss, and you’ll have to add compost regularly. And lastly, compost will compact faster and easier than peat moss, but to have a comparable effect, you can add sand, shells, and eggshells to the soil to improve its texture.

Perlite

Perlite is a volcanic rock heated and expanded with steam to produce a fine white, shiny-type growing medium, which lets good drainage and aeration of the roots. It is also widely used as an additive for potting soil or seed starting mixes as it helps increase the porosity of the root environment.

It provides an excellent oxygen supply to plant roots and will not compact under heavyweight. Perlite is a good natural drainage layer for the bottom of your containers, and it will also help prevent any root rot problems that can occur from sitting water in the bottom of the container.

Coco Coir or Coco Fiber

Coco coir is the partially processed fiber of the coconut husk. It’s sold compressed into bricks or blocks or in a loose form that can be expanded by adding water. Coco produces excellent drainage and aeration qualities with good retention properties.

Coco provides an ideal air to water ratio – twice as much air space compared to water-holding capacity. Coco coir is a sustainable resource that has been used for centuries to protect the health of natural shorelines and reefs. It’s highly resistant to insect, microbial, and mold attacks, making it perfect as a growing medium for both hydroponics and soil applications.

Vermiculite

Vermiculite is a naturally occurring mineral heated to expand it into wormlike particles that absorb moisture and provide aeration. Vermiculite provides the nutritional requirements of plants while allowing for excellent drainage and aeration qualities.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is what makes the nutrients in your soil available to plants. It increases the number of good, healthy microorganisms in your soil by providing them with food and habitat. Organic matter also absorbs water during irrigation, reducing runoff.

What’s more, organic matter improves porosity in your soil by opening tiny spaces between soil particles for air and water, giving your plants room to grow.

Sand as Peat Moss Alternative

Sand has very coarse particles that do not release nutrients to plants easily. It does not change the pH of your soil, but it also doesn’t hold nutrients well, so adding sand on top of a peat moss/vermiculite mix is not ideal. Sand may be preferable if you are planting trees or other plants that don’t need consistent nutrients.

FAQs on Peat Moss

What is wrong with using peat moss?

Peat moss is not a natural substance. It is the partially decayed remains of plants that have been harvested from peat bogs and mires, an ecosystem formed by the incomplete decomposition of organic matter in wetlands. Peat bogs are fragile habitats that take thousands of years to form.

When should you use peat moss in your garden?

You should use peat moss as a soil amendment or potting mix, especially when growing fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes, blueberries, and camellias which are acid-loving plants.

Final Thought on Peat Moss

There you have it. Peat moss is harvested from bogs or mires and is used in planting or potting soil mixes for acid-loving plants. Peat moss is not a natural garden soil ingredient, but it will help your garden grow lovely flowers and delicious foods.

 

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How To Grow Black Lace Elderberry

by Posted in Kitchen Improvement

If you are looking for a beautiful and unique ornamental plant, black lace elderberry is an excellent choice. It has dark purple foliage and blackberries, making for a dramatic landscape focal point during the growing season. This beautiful shrub goes by many names, including black lace, elderberry, common elderberry, black elder, European elderberry, Judas tree, and blue or black elderberry.

This versatile plant provides year-round beauty without much effort on your part. Whether you’re looking for a new ornamental shrub or simply want fresh fruit at your fingertips, this variety of Sambucus canadensis is sure to please. In this article, we’ll talk about everything you need to know about growing black lace elderberry.

Uses of Black Elderberry

Elderberry plants have gained popularity thanks to their lovely appearance and important uses in traditional industries, culture, and medicine. They fall under early spring flowers since they bloom creamy pink flowers in the spring. These are followed by blackish-red fall berries, which can be harvested for making elderberry wine and jam. You can also leave the elderberry wine on the plant to attract birds and other wildlife.


Image credit: https://www.thespruceeats.com/

Black lace berries are also edible and high in vitamin C. If you want to plant them for food and drink, then the American elderberry, also known as Sambucus canadensis, is the better choice than the European type known as Sambucus nigra.

The intense purple black foliage is finely cut, giving it an effect similar to Japanese Maple, also known as Acer palmatum. Some designers are even using it in the more tender maple varieties since black lace is extremely durable and adaptable.

It can also be used as a dramatic accent plant, planted en masse for a troublesome high hedge, or incorporated into the mix or perennial border. Black lace is also suitable for use in woodland gardens, rain gardens, and attracting birds and butterflies to the yard. You can also plant a black lace next to a shrub with brightly colored leaves to create contrast and interest.

This is a very cold hardy, and easy-to-grow plant adaptable to most sites. In addition, this plant is deer resistant, drought tolerant, fall heat tolerant, and a landscape plant. It can also be used as a potted shrub on the patio. It’s good in groupings or masses or perennial and shrub borders.

Common elderberry plants are deciduous plants or small trees that can reach up to 20 feet in height and width. Some specimens have grown as tall as 33 feet in their natural habitat.

Planting Black Lace Elderberry (Sambucus racemosa ssp. melanocarpa)

Black lace elderberry can grow in USDA plant hardiness zones 4-7 but is susceptible to winter damage. It is best planted in fertile, loamy soil with excellent drainage and receives full sun or partial shade. If planting specimens near homes or other structures, it is a good idea to place a barrier of mulch or fencing around the plants to protect them from being damaged by lawnmowers, mower debris, and deer.

Planting Black Lace Elderberry
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They are relatively easy to grow. They can be propagated from seeds, softwood cuttings, or semi-hardwood cuttings. Seeds need cold stratification. Seeds should be sown in the autumn and kept moist for 60 days before planting. A thin layer of vermiculite on top of the soil helps retain moisture. It also does well in wet soils.

These plants also do well in acidic to alkaline soils, but it’s also important to look for slightly acidic soil. Before planting this shrub, amend the soil with compost to ensure healthy growth. You can easily make your compost to use for the purpose. After that, it will benefit from regular fertilizing with compost once every year in the spring.

Due to their sporadic growth, elderberry plants tend to form a lot of suckers. So prune it regularly if you want to maintain size and shape for your shrubs. Pruning involves removing unhealthy, damaged, old, or dead branches in early spring.

Black Lace Elderberry Care

Black lace elderberry is self-pollinating, but if you wish to have as many berries as possible, you can plant another cultivar near your black lace elderberry for increased pollination.

Black Lace Elderberry Care
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Light Requirement

In the North, while black lace elderberry will tolerate partial shade, it will produce more flowers and a more attractive foliage color if grown in full sun. At the southern end of its range, it will benefit from afternoon shade.

Soil Requirements

Black lace elderberry grows best in slightly acidic, loamy soil that is moist but well-drained. The black lace elderberry bush also tolerates clay soil types better than many shrubs, but it performs better over time if planted in soil that drains well. Black lace does best in moist soil, although it will tolerate dry soils. It thrives under acid or alkaline soils.

Watering Common Elderberry

Black lace elderberry is a drought-resistant shrub and does not require large amounts of water to thrive. However, it benefits from supplemental watering during dry periods and in hot summer climates. The plant prefers evenly moist soil. And since elderberry shrubs often grow near wetlands, it tolerates wet soil better than many other plant species.

Fertilizer and Transplanting

This deciduous shrub needs to be fertilized in early spring by applying a slow-release fertilizer specialized for trees and shrubs. If you wish to transplant an existing plant, do so in spring or early summer while the soil is moist and warm. Elderberry shrubs do not recover well from root disturbance, so take care when moving them. You may harm or kill the plant with poor planning or execution.

When growing elderberry bushes in the home garden, plant them near a water source such as a drip irrigation system or pond, especially if rainfall is infrequent. Ensure that the roots get at least 1 inch of water weekly and keep an eye on soil moisture levels so you can provide supplemental watering during dry spells.

Pruning Elderberry

Best if pruned immediately after blooming. The correct time for pruning this plant is late winter or early spring. Pruning will keep it attractive, vigorous and check its spread. As the woody stems become older, they become weaker and less attractive. So, remove the older stems to direct more energy into the newer, more attractive ones.

Pruning Elderberry
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Propagating Common Elderberry

Cutting the branches of the elderberry bush back to four inches gives you a convenient place to collect cuttings.

To propagate common elderberry, remove the smaller tip shoots from grown branches’ end and dip them into rooting hormone. The best time for this operation is fall or early winter. Remove all leaves on the cutting except the top two pairs. This makes it easier to dip into rooting hormone and reduces the chances of disease spores falling into any open cuts.

Shorten all side branches by half their length to direct energy into the main stem. Root the cuttings in a pot filled with sand, peat moss, and perlite at a ratio of 1:1:1. Water sparingly until roots form.

After three weeks, the cuttings should be ready to plant in your garden or for overwintering. Select a location that gets at least six hours of sun per day and has well-drained soil.

Common Pests and Diseases

Prone to a number of diseases, including canker, leaf spot, and powdery mildew. Apply Neem oil once pollination begins for best results. Also, make sure there is proper spacing to promote good air circulation, irrigate at soil level, and keep mulch six inches away from the main stems of the bush.

FAQs on How to Grow Black Lace Elderberry

What plants are compatible with black lace elderberry?

White pine trees and quaking aspen are good elderberry companion plants, especially if you’re looking for something taller than the shrubs.

Final Thought on How to Grow Black Lace Elderberry

Elderberry plants are very popular plants that you can never miss. Not only do these shrubs look splendid and very familiar, but they’re also low maintenance in almost any environment and growing conditions.

 

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