Electrical wiring in your home is not something to be taken lightly. If you’re planning to move into a new home or upgrade your old house, it’s important that you understand the electrical load capacity of your home. 

Understanding the load capacity will help you plan and manage the distribution of electricity throughout your house. A qualified electrician can help install new or upgraded electrical services if needed. Keep reading to understand how to calculate electrical load capacity for your home:

What Is Electrical Load Capacity?

Electrical load capacity is the total amount of current a wire can handle. A home requires a certain electrical load capacity to power all of its appliances and electrical devices safely. If your household is going through frequent blackouts, you need to add up the wattage on each appliance and device so that they fall below the limit for which your wiring is rated. 

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How do you know if your current electrical service is adequate? The total electrical capacity of electrical service is measured in amperage or amperes. When making significant electrical additions to your home, everything that uses electricity to run should be calculated to find the electrical load. 

The electrical load is measured in wattage or watt/hours. The electrical load capacity is the total amount of electric current your household wiring can handle safely at one time before it presents a hazard. 

The national electrical codes are the basis to ensure that wiring is safe and meets safety requirements for a given location. The code states that individual branch circuits in a modern residence should be at least 40 amps, equivalent to eight standard 15 amp outlets per circuit.

Why is Electrical Load Calculation Important?

Finding the correct electrical load capacity by adding up all of the wattages for appliances and devices is important. Not only will they be affected if you overload your circuit, but so will your safety. By finding the electrical load, you’ll be able to determine whether you need to change your electrical service. It will tell you the power supplied in the home is not enough for your electrical use. 

The electrical service is commonly measured in amps, and you can find the amount provided on your electrical power bill, which states that it is 120 volts, 20 amps. Best licensed electricians recommend dedicating a single circuit to appliances that consume so much energy, such as refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners, and dishwashers to avoid overload. You can avoid spending money on repairs due to overloading by having basic knowledge in calculating your electric load.

How to Find Electrical Load Capacity

Calculating how much power your home needs is calculating the amperage load of all the various appliances and all the light fixtures. Find the total wattage of all appliances and devices plugged into a circuit breaker box by consulting their labels; look for the number of watts (W) they use.

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Calculating the wattage of a home isn’t an easy task, but there are several items that can be checked if you’re looking to find the amount. Although checking all of your appliances and devices is ideal, oftentimes, it’s impossible or inconvenient to do so, which is why estimations will have to be made based on the average wattage of similar appliances.

If you want to check your home’s electrical load capacity without finding out its wattage, try using a device called an electric load calculation cord available for purchase at hardware stores. If you have an electrician install it, they can then show you how to find your circuit breaker box’s amperage and calculate the wattage of each appliance or device on a circuit. 

Once you know how many amps your load calculation cord reads, multiply it by 120 to find its voltage and then multiply that number by the amperage of each appliance you plan to plug into that circuit. If your total is higher than the circuit’s capacity, you will need to unplug one or more devices before it can safely deliver power where your family needs it. 

The circuit works like how the water flows from a pipe. The water pressure is in volts and the water flow rate is in the amps. The water wheel represents watts which depend on the pressure.  You can use these formulas to calculate individual circuits’ capacity, electrical loads, and the entire electrical service panel.

How to Calculate Your Home’s Electrical Load

Different homes need different amp services, and you can do a little math to figure out what kind of electrical load your house needs. For example, a 60-amp service is inadequate for a modern home, while a 100-amp service is good for a home of less than 3,000 square feet without central air-conditioning and electric heat. 

In that case, a home larger than 2,000 square feet with a central air-conditioning and electric heat may need a 200-amp service. A 100-amp is large enough to power a small to moderate-sized home’s general branch circuit breakers, plus one or two electric appliances, including a water heater and clothes dryer. 

This service may also be sufficient for a home under 2,500 square feet if you’re running your heating appliances on gas. 400-amp service is recommended for large homes with all-electric appliances and heating and cooling equipment. It’s recommended where the expected electric heat load be over 20,000 watts.

How to Add Capacity to Your Electrical Load

Installing a new circuit isn’t that difficult, but ensure your service panel can handle the extra load before you begin. This is because a service panel with too many circuits can be dangerous. Fuse boxes rarely have space for new circuits, so replace the fuse box with a circuit breaker if you have a fuse box and need new service.

If there’s a slot in the breaker box, you can remove an open space or a knockout and install a new breaker and run the cable to it. If there’s no open space, the local electrical codes might allow you to replace a single breaker with a tandem breaker.

Electrical Load Box Sizes

The size of your electrical load box will determine your home electrical capacity. The electrical load boxes come in three categories. These include:

Small Fuse Box (15 amps)

Small load boxes are small enough to fit an electrical panel outside of your home. You can also find this fuse box in older homes where their wiring has not been upgraded. It can supply power to only one 240-volt appliance such as an oven and clothes dryer. 

And since many homes have more than one such appliance, this fuse box is inadequate for a home of 1,200 square feet or more. You can upgrade to a larger size if you plan to add more circuits to your electrical equipment.

Medium-Sized Service Panel (30 amps)

This box is often found in homes that were built before electric dryers and dishwashers become common appliances. This fuse box can supply power for up to three 240-volt appliances such as clothes washers, stoves, and dryers.

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It supplies electricity to the entire home except for lighting circuits which are fed from a separate panel. It’s also the minimum panel amperage required by the national electrical code.

Large Service Panel (100 amps)

This is the box that most homeowners install when adding new circuits or upgrading their electrical systems. This can be fed from either a sub-panel or direct from the main electrical circuit breaker panel. It will supply power to more appliances than any smaller fuse panels, but it’s still limited to 100 amps. 

This type of fuse box might be required in a home that uses large electrical appliances and includes heating and air conditioning equipment. Upgrading to this fuse type can give you more flexibility to use more circuits without worrying about overloading the system.

How to Inspect a Service Panel

It’s always good to be careful when carrying out electrical wiring; kids shouldn’t be around the panel except for adults. Make sure you firmly attach any exposed cable to the wall and clamp it tightly to the knockout holes in the panel.

If you find any hopeless tangle, call in an electrician for an evaluation. Also, call in a professional if you find melted wire insulation, any signs of fire, and extensive rust. Make sure you oversize an electrical service to make future expansion possible.

FAQs on Calculating Electrical Load Capacity for a Home

How do you calculate electrical panel load?

You calculate the total load on the breaker panel by adding the amperage ratings from each circuit breaker then multiply that sum by 120 volts.

re 200 amps enough for a house?

This depends on the size and how many appliances you will be powering. The more lights, outlets, fans, and ovens you plan to use simultaneously, the more electricity your panel will need to supply safely.

What are the maximum amps in a breaker panel?

The electrical service maxes out at 200 amps when the home has both air conditioning and electric heating. Heating capacity can go as high as 250 amps. If you plan to install an electric heating system, contact your local utility company for the maximum amp rating for your specific zone.

Final Thought on Calculating Electrical Load Capacity for a Home

Electrical connections can confuse you sometimes, but it’s not scary or complicated once you know how it works. You need to understand the basics, and you’ll be fine. Always know that overloading your circuits can be hazardous not only to your family but the entire community. 

So, it’s important to familiarize yourself with your electric circuits and learn the basic circulation of electric load capacity. Don’t forget how much such electrical projects cost

The post Calculating Electrical Load Capacity for a Home appeared first on Kitchen Infinity.

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Mark James

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Building a deck is one of the most popular home improvement projects in the country. It’s also one of the most dangerous construction projects that homeowners can undertake on their own. Whether you’re doing it alone or with the help of constructors, it’s important to follow building code requirements to ensure your deck is safe and meets local regulations when it comes to building your deck. 

There are many different types of decks, but they all have one thing in common, they need proper support. The International Code Council (ICC) has created minimum standards for constructing decks based on their intended use and height above grade. Failure to meet these building codes could result in serious injuries or even death from falling off a poorly built deck. 

The ICC publishes various model building code documents, including those related to decks and other structures. These include IBC – International Building Code and IRC – International Residential Code. This article will take you through the key code requirements for residential decks, as well as some best practices that will help keep you safe while building your new addition.

Draw Up Your Plan

The first step in deck building is to clearly define your project scope. In the model building code document IRC, this is called Defined Permitted Uses. You will need to specify whether you are going to build a ground-level or elevated deck and if it will be used for a private residence, guest house, and storage structure. 

After drawing the plan, submit it to the local building department to obtain a building permit. After constructing your deck, make sure it’s inspected to ensure compliance with applicable codes. If you’re not working with a contractor familiar with the codes, it’s good to study some sections of IRC and the codes published by your local building department.

Footing Size and Depth

After laying the perimeter of your deck, set the footings that will support the posts and the deck. The code specifies the minimum width and thickness depending on the beam and joist span. Size your footings by consulting Table R507.8 of the code. 

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If you’re installing square footings, they should be at least 21 inches wide and 9 inches thick, and your beam spacing should be less than 8 feet. For circular footings, follow the same size guidelines but use a formula in IRC Table R507.9 to figure out the footing depth.

Remember that your footing depth must be at least as deep as the thickness of your frost line, and also keep in mind that some codes require even deeper footings beyond your frost line if you live in an area with cold winters. The footing sizes will also depend on the soil’s load-bearing capacity, and the live load, the deck, must support.

Posts and Beams

Any wood you’re incorporating into your deck structure in ground contact must be pressure-treated lumber. If the beam is more than 1 thick, you may want to consider doubling up on 2×12 beams if they have a span of more than 10 feet. If you’re deck posts on concrete footings, ensure you secure them with positive hardware connections.

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For all other post sizes and joist span, refer to IRC code R505 for limb size limitations and spacer requirements depending on how old the deck load requirements are. Beams resting on footings need to be cut in with a ¼” x 1½” slope away from the house. All beams must have multiple joist hangers with no less than one joist hanger per bearing point when using 2x lumber.

Ledger Boards

It’s okay to attach a deck to the side of your house or other structure, and when doing this, you’ll need the support of a ledger board. The ledger board must be greater than the width of the floor joists. Attach the board to the floor framing behind the siding using screws or bolts of adequate size.

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For installations where siding is not present, attach the ledger to the studs with at least one ½” lag screw into a top plate and bottom plate. Use joist hangers to attach the joists to the ledger boards and ensure you secure the two outer joists to the floor joist on the other side of the wall with joist hangers.

Deck Guardrail Height

The IRC requires diagonal bracing on all free-standing decks higher than 30 inches. The bracing must connect each post to the beam or joist that’s supported by the post. Make sure the bracing material is 2×4 lumber, and use 1/2 inch through the bolt at each connection point. 

The railings must be at least 36 inches high and include balusters that are no more than 4 inches apart. You must attach each guard post supporting the railing to the rim joist with two 1/2-inch through bolts.

Joists and Decking Boards Requirements

You must attach the decking boards with 3/8-inch carriage bolts, 1.5 inches long, with washers and nuts. Space the fasteners every 6 inches along the edges of the boards and at 12 inches on center for interior joists. When you use two different wood species that are not compatible, you must separate them with a larger space filled with wood structural panel sheathing. 

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The deck joist must be at least 3 inches from the face of the ledger, and you cannot attach it to the side of a house that is less than 2 feet vertically from ground level unless you install blocking between the wall studs. Joist span length and spacing are functions of joist size.

Requirements for Deck Stairs

Stair, stair stringers, and stairs guards must meet the deck design and strength requirements for tread height and spacing requirements. The code lays out stair requirements for decks and other elevated surfaces. The maximum rise of a stair is 8.25 inches, while the minimum depth is 10 inches. 

Stringers are required to have at least 4-inch tread depth at 12 inches from the nose of the stringer, and they cannot be less than 11 1/4inches in depth measured 11 1/2inches from the nose of the stringer. The stair treads must sustain a weight of at least 300 pounds.

The stair must have a landing that is at least as wide as the stairs themselves, and it cannot be less than 36 inches deep, measuring from the back of the stair stringers. In addition, there must be a handrail with an outside clearance of between 4 and 7 1/2inches on both sides of the stair.

Deck Balusters and Benches

Deck benches are not accepted as guardrail alternatives by the code. On the decks tall enough to require guardrails, the mastic of the guardrails is reduced to a minimum height of 30 inches from the decking surface. On deck balusters, the balusters should be 4 inches apart or less. One classic rule of thumb is that a 4-inch diameter sphere cannot pass through the balusters.

There should be maximum spacing for balusters to prevent small kids from getting stuck and falling through.

Guardrails and Handrails

There must be a minimum 2-inch railing on decks more than 30 inches above grade, measured vertically to the deck surface from the deck’s outside edge. There is no requirement for guardrails in decks less than 30 inches above grade (except for stairs), but there must be a minimum 36-inch-high handrail.

A 4-inch diameter sphere cannot pass through the space between balusters or any other opening in the railing. When it comes to guardrail strength requirements, the International Building Code requires that guardrails must be able to sustain a 200-pound force at the mid-span between posts without excessive deflection. You can use mid span blocking for various purposes in your deck building including when building a floating deck

FAQs on Building Code Guidelines for Decks

re decks considered as structures?

Decks are structures that help extend living spaces by creating outdoor environments that can be enjoyed year-round. The local building code should define a deck as a structure if it isn’t built over a garage or other structure on the same property, has two stories in height, and has an area greater than 120 square feet.

What is the minimum required deck size?

The minimum required deck size is determined by how many people can use the deck safely at one time. The local building code requires decks to have a minimum of 800 square feet in size if more than eight people can be on it at any given time.

Final Thought on Building Code Guidelines for Decks

There you have it! Even if you’re sure you have a handle on code requirements, it’s important to check with your local building department before you start new deck construction. This is because many states and localities often change their requirements, and it’s better to be safe than sorry.

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Mark James

www.centrecountyfood.org

With the increasing temperature and the rising energy costs, it is necessary to find a solution that can help you save money. The heating and cooling bills are the most expensive part of your utility bill. They account for 50% to 60% of your total monthly energy use, depending on where you live. 

You can save money by reducing how much heat or air conditioning is needed in any room. This doesn’t mean that you have to compromise on comfort. Programmable thermostats let you set temperatures according to a schedule so that the rooms are comfortable when they’re occupied while saving energy when they’re not being used. 

To save money on your utility bills, it is better to go for programmable thermostats instead of manual thermostats. But not all of them can provide the services you need. To help you choose the most suitable ones, we’ve compiled some of the best programmable thermostats to install in your home:

1. Honeywell Home Programmable Touchscreen Thermostat

This is one of the best programmable thermostats available in the market. It helps you save a lot of money on your utility bills as it features a technology called Smart Response Technology. This feature automatically calculates how long it will take to reach a certain temperature and switches off or turns on the heating or cooling systems for that particular period.

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In addition to temperature, the Honeywell thermostat has a sleek square design with a large touch screen display. This screen shows indoor humidity percentage and time of the day using a cool-blue backlight that you can easily use anywhere in your room. 

The thermostat is capable of automatically sensing when your home needs cooling and heating based on your preference. The temperature range limits also allow you to set maximum and minimum temperatures so the auto schedules won’t go beyond your comfort level. It’s compatible with most two-stage HVAC systems.

2. Ecobee SmartThermostat with Voice Control

The Ecobee thermostat is designed to respond to your voice commands. This shouldn’t be surprising, as it was built for Alexa users looking for a way to control their heating and cooling system hands-free. The device also has room sensors that monitor the temperature in multiple locations within the house to adjust each terminal unit. Its 24-hour programming abilities can save up to 23 percent annually on heating and cooling costs.

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If you want a thermostat that you can control at the comfort of your couch, Ecobee is the right choice. Ecobee model also integrates with a smartphone, smartwatch, and other popular smart home products like Google Assistant, Apple Home Kit, and Samsung SmartThings.  

3. Mysa Smart Programmable Thermostat

It’s a smart thermostat made for music as it has Bluetooth technology that allows it to stream music. Mysa Smart Thermostat is an affordable, high-quality thermostat that is very easy to install. The user can control it through the app or by voice with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. It’s the best smart thermostat for apartments.

Mysa also comes with additional features like geo-tracking and scheduling, so you know when your energy-saving habits are kicking in during specific times of the day. Finding a smart thermostat with electric baseboard heating can be challenging, and one of the best options available in the Mysa Smart thermostat for electric baseboard heaters can be challenging.

It also works best with electric fan-forced heaters, and it requires one neutral or second live wire. You can set a schedule and track energy using the Mysa app. The app experience is similar to what you’ll find in other smart devices, which provides remote control of the system, geofencing options, and the ability to chart energy consumption. Mysa also plays nice with smart home assistants, including power extender Kit, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant.

4. Google Nest Learning Thermostat

The Google Nest Learning Thermostat is one of the best smart thermostats available. The device features a large display and good connectivity via Wi-Fi, giving you remote access to your heating and cooling system through an app. It works with some electric heaters, and it’s not compatible with geothermal or electric baseboard heaters. 

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The best smart thermostat like Nest Thermostat can be controlled at the comfort of your smartphone. This gadget will also help you learn your schedule and the temperatures you like and automatically create a program that will help you save energy and stay comfortable. 

Its sleek circular design comes in various metal finishes and is compatible with 95 percent of heating and cooling systems. This thermostat is Wi-Fi enabled, meaning that you can adjust it from your smartphone, plus you can manually adjust it via the unit’s outer dial.

Thanks to its smart programming, it can save you up to 12% on heating costs and 15% on cooling costs. It can also show you your energy usage and insights on how much energy you’ve used and why on your phone. You may require professional installation to install the c wire if you don’t have one.

5. Honeywell Home Programmable Thermostat

This best smart thermostat works with Amazon Alexa, plus it provides push notifications when you’re away from home. It’s compatible with 95% of heating, and cooling systems, easy to install using the Honeywell Home app, and also allows for two-way communication so that your HVAC system can alert you when there are potential problems.

If you like a thermostat without smart features and touchscreens but still want something easy to work with, the Honeywell 5-2 Day Programmable Thermostat is a good choice. It doesn’t come with advanced features like geofencing or voice control, but it does help you control your heating and cooling system with simple programming options. 

The 5 to 2 programming allows you to have a different four-period schedule for the two weekend days, and the unit offers positive and negative one-degree temperature control. The thermostat is backlit for easy viewing. You should also note that it is only compatible with low-volt heating and cooling systems. It’s the best smart thermostat for multiple zones.

6. Emerson Sensi Touch Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat

If you’re looking for a unit that goes above and beyond, the Sensi Touch Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat deserves your attention. This device not only lets you control your HVAC system remotely but adds in some smart home capabilities as well.

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The Sensi Touch Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat works with Siri—ask your hub to set the temperature in your home. You can even control it when you’re not at home, thanks to geofencing capabilities. Like other units, this one also offers an auto-away mode that adjusts the temperature based on whether or not someone is there. 

This thermostat has a color LCD touchscreen and replaces your existing wall unit. Using wireless capabilities, it functions with iOS and Android devices. It also works with Amazon’s Alexa so that you can ask for the temperature via voice. 

Sensi touch offers advanced features such as flexible scheduling and geofencing, plus, it can save you up to 23 percent on HVAC energy usage. It is compatible with popular smart home platforms like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. It will also send you smart alerts if it detects extreme temperature and humidity levels in your home.

7. Orbit Clear Comfort Programmable

This thermostat is another option to consider. Orbit Clear Comfort is more than just a thermostat; it’s also an automatic system that allows you to customize heating and to cool for up to four areas in your home. This means that if you have separate zones or rooms in your home, you can control the temperature of each space separately.

Orbit Clear Comfort is also compatible with smart home platforms, including Apple Homekit and Nest. Like the other Orbit option, it will also send alerts if extreme temperature or humidity levels are detected in your home. This is a one-stage thermostat that works with gas, oil, and electric furnaces. 

You can also use it with HVAC systems,  central air conditioners, two hotwire systems, millivolt systems, and heat pump systems that do not have backup heat. However, it’s not designed for use with baseboard heaters and multi-stage heating and cooling systems. Its early start feature ensures your desired temperature is reached by the programmed time.

8. SunTouch Command Touchscreen Programmable Thermostat

The SunTouch digital thermostat is another option that includes a touchscreen display for easier use. This model also has a wide temperature range, works with all types of heating and cooling systems, and is compatible with a number of smart home platforms.

It syncs up to the Nest app so you can help save energy when you’re not at home. It also requires remote control. The SunTouch thermostat is designed for homes with insulation and offers precise temperature control (0.5 to 1 degree Fahrenheit) without experiencing any significant fluctuations in temperature. 

It’s rated to work between -4 degrees Fahrenheit and 122 degrees Fahrenheit, making this programmable thermostat an excellent choice for radiant flooring. It is easy to install if you have heated floors, and you can use it as a replacement for any floor heating thermostat that uses 10k sensor wire. It has a built-in GFCI for safety, and its SmartStart technology ensures your floor has reached the set temperature at your scheduled time.

9. King Programmable Electronic Line Voltage Thermostat

This thermostat has a large LED display that’s easy to read from across the room, and it has a backlight for nice, clear viewing. It should fit most standard electrical boxes, and it comes with a quick install guide. It can be programmed from one week to seven days, and you can choose between two start times per day or four start times per day.

It has a simple two-button control accessible when the cover is closed, keeping the programming buttons out of sight and away from curious children. It has a battery backup that protects the programmed settings from power outage resets.

10. Schluter Ditra Programmable Floor Heating Thermostat

Suppose you need to control the in-floor heating system to ensure that temperatures remain consistent and comfortable for all residents at your home or workplace. In that case, you need to install this programmable thermostat. This thermostat boasts a large touchscreen display that is easy to read and use.

A built-in floor temperature sensor and the display can indicate time, date, temperature, and whether the system is operating via manual setting. It has six different programming periods that allow the user to select the ideal temperature for the time of the day. This means warmer floors at night and in the early morning to help prevent freezing surfaces that can cause bare feet to coil.

11. Lux Products Programmable Thermostat

Installation is easy for this thermostat. You can start to program it in a matter of minutes, and it does not require a lot of effort or time. These thermostats come with a user manual that has clear instructions you can follow to set up your new device. Another great feature about the Lux Products Programmable Thermostat is that it can be installed by just about anyone.

It comes with an installation manual, and you can use this as a guide when installing the device. All of the materials you require for the installation will come with your purchase of the thermostat. It is easy to program, and since it has a large display screen, those who have vision problems will not have a hard time reading what is required.

While you are sleeping, you can set the device to turn off the heat or cool air so that your house won’t be too cold or hot when you wake up in the morning. If you are looking for a programmable but you’re not interested in any smartphone or smart home integration and remote control of the heating and cooling systems in your home, then this programmable thermostat may be the best choice for you.

What to Look for in a Programmable Thermostat

Ease of Installation

When you are ready to start, the first thing you will need to do is install the new programmable thermostat. With most modern devices, this means removing a few screws and wires from your old thermostat. New models come with helpful instructions and have features in their respective apps to help you connect thermostats to your HVAC system.

Scheduling Options

The next thing you should look for in a programmable thermostat is how easy it will be to program the devices. Many appliances these days have touch screens that allow you to select your schedule with your finger, but other models require you to cycle through each day of the week and power button up or down on each one.

Features and Settings

Many of the most advanced thermostats feature Wi-Fi connectivity and/or an accompanying smartphone app, allowing you to control your heat from anywhere with a cellular signal. Some models come with extra features such as humidity sensors, backup batteries, and more. These can all be nice additions to have, but they will likely only cost you extra money.

Price

As always, the price is a major factor in what you get for your money. Usually, more features or settings will come at a higher cost, while simpler models are typically less expensive.

Be sure to consider all the features you want before deciding if it’s worth spending extra on them or not. We’ve also reviewed some of the best programmable thermostats available under $100 that are nice picks for those looking to save money.

Smart Speaker Compatibility

When deciding on a thermostat, one of the most important things is making sure it’s compatible with your heat source. Most modern models are compatible with gas, oil, electric, or even heat pumps.

If you have a heat pump, you’ll most likely want to look for something compatible with it. Some speaker models are also compatible with Amazon Alexa or Google Home so keep that in mind when deciding on one that’s right for you.

esthetics

The aesthetics of the model are also important to consider. Although most thermostats require power and a C Wire, some models will work with an AA Battery while others have more unique designs that fit within your home’s décor.

FAQs on Best Programmable Thermostats

re programmable thermostats suitable for most homes?

Yes, programmable thermostats are compatible with most cooling and heating systems. 

Can you install programmable thermostats yourself?

Yes, especially if you’re replacing an old programmable thermostat with a similar model.

Final Thought on Best Programmable Thermostats

The type of programmable thermostat you choose will depend on the amount you’re willing to spend, plus the features you’re looking for. If you’re not tech-savvy, then you won’t need all the home integration and app connectivity. But whatever type you choose, it will help you cut down energy costs without sacrificing your comfort.

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Mark James

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Soil is the foundation of your garden. Knowing what makes up your soil and how to amend it is an important part of successful gardening.  Unfortunately, many people don’t know how to test their soil’s pH or even begin. 

Well, if you’re like most gardeners, you don’t have the time or money to get a professional test done on your soil. So how can you be sure your plant selections are going to thrive in your yards? That’s where these simple DIY tests come into play. 

The following easy do-it-yourself tests will give you a good start on knowing your soil’s strengths and weaknesses. The results from the tests will give you an idea as to whether or not professionals should do more testing before any changes are made based on this information alone. Let’s get started!

The Squeeze Test

This test is based on the premise that soil with good texture will form a ball in your hand and fall apart when lightly squeezed. Be ready to get your hands when testing your soils using this method. In this soil test, soils are classified as clay soils, sandy soils, and loamy soils.

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Clay soil is nutrient-rich but slow draining, while sand is quick draining but has trouble retaining nutrients and moisture. Loam soil is considered the ideal soil because it retains moisture and nutrients while draining well. In the squeeze test, you’ll need a handful of moist soil from your garden or from near plants that are growing well. 

Be sure to use only a small amount from around the tops of plants. Avoid collecting soil from dry areas around plant roots, which could be hot and baked, as this can damage the organism living in the soil. In the squeeze test, the soil should form a lump that holds together well but can break apart easily by hand. This result shows it is loam soil, which is ideal for plant growth. 

Sandy soil will remain crumbly and may be difficult to squeeze together in your hand, while clay soil will form a hard lump and crumble when squeezed. For slow-draining clay, you can break up the soil with mulches and drainage aids like perlite and vermiculite. 

The Puddle Test

Drainage is another important aspect of your soil that you must consider because it allows water to pass quickly without pooling. If your soil has poor drainage, it can cause root rot to your plants. Culinary herbs are the main culprit of root rot due to their shallow root system. 

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The puddle test is the best way to check soil drainage. Take a handful of moist soil and roll it into a ball in your hand. Then, drop the ball into a bucket filled with water. If your soil sinks, you have good drainage. If not, drill some holes in your garden beds at least 6 inches deep before planting your herbs. 

If the water takes more than four hours to drain, then you have poor drainage. Fortunately, you can amend this by mixing some organic matter, such as peat moss or compost, into the soil around your herb plants.

The Vinegar and Baking Soda Test

Soil acidity, alkalinity, and soil pH are very important elements to the soil. Some plants will thrive better in more basic soil or acidic soil. But soil that is too extreme can also be a problem. It can prevent them from getting nutrients. 

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To find out the pH of your soil, put a teaspoonful of soil in a small glass jar and add half a teaspoon of distilled white vinegar. Put on the cap tightly and shake well for about one minute. Let it sit for another five minutes to see if there are any bubbles that appear on the surface.

If it fizzes, you have alkaline soil with higher pH, which you can remedy by using a fertilizer rich in sulfur and acidifying nitrogen. Some plants can tolerate alkaline soil, while others like parsnips and peanuts will do well in the sweet soil. If your soil doesn’t fizz after the vinegar test, add distilled water to another container with the same amount of soil and add half a teaspoon of salt.

Stir occasionally for 15 minutes and see if there are any noticeable changes. If you see the particles change, your soil has acidic properties, meaning that you have sodium chloride in your garden, which can be harmful to plants, so be sure to use compost with neutral pH to reduce the risk.

If your soil doesn’t change its properties, you have a neutral pH, meaning adding compost is beneficial for the plants. Learn how to make compost so you can add it to the soil. A pH of 7 means that the soil has an alkaline nature – there are more nutrients available to your plants, and they do not tend to die as often as those growing in acidic soils, so be sure to use only fertilizers with a pH of 5-7.

So, by doing this simple test, you will be able to quickly determine your soil’s pH, which is especially important if you plan on growing any plants that do not tolerate acidic or alkaline soils, such as most vegetables. You will also discover whether or not the soil has any organic matter in it. The more organic matter, the better because if there is none, you will need to take some time to break down any hard dirt clods before planting, which can be difficult for novices.

The Cabbage and Wire Test

Soil that is too compact will inhibit root growth, choke off available water, and prevent worms and other vital soil critters from moving freely. To test soil compaction, plug a wire flag vertically into the soil. Mark the depth at which the wire bends.

Make sure the wire bends where it cannot be pushed down straight. You can easily push the wire down a foot or more. Don’t let it bend because the more it bends, the more it becomes compacted. You remedy compaction by amending your soil organic material, aerating organic materials, and avoiding walking on the wet soil in your plots.

When it comes to the cabbage test, you can purchase a home testing kit or use a more advanced DIY test using red cabbage. Red cabbage contains a pigment known as flavin that dissolves in water and will turn red in acidic solution and greenish-yellow in basic solution. 

Allow one tablespoon of soil from your garden to dry on a white saucer, then bring one cup of distilled water to boil in a pot with a lid. Add two cups of chopped red cabbage into the boiling water. Cover and boil until the water turns dark purple. 

Make sure you wet the soil and sit for some minutes, then tip the saucer to allow water to run to the side. If the soil turns blue or green, it’s alkaline, and it turns red, then the soil is acidic.

The Peanut Butter Jar Soil Test for Sand, Silt, and Clay

This is a very easy test. Fill a jar halfway with soil, then fill the rest of the way with water. The amount of water needed will vary depending on your jar size, so it’s best to start empty and add water until the jar is two-thirds full. Put in one teaspoon of dish soap and shake vigorously for 30 seconds. 

The soap will suspend the particles to see how many there are and what kind they are. The jar should be enough to do about a cup of soil. If not, use another jar and combine the results. Calculate the percentage of silt, sand, and clay, which should add up to 100 percent. 

Healthy soil will consist of 20 percent clay, 40 percent silt, and 40 percent sand. If you have sandy soil, you can remedy this by adding humus, aged manure, peat moss, and sawdust with some extra nitrogen. For silt soil, add coarse sand, gravel, compost, and well-rotted horse manure. If you have clay soil, coarse sand, and not beach sand, plus compost and peat moss will work well.

FAQs on 4 Easy Do-It-Yourself Soil Test

re home soil test kits accurate?

Yes, but you have to follow the directions carefully and take several samples from different garden areas or lawns.

How much soil should I get for a soil test?

In general, take at least a cup of dry soil from each spot. However, if there is not enough soil in any one spot to fill a 1-cup measure, take a 1/2 cup from two different spots.

Is it expensive to get a soil test done professionally?

A local extension agent can perform a low-cost or free soil pH test for you, but you would have to go in person to their office and pick up the report. It may be worth your time, though.

Final Thought on Four Easy Do-It-Yourself Soil Tests

When considering what your soil needs for the plants to thrive, it’s good to consider a complete report from your cooperative extension. However, carrying this simple test can help you understand what your soil may be lacking. Then you can take the next step toward creating a healthy garden.

The post Four Easy Do-It-Yourself Soil Tests appeared first on Kitchen Infinity.

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Mark James

www.centrecountyfood.org

If you’re looking for a beautiful aquatic plant to add to your garden, then water lilies and lotus are a perfect choice. However, if you want these plants to survive, it’s important that they get the right amount of sun and nutrients. 

This article will teach you everything you need to know about growing water lilies and lotus in your garden. We’ll walk you through the steps required for growing these beautiful aquatic plants, from seedlings up to full-grown blooms. 

By following this guide, you’ll soon enjoy the beauty of a well-kept pond filled with healthy water lilies or lotus flowers. Keep reading!

Types of Water Lilies

There are only two categories of water lilies. Water lilies produce thick green leaves known as lily pads that float on the surface of the water. Water lily flowers vary depending on the species. 

Hardy Water Lilies

Hardy water lilies are those that can survive the environmental changes of a pond. They’ll be able to handle colder temperatures and fluctuating water levels as well as drought conditions. This is a key factor for those with an in-ground pond, as it’s almost impossible to keep standing water or a constant water level through hot summers. 

Hardy lilies won’t produce flowers in the winter, but they’ll keep producing new pads and flowers each spring as long as their tubers remain below the freezing mark. Hardy water lilies thrive in USDA hardiness zones 3-11 and they come in shades of yellows, reds, pinks, whites, and pastel orange.

Tropical Water Lilies

Tropical water lilies thrive in warmer climates and can produce showy blooms through fall, even when cared for correctly. Tropical water lilies differ from hardy water lilies in many ways. They come in day blooming varieties and night-blooming varieties, while hardy water lilies are only day blooming varieties. 

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Tropical water lily plants also have more fragrant and sumptuous blossoms than hardy water lilies. They also have longer stalks that hold the flower higher above the water surface, plus they tend to have larger lily pads than hardy water lily plants. Place them in the center of a container and the crown of the plant rest above the surface of the soil. 

Types of Lotus

Nelumbo Nucifera

The Sacred lotus is a water lily that belongs to the genus Nelumbo. It is also called Indian Lotus, Sacred Lotus, and Bean of India. This perennial plant native to Asia grows from thick rhizomes in muddy or sandy shallow water bodies. 

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The leaves are round to heart-shaped with pointed tips that grow up to 1 meter (3 feet) across. It has either pink or white flowers that sit atop long stalks.

Nelumbo lutea

The American lotus is an aquatic plant native to the Eastern United States that also grows in shallow water bodies like creeks, rivers, ponds, and marshes. It has large leaves and yellow flowers that bloom in midsummer.

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Caring for Water Lily and Lotus

Plant water lilies and lotus in a large plastic container or basket filled with garden soil and sand. This container must be large enough to accommodate the mature plant and provide room for roots and leaves to spread out. If possible, line baskets with burlap or landscape fabric to prevent soil from falling through the cracks.

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Light

Water lilies and lotus plants tolerate a range of light conditions from full sun to partial shade. But make sure these plants get enough sunlight for at least four hours or six hours or more. Some lotuses won’t flower unless they get six hours of sunlight daily.

Water Lily and Lotus Watering

Both plants need plenty of water but still have good drainage. This allows the roots to absorb oxygen and the leaves to breathe without rotting or being attacked by fungus. 

The best way to water? Soak thoroughly until you see water coming out of the pot’s drainage holes. Let it sit for ten minutes or so before draining the excess water. Water them less frequently, but do not allow the plant to dry out completely, or it will go into shock.

Soil Care

For soil requirements, always use topsoil that is made especially for pond plants. Make sure you test the soil pH first. Avoid using potting soil or heavy soil. In addition, do not use garden soil or peat moss, plus too much organic matter because some of these materials may float in the water. Organic matter may also make your newly planted seeds and tubers rot.

Planting your aquatic plants too high can cause hardy plants to freeze in the winter, while planting too low will prevent young plants from getting enough sunlight. Water lilies should be planted not less than 4 inches or more than 18 inches below the water’s surface, and lotus should be between 6 and 18 inches below the surface.

Temperature and Humidity Requirement

Both plants will be hardy if their tuberous rhizomes do not freeze. Plant them in containers so that the soil line is below the freeze line in your pool. Lotus flowers will be late to emerge in the spring because they prefer warm weather and grow once the water temperature rises to 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Over winter, you can store water lilies by lifting the plant from the container and storing the rhizome in a plastic bag full of damp sand. You can also mix damp sand with peat moss and store it in an airtight container.

Water Lily and Lotus Fertilization

Use a good aquatic plant fertilizer to fertilize your plants. Fertilize plants once a month. Do not fertilize directly into the water because you’ll change the pH of the water and harm both plants and fish. Before applying fertilizers to the plants, follow the planting instructions and warning labels carefully.

Pruning Water Lily and Lotus Plants

Each flower on the water lily lasts three to five days, and they’ll open during the day and close at night. The flower will sink into the water once it’s finished. Seed pods form, and the ripe seeds fall in the soil below. Seed production is very costly to the plant, so make sure you clip off any yellow leaves and spent flowers throughout the growing season. 

To ensure many blooms, cut the dying flowers below the surface and follow the stem down as it goes. You can cut it off or snap it with your finger. After that, clean off dead and dying leaves in the same manner. On the other hand, lotus dies at the end of the year, so cut them down to a few inches above the rhizome. If you’re growing lotus root as perennial, report it every three to four years with fresh soil.

Water Lily and Lotus Pests and Diseases Care

These aquatics have fine hairs, meaning insecticides with detergents and oils will harm and even kill them. Insects such as aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites cause problems and require insecticidal soap or other organic controls.

Slugs and snails are also an issue with these plants. You can remedy these insects by relocating plants away from the water’s edge.

Harvesting Water Lily and Lotus Plants

Wait until the flowers fade in the early fall and extract the seeds. Once the seed pods are dried, open them and remove the black or brown colored seeds. Store these seeds in a warm place until spring, when you plant them indoors for six to eight weeks before moving them outdoors once more.

How to Grow Water Lily and Lotus

Find a Sunny Location

Water lilies and lotus do best when they are placed in full sunlight. While placing these plants partially shaded can work, you’ll find that the flowers wilt quickly. Position your aquatic container in a bright location in your garden before planting water lilies.

Prepare Your Container

A wide and shallow container is best. When planting in a container, make sure you fill it with topsoil. Fill up to about an eighth of an inch from the top before adding water lilies or lotus seeds.

Clean Up Your Plants

Before planting your plants, check the tubes and remove the old leaves and thick, freshly old roots. This allows more of the plant’s energy to grow new roots, leaves, stems, and blooms. Also, take your time to learn how to clean your plants so you can apply it on some of your indoor and outdoor plants.

Plant Tubers

Plant the tuber against the side of the pot with the growing tip positioned upward and toward the center of the pot. Cover the base of the tuber with the topsoil and pea gravel to keep the soil in the container.

Submerge the Container

Submerge the container with your freshly planted water lily into the pond while leaving at least four inches of space between the top of the pot and the water’s surface. If the pond is deeper, pile rocks to elevate the container so that the top isn’t deeper than 18 inches beneath the surface of the water.

Water Lily and Lotus FAQs

re these aquatics edible?

Yes, not only the seeds of these plants are edible, but the leaves, flower buds, stalks, and roots are edible. They’re mostly used for decorative purposes and in lotions, sweet-scented perfumes.

How do you care for lotus in the winter season?

Take out the lotus container from the pond and place it in full sun during the spring season. Water the plant over the soil surface and return it to the pond in the early summer or fall season to prevent damage.

Final Thought on Growing and Caring for Water Lily and Lotus

As you can see, water lilies and lotus are easy to care for and grow with minimum effort. But it’s best not to keep them in submerged soil, instead keep the flowers floating on the water surface. Use a wide container of at least 16 inches for lotus and 18 inches or more for lily and enjoy your aquatic garden.

The post How to Grow and Care for Water Lilies and Lotus appeared first on Kitchen Infinity.

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Mark James

www.centrecountyfood.org

Buying a new carpet can be confusing and time-consuming, especially if it’s your first time. Getting the right carpet that meets all your needs gives you comfort and enhances the look of your house. 

A good way to ensure that you buy exactly what you need is to ask for free installation when buying carpet from a reputable carpet store. This ensures that they have enough expertise on hand to install everything correctly without any problem. 

We have put together this guide to help you find out what type of carpet is best for different parts of your house, how much it costs, and how to buy one.

What to Do Before Buying a New Carpet

Before buying a carpet, do your homework by learning what makes one carpet better than the other. Learn everything you need to know on how to buy the best carpet. Take a free carpet foot traffic test to discover which carpet is best for your home. Learn about scams and rip offs to avoid buying a confusing carpet. 

Carry out interior painting at least one month before the new carpet installation or wait until the carpet is installed. Carpet backing is very abrasive and can scratch painted surfaces, especially on walls and baseboards.

What to Do During Carpet Buying Process

Shop for the grade of carpet you require first, then look for several carpet colors and styles. It can be very pricey to change grades after buying the carpet, so do ample research before shopping. Members of your family may have strong feelings about what type of carpet you should buy.

If possible, take them with you during the shopping for a second opinion. While at the store, bring along old carpet samples from other rooms in your home to compare the grade by the side. Make sure you get several estimates from your locally-owned carpet dealers.

Get these estimates in writing and get every detail written down in writing. The carpet dealer should be able to provide you with a spec sheet of any carpet you’re seriously interested in. Don’t be pressured into buying or agree to buy on the first visit, whether it’s in home appointment or in store.

Take Your Time While Choosing New Carpet

Don’t buy on the first visit. Take your time to make sure you are getting the best carpet pad. There are many carpet brands out there, but not all are top quality brand names that will last a long time. Doing some research on different carpets can help you determine which one is the best buy for your money. If possible, keep the original carpet sample you selected and ordered until your new carpet is installed for comparison purposes to ensure you get what you ordered.

Image credit: https://lacarpet.com/

Many homeowners often forget which carpet style and color they ordered, especially if it takes several weeks to deliver the carpet and is scheduled for installation. If you cannot take the carpet samples, you can write down the brand, style number, and color number for future reference. 

Take a photo of the back of the carpet sample showing all the manufacturing details. This is very important, especially if you’re dealing with small retailers because they may not be able to leave you with carpet samples for an extended period of time. 

sk These Key Carpet Buying Questions Before Signing Off for New Carpet

You have the right to know everyone working in your home. Make you write down the full names of the installer, plus the names of his helpers. Ask them to provide you with copies of their liability insurance. Keep this record for future reference if there are any problems or damages to your home due to the installation process.

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If your carpet dealer is providing carpet installation services for you as part of a package deal, then the carpet dealer is responsible for providing you with installers. Plus, the installer should have all his legal and licensing affairs in order.

If you hire installers yourself and pay them directly, you can still ask your independent installer to issue an insurance rider in your name and mail or fax before the installation. Discuss this before ordering your new carpet. You can even seek professional advice from an attorney to ensure you have added protection in some instances.

What to Do On and Before Carpet Installation Day

Before the installers arrive, make sure you have furniture, wall pictures, and knick-knacks removed from rooms to be carpeted. Also, check the carpet color and style to ensure it’s what you ordered immediately after the installers arrive.

Put away all your valuables in a safe and secure location and have your rooms pre-heated to at least 70 degrees, 3 hours before and all during installation. It always helps to learn how to declutter your room and do it ahead of time to make everything easy. If you have kids and pets around, ensure they’re safely out of the way in all areas to be carpeted. Never allow kids and pets to roam free during installation. 

What to Do After Carpet Installation

Walk around your carpeted room with the installer and inspect the job thoroughly before the installer leaves. Make sure you inspect all the carpet seams. Remember that if any seam looks ugly today, there’s no way it will look better in the coming days. In case you see an ugly seam, have it fixed right away and not later unless you’re ordering more carpet to be able to fix it.

Get Your New Carpet Installation Warranty in Writing

Do not make the final payment until you’re completely satisfied with the work. When you pay, get a written invoice with the warranty information and the installer’s signature. All carpeting is warranted for its useful life against failures due to faulty materials or workmanship under normal use. 

Some carpets carry separate warranties against fading and staining. Make sure all your carpet questions and concerns are answered and written down before signing a contract or paying for the carpet.

New Carpet Care and Maintenance

Make sure you read the manufacturer’s carpet stain warranty and follow all the cleaning suggestions and requirements. Learn how to clean your carpet properly, vacuum regularly, and spot clean as necessary but never use bleach unless it’s recommended in your new carpet warranty. Always hire a professional carpet-certified carpet cleaning company.

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Never use a store-rented carpet cleaning machine to clean your carpets while still under warranty. Keep all receipts for professional carpet cleanings as you may show them as proof of proper maintenance in case you’re filing a carpet warranty claim.

Keep the original sales receipt forever and never throw them away. Keep all your information in one file for easy reference. You might also want to check with the manufacturer of your new carpet regarding any discounts on future purchases you can get if you’re a loyal customer and refer other people to the store that sold you the carpet.

FAQs on Free Carpet Installation and What to Know Before Buying

Who should move the furniture when you get a new carpet?

Moving the heavy furniture is often best left to the professionals. When you get your new carpet installed, most companies will take care of moving your old one out and bringing the new one in for you, but they might charge a fee or ask that it be paid for in cash.

What are some tips to keep my carpets looking good?

Make sure you vacuum your carpet regularly to remove dirt, debris, and spills. Learn how to properly clean your carpets so that you don’t damage them or leave stains behind. 

Final Thought on Free Carpet Installation and What to Know Before You Buy

It isn’t easy to find a reputable carpet store nowadays. That’s why it’s important to consider carpet stores that are locally owned, give free estimates and offer fair prices. Plus, you should consider carpet stores with knowledgeable staff, provide honest measuring and hire qualified installers. This way, you won’t end up with sub-par carpeting that is poorly installed.

The post Free Carpet Installation: What to Know Before You Buy appeared first on Kitchen Infinity.

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Mark James

www.centrecountyfood.org