I Learned Too Much About HVAC
And Now Think I'm an Amateur Contractor
When my downstairs HVAC broke last week, I learned way to much about condensate drains specifically. Units have pipes for AC and heat that carry water produced by condensation from the evaporator coils that run from inside the home to outside. These lines need to be installed with a slope so the water can drain with the help of gravity. Well, my heat line seems to have been installed wrong (before I bought my house) and is trying to drain water uphill (impossible), which causes the water to pool and a safety switch to go off and shut down the system to prevent flooding, fire, and other damage. So, I am awaiting a condensate pump to arrive and be installed to push that water up the hill and outside to drain properly. Unfortunately there is no other way to correct this problem and this is the most efficient and cost effective fix given the circumstance.
During this journey, I also learned that in the south many condensate drain lines are quite long on the outside area, which puts them at risk for freezing in extreme cold. Well, we’ve had extremely cold weather recently and guess what, my outdoor condensate drain lines froze, which also causes a backup in the system and for it to shut down. In anticipation of this, last year I installed insulation around the pipes (looks like pool noodles and is very inexpensive) but I’ve been gravely disappointed by this method, as it didn’t prevent my pipes from freezing. Therefore, I consulted my high end plumber (best to go to the top dogs for advice for permanent fixes in my opinion) and he told me to get heat tape and run it along the outdoor line. The heat tape has a sensor that turns it on in freezing temperatures to keep freezing from taking place. So to Home Depot I went!
I got this heating cable and have ordered this one to have on hand for a backup. If one goes bad mid season, I want to be prepared. And I made sure to get the right length (better to have more than less).
Outdoor extension cord (or adapter), that’s GFCI rated (will shut down the power if there is a hazard, so it’s safer). I recommend having two of these in your arsenal in case one goes bad or you need more than one (better to be prepared when storms and freezes take place). I needed one because the heat sensor is so close to the plug in and my plug is way higher up than my piping, so keep this in mind.
Electrical Tape to secure the heating cable to the condensate drain line. Good to have in your toolbox.
Ever since I’ve installed the heating tape, I’ve had no issues with the system plunging to 49 degrees like it did one night. Once the condensate pump is installed, the condensate drains won’t have issues draining, and fingers crossed there will be no more issues this season. While looking on youtube for HVAC tips, I came across these easy servicing tips we can all do to prolong the life of our systems. You’ll need a shop vac (wet/dry vac- super useful for carpet spills too fyi), rag, bleach, and these tablets. I plan to implement these whenever I have my system serviced twice a year.
Here are this week’s fashion finds…
1. Provence Outdoor Side Table 2. Mini Roly Poly Chair 3. Nicola Fasano Ceramic Jug 4. Tall Footed Bowl 5. The Flower Meadow Rug 6. Solid Brass Desk Easel 7. Pavilion Table Lamp 8. Contour Sculpture 9. Vintage Brass Candlestick Sconces 10. Kiara Lattice Cotton Napkins 11. Set of 5 Handmade Art Glass 12. P&H Creamware Loving Cup 13. A George lli Mahogany Tilt Top Table 14. Albern Spindle Bench
15. Cirri 55" Console Table 16. Bonnet Indooroutdoor Accent Chair 17. Marble A4 Box File 18. Bonnet indooroutdoor Side Table 19. Vintage Pitcher in Beetle Juice 20. Floral Border Stripe Cushion Extra Large 21. Shearling Pillow Balls 22. Arches Library Desk 23. Tuileries Rug 24. Rosa Mirror 25. Shower Curtain 26. Lafon Butler Tray 27. Betsy Mirror
It’s still chilly and I’m gravitating towards great staples and cozy textures. Here are this week’s fashions finds…
1. Ribbed Long Sleeve T-Shirt 2. Work Jacket 3. Fox Fur Convertible Headband & Scarf 4. Wool & Cashmere Drop-Shoulder V-Neck Sweater 5. Anouk Yve Coat 6. Horseshoe High-Rise Wide-Leg Jeans 7. Ultimate Wrap Over Leggings 8. Wrap Skirt 9. Martina Shawl 10. Cashmere-Lined Leather Gloves 11. Lofty Crochet Cardigan 12. The Pointelle Long Sleeve
13. Black Classic Knit Texting Gloves 14. Brushed Cashmere Easy V Neck 15. The Cotton Cashmere Socks 16. Melly Flat Mule 17. Kylie Rib Midi Dress 18. Half-Zip Bounce Fleece Pullover 19. Siedres Niasa Zip Up Sewater 20. Water & Wind Protection Longline Hooded Down Jacket 21. Cashmere-Wool Blend Poncho 22. Maia Cardigan 23. Cashmere Blend Palazzo Pants
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Current Obsessions
-UK pet detective is booked and busy tracking down missing animals due to pet theft.
-Useful home hacks. This book was mentioned in the article and I’m intrigued. I ordered this spray to make cashmere/wool last longer before it needs a dry clean. White and Warren has a spray as well.
**DEAR STYLE SNACKS: If you have something you need help finding, troubleshooting, or are curious about, please leave me a comment or send me a message, and I will be sure to feature your question (with the answer) in an upcoming newsletter.**