5b is the warmer of the two. Around here, where elevation changes and nearness to the river can cause drastic but predictible temperature changes, there is one tried and true method of finding out your zone. YOU take a min/max thermometer and put it in YOUR backyard. Once you have a few years of minimum temperature data, the calculation is pretty easy. However, you may not find it the most useful information. For the last ten years here, there is a cluster of lows around -15°F, and another cluster around zero. It averages out to a 6a. However, zone 6 plants can't handle the -15°F temperatures, so aren't appropriate.

Thanks all. I was hoping that if I found the technique to stop the plants from talking to me it might work on my 3 and 5 yr old. Thanks Donna I didn't realize they were toxic. Fortunately it is in the raised bed so the dogs stay out and my kids are well mannered when it comes to the gardens. SCG

All About Urinal Placement

SEER ratings are tossed around a lot without any real explanation. The difference between 14 SEER and 16 SEER when only comparing the difference between single speed systems the difference is maybe $10 to $20 a month on your light bill. Depending on size of the equipment, the size of that equipment and the set point in which you choose to run it at and your utility rate. Cheaper operation cost for the 16 SEER, higher operation cost for the 14 SEER. The noticeable difference IMHO is when you go to a 2 Speed 16 SEER or higher system and then go with a full communicating system. The advantages you get is more in the realm of better comfort as well as efficiency, but at this point it's more about comfort advantages. Location: If you aren't in a humid climate, the 16 SEER 2 speed comfort advantages are mostly wasted. Devil in the details: If you don't go with a communicating system but go with a 2 speed unit, the legacy stats that control 2 speed systems isn't quite as good as the communicating stat that was designed for said equipment. Differences among manufacturer's: You may have to go higher than 16 SEER to buy a communicating system with some brands. Optionally they also make 5 speed algorithmic, based units. These are communicating as well and in some cases legacy 2 stage thermostats can be paired with them - obviously the communicating stat would be better. But given the additional speeds I think it would be less noticeable than a 2 speed system. The other advantage in multiple speeds is less noise in lower speeds and in 'some' cases better warranty coverage up to and including 'replacement coverage' for a certain amount of time as well as 'conditions' that warrant it. For the reasons above it is my opinion that single speed SEER units above 14 are not worth the money. Spend a little more and get a better system or spend less and settle for the 14 SEER system. Air Conditioning Tips