cold air from back of baseboards, 8-10 degree difference
11 months ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (11)
- 11 months ago
Related Discussions
PNW Zone 8a, roses putting out leaves, soil is very cold
Comments (31)I have been gardening in what I call "glacier slurry" and you call glacier till since '04. The only tool that worked for me was a hand mattack and I dug deep wide holes and perk tested them. My backfill was natural soil and purchased compost because my housepad/gardening area was cut out of a slope. There is probably little plant organic material in the gardening area because of it being cut out of the slope ... except for the decayed mulch material I have applied twice a year over the last several years. The glacier slurry is porous and drains well, which means that anything I use will end up in our water supply, the Trinity River. Until last year, I tried to get by with organics and time-released fertilizers, but the plants just didn't thrive. They did OK, but I knew something was missing. Last spring, after the estimated last frost date in April, I applied 1/4 cup of calcium nitrate to the larger roses and less to the smaller roses. I watered well the day before and then watered again the same day I applied the CN. It was enough to kick start the roses and they did a LOT better last season. Altho' the roses do leaf out earlier than they should, most of that growth is blind growth. I think it's the plant trying to feed itself through photosynthesis. We always get a late frost or snow before the middle of April and that growth generally dies off or gets pruned off. We have temps in the high 90s or low 100s for weeks at a time during the summer and time released foods are just burned up too quickly to be reliable, so last year, I did a combination of organics and synthetics and all of the plants were healthier than in prior years. In my experience, it's hard to find the right balance to feed the plants and not pollute our water source. I think I have planted the last of the roses I am going to plant, except for replacements for roses that don't do well in this climate. I know I don't want to dig any more rose holes in this stuff. Smiles, Lyn...See MoreSurvey: Cold protection for in-ground citrus in z8
Comments (23)Softmentor - You are very right on the many number of factors that determine cold hardiness (others we did not mention: acclamation to cold and overall health of the tree)...there is certainly no "magic number." I have found that upper 20's for a few hours are fine for oranges, grapefruit, and meyer lemons. Other lemons, citrons, limes, etc. wouldn't like that I am sure. From my understanding, Trifoliate orange rootstalk actually does add some protection because it is the only citrus that goes completely dormant in the winter. According to John Panzarella (a local citrus guru for Southeast Texas), "PT goes dormant in the winter, so reduces the water flow to the scion and gives the scion a few degrees of cold protection. PT will not start growing and producing tender new growth with a few days of warm weather in the winter." The last sentence is especially important for Texas, as in the winter we have frequent gulf breezes battling arctic cold fronts. So far, here are my unprotected lows for my varieties: Rio Red Grapefruits (2 trees planted at the same time by previous owner)- 26 F (4 years old, south side of house, pine trees overhead) -- tree was covered in snow (maybe insulated it a bit??), I was very surprised that there was no damage. Okistu Satsuma - 29 F (planted fall 2008, north side in the yard, no overhead protection at all) Meyer Lemon - 28 F (planted spring 2007, north side of house, no overhead protection) Moro Blood Orange - 28 F (planted spring 2007, in yard with no protection) Lakeland Limequat - 29 F (planted fall 2008, north side of house, 2 feet from brick exterior of house) As you can see, this is a very small sample size and only a brief history of data. Last winter was pretty warm, as has this winter so far. I wish I had a better way of measuring the length of the freeze and other variables....See Morereturn and supply air temp at or under 10 degrees
Comments (12)your best bet in this situation is to hire someone yourself to check out the system and give you an honest answer. If you check craigslist, you'll find guys offering to do "check ups" for $50-100 - just make it clear that you want a full inspection with line pressures, subcool/superheat delta-T and static pressure readings documented in writing on the repair order. Tell them before they come out that you aren't interested in a new system, just in getting the unit back to factory specs. Something is definitely wrong, and it's likely an inexpensive fix if you can get someone to actually break out their tools and check the system properly. Don't let them talk you into a new system, and don't believe the warranty company's lapdog. Google the warranty company's name to see what you're dealing with, most have terrible reviews....See MoreCold-Air Return Question
Comments (6)Mike, Sounds like you really need to do some up-dating. A little styrofoam in the air return would be like putting a Band-Aid on a decapitation. It's a lost cause. What you need is whole-house insulation and a new heating system. Your exisiting nearly 80-year-old furnace is probably sending more heat up the flue than you're getting into your living space. First thing to do is check with your utility company to see if there are any rebates available for adding insulation, replacing windows, or updating your antique heating plant and ductwork. Then get an analysis to find out where you'll get the most immediate bang for your buck. Insulation may be the best bet, but your old furnace (and ducting) is probably so inefficient, that it might be your most urgent consideration. From what you've described, no matter what you do, it will probably repay your investment in the very near future. I'm glad I don't have your heating bill....See MoreRelated Professionals
Alamo General Contractors · Arkansas City General Contractors · Duncanville General Contractors · Easley General Contractors · Elgin General Contractors · Holly Hill General Contractors · Kyle General Contractors · Mount Holly General Contractors · Mountlake Terrace General Contractors · Pinewood General Contractors · Waipahu General Contractors · Delano Home Builders · Forest Hill Home Builders · Glenn Heights Home Builders · Placentia Home Builders- 11 months ago
- 11 months ago
- 11 months agolast modified: 11 months ago
- 11 months ago
- 11 months ago
- 11 months agolast modified: 11 months ago
Related Stories
BATHROOM DESIGN10 Small Bathrooms, 10 Different Looks
See how you can personalize a standard-size bathroom with a vanity, toilet and shower-tub combo
Full StoryEVENTS8 Design Trends From Italy’s Big Exhibition
Air-purifying tile, recycled vanity tops, marble-look porcelain and other designs stood out at the Cersaie 2019 expo
Full StoryDECORATING GUIDESPop Culture Watch: 12 Home Trends from the '80s Are Back
Hold on to your hat (over your humongous hair); interior design elements of the 1980s have shot forward to today, in updated fashion
Full StoryDECORATING GUIDES10 Ways to Hide That Air Conditioner
Feeling boxed in designing around your mini-split air conditioner? Try one of these clever disguises and distractions
Full StorySMALL SPACESLife Lessons From 10 Years of Living in 84 Square Feet
Dee Williams was looking for a richer life. She found it by moving into a very tiny house
Full StoryHOUZZ TOURSDesign Lessons From a 10-Foot-Wide Row House
How to make a very narrow home open, bright and comfortable? Go vertical, focus on storage, work your materials and embrace modern design
Full StoryMOST POPULAR8 Little Remodeling Touches That Make a Big Difference
Make your life easier while making your home nicer, with these design details you'll really appreciate
Full StoryBATHROOM STORAGE10 Design Moves From Tricked-Out Bathrooms
Cool splurges: Get ideas for a bathroom upgrade from these clever bathroom cabinet additions
Full StoryHOME OFFICES10 Things You Should Do When You Work From Home
Follow these tips to successfully organize your office space and workday
Full StoryDECORATING GUIDESWorld of Design: Decorating Ideas From 10 Renters Around the Globe
Even if you don’t own your home, you can live beautifully. Browse these ideas from international tenants who’ve made their spaces special
Full Story
mojavemaria