Lets Talk About Trimmers

Most of the posts so far have focused on lawnmowers, but it could be argued that the weed trimmer is just as important when it comes to your lawn-care arsenal. Sure, the mower does most of the work; but every homeowner knows that the devil is in the details when it comes to the silent competition between neighbors for best lawn. You’re done for if you don’t clean up the edges, and a trimmer is the best way to do it. But how do you know what kind of weed trimmer to get? Use this guide to determine which type is best for your application and if you have a trimmer and are struggling to get it to work and are watching those edges keep growing check out are great tiller service in Salt lake City UT. 

Curved-Shaft Trimmers

Curved-shaft trimmers are among the most popular because they are generally lightweight and easy to use. They get their name because of the bend in the shaft toward the cutting head. This bend brings the cutting head closer to the operator, which makes it a little easier to handle for detail work and getting at those tricky spots. Because of the bend in the shaft, these trimmers are driven by a flexible cable that runs from the motor to the cutting head. The flexible nature of this cable limits the amount of power that can be applied from the engine, as too powerful of a motor would cause it to break. That said, these machines are more than capable of handling the vast majority of jobs in a suburban setting.

Traight-Shaft Trimmers

Straight-shaft trimmers are most commonly used for industrial uses, or by those with particularly large jobs. Rather than the flexible drive cable used in curved-shaft trimmers, these have a rigid drive shaft. This results in increased durability and power transfer from the motor. This means that more powerful motors can be used. While the straight shaft allows for more power, it also means that the cutting head is further from the operator. This can make getting a level cut slightly more difficult for the inexperienced. These also tend to be heavier than their curved-shaft counterparts.

Rolling Trimmers

Rolling trimmers are a slightly newer development in the lawn-care industry. These machines look like a mix between a standard push mower and a string trimmer. Their rolling platform allows for larger and much more powerful engines along with a wider cutting radius. Unfortunately, their minimum cutting heights are relatively high when compared to most lawn mowers, making them essentially useless for all but the most niche projects.

At the end of the day, the type of trimmer you get depends entirely upon how you intend to use it. Curved-shaft trimmers are perfect for most residential uses because of their light weight and maneuverability. Straight-shaft trimmers are great for larger projects and industrial uses because of the increase in power and length of the drive shaft. Rolling trimmers are useful for some specific applications, but most people have no need for them. Consider these tips before you buy and you’re sure to end up with a machine that is perfect for you.

By: Kyson Crowell

Don't Let Skipping On Maintenance Cost You Money

Skipping This Critical HVAC Maintenance Task Will Cost You Money

Just as your car or truck runs better with routine tune-ups, the heating and cooling systems that you rely on to keep your family comfortable benefit from regularly scheduled professional maintenance too. There's one easy task you can do on your own, however, to make your heater and air conditioner operate more efficiently: change your air filter. Read on to discover why skipping this simple chore can cost you money and can compromise your family's comfort and well-being.

Optimizing Energy Efficiency

Your household energy bills are closely linked to how efficiently your HVAC systems can heat or cool your home. From a drafty room to malfunctioning blower motor, any number of factors can increase the amount of energy that your heater or air conditioner uses and drive up your monthly utility bills. When the filter is clogged or dirty, the flow of air is restricted, and that forces the HVAC system to run longer to keep you warm or cool. Changing the filter is one of the easiest and most economical ways to increase your home's energy efficiency.

Saving Money with Regular Air Filter Replacements

You might be surprised to learn just how much money you can save by simply replacing your HVAC filter whenever it's dirty. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), ensuring that the filter is clean can lower the system's energy consumption by as much as 15 percent. Since heating and cooling accounts for up to 50 percent of an average household's energy expenditures, changing the filter at regular intervals can add up to significant savings. The EPA recommends monthly replacements during the heating the cooling seasons and advises homeowners to check the filter every month in the off seasons too, replacing it at the first sign of dirt or debris.

Additional Benefits

Ensuring that your HVAC air filter is clean offers you additional advantages as well:

• Health Benefits. All of the air delivered to your home through a central heating or cooling system first passes through the filter. Air filters help blocks allergens and other particles from circulating through your home's living spaces. That's an important consideration for any family members who suffer from allergies, asthma or other respiratory conditions. Clean filters help everyone breathe easier.
• Long-Term Savings. Although the filter that comes with most heating and air conditioning systems helps sift out contaminants from the air you breathe, it's primarily designed to protect the equipment. A clogged or dirty filter can allow dust, dirt and grime to damage critical parts and components. Keeping the filter clean helps prevent costly HVAC repairs and premature replacements, saving you money now as well as later.

Filter Efficiency Ratings

The number and size of the particles that a filter can trap largely depends on its Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating. The higher the rating, the more effective the filter is at sifting out tiny particulates. Most HVAC systems, for example, come equipped with a flat panel filter with a MERV rating between 1 and 4. Pleated filters, also called extended surface filters, are available with MERV values as high as 16. A higher rating isn't always better, however. A too-dense filter may present too much air resistance for an HVAC system's fan or motor. Your trusted HVAC provider can help you determine which filter is best for your system.
When you don't change your filter regularly, you pay for it with higher monthly energy bills, more frequent repairs and a shorter HVAC system service life. Dirty filters make it harder to keep your home free of dust and allergens and can have a negative impact of your family's health as well. While it's a relatively easy DIY task, if you have trouble accessing or replacing your filter, a reputable HVAC technician can handle the job for you.

By: Kyson Crowell