The Components Although it is a slight simplification, you can think of an air conditioner as a machine that takes heat from your house and dumps it outside by using five interrelated parts: RefrigerantCompressorCondenserExpansion valveEvaporator coil There are many types of air-conditioning systems that can be used in the home, including window units, portable air conditioners, ductless air conditioners, and central air-conditioning systems. Despite their differences, however, the physics of how they work is the same, and they all use the process of direct-expansion refrigeration....

Flowering plants in the genus ​Hoya are part of the Asclepiadaceae family, otherwise known as the milkweed family. Newer taxonomy places the genus in the Apocynaceae (dogbane) family. Although hoya isn’t difficult to pronounce, you may prefer to call the plants by one of their other common names, including the wax plant, wax flower, Indian rope plant, porcelain flower, or honey plant. The plants produce woody stems with waxy leaves, which remain evergreen....

These are diverse, adaptable birds that can be found in a wide range of climatic and ecological zones, and understanding hummingbird habitats can help birders know where to look for these flying jewels in the field as well as plan a better backyard oasis to attract hummingbirds at home. Hummingbird Necessities Like all birds, hummingbirds can only survive in an area that meets their basic needs for food, including both insects and abundant nectar, as well as fresh water, shelter, and safe nesting sites....

Slope Every type of drain requires a trench, and every drainage trench must slope away from your garden. A 2% slope is needed to adequately move the water from one place to another. This means that if the drain line is intended to be 100 feet long, there should be a 2-foot drop in the elevation of the bottom of the trench from one end to the other. This will allow the water to move properly through the trench whether it is routed through a pipe or a gravel bed....

In the right growing conditions, this plant makes an excellent perennial addition to your cutting garden. Harvest the blooms for displaying in your home or adding to bouquets without compromising the plant, since it’s an abundant bloom producer during peak growing season from early summer to fall. Knautia thrives in areas with warm summer temperatures and cool evenings, and it also needs well-drained soil. The blooms don’t last as long as some other flowering plants, but when deadheaded, it will abundantly produce new blossoms for your enjoyment....

Learn about Chinese good luck charms used in Feng Shui that you can wear, carry, or include in your home decor to invite good luck, prosperity, and positive energy. Oranges are often used for space clearing in feng shui to replace negative or stagnant energy with positivity, joy, and vitality. You can keep a bowl of fresh oranges on the counter to keep this positive energy flowing in your home....

My husband and I recently finished the backyard landscaping at our new home and were in the market for an outdoor lighting solution. As a multi-purpose product with three modes and a weatherproof design, the Litom Original Solar Light seemed like a good option. Out of the box, I was impressed with the compact, discrete design. Measuring roughly 6 x 4 x 2 inches, this light has a rectangular base and extends out into a shallow prism shape....

Owner Dabito, the mononymous founder of the fun, funky, and colorful creative studio and online design resource, Old Brand New. As a “blogger, photographer, artist, décor guru, tastemaker, passionate vintage hunter, and lover of all things design,” Dabito is a true force of the digital design world. Dabito and his partner split their time between LA and this stunning ranch home in New Orleans. For more inspiration, you can also find Dabito on Instagram....

As a variety of pothos, unfortunately the manjula pothos is toxic to humans, cats, and dogs if ingested. Keep this plant out of reach of any curious fur-babies or human-babies that may try to get their hands (or paws) on it. Light Manjula pothos can adapt to a range of lighting conditions, just be sure to avoid harsh, direct sunlight which can burn the delicate leaves. While manjula pothos can survive in low light conditions, they require a bit more light than other pothos varieties in order to keep the white variegation in the leaves—so aim for bright, indirect light where possible....

The Origin: Creating a Sense of Home and Mobility Pearson discovered tiny houses in 2013, when they weren’t as popular as they are today. But they captured her attention. “I felt they offered more of a sense of home, plus mobility,” she says. In 2015, she set out to build a custom tiny home for herself. It took her six months to find a suitable builder. Many of the older builders she approached weren’t familiar with tiny homes and didn’t believe that a house could be built on a 28-foot trailer....

About The Pneumatic Addict Elisha Albretsen What: DIY blogger, YouTuber, and self-proclaimed tool addictWhere: Blog, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, based in Mesa, Arizona Based just outside of Phoenix, Elisha Albretsen never expected to get into woodworking. But as she has learned more than a few times, sometimes, life has other plans. We connected with the blogger known as The Pneumatic Addict to discuss how the combination of a strict budget and surprise identical twin boys turned her toward a career as a digital DIYer....

In This Episode Her Most Unique and Favorite Plants Her airy apartment is teeming with plants like her Stephania Suberosa, which Chong calls the most unique in her collection, and her Monstera Albo which is her favorite at the moment. And while you won’t catch her talking to any of her plants, she is a sucker for new growth, “I’ll be screaming for my husband to come in and check it out as well....

Fast Facts Scientific Name: Cardinalis cardinalisCommon Name: Northern cardinal, cardinal, Virginia nightingale, common cardinalLifespan: 3-5 yearsSize: 8-9 inchesWeight: 1.5-1.7 ouncesWingspan: 10-12 inchesConservation Status: Least concern Northern Cardinal Identification These bright songbirds are easily recognized by their red plumage. Males are brilliant red all over and may be slightly duller or show a grayish wash on the wings. A narrow black facial mask surrounds the eyes, bill, and chin. Females are a buff golden-tan with a red tinge to the wings and tail, and their facial mask is smaller and less distinct....