3 Tips for Swimming in Open Water SUMMER Swimming Safety
HOW TO KNOW WHEN IT’S TIME FOR A NEW AIR CONDITIONER Signs of the Time
There’s nothing like taking a dip in a nearby pond, lake, or even
It’s a harsh truth: Air conditioners don’t last forever. Over time and with use, they degrade and eventually fail. When you start to notice poor airflow coupled with a lack of cool, crisp air, or you see your energy bills going up and up but you’re not using your A/C more than normal, you know something is wrong. In addition to these common signs, here are four more. It produces excess moisture. While some condensation around an A/C unit is normal, it shouldn’t be excessive — and moisture should not be leaking out of the appliance. Should you notice refrigerant or water pooling in or around the unit, don’t hesitate to call in the experts to take care of it. Excess moisture leads to mold growth, and refrigerant leaks, while rare, can pose a health hazard to both people and pets. It’s making odd sounds. When an A/C unit starts making noises you’ve never heard before, it’s a good idea to get someone to look at it. This is often a sign that a component has broken or deteriorated or become misaligned. If an A/C unit is allowed to continue running with a broken or misaligned part, it can cause serious, sometimes irreparable, damage to the unit. It’s old. After 10 years, many A/C units tend to show more signs of age, along with wear and tear. At about 15 years, it may still work, but it’s going to be far from efficient. Here’s a general rule of thumb: The older an A/C unit is, the less efficient it will be, meaning you will spend more to keep it running. Energy costs and increased regular maintenance will quickly add up. It needs constant repairs. Speaking of more frequent maintenance, if you’re constantly calling someone to repair your A/C unit, you may be throwing your money away. However, the experts at Lewis MacLean will only recommend a new unit if it’s clear nothing more can be done. It’s always important to weigh the cost of repair with the cost of replacement, particularly in older units. If you’ve experienced one or two of these issues, that’s not a definitive sign you need a new A/C unit, but it’s always good to address any problems head-on and consult with the pros. If you’re experiencing several or all of these issues, then it’s a sure sign it’s time for a new A/C unit.
the ocean. For many, it’s a summertime tradition.
However, swimming in open bodies of water brings certain safety risks, as these environments are not nearly as controlled as public, club, or backyard pools. Everyone should
follow these tips to have a fun and safe time cooling off under the summer sun. Never swim alone. When you swim in virtually any body of water, having someone there to keep an eye on you
can be a lifesaver: the more people, the better. Stick to bodies of water with a professional lifeguard on duty when possible, though that’s not always an option. When swimming in open bodies of water, have a “designated spotter” to keep an eye on the swimmers. This way, you’re prepared if anything bad happens. It’s also a great idea to keep flotation devices nearby, such as life jackets, life rings, foam boards, etc. Know what you’re getting into. Sometimes, it’s next to impossible to see what’s under the surface of the water. If you are unfamiliar with a body of water, don’t jump or dive in without knowing how deep it is. If you cannot confirm what is under the surface (and the spot is not a known diving location), don’t risk it. It may be okay to swim or wade, but jumping is out of the question. Along these same lines, be VERY careful around bodies of slow-moving or standing water. These can house dangerous microbes and other contaminants that can make you ill and potentially be deadly. Watch for rip currents. These can occur at any beach without warning. They pull swimmers away from shore and are strong enough that even excellent swimmers struggle to get through them. In fact, rip currents are behind nearly 80% of beach rescues. Keep an eye on the foam at the surface of the water. If it seems to suddenly pull away from the beach, there’s a good chance a rip current is lurking beneath. If you find yourself in a rip current, it’s crucial to remain calm and avoid expending energy swimming directly back to shore. Instead, try swimming parallel to the shore until you’re out of the current.
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