Many people are not really aware of what a condensate drain line on an Air Conditioning system is or what it really does.  In most homes there is a small pipe (often white) that extends out from one side of the house.  It should discharge at least a foot away from the structure, be free of debris and when the air conditioner is running, water should be flowing freely from it.  That’s right… you should routinely check this pipe and make sure there is an ample flow from it.  If the water is not flowing, it’s flowing out somewhere else inside the house.  This is not a good thing, especially if your air handler is in the attic or another part of the conditioned space.

Each day as a part of the normal cooling process, air conditioning systems remove a large quantity of moisture from the air.  In some cases, this could be 5-20 gallons or more per day.   Generally this can be easily captured and stored.  Historically, there has been little thought given to this wastewater, but a couple of things have happened which are causing people to start thinking about ways to use this significant source.

• People are becoming more aware of the importance of conserving our natural resources
• Drought conditions seem to be becoming more prevalent in certain areas

While this train of thought is a good one, there are few things that must be taken into consideration, as this water may not be as pure as expected.  Although this moisture is essentially distilled water – mineral free and with a Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) level of near zero, it should NEVER be used for human consumption as it may contain traces of heavy metals.  It can also be corrosive to most metals such as steel and iron due to the lack of minerals.  Some sources recommend only using condensate water for plants not intended for human consumption.   Chemicals such as bleach are often poured into the drain lines to help keep them clean, so be aware of what has gone into that system before pouring it on plants.

As with any greywater system, A/C condensate should not be stored for long periods particularly in warmer climates.

With a little care and awareness, condensate collection can be a very effective alternative way to keep landscape plants growing without running up your water bill or depleting natural resources.

Have you got a creative way to use this stuff?  Let us know by leaving a comment!

My Friends Dick and Karla Nielsen beat me out of the gate on publishing an article on the use of rain barrels. Here’s what they have to say: 

“With Florida’s dry season ahead, wouldn’t it be great if we could conserve rain when we do get it to use for those dry spells?  You can!  And you do it with a rain barrel.

Every time it rains, the roofs on our homes act as collectors for thousands of gallons of rain water and channel it to the ground typically though gutters and downspouts.  Unless this water is “harvested”, it is unavailable for future use for irrigating our lawns, washing our cars and other non-potable tasks.

Rain barrels function cheaply and easily as small cisterns to capture and hold roof run-off.  For centuries, cisterns have been used as a way of keeping a supply of water, most often in water deficient locations.  Today, storing rainwater also aids in the reduction of storm water runoff, which can help reduce the levels of pesticides and fertilizers that drain into ponds, streams and lakes.  With an eye toward the conservation of resources and dollars, rain barrels are now coming into the American mainstream.

Rain barrels are relatively inexpensive, come in all sizes and shapes and are self-contained in design.  To determine the best size for your needs, consider your garden’s size and your area’s level of rainfall.  (Also be sure to check your community’s deed restrictions).

The Hillsborough County Extension Service has partnered with the Hillsborough County Water Resource

 Department to offer rain barrel workshops that include a free 55 gallon rain barrel (1 for each Hillsborough County household) plus help in assembling the system.”

Although this mentions Florida, water conservation methods and rainwater harvesting are universal for all areas.  Not only is it good for the environment, it can be good for the pocketbook by reducing utility costs.  

Most people think of the 55 gal blue or reddish plastic barrels.  These of course are often the cheapest and most readily available.  If you’re having trouble finding one, try an online source such as Craiglist.  A simple search will turn up dozens of suppliers for all types of barrels.  A container can be anything from a plastic box, to an oak barrel.  There are some quite attractive designs such as the one on the right made by Algreen Products.  Click the image for additional information and to see others.  

Got an interesting or creative rain barrel installation?  I’d love to hear about it.  Please leave a comment below!

Dick and Karla are Real Estate Consultants in the Tampa Bay area with over 35 years of experience.  www.DickandKarla.com

Not too long ago, I did a post about not using Cypress mulch in your yard. Now it’s time to talk a bit about what you can use.  Simply put, mulching is providing a layer of material such as bark, gravel, pine needles etc, around landscape plants. Some of the reasons to mulch include:

• Retaining soil moisture
• Reducing heat at the soil surface
• Prevention of weed growth
• In some areas, to reduce heaving of roots as a result of freezing and thawing of the soil
• Add organic material to the soil if organic material is used
• Reduce soil erosion on slopes
• Improve appearance and add to property value

The depth of the mulch is very important and the generally accepted rule is around 2.5 to 3 inches. Too shallow and it just doesn’t work..you might as well not use any. If the mulch is too deep there are many potential problems as this leads to:

• Water logged soil and rot of roots and plants
• Conditions favorable to disease development
• A haven for rodents

• Animal manures
• Composts
• Composted municipal sludge.  Trade names such as Earthlife™, Comtil™, TechnaGro™ among others
• Hulls, cobs and shells
• Sphagnum peat moss/muck peat
• Pine needles
• Straw
• Wood products
• Shredded, chip or chunk bark
• Wood Chips or shavings
• Waste wood

Rubber Mulch – much hyped as not only a way to get rid of the millions of discarded tires around the world, but completely harmless long-lasting mulch. There is however a considerable amount of controversy that surrounds the issue. Some studies show that it leaches zinc into the soil killing plants; that it can be a fire hazard dangerous to place near buildings; and that it can smell very bad. There may not be a good answer right now, so make sure to do your homework. One thing that bothers me a bit is the word “permanent”. Is something “permanent” in your yard really a good thing?

Remember that there are always unintended consequences of all actions. By over mulching areas or using plastic ground covers you affect other habitats such as ground nesting bees.

Living in Central Florida, water restrictions are nothing new.  We’ve been on restrictions for years and they only keep getting tighter and tighter.  Just this past week I received a note along with my water bill that said we are entering the dry season at record low water levels, and things won’t get better anytime soon.   Read More

So let’s see…I want a home that is safe, durable, and energy efficient.  I follow the builder closely while thehouse is under construction to try to make sure it’s built well.  I do my best to conserve energy and purchase energy efficient appliances.  I even switch to low VOC paints, finishes, etc. and start using organic and natural cleaning supplies.  But then every couple of months, the pest control company comes around and sprays pesticides throughout my house and/or yard!  What’s wrong with this picture?  

Read More

Mulch, Mulch, Mulch…we constantly get bombarded with this message as being beneficial to yards andgardens in so  many ways, and it is!  It helps prevent the germination of weeds thus reducing a need for herbicides, it helps moderate the soil temperature and reduces the need for watering, and it protects the soil from washing out in the rain.  If the mulch is organic, it adds nutrients to the soil as it decomposes.   Read More