As August approaches, many people are becoming tired of the weekly grind of mowing their lawn in the heat, or paying for a lawn service. Not to mention weeding and watering, and it takes a toll on one’s body and one’s wallet. If this is you, you may want to consider synthetic grass, which is growing in popularity due to its lower maintenance needs and long-term cost.

Synthetic grass is made of nylon, polyethylene or polypropylene filaments that are colored to look like various species of grass, and threaded into a backing that lets water through. Beneath the backing is a drainage layer, usually compacted gravel. The grass is fastened along the perimeter and then leveled out with recycled crumb rubber or sand to keep it from blowing away.

While artificial grass has a higher upfront cost, it is free for the next 15 to 25 years thereafter. This compares to natural grass, which must be watered, fertilized and mowed. It is estimated that on average a person installing artificial grass will pay for the investment in seven years.

As with most things, there are some negatives to artificial grass. For example, it is not 100 percent maintenance free, and may require some blowing or raking of leaves. Additionally, synthetic grass radiates heat to surrounding people, pets, trees and buildings; however, like with real grass, shade trees will prevent fake grass from getting too hot.

 

Wallingford PA Real Estate – Wallingford, PA 19086

As the humidity and temperatures have risen over the past few days, PECO has announced changes to their Smart A/C Saver program starting June 1, 2013.

80,000 customers enrolled in the program have been notified that the annual incentive for participation in the program will be cut from $120 to $80. Under the program participants will now be credited $20 per month on their utility bills during this upcoming summer months of June through September. Last year the monthly incentive stood at $30 per month.

The Smart A/C Saver program utilizes radio controlled switches, know as Digital Cycling Units (DCU), installed in conjunction with customer’s central air conditioning units, that allow the utility to cycle the air conditioning compressors off for 15 minute intervals during what the utility calls “conservation events”. The program curtails supply demand on the power grid during peak demand periods. There were 51 hours of such events during last year’s summer season, and PECO has announced that fewer such events are planned for this summer.

 

Wallingford PA Real Estate – Wallingford, PA 19086