R.O.C., Tree Care, Appliances and Solar Print

More with the Arizona ROC Director:

• What happens when there is a disagreement? What to do as a homeowner.
• 2 Year limits on complaints.
• Be sure that both parties are clear on the work that is going to be done. Estimates are NOT a contract.
• Remember to know what is excluded.

Thanks to Jeff Fleetham for stopping by! Remember, you can visit their website for more information.

It's time for another update with Dr. Sky!

• Did you see the "Super Moon" in November and they come in pairs too!
• "Mini Moons" occur when it is far away versus close during the "super moons"
• Eclipse that covers a star is happening Monday night.
• How to take a quality photo of the skies. Dr. Sky's input on brands and settings for success.
• Did you know Goodwill stores are a good place to find a telescope? Dr. Sky says it's true!
• Some upcoming events to attend.
• Fireballs.....from tiny to enormous.....plus the speed!

• Learn about Moon Express.
• "What's it going to take to get to Mars?"
• Dr. Sky pays homage to astronaut, John Glen.

As always, it's a fun conversation with Dr. Sky.

It's winter now, what should you be doing for your trees? We ask John Eisenhower with Integrity Tree Service! John also brought a guest, Rick Cober with Arid Solutions.

Tree of the Month: The Fan West Ash

• It's become very poplular and the guys explain why.
• It handles the cold well and is a vigorous grower.
• Listen for applications they are right for.

Tips on picking the right tree:

• Branch placement should be equally placed.
• Inspect the root flair or trunk flair.

*We discuss planting at proper depth and looking for a good root system on purchased trees.

Composting at Your Home:

• It's a great time to be creating compost. It would be great for your spring garden.
• Remember, the sludge in your rain gutters is a great addition to your compost pile.
• Rick discusses his preferred methods to a great recipe for compost.
• The more critters you have in your compost, the better!
• Rick talks about the recent developments in the last 10-15 years that have changed.
• It's like making soup, "The more ingredients, the better!"

Callers:

• Matt - His peach tree is growing very tall and skinny and has to be propped up to support it. What can he do to grow the trunk thicker, so it's a more stable tree?

Recommendation - John would cut back even more than he has been. John recommends a 12 foot diameter to make it workable. Rick talks him through his best advice and he can definitely cut it back further than he has been.

*Deciduous fruit trees should be pruned this time of year & we discuss it in detail. Here's the article from John's website on Arboricultural Resources.

• Mike - He's tried multiple ways to kill his sissou tree root systems and hasn't had any luck. What can he do?

Recommendation - It sounds like he did it in the incorrect order. John recommends grinding the stump after drilling into it and treating it. You need to listen to make sure you have the steps correct. It's a long process and is a major problem in Arizona.

• Donna - Does she need to cover her lemon or lime trees? She has always done it, but wanted to be sure she even needs to be doing. 

Recommendation - Yes, she should be. Citrus is very sensitive, unlike the pomegranite trees next to it. She needs to cover it and we discuss how long to leave it on and to cover it completely.  

• Bill - He has branches that shoot above the rest of the canopy on his lemon tree. Can he cut them back?

Recommendation - We answer it in the next segment........

 Recommendation for Bill - Go ahead and prune it.  He should cut it back at the point of attachment. If it's growing in response to an over-pruning, he should let it fill in the gap. He should wait until spring to do the trimming, though.  Citrus needs that "winter coat."\

• Reminder - Do your research right now for spring planting.
• Root activity is still happening during the winter months.
• Growth happens in the fall, even with the top growth slowing down.

Thanks to Rick with Arid Solutions and if you need a tree expert at your home, call Integrity Tree Service!

• Romey talks through all of our publications and how you can connect to Rosie On The House.

Our article this week is on the lifespan you should expect out of your appliances:

• Older units might feel bulletproof, but they don't have all the bells and whistles.
• Apps that let you see inside your fridge from the store.
• What does it take to fix all those new bells and whistles?
• Should you buy the 1st generation of a new feature?
• Jennifer talks about Guild Quality and how we use it to make sure our contractors are qualified.

We welcome a new partner,  Above & Beyond Pool Remodeling.

Caller:

• Mary - She needs a new kitchen door and had a recommendation for a fiberglass door. What do we think of it?

Recommendation - We investigate the door and the direction it faces. Fiberglass doors are fairly new to the market and are made to look like wood without all the maintenance. Romey purchased Pella Window & Doors Impervia Fiberglass windows for his home and loves them.  He could also reach out to Freelite Inc.

More on Investing in Appliances:

• Investing in higher quality products and you can expect them to last longer.
• Warranties can often be shorter the more bells & whistles the appliance has.
• Romey recently replaced a well pump and uses it as an example on warranties.

Beyer Appliance Service and Frost Appliance can repair your appliances and they gave us an average lifespan to expect for different appliances.

• Washing Machine - 6-8 years.
• Dryer - 15 years.
• Gas Range - 14 years
• Electrical Range - 8 years.
• Refrigerator - 10 years.

Romey talks about Operation Santa Claus put on by Sanderson Ford!!!

Caller:

• Russ - He works in homeowner insurance and wanted to call in to remind listeners to keep all of your parts when they break to claim your money when things break down. Just remember, the more you keep the better. He details what you need to do if you have an emergency and parts need to be replaced immediately. 

Letter From a Listener:

• Paul - He wanted to know about "Super Cooling" created by Advanced Home Systems. Is there a way to "Super Heat" a home in the winter.

Recommendation - No. Right now we do not see that as a financial benefit like it is in the summer.  Romey talks about saving with propane too. Reminder, that you can reach Barrett Propane if your in northern Arizona.

• Mike - Is it required by code to sheet rock the roof of his outdoor patio?

Recommendation - No, it is not required.   It's just something that's done for a long time in this area. It requires maintenance with moisture, etc.

• Ciro - He wrote in to compliment us on our article for shopping for tools for the Do-It-Yourselfer.

Sign Up for the Sanderson Ford Arizona Staycation!!!

*Thanks to great partners like The Sphinx Date Company Sphinx Date Company,  The Springhill Suites by Marriott or The Residence Inn by Marriott.

Jennifer talked with Babcock Plumbing and Aztec Interiors about our article this week on appliances and how long you can expect them to last.

• Water heaters - 15-20 years. *we discuss replacing the anode rod.
• Toilets - Up to 30 years.
• Main water valve - Should last a very long time, but you'll want to make sure you have a ball cock valve vs. the gate valve.
• Faucets & Shower heads - Buy at the plumbing warehouse, not the box stores. The box stores will have plastic parts instead of brass and metal.
• Flooring.....depends on the traffic. 7 to 10 years on average. Carpets should be cleaned
• Choose quality if is something that will last.

Text From a Listeners:

• He wants to combine tools and wants to know what the best rolling toolbox is that he can get.

Recommendation - Romey loves the Snap-On brand.

• What do we think of aerosealing duct systems. 

Recommendation - We describe when the situation is right for this application.

Sun Valley Solar Solutions join us to answer your questions and to update listeners on their industry.

• Net-metering. What it is and why it's important to your bill.
• Winter is a great time for a solar installation and Kyle explains why.
• Working with off-peak/onn-peak power.
• Deciding your goals in buying solar and if it's a good fit.
• Going solar doesn't mean your completely "Off the Grid."
• Incentives being offered right now by SRP and APS.

• Kyle talks about a $500 offer from APS along with Sun Valley Solar Solutions!
• How is solar energy sold back (energy credits) Kyle explains the way they do it.
• Discussing the efficiency from different solar panels.
• What if you're a snowbird? It can make sense.

Caller:

• Judy - She is considering solar for her home, but she wants to know what that means if you try to sell your home in the future. What happens with the lease?

Recommendation - It depends on who holds the lease and their rules. The lease will need to be transferred to the new owner and would have to qualify for the lease. It's not terribly difficult if all those things are in place. It's best if your realtor understands the solar implications. The new owner could buy the system if it was purchased.

 Text From a Listener:

• When will there be a more aesthetically pleasing solar panel available?

Recommendation - It is definitely something they are working on and SunPower panels are much improved and Kyle explains why he likes them.

• We discuss the different innovations they are working on right now, including the look of panels on your roof, batteries and storage, etc.

Caller:

• Robert - He heard us talking about APS & SRP rebates on invertor's. Is that true? He thought they went away.

Recommendation - We were talking about SRP and it's part of a study they are doing. It's for new solar customers & we talk about what it includes. It's limited, but a good deal. Call Sun Valley Solar Solutions if you think you qualify.

• There's a vote coming up with SRP and their rates. We discuss and talk about how it will effect homeowner's.
• The importance of keeping an open dialogue between the solar industry & the corporation commission.

If you like what you heard, contact Sun Valley Solar Solutions today!

Join Rosie On The House Every Saturday Morning!!!