Summer cookouts

Elevate Your Summer Cookouts With the Perfect Backyard Ambiance!

Get Your Backyard Ready for Summer Fun!

Wisconsin summers are full of warm days and pleasant nights - perfect for relaxing in the backyard, grilling up a feast for family and friends, and sipping lemonade out on the porch. So as the sun goes down and fireflies come out, it would be a shame for the party to end just because no one can see where they’re going!

Fortunately, with the proper lighting, one can transform any backyard into a party paradise - one where no one trips in the dark and loses their hamburger or hot dog. Finding the right lighting setup isn’t always easy, however, so here are a few easy suggestions for creating the perfect resort-style atmosphere in the backyard without breaking the bank.

Illuminate the Night With Flood Lightsflood lights

The first outdoor lighting idea is more of a practical solution than an aesthetic one. A common problem that homeowners face is not having adequate light in their backyards. Sure, just about every home has one or more lantern lights or sconces on their back porch or patio, but these only spread light so far - leaving the majority of the yard in a dead zone.

So after the sun sets, grilling, playing, or even taking the garbage out can be difficult - if not a little unnerving. Floodlights mounted in strategic locations can shine plenty of light on an otherwise dark patch of the yard. Many floodlights have optional motion sensors, so they can turn on any time someone walks through their range - a handy feature not just for convenience but also for home security.

Accentuate the Yard’s Beauty With Landscape Lighting

Landscape lighting is great both for improving safety and showing off the yard’s best features. Installing ornate lamp posts along common pathways may work well in some very large yards, but the miniature version is more appropriate for most homeowners. Adding a line of small, tasteful pathway lights along the edges of a footpath or garden can lend both safety and charm to any yard.

Discreet, carefully placed spotlights or wall lights can highlight trees, shrubs, statues, or portions of the home’s architecture. This can bring out the color and lend a sense of depth to the yard even after night has fallen. If installed correctly, these fixtures will hardly be noticeable in the daytime but turn heads at night.

lights

Brighten Up the Back Porch With String Lights

Backyard string lighting is a popular option for livening things up outside, partially because it’s affordable and partially because it makes for a festive yet elegant atmosphere. They’re also extremely versatile. One can drape them around the porch or patio, wrapped around columns, or woven through tree branches. They can provide light just for the back deck or the entire backyard.

They also provide a warm and soft lighting profile, which is easy on the eyes and doesn’t create hard shadows. Outdoor string lights are available in many styles, from modern LED bulbs to vintage filament bulbs to Chinese paper lanterns. No matter the style or configuration, every backyard gathering will be a shining success with the right lighting!

About Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning

A full-service contractor, Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning has been handling the HVAC, plumbing, and electrical needs of Sun Prairie, WI for over 35 years. They always arrive on time in fully stocked trucks and get the job done right the first time. They offer 24/7 emergency service and beneficial membership plans. Call them now for lighting services!

Cardinal AC maintenance

Signs of a Broken AC To Look For Before Summer Hits

The Top Signs That AC Repair Is Needed Before Summer Hits

Summer marks the season of hot days at the pool with cool glasses of lemonade. There's nothing worse than walking inside from a hot afternoon to a broken or aged air conditioner. That's why it is so important for homeowners to know the different signs to look for that their AC needs repair. Of course, it is best to notice these signs before summer even hits. Now is the perfect time for homeowners to professionally maintain their air conditioner to prepare it for the season ahead. 

Still, though, breakdowns can happen anytime. Below is more information so homeowners aren't stuck with a hot house in the summertime!

hot air

Hot Air and Low Air Flow

When an air conditioner blows out hot air, this is typically the first noticed sign that the AC needs repairs. After a long winter, it is common for air conditioners to need some form of maintenance or repair. That is why it is always recommended to have maintenance done in the spring, so homeowners aren't stuck with a broken air conditioner when the weather gets hot. 

However, this isn't the only sign of a broken air conditioner. Low airflow is also a common sign that there are some problems within the unit. If the homeowner feels as though their home isn't cooling down as fast as it used to, this is a Telltale sign, but there are some underlying issues. When these things occur, the homeowner should call in a professional. The professional will be able to inspect the unit and has everything fixed accordingly and efficiently. 

Signs of Leaking

Leaking is another sign that the air conditioner is having some problems. However, this sign isn't as easily noticed because the air conditioning unit is placed outside. So, the homeowner will have to go outside and check the unit themselves periodically. Doing so will ensure that if there is a leak, the problem gets eradicated immediately.

The most common sign of a leak in the air conditioner will appear just around the outside of the unit. There may also be leaking happening within the unit, but this likely goes unnoticed most of the time. That said, leaking can lead to other signs, including:

  • Low airflow 
  • The air conditioner not turning on 
  • Strange odors surrounding the air conditioner 
  • The smell of freon in the home 

Hearing Strange Noises?noises

Similarly to when plumbing pipes are clogged, a broken or compromised air conditioner can also lead to strange noises being heard in the home. The same strange noises could come from the unit itself as well. There could be metal pieces banging around within the unit if there is a broken piece somewhere, or the unit could make loud noises every time it tries to turn on. 

If the sound has anything to do with the air conditioner, the homeowner should call a professional. All of the above-stated signs can lead to serious and expensive repair bills if they are not caught early enough. It is always best to have the AC unit professionally maintained every spring to ensure that it is ready for the season ahead.

Leave It To Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning

Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning work hard to keep the residents of Sun Prairie, WI safe with efficient air conditioning. They are committed to providing fast, clean, and professional services no matter what. They even offer 24-hour services because they understand that AC problems can occur at all hours of the day or night. Call today for AC repair service!