FOR RELEASE THE WEEK OF JUNE 25, 2000:
In our dry Idaho climate, why don’t more people buy swamp coolers? Ours really seems to do the trick for us–and at a lot less expense than central air–but our friends say air conditioners work much better.
How well an evaporative–or swamp–cooler works depends directly on the temperatures and humidity levels that prevail during a given day, while a refrigerated air conditioner provides far more predictable and year-round comfort, says Charles Peterson, University of Idaho biological and agricultural engineer.
At 90 degrees Fahrenheit and 15 percent humidity, a swamp cooler can bring air temperatures down to the low 60s. At 90 degrees and 50 percent humidity, it will cool inside air to the mid- to high-70s. And at 105 degrees and 15 percent humidity, you can expect the low-70s indoors. Regardless of temperature, the air that a swamp cooler exhausts inside will carry nearly 100 percent relative humidity, which can give your home an objectionably damp feeling.
Swamp coolers also use considerable amounts of water, and, because you should keep windows open for optimal functioning, they can pose security problems.
On the other hand, swamp coolers are much cheaper to buy and to operate: Peterson estimates they cost only about one-seventh to one-half as much to install as mechanical air conditioning and one-fourth as much to operate. They are also simpler to use and maintain–and they cool undeniably well when the outside air is dry.
Proponents of swamp coolers will point out that they invigorate your indoor climate by constantly cycling fresh air through your home. Naturally, opponents will counter that–unless yours is a newer model with rigid cooling media–swamp coolers can bring in plenty of pollens, dusts and molds right along with that fresh air!
Our 15-year-old son has a new friend we suspect will be a bad influence. I’m tempted to forbid my son from keeping company with him, but my husband says they’ll just pal around on the sly–especially since they know we object. Are there any general recommendations for parents in situations like ours?
Not really, says Harriet Shaklee, University of Idaho extension family development specialist. "This is a very difficult decision for a parent."
Clearly, peers can influence teenagers very significantly–both favorably and unfavorably. "In some homes, it might work for the parents to say to their son, 'I’m sorry, but you just can’t spend time with this young man,’ and tell him why. But in many other homes, this approach would just drive this friendship underground," Shaklee says. "Teens spend so much time on their own that it’s hard for parents to know what they are up to."
In general, Shaklee encourages adults to show concern for all children–not just their own. "Every young person needs guidance," she says. "You might want to invite your son’s friend over and see if you can influence his behavior as well as your son’s," she says.
I hear that plants in the philodendron family are poisonous to cats. On the other hand, I also hear that cats can’t possibly take in enough of the poison to do any real damage. What CAN happen if cats eat philodendron leaves? Should I make sure the philodendrons are all out of their reach?
Plants like philodendron, dieffenbachia (dumb cane) and a few others contain irritating substances called calcium oxalate crystals and inflammatory substances called proteolytic enzymes, says Patricia Talcott, University of Idaho veterinary toxicologist. Sometimes, they also contain a little oxalic acid, which at high-enough doses has the potential to cause kidney problems.
Fortunately, cats don’t eat too many mouthfuls of these plants before they decide it’s a very distasteful enterprise, and oxalic acid is rarely concentrated enough in plant tissues to do any serious damage–even in older cats with compromised kidneys. So, the crystals irritate and the enzymes inflame–but "that’s about it," Talcott says.
If your cat sinks its teeth into your philodendron or dieffenbachia, it may begin to drool or to paw at its mouth. Its mucous membranes may redden and it may begin to gag slightly. Enough irritation may even provoke a temporary laryngitis, which Talcott says will subside in a few hours.
"The best thing to do is to rinse the cat’s mouth out with water," she says. Try a turkey baster, hose or syringe." You can also ask your veterinarian to sedate the cat, but Talcott says most pet owners choose to "just let the irritation run its course."
We’ve retired to our dream cabin in the woods. Our neighbors tell us we need to thin out our trees, but the effort and expense aren’t trifling matters. Can you convince us that we should do this?
Well, let’s see. Thinning reduces the density of crowded trees, giving remaining trees more moisture, nutrients, light and space to grow. It makes trees less susceptible to insect and disease attacks. It decreases fuel loads and therefore fire danger. Your trees will grow larger and faster–and your property will be more open, park-like and attractive. Done properly and at least every 10 years, thinning can even bring in a little extra income for that dream cabin. Have we convinced you yet?
"As you pointed out, thinning is not a casual or low-cost endeavor," says Yvonne Carree, University of Idaho extension forestry associate, "but it’s worth every penny."
Don’t just set off into the woods with your chainsaw, however, she says. Do a little homework and planning first, including placing a call to your local Idaho Department of Lands’ private forestry specialist, who might be able to schedule a site visit.
Do some reading, too. Carree recommends four extension publications: "Basics of Thinning for Woodland Owners," "Diameter Limit Cutting–A Questionable Practice," "Thinning: An Important Management Tool" and "Using Precommercial Thinning to Enhance Woodland Productivity." For more information on these publications, call UI Extension Forestry at (208) 885-6356 or write Carree at yvonnec@uidaho.edu.