The Dino-Aspie Ex-Café (for Those 40+... or feeling creaky)

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SleepyDragon
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01 May 2008, 5:12 am

Hey hey hey
Merle has nearly got five kay!


8)



Nan
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01 May 2008, 10:19 am

lemon wrote:
what is 'rock hunting' ?
i get the image of rocks running away (with an amazing speed of course) and krex running after them, bow and arrow ready to use :lol:


Ah, it's going out looking for "samples" of various rocks, or geodes, or fossils... You traipse around in canyons and on mountains with your trusty hand-pick and streak plate....
Haven't done that in years. Was one of my obsessions, as a child. I would have been a good geologist, some day, if girls had been geologists back then.



ouinon
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01 May 2008, 10:56 am

gneiss wrote:
However, the natives usually left the geologists and prospectors alone. As the natives often held people they felt were touched mentally in high reverence, and anybody who collected rocks all day must be touched, they let the rockers be. Having collected rocks most my life, including working as a geologist, I totally agree with the natives viewpoint.

I'm not a serious collector, but I do love looking.

One of the highspots of last years summer holiday was being alone on a beach in Brittany while waiting for a ferry. I "gathered" pebbles and shells, blissfully, oblivious of everything but the sea breeze and the light on the little different shapes and subtly diffferent colours, and kept picking up and feeling and putting down and searching further. Almost paradise.

Totally calming.

SleepyDragon wrote:
Buddhist computer viruses

Those are funny, and thought provoking, and sort of scary. Think i might have accidentally downloaded a couple of them myself. :wink:

:study:



Nan
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01 May 2008, 10:56 am

ok. if anyone out there has a hell of a lot of free time and wants to help in the great a/c hunt? i'm air conditioner hunting. the quote the rather obnoxious guy who came to the house gave me, when he finally bothered to phone me back after acting as if I was wasting his time, was obscene and a total rip off. as in like $1,400. PLUS installation. I know better. How insulting, as well! (He also couldn't be bothered to fax me a quote.) so, i'm gonna just buy my own, and pay a handyman to put it in, especially since a/c guy said "all we have to do is take the old one out and put the new one in".

i've been looking at a/c units almost nonstop for two days and my eyes are starting to cross. i need assistance. or, at least, another set of eyes.


Here are the caveats -

I can neither lift anything much over 75pounds nor can I carry that up our flight of stairs, so it has to be delivered. I have to get a handyman, which I can for about $50, to put this thing in the wall sleeve and take the old one away. The wall sleeve is in the upper portion of my living room wall, otherwise I could have gotten creative with wedges and stuff to get it into the sleeve. No way I can lift it over my head like that. (They all seem to weight about 100 pounds.) If it's in a convenient place, the handyman might pick it up for me if I pre-pay and just have it waiting for him, depends.

The wall sleeve opening is 26" wide by 18" tall. Hence, the A/C unit has to be less than 26"wide and 18" tall or it won't fit. I believe the depth is a standard one.

The power source is 220volts on a 20 amp dedicated circuit.

The old A/C was a vintage 1972 General Electric. Considering it's been run every year since 1972, I'd say GE must make a pretty darned good unit! Granted, it's been wheezing badly the last few years.

The space to be cooled is, ideally, 1,000 sq. ft., but I'd settle for just cooling the front half of the place (about 600sq ft) if that's all the BTUs I can get. It'd be like one big room, for all intents and purposes. All the "BTU selectors" are telling me I want something over 15,000 BTUs, given that we're upstairs, have no insulation (and can't put anything in), have a black flat roof, and single-pane glass windows that just transmit the heat in something fierce when the sun is on the building (translate that as"from July through October"). We have a long west and south exposure. In the summer you can pretty much bake an egg on the windowsill.

The Homeowner's Association will not allow window units, nor any non-standard window treatments (reflecty stuff, awnings, etc.) to deal with the heat. They balked at my using the little portable on wheels that we use in the kid's room in emergency situations when it's really hot, because the exhaust hose in the window was "unsightly" but backed down when we threatened an ADA lawsuit. I pretty much have to go with a through-the-existing-wall-sleeve unit.

If we can find a high BTU unit that runs on 220v for 15 or 20 amps, but that is smaller than the opening, kits are available to fill in the gaps left between the smaller unit and the frame. So, smaller physical size is ok.



What I've done so far -

I looked at Sears, and they have some that are exactly 26 inches wide. Which means they're just a hair too big to fit in the existing sleeve. The smaller dimensions window units, which all the stuff I've read online says can be used in a "through the wall" setting, too, are 115v.

I looked at Home Depot, Target, Walmart, QVC, Costco, Best Buy, and they are all either too large or run on 115V or they don't carry any.

I looked in Consumer Reports magazine to see which were the best rated as far as reliability, quietness, efficiency, etc., and got a list, but it turns out that the list is for 115 volt units, so is useless.

I printed out the list of Energy-Star rebate approved units, thinking I could maybe get a $50 rebate from SDG&E, or, at least, a tax break.

My priorities, now rearranged, are 1) that the damned thing fits the space, 2) affordability - I'd really like to not spend more than $600 on the unit, considering there's gonna be shipping and the handyman expenses, 3)reliability, 4)efficiency (energy star is best, but anything remotely close to a 10.EER is fine), 5) that it can be delivered or is available in a local store, and 6) has a standard warranty. If it was a nice, uber-quiet unit that would be nice. I don't care about remote controls, etc. When it's on, it'll be on all day and a good portion of the night. We won't be fiddling with it and a remote is just another thing to lose in the couch cushions.

Any recommendations?



krex
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01 May 2008, 12:16 pm

Nan...I am useless at helping you with finding the best air-conditioner but wanted to mention a couple of things.

My bf has MS and belongs to the National MS society. Because of the MS..he is very heat sensitive and it can trigger exasterbations as well as just making him miserable. The MS society not only paid for him to get an air conditioner but helped with all the details. I was wondering if there was such an orginization for your daughters illness? I know it is rare and I thought there was an umbrela group that helped people with "rare diseases".

I also think, given your daughters condition...an air conditioner should fall under "medical expenses". I think a good tax lawyer should be able to help you with the details...might need a DR's note and keep receipts of all expenses. This isn't a comfort item for her but a live saving device...why doesn't medical insurence cover it...(I know the answer but I still think they should). Your rental place sucks if they prioritize someones discomfort at seeing a hose,etc over your daughters life... :evil: Why are humans so insane and neurotic and how did that become the "norm"?


Handymen....do you have one you really trust? I'm not sure of the cost of joining Craigs list...but it might be worth it. Someone who puts one in wrong will cost you money in energy and if not installed so it drains properly, the whole unit can freeze up. So buyer beware...few handymen who pay for damaging a poorly installed unit and the legal cost to go after them.... :cry: . If you pay electrical...it might be worth paying more for a unit that is energy effecient rather then the "cheapist", given current energy prices. I know you plan on leaving eventually and you should be able to bring the unit with you.


Hope something in that rambel helped.


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DeaconBlues
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01 May 2008, 1:00 pm

Nan, I Googled "220 volt air conditioner", and got several hits. Here is the first one I found, at Best Buy, currently on sale for $459.99. The cabinet measures 24" wide by 14.5" tall, and is 19" deep (20.5" including the front plate, the part that has to hang out into the room). It's EnergyStar compliant, and is rated 10,000 BTU. Enjoy!
jjjjjjkk33331111

Oh, and Iain says hi, too. :)


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Nan
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01 May 2008, 1:37 pm

DeaconBlues wrote:
Nan, I Googled "220 volt air conditioner", and got several hits. Here is the first one I found, at Best Buy, currently on sale for $459.99. The cabinet measures 24" wide by 14.5" tall, and is 19" deep (20.5" including the front plate, the part that has to hang out into the room). It's EnergyStar compliant, and is rated 10,000 BTU. Enjoy!
jjjjjjkk33331111

Oh, and Iain says hi, too. :)


Yep. I've seen that one now. I also found a Feders energy star through-the-wall unit that will fit (A7T12W7a) but the shipping on these things is pretty much running $150 to $200 unless I get it shipped to the local store and pick it up. Target has a 12,000 listed online now at $269 also from Feders. It's not energy star, but it's pretty close to that and it fits. Am checking to see if our "guy" will agree to go pick it up and haul it up our steps and install it for us.

[edit] Joe, our handyman, says (or rather, his wife says) it'll be a couple of weeks, she will check with him to see how much he will charge us, and that if shipping is like $150 it'd be cheaper for Joe to just go pick it up at the store for us. Several of the places will ship to their local stores at no cost. She also said that Home Depot stores have stuff in the actual store that is not shown online, so we should go to the store and see what they have. Joe has picked up stuff from HD for us when he redid our plumbing, so we know it's doable (I SO hate Home Depot. We practically lived in there when we were fixing this place up!)


Do you have any idea which is more reliable, Frigidare or Fedders?

Say "HI" back ta Iaian.

Thanks!



Last edited by Nan on 01 May 2008, 2:10 pm, edited 3 times in total.

Nan
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01 May 2008, 1:41 pm

krex wrote:
Nan...I am useless at helping you with finding the best air-conditioner but wanted to mention a couple of things.

My bf has MS and belongs to the National MS society. Because of the MS..he is very heat sensitive and it can trigger exasterbations as well as just making him miserable. The MS society not only paid for him to get an air conditioner but helped with all the details. I was wondering if there was such an orginization for your daughters illness? I know it is rare and I thought there was an umbrela group that helped people with "rare diseases". If there is, I don't know who they are. Whatever she has is so rare they don't have a name for it. I was thinking of approaching the Ectodermal Dysplasia people, as they have forms of that condition where the kids can's sweat. Couldn't hurt to try.

I also think, given your daughters condition...an air conditioner should fall under "medical expenses". I think a good tax lawyer should be able to help you with the details...might need a DR's note and keep receipts of all expenses. This isn't a comfort item for her but a live saving device...why doesn't medical insurence cover it...(I know the answer but I still think they should). Your rental place sucks if they prioritize someones discomfort at seeing a hose,etc over your daughters life... :evil: Why are humans so insane and neurotic and how did that become the "norm"? It's not like we're upscale or anything, either. We're a working-class neighborhood, and there are two vacant units (repos) in my building now, so it's not like we're trying to impress anyone. I can use my medical savings account (pre-tax dollars) to pay for the unit. Other than that, we are on a HMO and they don't pay for diddly.


Handymen....do you have one you really trust? I'm not sure of the cost of joining Craigs list...but it might be worth it. Someone who puts one in wrong will cost you money in energy and if not installed so it drains properly, the whole unit can freeze up. So buyer beware...few handymen who pay for damaging a poorly installed unit and the legal cost to go after them.... :cry: . If you pay electrical...it might be worth paying more for a unit that is energy effecient rather then the "cheapist", given current energy prices. I know you plan on leaving eventually and you should be able to bring the unit with you. I've got a really good guy, I'm about to call him. I think with what DeaconB and some other folks have sent, I may have found some units that should work and that will bring it all in for under $700. Now hope Uncle Sugar sends me a fat check... Thanks!


Hope something in that rambel helped.



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01 May 2008, 2:16 pm

I do NOT believe this!! !! !

I just got a bonus as they'd heard I was approached for that other job and they'd like me to stay here. 8O


Timing does NOT work like this for me. Am waiting for the other cosmic shoe to drop. And going to Home Depot tonight and getting the best A/C I can buy before it does.

Will make a donation to Modest Needs to thank the great beyond for the windfall.

8O 8O

I wonder what's next? Plague? Fire (noooo, do NOT go there)? Dead car? There's always a catch.



Last edited by Nan on 01 May 2008, 2:33 pm, edited 1 time in total.

lau
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01 May 2008, 2:32 pm

Nope, Nan. No catch, this time. I have cast the runes, read the entrails, looked at the stars and put in a good word for you with the people that matter.


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Nan
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01 May 2008, 2:33 pm

lau wrote:
Nope, Nan. No catch, this time. I have cast the runes, read the entrails, looked at the stars and put in a good word for you with the people that matter.


Any chance you know Daniel Day Lewis? :wink: :wink:



richie
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01 May 2008, 4:35 pm

Where are you going to post P5k? Here or the Random forum? Either way I have my spam-dancers ready.....
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sinsboldly
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01 May 2008, 5:07 pm

HAPPY MAY DAY!
Image

Self Portrait

and love to all my wonderful friends on WrongPlanet.net
my life has changed for the better and I will never again be alone
and that is worth everything it takes to live another day.

I am humbled by your Aspie (and non-Aspie, Robyn) LUV!!

Merle


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richie
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01 May 2008, 5:35 pm

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C :P ngrats!! !Image
Happy 5000!! !!

ImageImageImageImage
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krex
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01 May 2008, 5:39 pm

I am happy that you chose the diner to post your 5000 :D


Nan...take the money and run. That is such awesome news. It kind of makes the whole religious concept that "God" makes bad things happen so we can appreciate the good all the more...make a little bit of sense.(even if I still don't think it's true) OK God, I get it...you can knock it off now and I promise to appreciate.


My word for the day...denizens...as in the grand denizens of this cafe. I was just wondering (while I was looking up info about minerals in MN and rock hounded info.....(when I should be looking for a new job or a million other productive things)

How do you deal with your obsessions? Before I learned about AS...I called these my "addictions" and thought they were examples of my evil tendency to avoid things that I would rather not do...so I tried really hard to repress them, with some(limited) success. I tried to make a deal with myself to only be obsessed with things that were "good for me"...like my biking or yoga OR things that could eventually make some money and make me less reliaent on a "real job". Be practicle. I allowed my self a few "slips" with my compulsive reading, sudokus, crosswords...but would eventually get back on track..practicle. I chose jobs where I could get paid and still be able to do these things(pretty sneaky of me, no?). Working over nights was a godsend.

Now I find that I am spoiled by this...I don't want to work day hours and give up my over night free time...but that really limits the kind of work I can do. Most of it is dead end and all the things I have found(social service types) also require working with people I don't really like(staff not clients) or violent unpredictable clients...or noisy over crowded dogs or working mornings or driving or says must multi-task or have special training...or pays dirt and most jobs have several of those "draw backs". Other people seem to except that they are going to be miserable and stressed at their work(that's why they pay us, right?)

I'm mind stuck. I don't know what I want to be if I grow up.

I don't know if I'm looking for advice or just need to whine but I was wondering how you all manage to balance your interests with working full time. It kind of feels like people who are on a diet but still has to be around food, (unlike alhohol, that I could mostly avoid).

Whine over. How do you handle balancing real life and obsessions?


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krex
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01 May 2008, 5:42 pm

Richie...I like letting my eyes go out of focus and watching those mini Michele Jacksons...cool.


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