All Forum Posts by: Charles Goetz

$1500 sounds like a lot for that. Duct cleaning companies generally quote by the vent so you could call and get prices. A/C companies may not, but I'd still call a few.

As others have said, a lot of gross stuff grows in the coils and drain pan. The condensation line also grows a bunch of algae and junk as well. All this plus dirty ducts could cause odor.

This may be a reach, but I have seen where the condensation line was plumbed directly into a plumbing vent stack to drain. There was no trap installed like under the sinks, so when the unit came on it sucked up sewer gas into the cooled air.

This is just an idea, but I would put up a simple patio cover with cedar posts and a top of metal or lattice material.  It looks like from the photo that there is some type of walkway or path. You could add some border of rocks or metal edging and use crushed granite for the walk. Pea gravel or rocks can get messy.

I don't know much about the climate in Omaha, but I would use some type of slow growing, low maintenance ground cover or shrubs. This picture was taken in North Texas, but I'm sure there is some type of shade tolerant ornamental grass or shrub. I personally would stay away from ivy or climbing ground cover. It will look nice for a while, but be a pain to maintain later.

I would also divert that downspout away from the path somehow. Either by using an underground pipe or at the least, installing a flexible diverter to direct the water away.

It looks like a muddy mess now, but there is a ton of potential. 

Those who try to do something and fail are infinitely better than those who try to do nothing and succeed- Richard Bird

Go out on a limb. That's where the fruit is.- Will Rodgers