Air & Water - Heating, Cooling, Purification, and More!

Electric Heaters Keep You Warm All Winter Long!

2009-11-20T17:08:00.000-08:00

We all know that most people prefer electric heaters because they are easy to use and energy-efficient. However, there are actually many different types of electric heaters to choose from, and if you choose the wrong one, you can actually end up wasting more energy than you intend to!

Space heaters are great for supplemental heating in smaller areas such as bedrooms and small offices. They don't cost very much to purchase, and they use very little energy compared to larger or central heating systems. Many space heaters can effectively spot heat, or heat certain people or objects right in front of them. Electric wall heaters are also great for saving space and heating smaller areas. For offices, there are also heaters that you can use under your desk. These heaters include feet mats that are perfect for cold, rainy days. For more information about the different styles of space heaters, take a look at the post from two weeks ago.

Infrared heaters are one of the best ways to save energy and money during the colder months. They warm objects and people, not the air - therefore, you don't have to spend money paying for wasted warmth. However, because most infrared heaters emit a faint red light, they may not be suitable for use in bedrooms at night. These heaters are great for your health, as well! They promote blood circulation and healing, making you feel refreshed after every use.

Baseboard heaters use convection (heating without the use of a fan) to remove the cold air from your room. They can be mounted, or you can just set them on the floor (make sure to clear the airflow intake path to prevent energy waste). These heaters are extremely easy to maintain because they only require minor cleaning that involves removing dust from the grill. They are also very quiet and safe to use.

Garage heaters are great for heating up areas that central heating systems don't cover, such as garages and workshop areas. They are excellent spot heaters and are able to provide high output heat and large blasts of warm air. Garage heaters have the ability to warm areas from 150 to 560 square feet, depending on the size and model that you purchase. These heaters, like baseboard heaters, can also be mounted or just placed on the floor.

Get Rid of Dry Air with a Humidifier!

2009-11-12T13:07:00.000-08:00

Dry air is extremely common during the cold winter months. As a result of low humidity, you can experience dry eyes, dry skin, chapped lips, respiratory problems, and even a scratchy throat. Additionally, dry air damages electronics and cracks paint and furniture. To prevent (or solve) these health and furnishing problems, you should use a humidifier. These convenient units add moisture into your air for additional comfort by emitting water vapor or mist into the air. There are two main types of humidifiers:

Warm mist humidifiers like the Coway MHS-E5010X produce warm mist by heating water in the tank, significantly reducing bacteria growth. The warm steam adds moisture into your air and is extremely effective in particularly cool, dry areas. However, because these units can become quite hot to the touch, they should not be used around small children.

Cool mist humidifiers like the Essick Air 697500 produce cool mist without using as much energy as warm mist humidifiers. They cover larger areas: the Air King 9929 can maintain a comfortable humidity level in areas up to 3200 square feet! These units are definitely safer to use than warm mist humidifiers, but they are actually much more noisy and they need to have their filters changed often.

Some humidifiers also come as additional features on other types of appliances. For instance, the Sharp KC-C150U is an air purifier and humidifier! This unit is great for those who have breathing problems such as asthma or allergies because it can remove the allergens from your air while providing extra moisture. The Soleus HC4-15-20, on the other hand, is a heater and humidifier in one! This convenient space heater is perfect for the winter months because it will keep you warm and comfortable at all times by providing heat and moisture.

If you need more help when deciding which humidifier to pick, take a look at this informative humidifier buying guide!

The Many Different Types of Space Heaters

2009-11-06T13:34:00.000-08:00

There are many choices when it comes to efficient heating: space vs. garage heaters, electric vs. fuel heaters, and so on. Even when you choose to use an electric space heater, you are forced to choose between the different types of space heaters. Here's a run down of the 5 different types you can choose from:

Fireplace heaters: These heaters are the next best type of warmth for those of you who want the beauty and aesthetics of a real wood-burning fireplace without having to worry about the mess it makes. They use 90% less energy than fuel heaters, and they only cost a few cents per hour to operate! To read more about fireplace heaters, take a look at one of our previous posts.
Reflective or radiant heaters: These heaters only heat objects and people right in front of them, so they don't waste any energy when keeping you warm. Units like the NewAir AH-320E produce warmth that replicates the sun's rays for healthy heating!
Oil-filled heaters: These radiator heaters heat up a reservoir of oil to keep you feeling warm in the coldest of winters. The oil never needs to be replaced or refilled, so maintanence is a breeze! Radiator heaters like the NewAir AH-450 space heater are excellent spot heaters that keep objects and people around them warm and comfortable.
Ceramic heaters: This type of space heater is the most popular because a ceramic heater always stays cool and provides focused heating on areas that need it the most. Units like the Honeywell HZ-315 operate quietly and efficiently to bring warmth into areas with an insufficient heat source.
Micathermic heaters: These heaters combine radiant and convection heating to provide safe heat. Micathermic heaters prevent energy loss by warming up almost immediately. Units like the Soleus HM2-15R-32 don't overheat easily while providing instantaneous warmth.

Air & Water's Twitter Contest!

2009-11-02T13:26:00.000-08:00

Air & Water is giving away 4 Lasko 754200 portable electric space heaters! This heater eliminates the winter chill. It only weighs 4 pounds which makes it ideal for use any place it is needed such as homes and offices. Features on this heater include 3 selectable settings and an adjustable thermostat.

For your chance to win one of the 4 heaters, follow @airnwater and tweet Air-N-Water.com on Twitter by November 30, 2009. Open to the continental United States (excludes Hawaii and Alaska).

Electric vs. Fuel Heaters

2009-10-30T16:42:00.000-07:00

When purchasing a heater, is it rather difficult to decide which features are the most important. One of the most common questions surrounding heaters is the one concerning the different types of heaters: heaters that run on electricity and heaters that run on fuel. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages:

Electric heaters:

are much less expensive.
are easy to maintain.
don’t emit pollutants or chemicals into the air.
can be costly when used very often.
have all passed rigid safety tests.
feature many different safety features, including tip-over safety switches and overheat shut-off features.
usually have lower surface temperatures.
are relatively silent.
can feature fans to speed up airflow.

Propane heaters:

are perfect for instantaneous heat in large, well-ventilated areas.
operate efficiently by using combustion to directly heat areas.
don’t waste energy “heating up.”
provide much more heat than electric heaters.
are much more cost-effective for larger areas such as warehouses and construction sites.
are not suitable for areas that are closed off, as they may emit carbon monoxide.

If you are still having a difficult time deciding which type of heater to use, you can even settle for the middle ground: kerosene heaters. These heaters run on fuel as well as electricity. They burn cleaner than propane heaters and warm more area than electric heaters. Kerosene heaters, like those that run on propane, should be used in well-ventilated areas such as patios and backyards, as they also emit carbon monoxide.

Stay Warm in the Office with an Under-Desk Heater!

2009-10-23T16:43:00.000-07:00

Nowadays, many Americans spend most of their time at work, in their respective offices. Unfortunately, the temperature is one thing that most people can’t control at work. When the office feels too cold, all you can do is rub your hands and feet or put on a thin jacket. Instead of having a hard time maintaining a comfortable temperature, you should try to use low-wattage under-desk space heater! These units don’t take up a lot of space, use very little energy, and keep you warm throughout the day!

One of the best ways to stay warm is to keep your feet warm, as we see with people who put on a pair of socks to warm up. Personal space and feet heaters such as the FW insulated heat mat by Indus Tool keep your feet warm, and the heat then travels up to the rest of your body. This heating mat can also help you dry your socks and shoes on rainy or snowy days with its ability to warm up to 130 degrees! Best of all, the FW insulated heat mat weighs a mere 6 pounds and uses less than 120 watts of energy!

The SoleAire personal foot heater from Vornado is one of the most trusted of feet heaters - and coolers -in the heating market. This personal space heater offers surface bumps on the tops and sides of the unit for a passive foot massage that even promotes better posture! Only consuming a maximum of 225, the SoleAire can be used year-round with its fan-only function, so you don't have to worry about the hot office days, either!

If you have a little bit more room, you can try to use the AH-400 NewAir space heater to stay warm. This personal heater offers adjustable temperature control as well as an overheat protection feature for optimum heating efficiency. This space heater uses oil-filled radiator heating technology, which means that the oil in the sealed reservoir is warmed and never needs to be replaced. You can use this heater in your office for years!

Don't let the office temperature affect the way you work - use an under-desk space heater to stay focused and awake no matter how cold it is around you!

Save Money with Tankless Water Heaters!

2009-10-15T16:28:00.000-07:00

When cold weather comes along, the use of hot water dramatically increases, which may actually cost you a lot of money. Standard storage water heaters are most typically used in households, but they waste a lot of energy because they switch to "stand-by" mode when hot water is not in use. Once you turn on the water heater, it has to warm up, which can also take away a lot of your precious time. A tankless water heater is the perfect solution for those who want to enjoy hot water and to save money while doing so.

Tankless water heaters, which are also called instantaneous or demand water heaters, are becoming extremely popular these days because of their efficiency. Cold water travels through a pipe into the water heater and is then heated by an electric or a gas-fired element. As a result, hot water is instantaneous, and you don't need to waste your time waiting for the water to warm up. These units are so popular that now even the U.S. Department of Energy recommends the use of tankless water heaters!

A unit like the Stiebel Eltron DHC-E-10 tankless electric water heater is perfect for homes and even RVs, boats, and cabins! This unit is ideal for smaller homes and apartments, and they're safe and easy to use. The DHC-E-10 doesn't let the hot water pass a temperature of 125 degrees Fahrenheit, so you won't get scalded or burned when trying to use your hot water!

For larger homes, the Tempra-24 from Stiebel Eltron can deliver hot water with no frills or heavy installation costs. This tankless water heater features a smart microprocessor that constantly monitors the water's temperature to prevent scalding. Additionally, the water heater offers an easy-to-use control dial that lets you adjust the water to the temperature you desire! The Tempra-24 is great for homes with up to 3 bathrooms, or even for commercial and industrial areas that don't use a heated water tank!

Use a Stiebel Eltron tankless water heater today to maximize efficiency and simultaneously minimize bill-paying!

Tips for Efficient Heating

2009-10-07T14:24:00.000-07:00

Contrary to popular belief, it is actually very easy to save energy and money during seasonal months. Now that winter is nearing, you may be worried about your bills taking a big chunk out of your wallet. You can stop worrying because you can actually keep your bills low and your home warm in many different ways with little to no hassle!

1. Keep your curtains open during the day and closed during the night. Keeping your curtains open during the day let the sun's rays warm up your home without costing you a single penny! At night, you'll want to keep the shades closed to reduce heat loss and to keep the heat trapped inside your home.

2. Use a programmable thermostat to maintain the temperature in your home. Thermostats like the Honeywell TH8321 help you control the temperature depending on how often you're home. By setting the temperature a little lower when you're not home, you can easily save money and energy. Studies show that you can save up to 33% on your bills by reducing the temperature by a mere 3 degrees!

3. Use a tankless water heater like the Stiebel Eltron DHC 5-2 to boil water instead of a water heater that features a tank. Tankless water heaters use less energy because they keep the water at a constant heated temperature and they use up to 50% less power! If you have a larger home, the Tempra-36 by Stiebel Eltron can easily provide hot water for a home with up to 4 bedrooms! Also, though most tankless water heaters can reach up to 140 degrees, it is wise to keep yours at about 120. This prevents scalding as well!

4. If your central heating just isn't cutting it for you, use an electric space heater instead of turning up your heating unit. Setting the thermostat to a higher temperature won't warm up your home any faster; it will only make you pay more money.

5. If you're looking for an efficient yet decorative way to keep your home warm, you might consider electric fireplaces such as the NewAir AH-510E and the DeLonghi SFG1031. These beautiful, realistic fireplaces make your living room look and feel warm and comfortable. Refer back to this post if you want to find out more information about electric fireplace heaters!

Overall, it is rather simple to keep heating costs down and heating effectiveness up. With these tips and tricks, you'll be keeping your home warm while paying a lot less!

The Benefits of Using a Fireplace Heater

2009-10-02T14:44:00.000-07:00

NewAir, DeLonghi, Muskoka, and now even Dimplex are all carrying the next-best alternative to a real fireplace - an electric fireplace heater! These beautiful units surprise everyone by providing a warm surge of heat and adding an extra touch of class to your home without the mess of a real fireplace! Here are some reasons why electric fireplace heaters are one of the most popular choices when it comes to heating homes:

These units are extremely safe and easy to use. Because, of course, they are not real fireplaces, electric fireplace heaters do not feature the mess that comes with using an authentic fireplace. There are no combustion or carbon monoxide emissions and - best of all - there is no smoke or ashes, making them perfect for those with asthma and sensitive noses. These heaters also use 90% less energy than gas and still manage to produce incredibly realistic flames. The heat comes out from the bottom of the unit and the glass doors are cool to the touch, meaning that curious hands won't accidentally get burnt or harmed! Units like the Dimplex DS5629 and the NewAir AH-500 are fully assembled the moment they arrive at your front door. You just have to plug them into any standard household outlet to feel immediate warmth!

Electric fireplace heaters save you money. All of the compact stove heaters from Dimplex only cost $0.03 an hour to operate without heat. This option can be a great asset for those who only want to see the realistic flames during the warmer seasons without turning on the heat. When the weather outside is colder, you can turn on the heat for only $0.05 more. Not only are you saving energy and helping the environment, but you also save money for yourself!

If you have a fireplace that is ineffectual or too compact, your best bet would be an electric fireplace insert like the Dimplex DFI2309. This insert fits right into fireplaces that run from about 10 to 15 inches deep!

Some of the electric fireplace heaters even have amazing, extremely advanced features. The GEF28WCDO fireplace heater from Muskoka features a cleverly concealed built-in wine cooler to store wines and other items! The GEF282ABL offers an integrated audio system with the fireplace to keep your home feeling comfortable and peaceful at all times!

Purchase an electric fireplace heater today and see what you've been missing out on!

Get Ready for the Cold Weather!

2009-09-15T06:56:00.001-07:00

Summer is coming to an end (fall 2009 begins a week from today!); over the next few months the weather is just going to get colder. Of course, with winter months comes the need for a heater. Like everything else, there are so many different types of heaters. How do you know which one to choose?

By Area
People usually buy their heating or cooling devices depending on how much area it covers. There are space heaters, which are for personal spaces and small rooms. The Vornado SoleAir is an example for a personal space heater: this unit keeps your body warm by heating up only your feet! Other Vornado heaters use vortex action technology to blend hold and cold air to maintain a comfortable, warm temperature.

Larger rooms usually use garage heaters because they can heat more space. With 19,000 BTUs, the QMark BRH562 easily warms up large areas in a short amount of time. Infrared heaters warm people and objects without affecting the air quality and temperature. Infrared units like the HGW-308R wall mounted micathermic heater by Soleus save energy and operate silently to provide maximum comfort.

By Design
Buying appliances for your home sometimes requires you to be picky. After all, you wouldn't want something hideous standing next to your wall for everyone to see. Some heaters are designed with specific aesthetic qualities to provide optimum heat and unique designs. Electric fireplace heaters are extremely popular when it comes to aesthetics. Dimplex, DeLonghi and NewAir provide electric stoves that look like real fireplaces but don't come with the terrible mess or smell of a real wood-burning fireplace. Deco Heat heaters are also very popular. Like the Deco Breeze fans, the Deco Heat heaters look great and operate with a lot less energy than most heaters. For example, the Deco Heat DHH0386 oscillating space heater has a beautiful mahogany finish, and it warms the room up almost instantly!

Introducing the NewAir AD-250 25 Pint Portable Room Dehumidifier!

2009-09-11T08:36:00.000-07:00

A common problem in homes located in humid areas around the country is excess moisture. Excess moisture in your home creates an environment that is hospitable to dust mites, mold, mildew and other allergens. These allergens can be dangerous to people’s health, especially people suffering from allergies and asthma. A great way to combat excess humidity is a dehumidifier. Luckily, NewAir has just announced the availability of the AD-250 25 pint portable room dehumidifier.

The NewAir AD-250 dehumidifier is specially designed to be used in smaller rooms such as bedrooms, offices and personal spaces. It is quiet enough to be used while you sleep and compact enough to fit in most places it is needed. This portable dehumidifier also features low temperature operation with automatic defrost. This means that it can be used in temperatures as low as 41 degrees Fahrenheit. This operating temperature is lower than other models in the AD-250’s size and price range.

Other standout features include:

- A convenient, built-in carrying handle for easy transport.
- An LED user interface that makes operation easy.
- A continuous drainage port so that you don’t have to empty the storage tank regularly.
- A washable air filter to filter large particles out of the air.
- An automatic shut-off feature that turns the AD-250 off if the water tank is full.
- This dehumidifier is ETL listed to ensure your safety.
- A one year manufacturer’s warranty in case of defects or malfunctions.
- A full tank indicator light that tells you when to empty the reservoir.

Reducing the amount of moisture in your home not only protects your health. Lowering elevated moisture levels makes the environment in your home more comfortable. It also reduces odors, prevents furniture damage and improves your overall quality of life.

Compact Refrigerators Save You Space

2009-09-08T14:16:00.000-07:00

September is usually the month when students go back to school. Getting a compact refrigerator is oftentimes crucial for college students who spend most of their time studying and partying. Compact refrigerators are convenient and can help students eat healthier foods compared to the usual ramen or cup noodles. These smaller-sized refrigerators are also useful for people with small apartments or offices who don't have any extra room.

The Sunpentown RF-320W white compact refrigerator is a popular choice when it comes to apartments and college dorms. This compact refrigerator stands only 34 inches tall and features a separate compartment for a freezer! The wire shelves can slide out for convenience, and the freezer can actually reach an amazing 0° F! What makes this compact refrigerator stand out the most, of course, is the fact that it costs approximately $29 per year to operate. For those who have to pay a lot in electricity bills, this is a huge relief.

Some ice makers can also be used as compact refrigerators; these are a lot smaller and more compact. The NewAir AI-200SS portable ice maker is a great compact refrigerator that is only 16 inches long and 14 inches wide! Not only does this unit make ice, but it is also cold enough to function as a refrigerator. Unfortunately, this ice maker is not an ice freezer, so it can't store anything frozen for a long period of time.

Another compact refrigerator that can fit in small spaces is the extremely compact Sunpentown RF-400W refrigerator. This compact refrigerator, like the RF-320W, features a freezer and a refrigerator. However, this refrigerator features a little bit more cubic space (it has 4 cubic feet of space) for those who need a little more room. This compact refrigerator also comes with slide-out wire shelves, a transparent vegetable drawer with glass shelf, an ice cube tray and a can dispenser and tall bottle rack on the door! With an adjustable thermostat, you can even configure how cold you want the refrigerator to be. The RF-400W only costs about $31 per year and uses less than 1,000 watts per day!

If your home or office is running out of room, start using a compact refrigerator to save yourself some space, money and energy!

Only You Can Prevent Poor Air Quality from Wildfires

2009-09-01T13:18:00.000-07:00

Those of us in Southern California know that hot, humid weather is usually correlated with dangerous wildfires. Of course, California isn't the only state facing large wildfires. Today, September 1, 2009, the National Interagency Fire Center reports that there are large wildfires in Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Oregon, Texas, Utah and Washington. Even though wildfires have been reported in eight states, the ash and smoke affect more than just the residents of those states. Any kind of smoke is detrimental to your indoor environment, not to mention your health. Smoke and ash often cause runny noses and breathing problems, which can lead to more serious, chronic conditions such as cancer and emphysema. Prevent these wildfires from affecting your lungs by using an air purifier!

The best air purifiers to combat smoke are the purifiers that use activated carbon filters. Carbon filters absorb unwanted odors, tastes, volatile organic compounds (VOC), smoke, gases and chemicals like a sponge and help keep your air clean. There are actually many air purifiers that feature activated carbon filters, such as the Airpura T600 air cleaner. This air purifier has a 26-pound activated carbon filter that is designed specifically for capturing smoke particles. Some air purifiers contain different blends of carbon to capture stronger chemicals and heavier smoke. The Austin Air HealthMate Plus air purifier features a carbon filter that is mixed with zeolite and potassium iodide. This specific air cleaner covers a wide range of chemicals and gases, while protecting your thyroid gland and producing medical-grade oxygen for you to breathe.

HEPA air purifiers are extremely helpful when it comes to eliminating smaller particles, such as dust and ash. True HEPA (High Efficiency Particle Air) filters can capture up to 99.97% of particles that are 0.3 microns or smaller. The AllerAir 5000 Exec air purifier is an extremely powerful HEPA purifier that can remove ash with its HEPA filter and destroy smoke particles with its Mac-B activated carbon filter. The HealthPro Plus air purifier by IQAir is also a great unit when it comes to fighting against airborne particles. These air cleaners feature 5 pounds of activated carbon pellets and aluminum impregnated with potassium permanganate as the gas media filter in addition to an all-powerful HyperHEPA filter that eliminates very fine particles, such as ash and combustion particles.

Don't hesitate when it comes to your health; use an air purifier to keep your home - and your lungs - free of highly dangerous wildfire smoke and ash!

Saving Money with Dehumidifiers

2009-08-25T13:01:00.000-07:00

High humidity levels are problematic to many people, especially in the United States. Research shows that humidity levels in homes should stay at about 30-50% during the summer and 30-40% during the winter for a more comfortable feel. If your home feels like Las Vegas in the summer, you should use a dehumidifier to reduce the humidity levels.

Mold and fungus are common features of areas that have high humidity levels. When left to grow, mold and fungus can become toxic and decrease the quality of your indoor air. Many may find that allergies, wall stains and musty odors are prominent problems that result from high humidity levels. Long term affects of high humidity levels not only include permanent home and furnishing damages, but also chronic illnesses and health problems. Dehumidifiers like the NewAir ADS-600 mini dehumidifier can help reduce the amount of mold in your home as well as relieve your allergy symptoms.

There are only a few important factors to consider when choosing a dehumidifier. Depending on how large and how humid your home is, you need to determine how many pints of moisture your dehumidifier should carry. However, a fact to consider is that larger dehumidifiers can dehumidify smaller areas faster. For more help on how to determine the size you need, refer to a dehumidifier buying guide. Another factor to consider is a built-in humidistat. If you want to be able to adjust different humidity levels, you need a dehumidifier with a built-in humidistat, like the NewAir AD-400. With the AD-400, you can adjust the humidity level to any percentage from 40-80%! If you live in an area with colder temperatures and just want to decrease the condensation in your home, try to find a dehumidifier with automatic defrost, such as the Soleus CFM 25 dehumidifier. This will save you from having to wipe your mirrors and windows constantly! For removing excess moisture in small spaces such as closets or bathrooms, take a look at the NewAir ADS-300! At only 2 pounds, this dehumidifier is just right for musty, tight places.

Dehumidifiers can easily save you money - once you use one, you'll realize that the moisture has been tricking you into using the air conditioner more often. See just how comfortable your home can really be by using a dehumidifier today!

Let's Get Portable!

2009-08-18T21:58:00.000-07:00

In this hot summer heat, no doubt you have been drinking many iced beverages to stay cool. Were you constantly stuck standing next to the freezer, waiting for ice to harden? Or did you just end up driving to the nearest liquor store to buy a bag of ice? Instead of waiting hours to make ice, have it ready in as little as 6 minutes with a portable ice maker! These incredible machines save you time and money by easily producing up to 12 cubes of ice in as little as half a dozen minutes. You can even choose the size of the ice your ice maker produces!

In addition to these wonderful features, portable ice makers are extremely convenient. They are, like their name suggests, portable. Many families often bring their portable ice makers with them when they go out camping or even on vacation! Others enjoy taking their portable ice makers to parties and barbeques to save themselves time and money. Weighing a mere 31 to 53 pounds, portable ice makers like the NewAir AI-100BK can be easily brought from party to party with almost no hassle!

Ice makers like the NewAir AI-210SS can produce up to 35 pounds of ice per day, which is approximately the equivalent of three-and-a-half bags of ice from the grocery store! By simply pouring water into the reservoir, you can keep ice coming the entire day. That way, you don't have to waste time waiting for more ice to come out of the freezer! Portable ice makers are made of stainless steel, so one unit will be well worth your money and last you years and years.

Don't forget to keep your party cool with a portable ice maker!

Air & Water's Cool Concoctions Contest

2009-08-12T13:22:00.000-07:00

There are a lot of people who enjoy drinking wine, but there are a bunch of other concoctions that will wet a whistle and we want to hear about them!

Personally, I enjoy a variety of different cocktails. Here are a couple of my favorites and how to make them:

Frozen Grasshopper

1/2 ounce White Creme de Cacao

1/2 ounce Creme de Menthe

1 scoop vanilla ice cream

1-1/2 ounces milk

After you have gathered all of the ingredients, you simply blend until smooth and enjoy!

Cape Cod

Nothing could be more simple!

1-1/2 ounces vodka

5 ounces cranberry juice

After ingredients are gathered, add together and stir. If desired, garnish with a wedge of lime.

Don't those sound delicious?

The Contest

Enter the Air & Water Cool Concoctions Contest and tell us your favorite cocktail!

Simply-

1. Write a blog entry.
2. Describe your favorite cocktail.
3. Copy and paste a simple code.

After we receive a link to your blog you'll receive a free fan!

At the end of the contest (8/31/09) we'll pick one winner who'll receive a new wine cooler!

Good luck!

All About Wine Coolers

2009-08-11T12:37:00.000-07:00

For years, people have used wine coolers to keep their wine at the correct serving temperature and to add decor to their home. Others use refrigerators to store their wine; however, they don't understand that wine must be kept at a certain temperature constantly. The temperature in refrigerators vary, so it may be possible that the wine isn't cool enough. Furthermore, many people don't know that red and white wines should be stored in different temperatures. Red wines are recommended to be stored at 55-60°F, and white wines are recommended to be stored at 49-56°F. Here are some facts that can help you determine which wine cooler is best for you.

If you only need a temporary wine cooler for one bottle, the Vinotemp VT-Chiller-1 single bottle wine chiller/warmer is perfect. This can be used during a meal or a party to add a nice touch to your home or dining room.

Generally, it's a better idea to purchase a wine cooler that holds more bottles because you might end up needing more space than you think! If you're looking for a smaller wine cooler, the Sunpentown WC-28D would be a good choice. It holds up to 12 bottles and doesn't take up much room.

As mentioned before, red and white wines need to be stored in different temperatures. What if you're a collector of both? Well, the solution to your problem is a wine cooler like the NewAir AW-210ED. One of our best sellers, this wine cooler has dual temperature zones, meaning that it has two separate sections for you to store both your red wines and your white wines. It can hold up to 21 bottles, too, so it is perfect for all wine collectors!

If you are more serious about wine collecting, then you sould check out the larger wine cellars. Some wine coolers can hold up to 100 bottles, some up to 272 bottles, and some even up to 510 bottles!

Depending on how serious you are about collecting wine, there is a wine cooler out there for everyone!

Stay Cool Despite the Heatwave!

2009-08-03T10:03:00.000-07:00

As many of you may have heard, the temperatures in the Northwest hit an all time high last week. However, the two states most affected by the rising temperatures, Washington and Oregon, are not new to this type of sudden temperature increase. There have been random heatwaves that have affected the states for longer periods of time, such as the blazing heatwave of 1981, which left the Portland International Airport in Oregon an incredible 107° F record high. Yet the city of Medford, OR, was able to beat that record as it reached a staggering 108° F on Tuesday! As a result of this extreme heat, cooling centers have been opened all over both states to help bring citizens relief from the excruciating hot weather.

For those of you who prefer to cool off at home, here are some tips on how to stay cool this summer:

Keep your curtains closed when you're out of the house!
Avoid alcohol! It doesn't cool your body; in fact, alcohol dehydrates your body.
Use a portable air conditioner or a swamp cooler instead of your normal air conditioning unit. This saves you a lot more energy and even more money! Some of these units can even be used as a heater, so you can use them year round.
Wear clothes made of cotton! Heat is retained in synthetic material.
Stay in your basement (if you have one) during the afternoon. They are usually 10° to 15° cooler than the rest of your house!
Use a dehumidifier to control your humidity levels! Not only will it make your air less humid, but it will also help you breathe in cleaner, healthier air.
Use a fan to cool down if you're not at home often! This will bring down your utility costs and help save you money.
Eat smaller meals throughout the day, and avoid protein as much as you can. Protein increases metabolic heat in your body!
Don't take cold showers! Your body generates more heat afterwards to make up for the loss of heat.

We're On Yelp!

2009-08-03T07:40:00.000-07:00

Hey Air-N-Water fans!

We're on Yelp: http://www.yelp.com/biz/air-and-water-inc-santa-ana-5

If you're a fellow Yelper, please review us!

Air & Water's Pet Pic Summer Contest!

2009-07-10T09:35:00.000-07:00

What's that? You wanted another opportunity for a free fan and a chance to win a free NewAir AF-330 swamp cooler? Well, from now until 7/30/09 your wish is granted!

All you have to do to get your free Lakewood 1002 fan is:

- Write a blog entry titled "Pet Cooling" (excluding Myspace, Facebook or twitter blogs)

- Post up a picture of how your pet cools off (cute and creative pictures are a plus)

- Copy a simple code into your blog entry. If you need help, more detailed instructions are included on our contest page

- E-mail us at contest@air-n-water.com with a link to your blog and shipping information

- Wait for your free fan to come in the mail!

We will be posting your pictures on our contest page.

Also, at the end of the contest, every participant will be put into a drawing for a Free NewAir AF-330 Swamp Cooler!

To get you ready to think about pet cooling, here are a few tips to prevent heat stroke in dogs:

Don't Leave Your Pet in a Locked Car

It's common sense that leaving a pet in a locked car on a 100 degree day is very dangerous. Not many people know that seemingly mild days can also be a great danger to your pet. Remember, cars heat up fast, even when the windows are cracked.

Jogging

You may think that jogging during the summer with your dog is okay because they jog everyday and are in great shape, but your routine may need to be altered during the warmer months. Humans can alter the amount of clothing they wear and produce more sweat as temperatures rise. Dogs still have the same amount of hair and only sweat a small amount through their foot pads. It's better to jog during the early mornings or late evenings.

Housing

Does your dog stay outdoors for the most part? If so, doggie needs shade and fresh water access at all times. If you are living in a warm climate, it's good to hose your dog down often as well to provide extra cooling.

Signs of Heat Stroke

- A body temperature of 104-110 degrees – Excessive panting – Dark or bright red tongue and gums – Staggering – Stupor – Seizures – Bloody diarrhea – Vomiting – Coma – Death

Dogs with an Increased Risk of Heat Stroke

- Brachycephalic breeds (bulldogs and pugs)

- Large heavy-coated breeds

- Dogs with heart or respiratory problems

If You Suspect that Your Dog Has Heat Stroke

- Seek veterinary attention immediately

- Use cool water (not ice water) to cool pet

- Do not aid cooling below 103 degrees (it is possible for dogs to be too cool)

- Offer ice cubes for your dog to lick

- Even if your pet seems okay, still bring to the vet. Internal organs are affected by excess heat and a complex blood problem can be a secondary complication to heat stroke

Like Things Compact? Try the NewAir AF-310 Evaporative Tower Cooling Fan!

2009-06-30T11:14:00.001-07:00

The ‘80s seemed to be the decade of excess in America: big hair, big beats and big shoulder pads. During the ‘90s, society moved away from all things big little by little. Big hair seemed passé, stripped down music was in-vogue and slimmed-down lines graced the runways. The goal nowadays is to be as compact as possible. This goal is far reaching, spanning into almost every segment of society. I was making an introduction for a video series and asked my colleague for a critique. He liked the style but had one complaint: it was too long. Keep in mind that this introduction was a mere 20-25 seconds long. Some other examples of the obsession with compactness are:

News and Information: I was listening to the radio this morning and someone was mentioning how they like to use Wikipedia to gather information because, “everything is in one place.” Wikipedia converts a large amount of information into an easy-to-read summary. It is constantly being updated and is even split into clever subcategories on more complicated subjects. I’ve also noticed that morning, midday and evening newscasts are starting to cycle their news stories even more quickly than before. I’ll hear the same three to four news stories every 7-8 minutes. I guess they figure that the attention spans of their viewers are that short.

Technology: Have you ever seen that Saturday Night Live sketch that features Will Ferrell with a minuscule cell phone? It may have lost some of its comedic bite over the years because that really it the direction in which cell phones are moving. Apple’s iPods seem to be moving in that direction as well with the introduction of the iPod Shuffle, iPod Nano and iPod Mini. Oh, and a discussion of miniature gadgets would not be complete without a mention of the MacBook Air, the world’s thinnest and lightest laptop.

Social Networking: The whole social networking phenomenon really blew up with the widespread use of MySpace and Facebook. Both of these websites pare a whole person’s personality into a profile page. Micro-blogging recently gained popularity with Twitter as the front runner. It minimizes a person’s day-to-day experiences into a series of updates limited to 140 characters.

Body Image: There was a time not so long ago when celebrities with womanly curves such as Jennifer Lopez and Salma Hayek were celebrated. As of late, the trend of envied celebrity body-types lean toward paper-thin role models. For example Lindsay Lohan, an incredibly svelte starlet, is being forced to gain weight for her next movie role. Producers want her to look like a “normal, healthy girl.” This directly affects young women, influencing their opinions of what makes them attractive in society's eyes. As of this moment, the thinner, the better.

To abate the extreme hunger for compactness, NewAir has introduced the AF-310 Evaporative Tower Cooling Fan. This unit is incredibly compact, making it fit in perfectly with all of your other condensed and concise items. As well as being slim enough to operate from any area in your home, the NewAir AF-310 Evaporative Tower Cooling Fan also features a 4-in-1 design, a built-in ionizer, easy-to-use controls and oscillating louvers.

I hope this is not too long for this compact world!

Vacuum Cleaner Review: The Eureka 4870HZ Boss SmartVac Upright Vacuum Cleaner

2009-06-19T14:35:00.000-07:00

I recently discovered that I have allergies. I’ve probably had them for my entire life but I just figured out why I always seem to get sick around the fall and the spring. As a direct result of this discovery, I have decided that I need to vacuum way more often. I tend to let dust collect for a longer time than any other human being would deem adequate. This means my search for a powerful vacuum that also eliminates allergens is on. Here is my review of the best vacuum cleaner I've found for my needs.

Different vacuum cleaners have different sizes and shapes. As well as being shaped and sized differently, they are all suited for different specific tasks. Upright vacuums are especially adept at cleaning wall-to-wall carpeting and capture and hold more dirt and debris than canister vacuum cleaners. They are also outfitted with more powerful motors and can be set to use a beater head for carpets and static suction for bare floors. The Eureka 4870HZ Boss SmartVac Upright Vacuum Cleaner comes with a variety of specialized features that help you clean your home thoroughly. These advanced features include:

Easy Storage:

Cord retainer- For easy power cord storage.

Hose Retainers- The hose is incredibly easy to store.

Tool Storage- All of the tools can easily be stored on board. They can be accessed whenever needed.

Easy Maintenance:

Bag Cover Latch- Change the disposable dust bag with ease.

HEPA Filter Door Latch- Easy access to the HEPA filter so it can be changed if needed.

Easy Operation:

Handle Release- Pull the handle back as far as you need for a comfortable cleaning position.

Stair Handle- Cleaning stairs is simple with the convenient feature.

Brush Roll Control- The brushroll can be turned off or on at the flip of a switch so that you can clean bare floors or carpeting.

Headlight- Cleaning in dark crevices and corners is easily handled.

Carrying Handle- Portability is increased considerably by the convenient carrying handle.

Specialized Features:

Adjustable Height Setting- The cleaner height can be raised or lowered to correctly clean whatever type of floor surface. For effective cleaning, the brush roll must reach the carpet.

Thermal Cutoff- In case the vacuum cleaner ever overheats, this feature will automatically turn it off for your safety.

Turbo Nozzle- A power paw with riser visor eliminates dust, dirt and pet hair from upholstery backs and stair risers.

Sealed HEPA Filter- 99.97% of dust, allergens and pet dander are captured by this filtration system. All particulates are sealed inside of the vacuum cleaner, keeping your home allergen-free.

Comfortable Oval Handle- This vacuum is easily maneuvered and easy to clean with.

Suction Control Switch- For optimum power while cleaning, a suction control switch can direct suction power to the area you need it most: the hose or the floor.

Air & Water: Now on Video!

2009-06-11T10:24:00.000-07:00

According to Google, the number of streams per day on Google/YouTube is above 1 billion per day worldwide. This means that nearly everyone on the internet (on average) is watching one YouTube video per day. To acknowledge this trend, Air & Water has started releasing videos for your viewing pleasure.

The latest video we've released features reasons to purchase from Air & Water.

These include:

-A diverse selection of products including portable ice makers, portable air conditioners, heaters and vacuum cleaners.

-Excellent customer service including customer service specialists that are available via chat, e-mail or telephone. We also provide will call services to customers local to the Santa Ana, CA area.

-Informative product guides and unbiased product reviews are available on our websites to keep you completely informed about all of the products we offer.

The other videos we've posted include:

-Our recently concluded Summer Fan Contest. Congratulations Mark Ellis Harmon! Everyone who entered the contest received a free fan and Mark will be receiving a brand new NewAir AF-350 Swamp Cooler as our big winner.

-The NewAir AF-350 Portable Swamp Cooler: An inexpensive way to provide cooling when the weather heats up.

-The Dirt Devil 0105 Purpose for Pets Handheld Vacuum Review: A great vacuum cleaner for pet owners and allergy sufferers.

-A silent film about summer cooling: That's right. We've made a silent film that displays all the different products we offer to provide great cooling. As a result of popular demand, we've decided to shoot a silent film series. Look out for more silent films from Air & Water in the future.

Hopefully we can be one of the videos you view today!

The NewAir AC-10000E Portable Air Conditioner: My Biggest College Regret

2009-06-03T10:30:00.000-07:00

I really miss college. It was a time in my life where every minute and every task was leading up to a specific goal. The one thing that really cheesed me off when I left college, though, was all the things that were brought to my college after I graduated. For instance, a very convenient trolley that was inexpensive and carried students directly from the campus to the train station was opened about a month after I left college. Also, a state-of-the-art student center was opened the semester after I graduated. Any friends who were still attending my university were quick to tell me, "the center is awesome" and "too bad you already graduated." One of the other things that I did not have the pleasure of using while I was I college is the Amazon Kindle. If you are unfamiliar with the Kindle, it is a wireless reading device that can hold over 1,500 books. This would have been so helpful in college, considering I was a creative writing major and reading books was a significant portion of my academic program. I guess I can't really blame technology for improving, but is it my fault I was born a couple of years too early?

One innovation I really could have used in my college dorm or my college apartment is the NewAir AC-10000E Portable Air Conditioner. Portable air conditioners are great for smaller areas like dorm rooms or apartments because they offer quick, efficient cooling without sacrificing precious living space. Here are the features the NewAir AC-10000E offers that could have made my college years in a hot, dry climate a lot more comfortable:

Sleek Design: My dorm room wouldn't allow window air conditioners and sometimes my roommates and I couldn't agree on a standard apartment temperature. This portable ac would have kept my comfortable without breaking any rules or causing discomfort to others. It is also very light, making it easy to move from room to room.

Self Evaporative Technology: As a busy college student, I was too occupied with studying (or partying) to have to empty a water bucket. The AC-10000E features self-evaporative technology that removes collected moisture by evaporating it into the exhausted air.

Powerful Cooling: My whole dorm room and my entire room in my apartment would have been kept comfortably cool by the 10,000 verified BTUs of cooling power.

Built-In Timer: Money as well as time was tight back then, so the built-in 12 hour programmable timer that allowed you to set the length of operation would have been extremely beneficial. It saves time and reduces energy consumption.

Filters Indoor Air: Once I entered college I noticed that during the spring semester every year, my nose would start running, my eyes would start watering and my throat was extremely irritated. This was the beginning of my seasonal allergies. The NewAir AC-10000E portable air conditioner features a bonus air filter that removes airborne contaminants such as dust and dander which really helps allergy sufferers like me.

Great Value: I worked at the campus library for about 10 hours a week, so I was hardly raking in the dough. That would have been no problem because this unit is very affordable. It also saves you money because it can work as an air conditioner, dehumidifier, fan and air filter.

Air-N-Water.com's First Summer Contest!

2009-05-29T08:08:00.000-07:00

"We have a winner, believe it or not!"

That is a familiar phrase, heard by radio contest participants around the country once the lucky winner is determined. I've never been on the receiving end of these fortuitous words. I'm one of those people who would say, "I've never won anything before!" if I ever won something. Well, that's not completely true. I've caught the bouquet at a couple of weddings. That's like winning, I guess. You get a one way ticket to marital bliss according to tradition.

Air & Water, Inc is prepared to deem everyone a winner in their summer contest. All the people who dial their fingers down to a nub trying to win concert tickets, elbow bridesmaids or groomsmen out of their way to catch a bouquet or garter, or just don't even try anymore can stop worrying about when their day will come. It is here. It is now. It is time for free fans!

All you have to do to be a happy winner in the contest is:

- Have a blog or webpage.
- Write an entry called "Cool Sounds of Summer".
- List 3 songs that have the word "air" or "water" in the title.
- Provide a link to www.air-n-water.com.
- Send your name, shipping address and a link to your blog or webpage to contest@air-n-water.com.
- Wait for your free Lakewood 1002 Electric Fan ($15.99 value) to come in the mail!

That's not it, though.

At the conclusion of the contest, all of the entrant will be entered into a drawing for a Free NewAir AF-350 Swamp Cooler ($199.95 value).

Hurry, while supplies last. The contest ends on Friday 06/05/09 and quantities are limited to 150 free fans. You must be over 18 to enter. Contiguous United States residents only. One entry per household please. Unfortunately, we cannot ship to P.O. boxes.

We can't wait to compile our Cool Sounds of Summer playlist!