Portable Air Conditioner Blog

Efficient Cooling: There's No "I" in Team Greening

2009-05-14T10:52:00.000-07:00

The Team Greening Program, created by Major League Baseball and the National Resources Defense Council has been in development for two years. The National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) is a national non-profit organization of scientists, lawyers and environmental specialists dedicated to protecting public health and the environment. It was founded in 1970 and has 1.2 million members and online activists nationwide. This program supports and coordinates the many environmentally sensitive practices now pursued by practically every Major League Baseball Club. A customized guide that includes team specific steps has been given to each team so that they can implement new environmental practices that are right for their circumstances.

Some examples of the new environmental practices are:

-Promoting alternative transportation.
-Supporting renewable energy.
-Offering organic foods.
-Utilizing post-consumer recycled.
-Implementing stronger recycling programs.

During Earth Day 2009, the MLB took a green approach. The Seattle Mariners have celebrated Earth Day for several years because during a September 1969 in Seattle, April 22 was proposed as Earth Day by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin. In 2008, there was a Carbon Neutral Day, where the Mariners sought to offset the carbon dioxide pollution generated staging the game. This year, the Mariners introduced the Zero Waste Initiative, in which they strived to reduce to an absolute minimum the amount of garbage going into the waste stream. They will do this by utilizing compost, pairing with Cedar Grove Composting, they will shift to almost all compostable food service items including plates, bowls, utensils, hot dog boats and straws.

To help you be green, here are the NRDC's suggestions specifically regarding cooling efficiently:

Shade Your Windows and the AC Unit: The windows of your house should be shaded with blinds or curtains during warm weather, especially on the south, easy and west sides. This way, the house won't bake while the air conditioning is straining to cool it down. Also, the AC unit itself should be located in a shady spot. A shaded air conditioner can be 10 percent more efficient than one located in the sun.

Use Air Conditioning and Fans Together: Air conditioners are not just replacements for fans. When you place fans around your home, you can raise your thermostat a few degrees to save energy and money, but still remain comfortable. In summer, the breeze of a counter-clockwise fan will make you feel cooler. In the winter, a clockwise fan will efficiently circulate warm air.

Maintain Your Air Conditioner: Maintaining your AC keeps it working effectively and efficiently for many years. The filters should be cleaned every month and the coils should be cleaned once a year. Every two years, be sure to check the refrigerant. If the refrigerant is low, the system isn't performing at peak efficiency.

Buy Energy Star Units: Replacing an older air conditioner with an Energy Star qualified unit is one of the best things you can do regarding cooling efficiently. If everyone in the United States used an Energy Star air conditioner, 1.2 billion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions would be prevented from entering the atmosphere. This is equivalent to emissions from 100,000 cars.

Look for these Features When Purchasing: An adjustable timer on the air conditioner allows you to set the AC so it doesn't cool while the house is empty. A digital thermostat allows you to choose a temperature that makes you feel comfortable. A slide-out filter makes it easy to clean regularly.

Portable Air Conditioning Guide: Environmentality

2009-04-23T14:11:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday this week, Earth Day was observed in the United States. This founder of Earth Day was Gaylord Nelson, a U.S. Senator from Wisconsin. The very first Earth Day was observed in 1970, and 20 million Americans took to the streets, parks and auditoriums to demonstrate for a healthy, sustainable environment. This lead to the creation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of the Clean Air, Clean Water and Endangered Species acts.

Walt Disney World Resort (WDW) is a recreational resort located southwest of Orlando, Florida. It was opened on October 1, 1971 and is the most visited and largest recreational resort in the world. The people at WDW believe in celebrating Earth Day every day. This is a part of their environmentality, which is described by them as an attitude and commitment to do what is right for the environment and right for responsible business. To engrain environmental stewardship into every action and decision of the Cast Members and guests, WDW has increased their efforts through several science-based programs and policies. Their vow is to effectively manage resources through energy management, water conservation and waste minimization. Here are the programs and policies they have implemented:

1. WDW has made their wash loads larger, upgraded their dryers and adapted their water reuse system. This saves 29 million gallons of water a year and 61,000 therms of natural gas.

2. WDW replaced 194,000 of their incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs). CFLs use only one quarter of the energy of standard incandescent bulbs. This saves 26 million kilowatt hours a year.

3. WDW converted 430,000 incandescent holiday lights to LEDs which saves 1.1 million kilowatt hours throughout the holiday season.

4. WDW recovers excess heat from the rooftop air conditioning units and uses it to make 85 percent of the hot water used during the summer months. 11,500 therms are saved each year.

5. Every day, WDW uses 6 million gallons of reclaimed water.

6. 25 percent of the total world population of the Micronesian kingfisher was produced by WDW. They are nearly extinct because of predatory snakes introduced to their native land.

7. 17 of the highly endangered Key Largo woodrat species was bred by WDW.

8. 150,000 reusable bags were purchased by WDW guests, which raised $50,000 for the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund. This fund can provide emergency funding to about 10 wildlife projects.

9. The WDW kitchens gathered and distributed 700,000 lbs of excess prepared food.

10. 77,000 tons of materials were recycled by the WDW in 2008 along with 31,000 of asphalt that was crushed and reused to pave roadways.

Buying Guide: Dehumidifiers

2009-04-07T15:37:00.000-07:00

The amount of moisture or water vapor in the air is called humidity. Humidity can be added to the air when people or pets breathe and perspire, by indoor plants, and through routine household tasks like cooking, showering, bathing, doing laundry and dishwashing. Too much humidity in your home can cause a host of difficulties. For example, excess moisture in the air can cause condensation on windows, wet stains on walls and ceilings, moldy bathrooms, musty smells and allergic reactions. More long term effects include damage to the house and its contents, ongoing allergies and other health problems. The perfect solution to excess household moisture is to purchase a quality dehumidifier. They are household appliances that help reduce the humidity levels in the air.

For very small spaces, desiccant or passive dehumidifiers can be used. For larger areas, mechanical dehumidifiers are more common and more efficient. Mechanical dehumidifiers are dehumidifiers that use compressors. They are very similar to air conditioners, except that they contain hot and cold coils in the same box. To condense the moisture, a fan draws air over the cold coil and the moisture is collected into a bucket. To heat the air back to its original temperature, the dry air will pass through the hot coil. The temperature on the air is slightly raised by mechanical compressor dehumidifiers.

There are also dehumidifiers with thermo-electric peltiers. These mechanical dehumidifiers pass an electric current through two dissimilar metals that transfer heat and cause the same effect that is used by mechanical compressor dehumidifiers. These units operate extremely quietly because there are no moving parts and the only noise emitted is from the fan that circulates the air. Thermo-electric peltier dehumidifiers are very effective for smaller areas because although they are not as energy efficient as units with compressors, they provide nearly silent operation. Here are the features to look for when purchasing a dehumidifier:

Portability: This is an important feature if you need to dehumidify more than one room. Look for a unit that has a compact body complete with a carrying handles and rolling casters.

Built-in Humidistat: This feature allows you to set your desired humidity on your unit. After you set your desired humidity level, the dehumidifier will cycle on an off until it reaches that moisture percentage.

Automatic Shut-Off: Finding a unit with this feature is important is you want your dehumidifier to turn off by itself when the storage tank is full to prevent overflowing. The NewAir AD-40A Dehumidifier shuts off when the tank is full and will not run until the tank is emptied and replaced.

Automatic Defrost: Sometimes frost may build up on the coils of your dehumidifier. Automatic defrost stops the operation of the unit and runs the fan until the coils have defrosted. This prevents frost from accumulating on the sensor and prevents quick cycling.

Storage Tank Capacity: Note the storage tank capacity whenever you are purchasing a dehumidifier. You should purchase a dehumidifier with a tank that is an appropriate size for the area that needs to be dehumidified.

Continuous Drainage Port: A continuous drainage port is very convenient because your dehumidifier can run continuously and the water is constantly being drained. If you purchase a dehumidifier without one, the tank will need to be emptied regularly.

Indicator Lights: Indicator lights are important because they alert you when something happens that might affect the way your dehumidifier operates. The NewAir ADS-600 Mini Dehumidifier has a red indicator light that indicates when the tank is full. There are also indicator lights on some units that tell you when the filter needs to be cleaned or replaced.

Built-in Air Purification: If you need to remove excess moisture but also impurities from the air, look for a dehumidifier with this feature. The NewAir ADS-500 Mini Dehumidifier eliminates allergens with a built-in ionizer and absorbs odors with the activated carbon filter.

Electric Space Heaters: What Are the Different Types?

2009-03-13T09:03:00.000-07:00

Electric space heaters are popular when it comes to heating options for your home because they are cost-effective and easily maintained. Most space heaters use electricity to provide warmth because it is available everywhere. Electric space heaters also do not emit any pollutants, are often required to pass rigid safety tests and do not require you to store any fuel.

A specific type of electric space heater is a convection space heater, like the Dayton NW9 Electric Ceramic Convection Space Heater. Convection heaters are especially useful for providing background warmth in a closed space because they are relatively silent and have a low risk of fire hazard. How they work is that they warm the air near the element or body of the heater by using air convection currents to generate heat. The currents then circulate through the appliance and across the heating element. Cool air is denser than hot air, which means hot air rises and allows cool air to take its place.

There are different types of convection heaters. Oil filled radiator heaters, like the NewAir AH-450 Electric Oil Filled Radiator Space Heater, are perfect for personal spaces like underneath desks and in offices because they have low surface temperatures which makes them safe. Their operation is silent as well because they don't use fans to spread warmth. The heating element heats the oil in the body of the heater and then the heat is transferred to the living space by natural convection via the air. The oil never needs to be replaced and is never burned. The residual heat in the oil and the body continues to heat the air even after the heating element has been deactivated. This characteristic helps oil filled radiators maintain a more consistent temperature over time.

Convection heaters can be fan forced as well, like the Dayton U37 Electric Convection Heater. A fan is used to pass air over a heating element in order to speed up the airflow. The air is heated by the heating element then leaves the heater to warm the surrounding air. The heat will spread rapidly but the fan will make noise. They work well in areas where installing other types of heating devices would be impractical and where sound is not a concern. Fan-forced convection heaters should not be left unattended.

An infrared or radiant heater is another type of electric space heater. Thermal energy is transferred via electromagnetic waves with these heaters. Heat is emitted or radiated from the heated object or substance and only objects are warmed as opposed to entire areas. Infrared heaters, like the NewAir AH-350E Electric Reflective Space Heater, heat you and not the entire room so they save you money. The heat penetrates your skin, warms you from beneath your skin and radiates outward. A portion of the heat reflects off of your skin so even people next to you will be heated. Infrared space heaters use less energy than other space heaters and operate silently so your home environment will not be disturbed. Also, there is no stuffy feeling created because heat is distributed evenly and no air is being pushed around.

Electric Fan Guide: Vornado Air Circulators

2009-02-20T10:00:00.000-08:00

Vornado has been an industry leader since the late 1940s as a part of the O.A. Sutton Company. Back then, one out of every three fans sold in the United States was a Vornado. The headquarters in Kansas is where the design, engineering and manufacturing functions are performed. The headquarters is also home to the Antique Fan Collector's Museum which features the most comprehensive collection of air moving devices in the world. The innovative design and superb performance cultivated by Vornado makes these air circulators the consumer's choice when it comes to electric fans.

Typical household portable fans lack the aerodynamics that adequately circulates air most of the time. This can result in drafts or dead spots as air is circulated unevenly through a room. Air can't be moved long distances without making a lot of noise and cannot be used for a variety of applications.

With patented vortex action, Vornado air circulators such as the Vornado 530B Compact Air Circulator eliminate drafts and dead spots because the air bends and twists. Even temperature and circulation is provided throughout the room or area. The superior construction of Vornado air circulators elevates the level of cooling provided. Large bites of air are taken by the deep pitched blades and are accelerated through its circulator. The air is kept from slipping off the blade and is directed forward by the duct around the blade. An AirTensity Grill is also included and acts as a flow-straightener and focuses the outward stream of air into a tight vortex.

Whole Room Circulation, which is created by the superior construction elements and the Vornado vortex action, means all of the air in the room is exited in one steady motion to create continuous air movement in every part of the room. The way the air is moved creates additional comfort and even temperature.

Vornado air circulators are also extremely energy efficient. Energy is conserved all year round because Vornado air circulators can be used with existing heating and cooling systems. Your thermostat can be turned up during the summer and down during the winter and you'll still feel the same amount of thermal comfort. For example, in the summer you can set your thermostat at 77 degrees Fahrenheit, use your Vornado with your existing air conditioner and feel the same amount of comfort as when your thermostat is set at 72 degrees Fahrenheit without the assistance of a Vornado air circulator. A five degree increase on your thermostat can save you as much as 10 percent on your energy bill. Also, to prevent wasted heat in the winter, you can use the Vornado to force hot air off the ceiling and mix it with cooler air near the floor to produce an even distribution of heat through the entire room.

The motors on Vornado air circulators are permanently lubricated so that no oiling is required. The only maintenance required is periodical cleaning of motor cap, grill and blades. Simply wash the parts with a mild detergent and wipe them down with a soft cloth. These Vornado air circulators are available in a range of sizes as well so that everyone's needs are met. If you need a compact unit or an industrial-sized one, there is a Vornado air circulator that is made with your requirements in mind.

Electric Fans: Reasons to Purchase

2009-02-13T09:29:00.000-08:00

In the 1500s, mechanical fans made their first appearance as canvas covered frames called "punkahs" that were suspended from the ceiling. There were ropes connected to the frame that servants pulled, making the fan move back and forth to create a cooling effect. During the 1800s, belt driven fans powered by factory waterwheels were produced. After electric power was introduced, electric fans were available to the general public. The fans were functional and stylish, equipped with brass blades and cages so that they enhanced a home's decor. When the 1920s arrived, mass production of modern electric fans was made possible by industrialization. When air conditioning was made widely available during the 1960s, fan sales slowed downed. Presently, fan popularity has resurged and they are still commonly used in many parts of Europe and Asia. Currently, fans feature a more utilitarian design and are not used to enhance home decor as much. Electric fans are more energy efficient than refrigerated cooling provided by air conditioners, and are often used as supplemental cooling devices or for spot cooling. Electric fans can also be used to add ventilation, exhaust or any type of gaseous transport.

Axial, centrifugal and cross flow are the three main types of fan technologies used for air movement. Axial flow is the method that fans used for climate control utilize to provide comfort or ventilation. The blades force air to move parallel to the shaft while the blades rotate around it and blow across the axis of the fan. Personal cooling in personal desk fans and giant fans commonly found in wind tunnels are a couple of the applications that use axial flow. The common main components of an electric fan include the base, fan blade, armature and lead wires, motor, blade guard, motor housing, oscillator gearbox and oscillator shaft. The types, size and number of blades determine the rating of electric fans. The price is determined by the materials from which the fan's components are made. Four blade fans are the most common. Fans do not actually lower the temperature to provide comfort. Instead, a wind chill effect is created.

There are many different kinds of fans made in a wide range of designs. There are fans that can be put on the floor or table, hung from the ceiling, or built into windows, walls, roofs or chimneys. Electric fans are used in hair dryers and space heaters and in electronic systems like computers to cool the circuits inside.

The most popular electric fans are:

Portable Electric Fans- These electric fans are fully portable and can be moved from one room to the next. Many different kinds of fans can fit into this category, such as floor fans, pedestal fans and many types of industrial fans.

Ceiling Fans- These electric fans help cool rooms and complement decor. They employ hub-mounted, rotating paddles constructed of a number of different materials to produce a cooling effect and are suspended from the ceiling of a room. Air is blown or drawn in to create a draft which produces a chill effect. You can air out or freshen a room, lower your household's electric bill, increase the cooling effects of a portable air conditioner or central air conditioner, and increase the efficiency of your heating system when used in reverse during winter.

Exhaust Fans- These fans are mostly used to cool and provide ventilation. Some exhaust fans are installed in a window. These window fans can be used as alternatives to air conditioning. They usually have a 20 inch diameter and require a mounting kit and side panels. Exhaust fans can also be used in attics because they expel the moisture and heat that accumulates before it damages and deteriorate insulation and construction materials.

Industrial Fans- To ensure the health and safety of employees and customers, industrial and commercial settings require proper ventilation and climate and odor control. These settings are usually subject to high heat levels so high volume, low speed industrial fans are crucial when the space cannot accommodate traditional air conditioning systems. These electric fans promote fresh air and circulation so they can regulate odors and gaseous fumes and industrial blowers are particularly useful for cooling or drying applications.

Bathroom Exhaust Fans- These electric fans deal with offensive odors and humidity levels, making them vital components of your home. Excess moisture in bathrooms can lead to paint damage, warping doors, and the eventual accumulation of mold spores. Bathroom exhaust fans can come with built-in heater, lights and timer units. They are designed to be mounted on the ceiling or onto the wall.

Cool Mist Humidifiers: The Benefits

2009-02-03T08:53:00.000-08:00

A lack of humidity in your home can cause warping of furniture and wood floors, sinus problems, nose bleeds, dry skin and cracked lips and paint peeling and cracks. Also, some bacteria and viruses spread faster in dryer air.

Humidifiers add humidity to the air which keeps mucous membranes moist and allow the tiny hair in the nose and throat to work to expel particles that were suspended in the air which reduces the possibility of winter infection. Keeping your home at a 35-45 percent humidity level relieves the pain of dry aching sinuses, the intensity and noise level of snoring, cold symptoms and chapped lips. It also prevents dry, itchy skin, reduces static electricity shocks and protects wood furniture, floors and musical instruments from cracking and warping.

Cool mist humidifiers are a specific type of humidifier that produces humidity by blowing air over or through a wick in water and disperses mist vapor at room temperature. Since the vapor from cool mist humidifiers is not heated, there is no risk of burning users should there be a spill or he/she gets too close. If you need to use a humidifier all year-round, a cool mist humidifier is the best choice because using it does not raise the room temperature and steam isn't emitted. It is a good choice for dry but warm climates and uses less energy.

A great cool mist humidifier is the Eva-Mist EDV2500i Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier. It humidifies rooms up to 250-300 square feet. It is almost silent in its operation and the water tank is easy to change and clean. Included with this exceptional humidifier is an adjustable humidistat that allows you to set your desired humidity level. It also has an ionizer to promote cleaner air, and automatic shut-off feature for when the water tank is empty, and Smart Technology that automatically adjusts the unit depending on the conditions of the room.

There are some common issues associated with humidifiers. Most of them are related to improper usage and lack of regular cleaning. White dust happens through the dispersion of minerals from the water vapor and very fine lung penetrating particles. It can cause respiratory problems. Bacteria and fungi can grow in the tank of the humidifier if it is not properly cleaned or there isn't any preventative technology built-in. Exposure to bacteria and fungi can cause flu-like symptoms and respiratory diseases like legionnaires disease or pneumonitis.

Humidifiers should always be elevated off of the floor and the vapor should be directed upwards. Carpeting, windows or wood floors shouldn't be allowed to get wet because this can cause mold growth and warping. Use a hygrometer to monitor the interior humidity if the humidifier you purchased does no have one built-in. If the humidity reaches a level above 50 percent, turn down the humidifier to decrease the water vapor. It is also important to follow the manufacturer's directions for cleaning. Most times this includes putting all of the parts into a dishwasher once a week. Also, you should rinse and dry the humidifier's water tank each time the humidifier is refilled. Clean any visible scaling or any other impurities with white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide when necessary. To prevent scaling or impurities it is best to use distilled water with cool mist humidifiers, especially if you have well water and live in a rural area.

Portable Air Conditioner: Server Room Cooling

2009-01-23T13:59:00.000-08:00

A server room is a room that houses computer servers. The server room is at the center of IT operations, so it is important to prevent hardware malfunction and system failure. In the enclosed space of a server room, the heat generated from the equipment can quickly increase the ambient temperature beyond equipment specifications. Prolonged operation at high temperatures can result in unpredictable hardware malfunctions and an eventual system failure. The life and reliability of the machines is compromised, the system can crash, random reboots can occur and overall poor performance can result. Also, computer equipment ages quicker when hot. For individual machines, the internal fans and cooling mechanisms are often enough to keep the temperatures within safe operating limits. Enormous amounts of heat are generated by server equipment. Also, server rooms can be prone to hot spots. Hot spots can build up behind equipment racks or near larger machines.

Another environmental factor that can affect server rooms is an increased humidity level. Humidity damages equipment by causing corrosion and rust. To avoid environmental conditions where there may be excess condensation, it is important to prevent humidity changes and variations. The optimal humidity level for server rooms should range from 40-55 percent. The final factor that can affect server rooms is insufficient airflow due to the design of the server room.

Portable air conditioners are a great supplemental cooling solution for the weekends, when central air conditioners are prone to shutting off. It is essential to keep server room temperatures and the overall environment inside of them controlled twenty-four hours a day because the equipment is constantly generating heat. Portable air conditioners are incredibly convenient because they do no require permanent installation and even have wheels on the bottom for easy portability. Not all portable air conditioners are appropriate for server room cooling, though. They must have an automatic restart function, a ventilation system to displace hot air and a condensation tank like the Sunpentown WA-1340DH Portable Air Conditioner.

The automatic restart function keeps the portable air conditioner running continuously, even in the case of a power failure. This means equipment is kept cool during nights and weekends and if there is a power outage, the portable air conditioner will resume operation when the power is restored automatically. The ventilation system is a way to expel heat from the server room. Most portable air conditioners use a vent hose to push air out though a drop ceiling or wall. To rid the air of excess humidity, a condensation tank is needed. Portable air conditioners act as dehumidifiers and remove moisture from the air. The resulting condensation is collected in a condensation tank or bucket that needs to be emptied regularly.

Portable Air Conditioner Sizing: How Important is It?

2009-01-14T09:45:00.000-08:00

To stay cool when it is impractical, impossible or cost prohibitive to install a traditional air conditioning unit, some people use portable air conditioners. They are maneuverable and easy to install. In fact they don't even need to be permanently installed. They just need to be vented. Portable air conditioners are perfect for people who want cooling without having to give up window space. They are more convenient than window air conditioners and are simple to operate. Most have wheels or casters on the bottom that make them easy to move from one part of your home to another. Money is saved because only the area you need is cooled. They can act as a fan when there is less need for cooling and sometimes a heater function is included so that it can be used all year long.

Portable air conditioners have simple configurations. There is a box-like design that holds the cold and hot sides in one. An exhaust hose expels the heat and water is condensed out of the air. The resulting water is collected in an internal drain bucket or through a drain hose. Some portable air conditioners use evaporative technology so that little to no water is produced.

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a portable air conditioner is the BTU rating. BTU stands for British thermal unit, which is a unit of energy used in power, steam generation and heating and air conditioning industries. BTU rating describes power and cooling capacities. It measures the heat that an air conditioner can remove from a room. The higher the value, the stronger the air conditioner. BTU ratings usually range from 5,000 to 30,000 and the size needed depends on the area being cooled.

Your portable air conditioner's cooling efficiency can be affected by the wrong BTU value. If there is a higher value that the corresponding room size the unit will cycle on and off too quickly and will not properly remove humidity from the air. When it cycles on an off like that, energy is wasted, electric bills are increased and the unit is strained. Also, there is a chance that the unit can freeze over but many units come with an automatic shut-off switch that operates when the unit gets too cold. If the BTU rating is lower than the corresponding room size, the room will not be adequately cooled

Portable air conditioners only work properly when appropriately sized so keep these simple steps in mind when choosing a unit:

- Measure the room dimensions by multiplying the length by the width. You'll need about 30 BTUs per square foot of space.
- Verify the size of the window opening.
- For each person over two in a room add 600 BTUs. Each person at rest adds approximately 230 BTUs to a room per hour.
- For kitchen cooling or other rooms with a lot of heat add 4,000 BTUs. Also, if you live in a very warm climates you'll probably need a portable air conditioner that outputs more BTUs per hour

Humidifiers and Dehumidifiers: Controlling the Moisture in Your Home

2009-01-05T15:31:00.000-08:00

Some people don't think too much about humidity, but it's an important factor to consider when trying to create a feeling of comfort in your home. Humidity affects how your home and the people inside of it feel by compounding higher and lower temperatures. There are other adverse affects of unbalanced humidity levels. Excess humidity helps the growth of undesirable organisms like mold, mildew and dust mites. Mold can cause acute illness or worse. It can wear down a person's immune system and resistance to respiratory allergies and related infections. Excessive dryness in your home dries out skin and irritates throat and sinuses which makes those areas more susceptible to infection. Indoor air that is too dry also causes wood to contract and crack, especially the thinner wood used to make guitars and violins. If wood is exposed over a long period of time, the dry air can even crack solid wood beams or logs and some kinds of plaster.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the recommended humidity for indoor environments should range between 30-50 percent relative humidity. Relative humidity refers to the amount of water vapor the air contains compared to the maximum amount it could hold at any give temperature. You can control your indoor humidity with dehumidifiers and humidifiers. The goal of using humidity control equipment should be to maintain the optimum level of indoor humidity without adversely affecting some other factor. Heaters and air conditioners can affect your home's humidity imprecisely, but sometimes there is no need for heating or cooling and humidity control is still needed. That's where humidifiers and dehumidifiers come in.

Dehumidifiers, like the NewAir AD-400, are useful in damp or humid indoor un-conditioned environments. For environments that are intensely humid and air conditioned, a dehumidifier assists the air conditioner with its work. Dehumidifiers pull indoor air across warm and cool coils that contain refrigerant as air passes over. Moisture condenses and is collected in a container to be emptied.

Humidifiers, like the NewAir AU-100 are great for arid climates and for when furnaces dry out indoor air during cold weather. Humidifiers add water vapor to indoor air. There are four different ways that vapor is produced from water:

1. Evaporating of Water with Fan: Wicking action pulls water into a cloth-like filter or media and the fan helps disperse and evaporate the water. No heat is added.

2. Boiling to Produce Steam: There is an electric element heat source that boils the water, resulting in steam. Some humidifiers cool the water slightly before dispersing into the air for safety.

3. Rapid Stirring with "Impeller": There is a high speed rotating disk. There is no heat added.

4. Ultrasonic Sound Vibrations: A metal diaphragm vibrating at an ultrasonic frequency to create water droplets that are expelled out into the room to help maintain the desired humidity level. No heat is added.

These four kinds of humidifiers have a few things in common. The water reservoir needs to be replenished. There is a need for cleaning and maintenance and every kind needs a power source. Some types of humidifiers connect with central heating systems. These whole house systems can be connected to plumbing system as well to avoid manual refilling. These connect with HVAC and plumbing systems so they require professional installation.

Portable Air Conditioners: Green Purchasing

2009-01-02T15:45:00.000-08:00

The Federal Green Purchasing Program was set up by the Office of the Federal Environmental Executive. It includes the acquisition of recycled content products, environmentally preferable products and service, biobased products, energy-and water-efficient products, alternate fuel vehicles, products using renewable energy and alternative to hazardous or toxic chemicals.

Federal agencies are assisted in promoting the acquisition of recycled content, environmentally preferable and biobased products, non-ozone depleting substances, and products containing alternatives to certain priority chemicals by the White House Task Force on Waste Prevention and Recycling, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Also, the U.S. Department of Energy and the EPA help agencies implement the energy-related purchasing requirements, including the purchase of alternative fuel vehicles and alternative fuels. The key to making this program successful are the central sources of supply which are the General Services Administration and the Defense Logistics Agency.

Part of this program is also the purchase of energy efficient products. When you are purchasing a portable air conditioner you should try to choose one that is Energy Star qualified. Energy Star is an international standard for energy efficient consumer products. Device that carry the Energy Star logo, like portable air conditioners, save 20-30 percent on average. Most appliances as well as heating and cooling systems have a yellow Energy Guide label showing the annual cost of operation in comparison to other models. These labels are created through the Department of Energy and often show if an appliance is Energy Star.

Cooling and heating bills can be significantly lowered with air sealing and dust sealing as well. Air sealing reduces the outdoor air that penetrates a building and duct sealing prevents attic or basement air from entering ducts which can lessen the heating/cooling system's efficiency. Keep in mind that energy star qualified portable air conditioners are at least 10 percent more energy efficient than the minimum U.S. federal government standards.

Post-Christmas Shopping Tips

2008-12-26T11:41:00.000-08:00

This year's economic downturn is hurting many stores, but can be a great advantage for consumers. Not only were bargain prices offered on Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, but closeout prices are also being offered after Christmas. One of the best days to shop this year may be today, the day right after Christmas.

If you know where to look, a lot of great deals can be found. There is no end to the deals you can find if you are patient. It is very helpful to know what you want before you head into the crowds. If you are primarily looking for clothing, it is also helpful to try on what you want before the big day so you won't get caught in lines at the dressing room. Be sure to write a list of the stores you want to hit and the items you are going to be searching for so you don't get overwhelmed. Go first thing in the morning or later in the afternoon to miss the bulk of the crowds. If you really aren't into crowds you should consider shopping online. Online preparations include signing up to your favorite stores newsletters. Sign up to a price alert website to be instantly notified when the item you want goes on sale. This eliminates finding a product too late, when it is sold out.

The best products to look for are things you probably aren't thinking about buying in December. Winter clothes are cheaper after Christmas so look for clearance sales. Retailers figure out which toys aren't selling well and mark them down to clean out toy shelves. You can put these in your closet to use as future gifts. Christmas decor is a steal after the holiday rush is over. You'll need to act quickly on those deals though. No one thinks about needing cooler air during December, but this is a great time to buy an air conditioner. Also, home electronics, especially things that have been out for a little while are not as in demand so be on the look out for sales tags.

For gift cards, make sure you write the card number and customer service telephone number on a separate paper. Be aware of the terms and conditions. Know where the card is at all times and report immediately if lost. Redeem as soon as possible to avoid late fees and expiration. Remember that gift cards can be used for online purchases. Check balance often and if you need to return it, keep the card intact and bring the receipt and packaging to the store.

For returns know return policies, save and bring receipts and keep original packaging and parts. If the item was purchased online, check to see of there is a brick-and-mortar store you can return it to. Always print and keep the original invoice/purchase confirmation for online purchases. Clarify all shipping costs and double check the shipping address. Check if the credit has been reapplied back to your account. Don't delay on returns.

Keep Your Home and Family Safe This Winter: Just Look for UL

2008-12-18T10:27:00.000-08:00

Underwriters Laboratories (UL) is a non-profit, privately owned and operated product safety testing and certification organization based in the United States. UL has developed standards and test procedures for products, materials, components, assemblies, tools and equipment that deal with product safety. Through its management system registration programs, UL evaluated and certifies the efficiency of a company's business processes. Also, through its drinking water laboratory, UL analyzes drinking and other clean water samples. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), a U.S. federal agency, maintains a list of approved testing laboratories known as Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories and UL is one of several companies recognized.

UL evaluates products for compliance to specific requirements and permits the acceptable products to carry a UL certification mark, as long as they remain compliant with the standards. This year, UL is on a mission to help educate consumers about keeping their homes and families safe. Keri Russell, a television and film actress who gained fame portraying the title role on the series Felicity and a new mom has partnered with UL to launch a safety movement called Just Look for UL. This long term campaign is designed to teach consumers some easy steps to take on the path to a safe home. One of those steps is to simply look for the UL mark, which means that a product has been evaluated by the world's most trusted independent test laboratory.

For Just Look for UL, a new website was launched that features home safety tips, a safety quiz, and more information about the safety campaign. Also, a holiday public service announcement (PSA) featuring Keri Russell began airing nationally on December 3, 2008. UL acknowledges the joy that the holiday season brings, but also warns that the increase of home cooking and the use of decorations and lights can also bring a risk of home fires. The U.S. Fire Administration agrees, offering that almost 47,000 fires occur nationally each year during the holidays, claiming more than 500 lives, causing more than 2,200 injuries and costing $554 million in property damage.

Just Look for UL is providing these tips to help keep your home safe:

-Turn off all electrical lights, decorations and space heaters before leaving home or going to bed.

-Practice a fire escape plan with your loved ones. Each family member should know at least two ways to exit each room in the home.

-Do not connect more than three miniature light strings together. Light strings with larger, screw-in bulbs should have no more than 50 bulbs connected.

-Inspect all decorations before use. Cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires and loose connections may pose fire or shock hazards.

-Your Christmas tree should be positioned at lease three feet away from fireplaces, radiators and other heat sources. The tree shouldn't block any doorway or exit route.

-Make sure all of your electrical products carry the UL certification mark, like the NewAir AH-450 Oil Filled Electric Radiator Space Heater.

-Do not run electrical cords underneath carpets, rugs or heavy items. Don't bunch them up behind a hot appliance or radiator either as doing this can cause damage or overheating and create a fire hazard.

-During an electrical storm, stay away from corded telephones, plumbing, electrical appliances, wires, TV cables and metal doors and window frames.

-Remove all medications and medical supplies from purses, pockets and drawers and put in a cabinet with a child safety lock.

-Test your smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms every month. Replace the batteries when the clocks are reset to daylight saving time. Smoke alarms should be replaced every ten years and CO alarms should be replaced every five to seven years. And of course, make sure all alarms are UL listed.

Ready, Set, Winterize!

2008-12-10T08:03:00.000-08:00

You should start getting your home and family ready for the winter during the fall. It's much harder to do the simple tasks you need to do when it's freezing outside. Here are some things it's important to do to ensure your comfort and safety during the cold winter months.

Insulate

To keep your home warm and keep your energy bills down, seal and insulate your home as effectively as possible. If there are cracks in the walls of your home, heat will be lost through them which reduces the efficiency of your heating system and raises your energy bills. Seal the interior and exterior of your home to reduce the risk of drafts, leaks, dry rot and mold. The hot water tank in your home should also be insulated with an insulating blanket that can be purchased at a hardware store.

Check Your Furnace

Every fall, an HVAC professional should inspect your furnace and clean the ducts. This is important to keep your furnace, heat pump and other heating equipment in top operating condition. It is also important to purchase furnace filters and change them monthly. Dirty filters reduce the efficiency of your furnace or heat pump and poorly tuned units are inefficient and use more fuel.

Reverse You Ceiling Fan During the Winter

Most ceiling fans come with a switch that reverses the rotation of the fan. When the fan is reversed, it creates an updraft instead of cooling you by pushing the air down. The warm air gathered at the top of your living room is displaced and pushed back out into the living space. This cuts heating costs by as much as 10 percent. When fan is reversed, turn fan on at low speed so air moves slowly for the best warming results.

Check Your Heating System

To make sure you have heat where and when you need it, give your system a test run. First, turn your thermostat to heat mode and set it to 80. The furnace should turn on and warm air should blow within a few minutes. If it's running fine, then turn the thermostat back to normal setting. If it isn't running properly, try to diagnose the problem to see if it is something you can fix yourself or if you need to contact a qualified service technician. Also, you should replace the air filter. If you have a propane or oil furnace, have the fuel storage tank topped off. Clear obstacles to heating vents so the air can freely flow.

Check Alarms

The fall is a good time to check the operation and change the batteries of your home smoke detectors. Test the alarm not just by pressing the test button, but actually use a bit of smoke. They should be replaced every ten years. The fire extinguisher should be tested as well. A good investment is a carbon monoxide detector. Carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless compound produced by incomplete combustion that is lethal at high levels, can be emitted by open flames, space heaters, water heaters, blocked chimneys or running a car inside a garage. A carbon monoxide detector sounds an alarm is a high level of carbon monoxide is detected, which gives people a chance to ventilate the area or safely leave the building.

Take Care of Your Air Conditioner

It may seem weird, but your air conditioner also needs care in preparation for the winter. Make sure the fan blades are clean and the condensing coils are clear of debris with a hose set to jet/highest pressure you have. The condensing unit should be covered during the winter so that wet leaves and debris can’t damage it by contributing to the rusting and freezing of internal components. They should be covered with a breathable waterproof cover so that the lifespan of the machine is extended and the performance remains efficient. Window and portable air conditioners should be removed and stored safely during the winter.

The Importance of Insulation

2008-12-02T10:20:00.000-08:00

Insulation is a method for slowing down the movement of heat. Heat seeks a cooler area so it flows out of your home in the winter and into your home in the summer. Insulation materials are similar to goose down in that they trap air in tiny pockets that restrict it from moving. Natural air movement is slowed down because the air can't move as freely. Insulation keeps your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter because it resists the flow of heat. Reducing the flow of heat by properly insulating your home results in using less energy for heating and cooling. It also works well as a sound absorber. In walls and ceilings, insulation can reduce the transmission of sound from one room to another or from the outside. Insulation increases the overall comfort of your home and adds to the resale value.

The amount of insulation you need to use depends on where you live. There are a variety of different kinds of insulation including fiber glass, mineral wool, cellulose, foam and cotton. The two most common for residential applications are fiber glass and cellulose. The way insulation is measured is by R-value. The "R" stands for resistance to heat flow and the higher the R-value, the greater the insulating power. The R-value is usually printed either on bags or labels by insulation manufacturers. It is also often printed on facings of fiber glass batts and rolls.

Make sure you know what R-value to use. You can get this from the builder or the local building code. This makes sure the product provides long-lasting thermal performance. The overall R-value is what counts, the R-value "per inch" is not important. Fiberglass insulation products come in R-values ranging from R-11 to R-38 for fiberglass batts and rolls. Fiberglass and rock and slag wool insulation can be blown in an attic to nearly any R-value. The more R-value alternatives provided, the greater the flexibility in meeting code energy requirements in your area.

To get the expected energy savings from insulation, you should make sure it will not deteriorate or settle over time. Fiberglass batts and rolls do not settle. Fiber glass and rock and slag wool loose-fill insulations may settle approximately 1-3 percent which means that there is pretty much no impact on the thermal performance of the insulation. Cellulose installation settles 20 percent and at a higher rate which means a significant loss of insulating effectiveness. The Insulation Contractors Association of America recommends that an additional 25 percent of thickness be added for cellulose insulation to compensate for the great loss of R-value.

Another factor to consider along with insulation is air infiltration. The Department of Energy estimates that about forty percent of a home's heat loss results from air infiltration. It most commonly occurs in parts of the home that are not insulated such as around windows, doors, fireplaces, HVAC ductwork and perimeter joints. It should be taken care of with the use of house wrap, proper caulking and sealing of band joists, sill plates, header plates and insulation around doors, windows, electrical outlets and other openings.

The most important thing to know is that proper installation is the key. Not only will proper installation save energy, heating and cooling costs, financial incentives are offered in many states for the purchase and installation of insulation.

10 Ways to Save Money Today!

2008-11-25T12:36:00.000-08:00

Install a Programmable Thermostat: One of the easiest ways to save energy, money and help fight global warming. You can save about $180 a year by properly setting programmable thermostats and maintaining those settings. Plus, they keep your home comfortably warm in the winter and comfortably cool in the summer.

Use Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs with the Energy Star Label: CFLs use about 75 percent less energy than a standard incandescent bulb and last up to 10 times longer. Also, they produce about 75 percent less heat so they are safe to operate and don't interfere with home cooling. They are available in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit in almost any fixture, indoors and outdoors.

Air Dry Dishes Instead of Using Dishwasher's Drying Cycle: This doesn't mean start washing dishes by hand. Less energy is used when your dishwasher is used efficiently than with hand washing. Use the air dry setting on your dishwasher rather than the heat dry setting to cut your dishwasher's energy use by 15 to 50 percent. If there is no air dry setting on your dishwasher, turn the machine off and open the door after the final rinse.

Turn off Computer and Monitor When Not in Use: You should turn on the monitor if you aren't going to use your computer for more than 20 minutes. Both the CPU and the monitor should be turned off if the computer won't be used for more than 2 hours.

Plug Home Electronics into Power Strips: This makes them simple to turn off completely when they aren't in use. Turning the power strip off eliminates standby power loss which is energy consumed even though the unit it turned off.

Lower Thermostat on Hot Water Heater to 120 Degrees Fahrenheit: Some manufacturers set water heater thermostats at 140 degrees Fahrenheit but most households only require them to be set at 120 degrees Fahrenheit. For each 10 degrees F reduction in water temperature, you can save between 3-5 percent in energy costs. It reduces the risk of scalding and slows the mineral buildup and corrosion in your water heater and pipes as well.

Take Short Showers Instead of Baths: A quick shower uses less hot water than a bath in a full tub. A full bathtub requires about 36 gallons of water whereas a five minute shower will use just 14-25 gallons.

Wash Only Full Loads of Dishes and Clothes: Wash only full loads of clothes and dishes to save the electricity and hot water used by clothes washers and dishwashers. If you need to wash a smaller amount of dishes, wash them by hand in the kitchen sink. This still uses hot water but saves electricity.

Drive Sensibly: Aggressive driving that includes speeding, rapid acceleration and braking wastes gasoline. Gas mileage can be lowered by 33 percent on the highway and 5 percent on surface streets.

Look for Energy Star Approved Home Appliances and Products: These products will meet the strict efficiency guidelines set by the US Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency.

The Importance of Venting Your Portable Air Conditioner

2008-11-14T15:20:00.000-08:00

Portable air conditioners are air conditioners that can be moved from one room to another. Permanent installation is not required with portable air conditioners. They do require a venting outlet, though. Windows and walls are most commonly used as venting outlets. You may also use a drop ceiling for venting purposes. Venting hoses are usually made of temperature resistant plastic and reinforced with metal. Once you position your portable air conditioner, the exhaust hose needs to be directed out of the room so that the hot air will be expelled from the room.

Some air conditioner manufacturers claim to sell portable air conditioners that do not require venting. These units simply do not exist. All portable air conditioners need to vent the hot air they remove from the room they are cooling. It is important to note that the hot air does not need to be vented to the outside via a window. Another option is to use a room where high temperature is not an issue, like a storage room.

The reason why portable conditioners require venting is so that they can function properly. If the hot air is not vented to another room, the portable air conditioner will not work efficiently. Venting is inexpensive. Most portable air conditioners come with an installation kit for a window or sliding door.

There are a few simple steps to take when venting your portable air conditioner. You should find a location for the vent first, whether it be window, wall or drop ceiling. Next, you should slide the exhaust connector over the discharge opening at the back of the portable air conditioner. Then, connect the exhaust hose to the exhaust connector. Connecting the venting window kit adaptor to the window kit is the next step. Finally, you should set the window venting kit into the window and shut the window.

How the window kit works is that the window kit is cut to fit the sliding door or window. The window is closed against the foam to seal the air from coming in from outside. The exhaust hose is fitted through a small cut in the foam. A single installation only takes about five minutes and you can move the unit from window to window with ease.

The ideal length of an exhaust hose is 5-7 feet. It should be 5 inches in diameter. The length of the hose should not be extended. If you extend the hose and there is a backpressure or constriction to the airflow, the unit will not work and possibly be damaged as well. If it is absolutely necessary to extend the hose, you should make sure the diameter is increased along with the length. Be sure to note that the efficiency of the portable air conditioner will be decreased. You should read the warranty manual before making any alterations to the hose because some manufacturers do not allow it.

One last note is that venting out of a dryer vent is not recommended by manufacturers. It is especially not recommended if the diameter of the dryer vent is smaller than the hose of the portable air conditioner. If the dryer vent has external vents, you should not use that as a venting option. The compressor on your portable air conditioner is not strong enough to push the flaps open.

Portable Air Conditioner Troubleshooting

2008-10-27T11:05:00.000-07:00

When your home cannot accommodate a traditional air conditioner, you live in an apartment building or you need cooling for your computer server room a portable air conditioner is the perfect appliance. They are useful in a variety of situations and settings. You don't have to deal with costly central cooling systems or ineffective fans and portable air conditioners are truly portable. They can be moved from one area to the next and require little to no installation and maintenance. Sometimes there may be a problem with your portable air conditioner. Before turning to a professional, why not save money by troubleshooting the problems yourself? Here are some common issues and the solutions:

Your Portable Air Conditioner Won't Start
- Make sure your power cord is plugged in correctly and undamaged.
- Check wall plug and circuit breaker. Reset the circuit breaker at the box. Change the socket or outlet.
- If neither of these solutions work, take it to a qualified electrician and have the fuse replaced.

Your Portable Air Conditioner Stops Operating on its Own
- Make sure the timer is not on.
- Make sure the temperature in the room is not lower than the set temperature.
- Wait until the room temperature rises to operate unit.

Your Portable Air Conditioner Won't Cool
- Remove the grill and clean the filter.
- Check the evaporator and condenser coils for clogs.
- If neither of these are the problems, the fan motor may be blown or the compressor is malfunctioning so professional help is necessary.

Your Portable Air Conditioner Won't Cool in Dehumidification Mode
- Check for excess frost on evaporator or coils. If present, allow defrosting to take place.
- To prevent ice buildup, clean the dirty air filters. Also, in weather conditions colder than 60 degrees, defrost the coil by turning the selector switch to the fan position and let it run until the ice melts.

Your Portable Air Conditioner Is Not Providing Enough Cooling
- Keep in mind that portable air conditioners should be used for supplemental cooling and for small areas like bedrooms or living rooms.
- Make sure you have the right sized portable air conditioner. They are sized by BTU rating. If the BTUs are too high the unit will cycle off too quickly. If the BTUs are too low, the unit will not adequately cool the area.
- Excessive sunlight and extremely low or high ambient temperatures can also affect the cooling capacity.

Green Travel: Do You Turn off Your Hotel Room's Air Conditioner?

2008-10-13T15:08:00.000-07:00

More and more people are starting to jump on the "green" bandwagon. According to the U.S. Travel Data Center, forty-three million US travelers are now ecologically concerned. Here are some tips on how to travel green:

Save Energy

-Master Switches: Some green hotels use master switches. The guest uses a key card to turn on and shut off the power in the room when entering or exiting.

If no master switch technology is available, turn off all appliances when leaving your hotel room manually.

-Use Fluorescent Lighting: Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs or CFLs replace incandescent lamps. They use less power and last longer.

-Use Energy Star Appliances: Devices with the Energy Star logo, such as the Sunpentown WA-6591S Window Air Conditioner save 20%-30% on average.

Save Water

-Dual Flush Toilet: These special toilets use a 0.8 gallon flush for liquid waste and a 1.6 gallon flush for solids. They average 1 gallon per flush as opposed to the 7 gallons averaged by older toilets.

-Low Flow Showerheads: Also known as energy efficient shower heads because they use less energy due to less water being heated.

-Reuse Linens: Tell your hotel that you don't need your towels and sheets changed daily.

Save Paper

-Electronic Check-out Programs: Some hotels have a check-out program that uses a minimum of paper either by using the television screen in your room or their own computers.

-Newspaper: Tell your hotel to only deliver a newspaper to your room if requested.

-Electronic Tickets: Use electronic ticketing when purchasing airline tickets.

-Take Limited Brochures/Maps: Take only want you need and return what isn't being used.

Use Green/Recycled Materials

-Green Cleaning Supplies: Try to find a hotel that uses green cleaning supplies. Not only benefits you, but their own employees.

-Carpet: Some hotels have carpets that are made from post consumer recycled material in the backing, fiber and pad.

Reduce Pollution

-Environmentally Conscious Airlines: Some airlines are environmentally conscious, such as Southwest Airlines. This airline recycles all cabin waste and has electronic ticketing.

-Walking Tours: Enjoy walking tours of your destination whenever possible.

-Public Transportation: Use public transportation whenever possible. Also, use the hotel van instead of a rental car to get to and from the hotel.

-Take Only Photographs, Leave Only Footprints: Don't plunder the natural resources of the area you are visiting and don't litter. In fact, be a true world citizen and pick up one piece of litter a day. The world belongs to everyone, treat it like a treasured possession.

How to Keep Your Automobile Air Conditioning System in Great Condition

2008-10-02T10:34:00.000-07:00

No one wants to suffer through a hot day without air conditioning. It's uncomfortable in your home, but it can be even worse in your car. Traffic seems worse. The people almost crashing into you seem to be driving extra egregiously. The sun is shining directly through your windshield just to spite you. To avoid all of this, follow these tips for keeping the a/c in your car working in top condition.

Maintain Your Drive Belt

- The drive belt is what makes the air conditioning compressor turn. This keeps cooling refrigerant circulating.

- If your belt is cracked, stretched or worn the belt can slip or break. This makes the compressor stop which causes circulation and your cooling to also stop.

- The drive belt can be hard to find on your car so ask a technician to show you where it is located.

Air Conditioning Condenser

- This part is found in front of your car's radiator. It looks like the radiator as well.

- How this part works is that the refrigerant runs through it, air flows across the cooling fins and the heat from the refrigerant is removed.

- Heat won't be removed properly if the fins are damaged or clogged with debris. This can cause your vehicle to overheat.

- To keep fins in good condition, make sure they are clean.

Use Your Senses

- Touch: If the carpet is wet on hot, humid days the air conditioner's drain may be clogged. The water should be dripping to the pavement under the vehicle after it is parked. Also, check if the amount of air coming out of the vents feels the same. If not, especially if you've been driving for awhile, the evaporator could be freezing up.

- Hearing: If you hear an abnormal noise or if there is vibration, there may be debris in the blower fan.

- Smell: You may smell a musty or mildew smell when the fan is turned on (or it may even be apparent all the time). This may mean that mold or mildew is growing in the evaporator. To prevent this you should turn you're a/c switch away from max air when turning your car off. You should also turn the a/c recirculation switch off when parked. If mold or mildew has already built up on the evaporator, you can get it cleaned at a service center.

Additional Tips

- If your car has been sitting in the sun while parked, roll your windows down and leave the recirculation button off. When the hot air is gone, turn the recirculation button back on and roll the windows back up for more efficient cooling.

- During winter you can use your air conditioning on the windshield to get rid of internal fogging. This also keeps the oil that your drive shaft uses as a shield from drying out and releasing refrigerant.

- An important reason to keep your air conditioner in good condition is that if the compressor fails, the belt could break which can take your alternator and water pump out of commission as well.

The Connection Between Obesity and Portable or Central Air Conditioners

2008-09-26T08:05:00.000-07:00

Air conditioning is what most people turn to when the weather is hot and steamy to keep them cool and comfortable. But even though it is usually a comfort, could it be a cause of obesity? Some studies say yes.

While some studies agree that portable or central air conditioning can be a cause of obesity, they differ on the exact reason that a person exposed to air conditioning gains weight. One theory is that air conditioning keeps people in the thermoneutral zone. This is a temperature range in which the body does not have to regulate its temperature. If the temperature of the body is above or below this zone, the amount of energy the body expends is increased and energy stores like fat are decreased. Since the widespread use of heaters and portable or central air conditioners, homes and offices remain at relatively the same temperature for the whole year. The body does not have to spend as much energy because there is no warming up or cooling down. This leads to increased fat stores. A slightly different theory is that air conditioning makes you hungry because the body burns calories to warm you up. You'll feel more compelled to eat to make up those burned calories.

When these air conditioning/obesity studies came out there were a lot of dissenting opinions. Some experts did not believe there was enough evidence to tie air conditioning to obesity causally. They pointed out the fact that there are thin people in different climates. They also turned to the usual suspects when it comes to the causes of obesity: an unhealthy diet and lack of exercise.

Surprisingly there are some sneakier factors that might be causing obesity. One is sleep deprivation. Tired people most likely to do have the energy to exercise. This lack of energy also leads them to temptation when it comes to eating or overeating in an attempt to gain energy. Quitting smoking was another sneaky factor. Some people replace the habit of lighting up with snacking. Some ethnic groups have a higher prevalence for obesity as well. There is also a theory that since people marrying might be more likely to pick a partner that is similarly sized; two obese people will give birth to obese offspring. Another theory gaining speed is that the older a woman is when she gives birth, the higher the risk is of her child being obese.

Are Air Conditioners Detrimental to Aspiring Singers?

2008-09-18T15:02:00.000-07:00

You are at a concert. It's one of your favorite bands or singers and they are really rocking the house. The whole crowd is swaying to the music. But you just cannot get into it. It is too hot in there to concentrate.

You try to figure out the reason why. Maybe all the body heat in the room is overpowering the air conditioning. Maybe you are just really excited and your body is reacting by overheating. Maybe the air conditioning is broken. Would you ever believe that the swampy misery you are suffering through is at the request of the band or singer you love so much?

It's shocking but true. There is an alarming trend among singers. They are afraid of air conditioning. Madonna requests minimal to no air conditioning in the venues she performs at. If the air conditioning is too cool for her taste, she will call out for management to turn it off. It has been known to get up to 87 degrees inside the venue by the end of the concert.

Other singers have followed suit. Aretha Franklin is also scared of cooling. She gets quite upset and leaves if air conditioning is on. She thinks coolant will destroy her voice. Celine Dion had a highly controlled temperature/humidity performance bubble built for her at Caesar's Palace. At the front of the stage there is enhanced ventilation and humidity, which are great conditions for singers. Alanis Morisette will not even walk into a room that has air conditioning. She believes that they are the cause of illness.

Mariah Carey has a twist onto her fears of air conditions affecting her voice. To protect her precious vocals, she sleeps in a steam room. She has twenty humidifiers surrounding her bed. Her bed is covered with terry cloth and the ceiling is angled so that water won't fall on her. Her television is behind glass to prevent water damage.

Are these singers just being fussy, or is there validity to their fears? Air conditioning can cause vocal problems. It can aggravate dust allergies and alter the humidity level of a room. Cold dry air can dry out your throat, causing you to be hoarse. Also, you can become more sensitive to temperature difference when entering or departing the cold air, making chills and colds easier to be caught and also potentially upsetting your system including your skin.

Some ways to preserve your voice in the face of air conditioning are:

-Drink extra filtered or spring water during the hours of exposure.

-Moisten vocal cords with steam or an atomizer.

-Don't use cough drops, tea with lemon and honey is better.

-Keep your throat warm with a high-necked sweater, shirt, coat or scarf.

-Keep your immune system strong with vitamin supplements.

So the next time your concert is sweltering, you shouldn't complain. It may be the thing that keeps your favorite act sounding great. Maybe you should avoid air conditioning is you are striving to be a singer too. If you do, you could be the next one selling out arenas. Or at least the next contestant on American Idol.

Too Much Air Conditioning at Work?

2008-09-11T16:39:00.000-07:00

Are you always bundling up at work or shivering while the co-worker next to you seems perfectly comfortable in the air-conditioned air? This is because people experience temperature differently. Even when your office is in the "comfort range", only 80 percent of people are comfortable. You are experiencing thermal discomfort, which is a condition that can be felt even if there is only a small chance of developing a medical condition like hypothermia, heat stroke, heat exhaustion or heat stress.

To solve the problem of thermal discomfort you should identify the external sources of coldness.

Air temperature: How hot or cold the surrounding air is.

Humidity: How much moisture is in the air.

Air movement: This includes air speed (or wind speed), and air circulation.

Radiant heat: This is the heat that radiates from the sun, or emitted by plants, buildings, fixtures or processes.

You can also look for internal factors that may be causing your thermal discomfort. The hypothalamus at the base of your brain is the thermostat center in your body. The thyroid gland in your body is the way that the metabolism is regulated. Everyone has a unique ideal temperature and here are the reasons why:

Weight: The more body fat you have, the more insulation and you probably won't feel as cold.

Fitness: If you have a higher amount of dense muscle, your body will regulate temperature more efficiently. Also, exercise helps to enhance the overall regulation of your body's system.

Diet: Your body needs nutrients to work efficiently. If it does not get them, you could feel tired and cold.

Gender: Women tend to suffer from hypothyroidism more. This is a condition where the thyroid does not work enough and causes you to feel cold. Women are also affected by menstrual cycles and menopause which can affect body temperature. Less muscle mass is apparent in women which lowers average body temperature and causes temperature irregularity in some women.

Age: As people get older they do not produce as many hormones. This makes you feel colder. Hormonal surges during menopause can also cause hot flashes.

Stress: Being too tense or uptight can reduce circulation and make you feel colder.

The main thing is to listen to your body. You may just be the sort of person who has to wear more layers to feel comfortable. If you find yourself suddenly needing four more layers it may be time to see a doctor.

To manage your personal thermal discomfort at work so that you can focus on the jobs or tasked assigned to you, try these solutions:

-Blankets: can provide extra warmth

-Do physical activities, like walk around the office while completing a task

-Hats: 50% of your body heat is lost through your head

-Be Flexible: During the colder months change your schedule so that you are there during warmer hours, or try to work from home if possible. You can also rotate tasks in cooler and warmer workspaces.

Split Air Conditioners- The New Frontier

2008-09-03T10:28:00.000-07:00

Central air conditioners are the standard solutions for cooling used in most American homes. Sometimes they seem like they are hurting more than helping, though. They use large amounts of electricity, deplete the ozone with their refrigerants and produce a bunch of noise with their condensers. What if there was another way?

Split air conditioners are the new way to cool your home without the gripes of a central air conditioner. They only produce 1/20th of the noise because of the improvements in fan blade shape and compressor technology. The new R410A refrigerant is free of chlorine (which eats away at the ozone layer). They also use way less energy at only 1,710 watts per hour of electricity to cool an average home.

A split air (or ductless) air conditioner have an indoor air handling unit and an outdoor compressor/condenser. A small hole is drilled through the wall of the building it is cooling to connect the two components with a conduit housing the power cable, refrigerant tubing, suction tubing and condensate drain. This closed loop between the evaporator and condenser/compressor circulates refrigerant. Heat is captured from the building being cooled and carried outside to a fan that blows it away.

One important factor to consider when purchasing a split air conditioner is the seasonal energy-efficiency ratio (SEER). The higher this ratio is, the better the system efficiency and the lower your electricity bills. The minimum SEER by law is ten, but it will be thirteen by next year. You should also look for units with a low decibel rating. The quieter units have a rating of 68 dB. A great feature is a diagnostics port that helps a technician quickly find problems electronically.

A two-stage compressor is also useful on a split air conditioner. This kind of compressor only uses full power when it's needed on the hottest days. The rest of the time the refrigerant isn't compressed and cooled as much. This means the air handler is on for a longer amount of time and it has enough to take the humidity out of the air.

The size of the condenser is also an important consideration. Picking the right size gives you the maximum comfort and minimum energy expense. Consider these things when picking the condenser size:

-Your home's layout

-The insulation levels

-Air leakage

-Sun exposure

-General climate

You may need to call on a professional to help you choose the correct unit. If the condenser is undersized, it will overwork and clog with frost. This means the system will shut down without having properly cooled your home. If the condenser is oversized, your home will be cooled down too quickly. This doesn't seem like much of a problem, but it will once you realize that the thermostat has shut down the air handler before it has had a chance to circulate and dehumidify the air completely, leaving your home cold and clammy.

Some last suggestions when choosing a split air conditioner are to make sure you are saving more than you are spending. Also, don't mix new and old components because if one breaks down you will be left without a solution for beating the heat.

6 Crucial Things to Know About Central and Portable Air Conditioners

2008-08-29T15:57:00.000-07:00

Some people would be lost without air conditioning. They'd certainly be a lot hotter after a hard day's work without it. In order to make sure you always have air conditioning when you need it, you'll need to know these six crucial things about your air conditioning, whether it is central or portable.

1. Change the Filter

Filters are so important. They improve the efficiency when they are clean so you should be sure to install a new one or wash a reusable one every month during the cooling season. An important value to look for regarding filters is the minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV). This number will range from 1-12 and a higher number means better filtration is being provided. Higher numbers also mean that more energy is being used to pull the air through the filter so the energy cost may increase as well.

2. Use a Timer

The energy conscious consumer knows that there is no need to have air conditioning on at full blast when no one is home. A smart move is to install a programmable thermostat that allows you to set higher temperatures when you are gone and lower ones when you are at home. For portable air conditioners, a timer and adjustable thermostat might already be built in. Just set your ideal temperature and the amount of time you want your unit to operate and the comfort begins.

3. Keep Blinds/Shades Down During the Day

Direct sunlight is not your friend when you are trying to cool a room. In fact, direct sunlight can raise the temperature of a room by ten to twenty degrees. So, be sure to cover the windows with curtains or drapes. Exterior shading is also very effective such as trees and bushes from outside.

4. Run Your Air Conditioner And Ceiling Fan Together

Doing this creates more air movement which can result in a four degree drop in the overall temperature of the area you are trying to cool. Also, ceiling fans cost about as much to run as a standard light bulb so your energy bill won't go up.

5. Insulation is Key

Any air leaks in your home waste your money because you will have to shell out more money for cooling because cold air is escaping. Caulking and weather stripping is always a good idea. You should also ensure that your fireplace is closed and insulate your home if financially feasible. For portable air conditioners, it is important to make sure the window kit is set up correctly. No leaks means better cooling efficiency.

6. M for Maintenance

For central air conditioners, either the dealer who installed your unit, or someone you find yourself should be checking up on your unit yearly. This checkup should include cleaning and inspecting coils, cleaning or replacing filters, adjusting and replacing fan belts, lubricating motors and bearings, cleaning and checking blowers and fans, inspecting controls and safeties, checking refrigerant and pressures and verifying operating temps.

For portable air conditioners, maintenance can be summed up best in four easy parts.

-Venting: You must vented the condensed hot air out of the room via a venting kit.

-Draining: Portable air conditioners remove water from the air. Some of the water is used to cool the air conditioner which increases the cooling efficiency. The rest of the water has to be released from the machine somehow. Sometimes it is collected in a bucket that needs to be emptied. Sometimes the air conditioner has self-evaporating technology so that most of the water is released with the condensed hot air by the venting kit. You may still have to empty a small container with these units. Continuous draining is available on some machines and some have condensate pumps that deliver the water outside or ro a drain pump located indoors.

-Cleaning: Every few weeks or so, the exterior of your portable air conditioner should be cleaned. You can use a soft, damp cloth to clean it while the unit is turned off. Be sure not no use abrasive chemicals or detergents.

Storing: At the end of the cooling season, you may need to store your unit. This promotes the efficiency and prolongs the life of your portable air conditioner. Turn your unit off, unplug it and drain all of the water out. Then plug it back in and turn on the fan mode. Let it dry out for a few hours. Make sure the filter is clean, wrap up the cord and pack the unit in the original packaging if at all possible. Store in a dry location.