Problem One: Not Cold Enough

There are a number of reasons why water from your dispenser might not be cold enough. Run through these steps to try and correct the problem:

1. Check to make sure the unit is plugged in and turned on.
2. Check the set temperature. Set it colder if necessary, especially if the ambient air is particularly warm.
3. Make sure there is sufficient clearance around the dispenser. Usually at least 6 inches is required on all sides to ensure enough air circulation for the compressor to work properly.
4. Clean the compressor coils to remove any collected dust and grime. Use a vacuum or hard-bristle brush. Make sure you unplug the water dispenser first!
5. Check the Freon level in the compressor system. If there is not enough Freon, you will need to call an air conditioning technician to come and recharge the system.

When you position your water cooler, make sure you keep it out of direct sunlight. This will make it easier for the dispenser to keep water at an ideal temperature.

Problem Two: No Water Comes Out

Other than an empty water bottle, there are several causes for no (or slow) water dispensing, a frozen water reservoir or a water-saturated air filter.

• For a frozen reservoir, unplug the unit and remove the bottle. When the ice has melted, adjust the thermostat before replacing the bottle and plugging it back in. If the problem persists, the unit will probably have to be replaced.
• An air filter can become saturated because of a leaky bottle. Remove the filter – it’s only necessary to replace it if the water cooler dispenser is in a workshop or other dusty environment.

Problem Three: Leaks

Most leaks that develop in water cooler systems arise in the bottles themselves. Even a hairline crack can disrupt the internal vacuum and cause the dispenser’s tank to overflow, making it seem as if there is a leak in the machine itself. Remove the suspected water bottle and replace it with a new one to see if the problem persists. If it does, contact the manufacturer about repair.

To correct a leaking tap, first make sure it is tightened all the way. If this doesn’t fix the problem, the tap has a bad spring or washer, and the tap will need to be replaced.

Problem Four: Strange tasting water

If the water from your water cooler dispenser has a funny taste, there is probably mold, mildew or mineral buildup inside the water tank. You will need to clean and sanitize it to restore a fresh taste to your water.

1. Remove the water bottle and unplug the unit.
2. Empty the water from the dispenser’s tank.
3. Pour a solution of hot water and vinegar or baking soda directly into the tank. Let it sit for a quarter hour.
4. Empty the cleaning solution from the tank and refill with clean hot water. Make sure everything is thoroughly rinses. Run the clean water through both spigots on the dispenser to make sure they are clean and clear, too.
5. If you can access water filter, clean it too.
6. Clean and disinfect the mouth of a new water bottle by wiping it with a water and vinegar solution before placing it on the dispenser.
7. Plug the unit and operate as normal.

More complex problems may need to be addressed by the manufacturer or authorized service technician. If you need help diagnosing a problem with your water cooler dispenser, or you’re ready to upgrade to a new model, don’t hesitate to contact our experts at Air Conditioner Home!

A portable air conditioner is the perfect solution for server room cooling, especially for small to medium-sized businesses where computer network equipment gets stowed in storage closets or utility rooms that lack proper ventilation.

Choosing the right portable AC to keep your server room cool can seem like a daunting task. But in fact all it takes are a few simple measurements and calculations. Here’s what you need to know:

Calculating Server Room Heat Load

The cooling capacity of portable air conditioners is measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units). The higher the BTUs, the more cooling power the unit has. Generally speaking, BTU requirements are based upon the size of the room you’re trying to cool. (You can read all about picking the right size air conditioner here.)

Server room cooling presents a particular set of challenges, however – most notably the presence of so much electronic equipment that significantly increase the amount of heat in the room.

Therefore, in order to properly calculate the size AC needed, you’ll must measure and calculate the actual heat load in the room.

Once you’ve calculated the BTUs produced by the various heat sources, you can calculate the total heat load by adding them together:

Total Heat Load BTU = Room Area BTU + Windows BTU + Occupant BTU + Lighting BTU + Equipment BTU

The Total Heat Load of the room equals the BTUs you need for your AC. Portable ACs are available with BTUs ranging from 5,000 to 14,000, more than enough for most server room requirements.

Still not convinced a portable air conditioner is right for your server room cooling needs?  Click here to learn more.

You’ve heard of SodaStream. You know it’s a great alternative to buying commercial sodas because:

• It’s healthier, with a third of the calories, carbs and sugars of commercial drink brands, and half the caffeine. SodaStream flavors eliminate high fructose corn syrup and aspartame, and use no-calorie Splenda as a sweetener.
• It’s environmentally friendly, since it eliminates the need to buy beverages in plastic bottles and aluminum cans, reducing waste. The reusable bottles are PCB and BPA free, and fully recyclable. It doesn’t even use electricity to operate.
• It’s cheaper, costing as little as $0.25 a serving for fresh, gourmet soda.
• It’s flexible, offering over 60 flavors for you to choose from and customize your favorite beverages. Now everyone in the family can have their favorite.

But did you know how flexible the SodaStream home soda maker really is? While there are plenty of flavors to keep everyone happy, there’s no need to be limited by them.

Make Homemade SodaStream Flavors

Even though SodaStream flavors are about as natural as they come, they are still manufactured, and  that means there are additives, sugars and ingredients that are maybe not so fresh.

But there’s no need to limit yourself to the pre-packaged syrups from the manufacturer.  Create your own fresh soda flavors at home by mixing your own ingredients.

• For lime soda, mix 2/3 cup of lime juice, 2 tsp. lime zest, 2/3 cup of water, and 1 1/3 cup of sugar. Simmer for 5 minutes until it’s syrupy. Allow it to cool before adding to your SodaStream carbonated water.
• Make your own ginger ale by steeping ginger slices in a simple sugar solution to make your own syrup.
• Try chocolate soda by combining a few teaspoons of cocoa powder, your favorite sweetener, 1/3 cup of milk and  dash of vanilla with 1 ½ cups of SodaStream soda water. (Make sure the milk and cocoa are well mixed before you add the soda water.)
• Add any fresh juice to your SodaStream bottle for a refreshing sparkling drink.
• Experiment with natural sweeteners such as agave, honey and brown rice syrup.

Recipes for traditional flavors like cola and root beer can be found online, along with dozens of other great tasting flavors you can try.

Beyond Soda – Cooking with SodaStream

If you’ve never tried cooking with soda, then you’re really missing out. Carbonated soda helps tenderize meat, while the sugars and flavorings add a unique, slightly sweet flavor to your favorites.

• Try mixing your favorite teriyaki marinade or barbecue sauce with an equal part of carbonated soda.
• Add a splash of soda to your slow cooker instead of water, pineapple juice or other liquid.

Try one of these mouthwatering recipes from SodaStream.com.

Cola Carmelized Strip Steaks – serves 4
4 strip steaks
2 cups SodaStream Cola (finished soda)
Package of dry onion soup mix

• Place 4 strip steaks in a deep baking dish
• Rub meat with onion soup mix and pour cola over top
• Allow to marinate 4 hours or overnight
• Grill over hot coals to desired doneness
• Hint from the chef: Marinated meat cooks faster than non-marinated meat so you should adjust your cooking time accordingly.

Ginger Salmon – serves 4
4 Salmon Filets
SodaStream Ginger Ale sodamix
1 small bunch of scallions

• Place salmon fillets skin side down in a baking pan
• Generously coat with Sodastream Ginger Ale sodamix
• Chop one bunch of scallions (white bulbs and some of
• green tops) into 1/2″ slices and sprinkle on top of salmon.
• Grill over medium-hot coals to your desired doneness.
• Note from the chef: “We eat ours at room temperature, or on salad greens. Also goes well with creamed potatoes, or cole slaw as accompanying vegetables. You can also use a whole side of salmon for an impressive presentation.

These are just a few ideas for how you can use the SodaStream home soda maker to go beyond soda. The possibilities are limitless!

Most of us might scoff at such a ridiculous idea, but a recent article in The Atlantic approached the subject with sober curiosity.  What are the roots of this supposed urban legend, and why does it continue to have such a pervasive influence on Koreans despite the lack of any scientific evidence?

But to most of us, the idea that using a fan can lead to death seems simply ludicrous.

Or is it?

Are Electric Fans Bad for Your Health?

According to a new review published by the Cochrane Library, running an electric fan during a heat wave might actually accelerate heat-related illnesses that can lead to death.

When air conditioning is not available, electric fans have always been considered as the go-to alternative for keeping cool. While they don’t actually cool the air, they circulate the air and help evaporate the sweat from your skin so that you feel cooler. Generally, speaking some relief is better than no relief.

But the new review, as reported by Time.com, says that in extreme heat – temperatures over 95°F – these effects can actually do more harm than good.

Health complications arise when too-hot air is blown over the body and promotes rapid dehydration.

“‘An increase [in] sweating can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. If these fluids and electrolytes are not replaced quickly enough, there is a possibility [that fans] may do more harm than good,” say the authors of the review.” (Source: Time.com)

The shock to the body’s system can lead to heat illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. These conditions can lead to disastrous consequences, especially for old people, very young children, and people already suffering from illness.

When Not to Use Your Electric Fan

While studies that conclusively link electric fan use to heat-related deaths are still inconclusive, it’s important to note that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention only recommend fan use for temperatures below 90°F.

When it’s hotter, turn on an air conditioner.

If AC is not available, take a cool shower or bath, or seek out community cooling shelters where you can get relief from the heat.

Survive the Next Heat Wave with Portable Air Conditioners

Whether or not a fan can actually increase the risks of heat-related death, it’s probably not enough to keep you comfortable and healthy in extreme heat.

Before the next heat wave hits, be prepared to protect yourself and your family from high temperatures. Portable air conditioners and window air conditioners cost only a fraction of central AC systems, but provide all the cooling you need to survive the hottest days.

Wonder no more!

If you’ve ever looked at your ice cube tray halfway through the freezing process, then you might have noticed how the outside shell freezes first, while the interior is still a liquid. As the inside continues to freeze, anything in the water is pushed out through the already frozen parts, creating the micro-fissures in the ice that make it cloudy.

Most commercial ice makers create ice in layers, which prevents air bubbles and impurities from getting trapped inside during the freezing process.  Think about how icicles form – each thin layer of water is allowed to freeze before the next layer of water is added, so the ice remains crystal clear.

But you don’t need fancy equipment to make clear ice at home. All it takes is some distilled water, a kettle and your freezer. We’ve put our best tips and tricks for making clear ice cubes in this convenient infographic.  Read on to discover how you can serve up sparkling beverages just like the pros!

We’ve made it easy for you do-it-yourselfers by collecting some of the most creative ideas we’ve seen around the web.

Classic: Keep Cool with Ice and Fans

One of the simplest DIY cooling devices you can put together yourself involves nothing but a fan and a bowl of ice. When the cold ice is placed in front of the fan, the air blowing past it is cooled through what’s called adiabatic heat transfer. The result is a localized cooling effect with a temperature drop of a few degrees in the immediate vicinity of the fan.

While not likely to provide a significant amount of cooling, this method of beating the heat is a step up from just a fan.

Extra tip: Refreeze melted ice instead of just pouring it down the drain.

Ingenious: DIY Air Conditioner

This clever DIY cooling solution mimics the operation of an air conditioner, but it’s built using an ordinary fan and uses water as a refrigerant.

The basic concept works like this: pump ice cold water from a bucket into copper tubing that has been coiled around the grille of an ordinary fan. When the hot air passes over the cold pipes, the air temperature will drop. In principle, it’s the same effect as ice and a fan, but with an automated process that should make it less of a hassle (once it’s built) to keep operational.

You can find dozens of sites with instructions for this DIY cooling project online, along with variations to meet particular cooling needs. Does it work? Fans say it can provide as much as a 5 to 10 degree temperature difference!

Extra tip: The original version of this homemade air conditioner relied on gravity to move water through the pipes – a good thing to keep in mind if you’re suffering from the heat in the middle of a power outage!

Portable: Mini DIY Swamp Cooler

Swamp or evaporative coolers work best in hot, dry climates where evaporation occurs rapidly, cooling the air in the process. Because they’re relatively simply mechanically – they consist of nothing more complex than a fan and a pump – they are a natural favorite for DIY cooling systems.

The simplest homemade swamp cooler doesn’t even use a pump. Simply stretch a piece of fabric in front of a fan with the bottom of the fabric resting in a bucket of cold water. As the fabric gradually absorbs the water, hot air from the fan causes it to evaporate and the air cools.

More elaborate versions can be built inside plastic tubs or other containers, so they are portable, and use pumps to keep the pads properly moistened. The largest version we’ve seen uses a garbage can as a water supply and an HVAC tube to pump cold air into a travel camper. It’s even solar powered, so it can provide cooling even when no electricity is available.

The amount of cooling an evaporative cooler can provide depends entirely on the size of the pads and the strength of the fan. If conditions are right, though, a DIY swamp cooler can lower the surrounding temperature by up to 20 degrees.

Extra tip: Plans and instructions for the projects shown here can be found on Instructables.com.

Plan for the Next Heat Wave

Hopefully, these ideas will help you stay comfortable the next time a heat wave catches you unprepared. But if the idea of doing-it-yourself doesn’t appeal to you, or if these homemade solutions won’t provide the cooling power you need, start shopping for a portable cooling unit today. We have hundreds of in-stock portable air conditioners and swamp coolers ready to ship today.

When filters and vents are clogged with dirt and gunk, the AC has to work harder to circulate air in and out. Not only will you end up with less effective room cooling, you’ll pay more in energy costs too.

That’s why routine cleaning and maintenance is so important.  Fortunately it doesn’t take a lot of time to keep your AC running in top condition, and the effort you spend now will save you trouble in the future.

We’ve put all you need to know about getting better AC performance in this handy visual guide.

Energy efficiency is not just an issue for those worried about the environment. Your personal budget is affected every time you turn on your air conditioner, thanks to the increase in electrical usage and the rising cost of energy. Air conditioning your home costs money, so it pays to do whatever you can to reduce consumption.

Fortunately, there is no need to sacrifice comfort for the sake of saving a few bucks. Manufacturers of portable air conditioners like NewAir continually strive to improve the energy efficiency of their products so you can relax in comfort without feeling any guilt.

Energy efficient air conditioning is not a myth – but you do need to know how to find it.

EER, BTUs, and Energy Savings

The US Department of Energy regulates the efficiency of home appliances, setting minimum guidelines for energy usage that manufacturers must comply to. The primary measurement used for portable air conditioners is the Energy Efficient Ratio, or EER.

Calculating the EER of a portable AC is very simple: all you have to do is divide the cooling capacity of the unit (BTUs) by the energy consumption (Watts).

• BTU – The British Thermal Unit is the standard measurement for thermal heat energy used across the heating and cooling industry. It tells you how much cooling power any given model has.
• Watt – A standard unit of electricity, equal to one ampere of current per second.

So, a 10,000 BTU portable air conditioner with a 1,200 watt energy draw would have an EER of 8.3. That’s about the minimum required by the National Appliance Standards. The higher the number, the more efficiently the unit operates, and the greater your energy savings will be.

Finding the most energy efficient air conditioning is easy: just look at the EER.

Energy Efficient Air Conditioning

If you’re looking for an energy efficient portable air conditioner, there are many choices available to you.  Here are some of our top recommendations to get you started:

For areas up to 325 sq. ft.
NewAir AC-10100E

• BTUs: 10,000
• EER: 11

For areas up to 425 sq. ft.
NewAir AC-12000E

• BTUs: 12,000
• EER: 10.2

For areas up to 525 sq. ft
NewAir AC-14100E

• BTUs: 14,000
• EER: 9.88

For more tips on saving energy while you keep cool this summer, check out The Green Guide to Portable Air Conditioning.

If the idea of sweltering through days and nights without relief from the heat has put you off the idea of camping all together, it’s time to reconsider. More and more, tent campers are enjoying the cool comfort of air conditioning in their homes-away-from-home.  While the idea of air conditioning a tent may seem crazy to some die-hard campers, we say if a tent AC makes you happier, why not enjoy it?

There are a few air conditioned tents available on the market, but adding AC to the tent you already own is easy enough to do. We’ve gathered the basic info you need to get started.

Choosing your Tent Air Conditioner: Window or Portable?

There are two primary choices for the type of tent air conditioners you can use, window ACs and portable ACs.

A portable unit is the easiest to set up, though it will take up a bit of floor space inside the tent, so keep that in mind. Portable ACs come with one or two exhaust hoses – all you need to do is put the end of the hoses through the tent door and secure the flap around them.  Hot air will be expelled outside, and cold air will stay inside.

Window units require a bit more prep work, but because they usually cost less than portable ACs they might be a preferable choice. To start with, you will need a stand of some to rest the box-shaped unit on. Remember that the back part of the AC needs to be outside in order to properly expel heat. Place the unit in the door of your tent and zip the flaps around it as closely as possible. Use duct tape to secure the opening and prevent cooled air from escaping.  (If your tent only has one door, you may need to skip this last part so you can get in and out easily.)

Alternatively, you can install an opening in the side of your tent to accommodate the air conditioning unit. This takes some planning, and you’ll want to reinforce the area you plan to cut through with some Ripstop Nylon. You’ll find full instructions for cutting a window in your tent for an air conditioner on Instructables.com. (http://www.instructables.com/id/Air-Conditoned-Tent-for-those-hot-months)

Power Supply for Air Conditioning a Tent

Of course, the idea of a tent with air conditioning goes nowhere without a proper power supply. Fortunately, many campgrounds provide electric outlets to campsites, so it’s easy enough to connect your tent air conditioner. Here are some important recommendations from one regular user of tent air conditioning:

• Choose an air conditioner that pulls a max of 6 or 7 amps
• Use an extension cord rated for 15 amps or more
• Make sure your extension cord is rated for outdoor use

This difference in amps will ensure your extension cord plug-in doesn’t get overheated, leading to a risk of fire in a very flammable tent. (http://www.deltablues.net/camping2.html)

If your campsite doesn’t have power outlets, or you are planning on a true wilderness experience, you can still enjoy air conditioning if you want tote along a portable generator as well.

Additional Considerations for Camping with AC

• Tents are poorly insulated, so they won’t retain heat long after the unit is turned off. To increase the air conditioner’s efficiency, try to put your tent in a shady area or erect a tarp over the tent to divert the sun’s rays. Reflective blankets are especially useful in keeping off the heat.
• Air conditioners are tempting targets for thieves. If you plan on leaving your campsite for any length of time, you might want to protect your tent air conditioner by stowing in the car while you are gone. Alternatively, you could secure the unit with a heavy chain to a stake hammered into the ground, to prevent anyone from easily carrying it off.
• If you are camping in the desert or other dry climate, a swamp cooler is a less-expensive alternative to an air conditioner for a tent. They don’t require venting, so set up is as simple as plugging it in. Swamp coolers do require water to function, however – as much as 15 gallons a day – so be sure there is a ready water supply before choosing this tent cooling option.
• Extend your camping season by choosing a portable air conditioner with a heat pump. A simple reversal of the air conditioning cycle lets it function as a safe and efficient space heater, so you can keep comfortable while you camp even in the spring and fall.

Ready to enjoy the great outdoors without having to give up the comforts of your air conditioned home? Check out our selection of window air conditioners and portable air conditioners today!

If an old appliance is still in working order, you might be able to sell or donate it. But older and broken appliances that can’t be repaired need to be disposed of properly or you could face serious repercussions. Because of the hazardous chemicals present in many appliances, simply dumping them on the curb is illegal in most municipalities, and appliance recycling is mandatory.

So before you load that old refrigerator in the back of your pick-up to haul it to the dump, here’s what you need to know about recycling appliances.

Why appliance recycling matters

Most appliances that are used to cool things operate with a compressor and refrigerant system. Refrigerants are chemicals (like Freon) that can be used to transfer heat so that your freezer stays cold and your air conditioner blows cool air. But these refrigerants also contain ozone depleting compounds such as:

• chlorofluorocarbons (CFC)
• hydrochlorofluorcarbons (HCFC)
• hydroflourocarbons (HFC)

While CFCs – the most damaging to the environment – have not been used to manufacture new appliances since 1995, HCFCs and HFCs are still considered greenhouse gases that can contribute to global climate change.

Other hazardous components in refrigerated appliances can include:

• used compressor oil
• polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
• mercury

These components, when improperly disposed of, can seep into the groundwater and have long-lasting effects on the local environment. Direct, short-term exposure can cause skin, eye and respiratory irritation, while long-term exposure can cause liver and brain damage, and compromise the immune system, the nervous system, the reproductive system, and the endocrine system.

All these components should be removed in facilities equipped to safely remove and dispose or recycle them.

How to recycle used appliances

When you’re ready to replace an old appliance, check for “bounty” programs from your local electric utility – many offer programs that give you a rebate or bonus when you replace an old appliance with a newer, more energy-efficient model. They are equipped to remove and recycle your old refrigerator or air conditioner efficiently.

If no such program is not available, call your local government offices and ask about their procedures for collecting and disposing of hazardous materials. Free pick up may be provided in your neighborhood, but other municipalities charge a fee for collection, usually between $10 and $50. Some towns will only collect appliances once the refrigerant has been removed. If you find yourself in this situation, don’t attempt to remove the refrigerant yourself – contact a technician who has equipment that is certified to remove refrigerants safely.

When you turn over your old appliance to the collection service, make sure they don’t intend to just dump the unit in a landfill – do your homework and ensure that they are responsibly recycling the materials. Once the hazardous materials are removed, almost all the materials in an old appliance can be recycled. A refrigerator‘s metal cabinet, plastic liner, and glass shelves can all be broken down and reused. Portable air conditioners include iron, copper and aluminum. These are all valuable resources that can be reused to help preserve our planet’s precious resources.

What appliances should be recycled?

Any appliance that has a cooling function powered by a compressor should be professionally recycled. These include:

• Refrigerators
• Freezers
• Air conditioners
• Dehumidifiers
• Wine coolers
• Ice cream makers with compressors
• Water coolers

If you’re not sure sure if your old appliance should be recycled, it’s better to err on the side of caution. Call your local recycling center and make arrangements for a pick up. To find appliance recycling services in your area, check out this resource from Earth911.com.