How to Keep Your Automobile Air Conditioning System in Great Condition

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

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?

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?

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

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

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.

How to Buy a Room Air Conditioner

Room air conditioners put the cooling you need directly where you need it. They are a great solution for people who cannot install a central air conditioner in their building because it is not feasible or too expensive. The technology of room air conditioners has come a long way. They are up to thirty percent more energy efficient than they were just one short decade ago. They also have longer warranties so worrying about maintenance and repairs is a thing of the past.

It is a great idea to buy room air conditioners early. Buying them before summer starts certainly saves you money. Companies can get top dollar for these units in the summer, but during the off season they often have sales.

An important thing to consider when purchasing a room air conditioner is matching the unit to the room it is going to be cooling. If the cooler is too small, it won't cool the space. If it is too large, it will cool the space too quickly and the built-in thermostat will shut the unit down before the humidity in the room is lowered. This means the room will feel damp and clammy.

Room air conditioners are sized according to BTUs per hour, also known as the cooling capacity. This number can be found on the packaging of the unit or in literature about the product. BTUs of room air conditioners typically range from 5,000 to 25,000. To figure out which room air conditioner is right for them, most people compare the square footage of the room to BTU capacity. The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM), a Chicago based industry group has a more complex formula. It includes window area, sun exposure, insulation levels, how the room is used and other variables. For a more complete way to find the right amount of BTUs for you, their formula may be helpful.

Be sure to note that for 115V circuits typical of bedrooms and living rooms, you'll have to stay below 15,000 BTUs. Anything above that will require a 230V circuit. Also, if you are trying to cool an oddly shaped space with corners, it is better to have two smaller room air conditioners instead of one large one. Having two units will prevent cold spots in front of the air conditioner and warm spots around the corners. Mainly, you should try to keep cold air from pooling on the floor.

A very important consideration is Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER). This value is the cooling capacity divided by the electrical power required to run the unit. The higher this number is the better. The federal government requires manufacturers to list the energy rating on the unit. An EER of nine or ten is typical on an 115V room air conditioner. If a unit has an EER of ten it is considered extremely energy efficient. You will pay more up front for energy efficiency as well as for a high cooling capacity but you make up the increase in cost with the energy savings.

One last important consideration is the amount of control features. To fine tune the output of your room air conditioner for maximum comfort, look for units with multispeed fans and adjustable thermostats. If you are operating a room air conditioner in a bedroom, you can cool the space and then switch to a lower setting for quieter operation. Digital controls are even a higher step up, offering precise temperature control and sometimes even a timer for turning power on or off on a preset schedule. Also consider where the controls are located and whether it will be comfortable for you to reach them.

The Truth About Energy Auditors

With the addition of federal tax incentives, you may want to have a more energy efficient home. What should people who are suddenly propelled into "being green" do? Hire an Energy Auditor!

Hiring an energy auditor can save many resources. Also the government may give you a tax break on the purchase of:
-energy efficient windows
-a new boiler
-solar panels

Trying to update your home to be greener without consulting with an energy auditor is like investing in your company's 401K plan without researching it first. Don't make that mistake!

Some Reasons why Using an Energy Auditor is Beneficial:
1. Auditors are not expensive, only costing about three hundred dollars depending on the size of your home.
2. They zero in on the problem areas and offer solutions. For instance, you might be worried about the windows when the real problem is your vents or holes in the insulation.
3. Professional auditors use special equipment like infrared cameras, large fans and electronics to diagnose your areas of improvement accurately.
4. A detailed report will be given to you that outlines the problem areas in your home, solutions to the problems, and an estimate of the cost of the upgrades and what the return on your investment will be.

All you have to do is choose the right auditor and you can be on your way to a greener home in no time. But how do you choose the right one? You can get recommendations from friends and neighbors. You should also call your local utility company or the State Environment Protection Agency. These agencies can give you recommended contractor and also might even give you the names of contractors to avoid. You should also be aware that some auditors work for the companies that are selling the services and goods they are recommending to you. You should always ask auditors for references, the industry associations they belong to, and their training certificates. You should look at the required licenses and you it's always recommended to go on the state attorney general's website and the Better Business Bureau to look for clues about past problems.

Competent Auditors Will:
1. Do a Blower-Door Test- During this test, a huge fan is put inside of an exterior door. Super-sensitive measuring equipment is used to analyze the airflow and identify leaks.
2. Spot Cold Joints- They do this with an infrared camera. Cold joints are where air passes through insulation.
3. Test for Duct Leaks- This is done with a test similar to the blower-door test. Also determines air duct tightness.
4. Evaluate Energy Bills- A year's worth to be exact. They will give you easy lifestyle changes that will lower your costs.
5. Inspect Appliances- This includes air conditioners. They determine whether any of your appliances need to be replaced.

Audits typically save 12-20 percent in home heating and cooling costs. Remember, you can always improve the efficiency of your home; you just need to know where to look. That's where an Energy Auditor comes in!

Portable Cooling Guide: Maintaining your Portable Air Conditioner

When you need supplemental cooling or you cannot install traditional air conditioners because of impracticality or cost, a portable air conditioner is a great solution. Portable air conditioners can be moved from room to room. They do not require permanent installation. All you need to do to make sure the portable air conditioner works properly is vent it through a window or wall.

The maintenance on portable air conditioners is almost as easy as the set up and operation. Of course, to operate a portable air conditioner the initial venting must be done. This means venting the exhaust hose with a venting kit. This usually comes included with the portable air conditioner when it is purchased and can be slid into a window. If venting through a window is not possible, then venting through a wall or drop ceiling is also acceptable. This helps the portable air conditioner with the cooling process.

Water drainage is also an important component of portable air conditioner maintenance. Portable air conditioners cool and remove water from the air. They use some of the water to cool the unit. This makes the entire process of cooling more efficient. Portable air conditioners deal with excess water in various ways. Some of them collect the water into buckets that need to be emptied regularly. The amount of water in the bucket depends on the climate conditioner and the amount of time the portable air conditioner is in operation. Some units use a self-evaporating technology so that most of the excess water is expended with the hot air discharge. Most air conditioners can support a drain hose so that water can be drained continuously. There are also condensate pumps that move the drained water through a hose that is directed outside or to a drain pump located inside.

Another important factor to consider when performing maintenance on your air conditioner is cleaning and/or replacing air filters. There are washable filters that remove particulates from the air. Some portable air conditioners even have built-in air purifiers that include ionizers for particles and carbon filters for odors and gas control. To maintain an allergy-free, healthy, breathable environment and a properly functioning unit, filters need to be cleaned and changed regularly. Depending on use, you will need to change or clean the filters on a monthly or bi-weekly basis. For washable filters simply slide the filter out, immerse it in warm water with mild detergent and rinse thoroughly before putting it back into the unit. Carbon filters will need to be replaced according to the manufacturer's directions (usually every few months or so).

The housing of your portable air conditioner needs to be cleaned as well. If the air conditioner is clean, the air volume increases. To clean the housing of your unit, wipe the surface with a soft, damp cloth after you have turned the unit off. You should never use abrasive chemicals or detergents because this can result in scratches and damage to the portable air conditioner housing. It is also important to keep the unit out of direct sunlight because this can change the surface color of the unit's body.

As for off season storage, you need to properly store your portable air conditioner when it is not needed to make sure it works with maximum cooling efficiency when it is needed again. To store properly, you'll need to turn off and unplug the portable air conditioner. Next, you should drain all of the condensate water from the water container. Then, to dry the interior of the unit, turn it on fan mode for several minutes. You should then clean the filters, wrap the cord around the cord hooks and pack the unit in its original carton if possible. Make sure you store it in a dry location. Some portable air conditioners have built-in heaters and can be used year-round. You should still maintain these like any other units. Maintaining your portable air conditioners keeps your house allergy free and your unit working properly. Start caring about your portable air conditioner today! For more tips, click here!

Portable Cooling Guide: How to Choose Between a Portable Air Conditioner and a Swamp Cooler

When it is impractical, too expensive or too hard to install a standard, permanent air conditioning system, it may be necessary to consider a portable cooling solution. The two portable cooling solutions that people are choosing from are portable air conditioners and swamp coolers. Both of these products are designed to cool homes but they use different technologies to perform this function.

These cooling solutions are often interchanged even though they are very different. For one thing, a portable air conditioner removes humidity from the air. A swamp cooler actually adds humidity to the air. When using a portable air conditioner, it is best to be in a closed environment. These units recirculate the same air over and over again and have superior cooling capacities. Swamp coolers need a constant supply of air, and can only provide an incremental cooling effect. Whether you choose a swamp cooler or portable air conditioner will depend on a few key factors: the area in which you live, your cooling needs, and energy costs.

It is ideal to use a portable air conditioner when you can't use a window or wall air conditioner or when you need to supplement existing central air conditioners. Some apartment complexes do not allow window units or a home may have a window that isn't appropriate for permanently installed window air conditioning units. Portable air conditioners are great in those situations as well. These units do not need to be permanently installed. Most portable air conditioners have casters so that they can be moved to whatever room in your home is in the most need of cooling. An exhaust hose does run from the unit to the outside, so you will need a window nearby.

Swamp coolers (or evaporative coolers) are simple devices that use the evaporation of water in the air. This method of cooling has been used throughout history to beat the heat. A box-like frame containing a fan that is walled in by moistened pads is what comprises a swamp cooler. The hot air from your room is taken in, sent through the moist pads, and cooled up to twenty degrees. This is a lot like when you splash your face with water on a hot day. Once the heat from the air evaporates the water on your skin, a sensation of coolness is created.

Portable air conditioners are great because they can be moved from room to room. They are also excellent supplements to central air conditioning and help dehumidify the air. They do need to be vented to work properly. Swamp coolers are compact and portable and use a lot less energy than an air conditioner. They are cost effective in terms of purchasing, installing, and maintaining. They also add moisture to the air and prevent furniture and fabrics from becoming too dry. They are only to be used in dry, hot climates. If there is high humidity, the unit will not perform properly and perhaps make you more uncomfortable because of the added humidity. You must also keep adding water to these units for it to create a cooling effect.

Portable air conditioners and swamp coolers are effective alternatives to central air conditioning, but you must be sure to choose the correct solution for your application.

For more information click here!

Portable Cooling Guide: Portable Cooling Applications for a Cool Summer

When the weather starts heat up, people start scrambling to cool down. A portable cooling appliance may be the solution for you. There are two ways these portable cooling solutions provide you comfort. One way is that they drop the temperature. The other way is the use of water. A portable air conditioner uses refrigerant to carry and discharge heat. An evaporative (or swamp) cooler uses water to relocate heat.

People choose to use portable cooling appliances because they can be used in a variety of situations. They are ideal for cost effective spot cooling. You can also use them to supplement your central air conditioning. A lot of people either do not have the expertise, or cannot afford to hire a technician to install a permanent cooling solution. Portable air conditioners and evaporative coolers do not need to be permanently installed and usually come with easy installation instructions. Bulky window air conditioners are also popular, but they may not mesh well with the decor in your home. A portable air conditioner is a good alternative. You may also need to turn to a portable solution because of inadequate main systems or for after hours additional cooling.

Two of the main applications for portable cooling solutions are:

Homes

A home is where families go to relax. The headache of installing a central air conditioner or some other permanent cooling solution is not very relaxing. Portable air conditioners and evaporative coolers can be moved to whichever room you need them in. They do not require permanent installation and come with easy directions for installing that leave you headache-free. People considering window air conditioners may run into problems because their windows are oddly shaped. Portable air conditioners do not require placement inside your window frame and should be able to work with most window shapes.

You should keep in mind that because portable air conditioners cool air by removing moisture, they are better suited for humid environments. Some units will offer more advanced features such as built-in thermostats and auto-evaporative technology. This cuts down on maintenance substantially. For arid climates and evaporative cooler is ideal. They are cost effective and add moisture to the environment. They are rated by the cubic feet per minute of chilled air they deliver. These do require a bit more maintenance than portable air conditioners, like regular cleanings and steady water supply.

Computer Server Rooms

Lots of companies have computer server rooms. They are the rooms that house computer servers with mass amounts of company data so they are vital to the daily operations of these companies. It is important to control the temperature in these rooms because additional heat is generated by this computer equipment. When this equipment is operated at a high temperature for extended amounts of time, hardware malfunction and even system failure can result. Installing an air conditioner in the server room can lessen systems shutdowns and component failures.

Picking the correct air conditioner for a computer server room is crucial. Some air conditioners have automatic shut off features that can leave the server rooms sweltering during the nights and weekends. Additionally, some server rooms do not have easy window access and may be located in an interior room which means keeping the equipment cool is a difficult task. A portable air conditioner may be the correct solution. Just be sure that the unit you choose has an automatic restart function. This function keeps the unit running even if there is a power failure. You should not use an evaporative cooler to do this job. The moisture added to the air will damage the machinery.

Some additional applications are industrial areas, healthcare facilities, offices and schools, and outdoor areas and events. In these warm months, portable air conditioners and swamp coolers can be a comfort in a variety of situations. These portable cooling solutions may pave the path toward a cool, cool summer.

For more information, click here!

Portable Cooling Guide: Top Five Portable Cooling Mistakes

The summer is turning out to be a hot one. People often turn to portable air conditioners and swamp coolers to help them cool their environments. These appliances are good solutions because they are compact and mobile. They are a great alternative to wall or window air conditioners because they do not have to be permanently installed. They also work great as supplemental cooling to central air conditioners.

If you choose the wrong air conditioner or swamp cooler you could end up melting in the heat anyway. To help you choose wisely, here are the top five mistakes consumers make when choosing a portable cooling unit:

1. Not Considering Environment

-Some people may think that portable air conditioners and swamp coolers are interchangeable. They are not. Although they both lower the temperature of the air, they use totally different cooling methods and are suited for different environments.
- Portable air conditioners extract hot air that must be vented. They function as dehumidifiers and are great for areas with moderate humidity levels.
-Swamp coolers blow water-cooled air throughout an area or room. They work best in dry climates like Southwestern states.

2. Miscalculating BTUs and Room Size

- Choosing the correct amount of BTUs is very important. BTUs describe the power and cooling capacity of a cooler.
-How many BTUs you need depends on the area being cooled. The greater the BTU value, the stronger the air conditioner. If there is a higher BTU value than the required room size, the unit will cycle off too quickly and will not properly remove humidity. If there is a lower BTU value than the required room size, the unit will not properly remove humidity.
-You should keep the dimensions of the room in mind and where it is going to be located. Sunny areas will need an additional 10 percent in BTUs. Shaded areas need 10 percent less BTUs. Kitchens need an additional 4,000 BTUs.

3. Energy Efficiency Ratio

-The EER measures how efficiently a cooling system operates when the temperature is at a certain level (usually 95 degree Fahrenheit).
-EER is the ratio of BTUs to the amount of power consumed in watts.
-People buy oversized units and ignore EERS which is a big mistake. Choosing a high EER can help you save a considerable amount of money on your electric bill.

4. Not Venting A Portable Air Conditioner

-Portable air conditioners need to be vented through a window, wall or drop ceiling.
-Venting is necessary to exhaust hot air from indoors to outdoors.
-Venting kits usually come with portable air conditioners. They are complete with a hose so that venting is simple and effective.

5. Insufficient Electrical Power

-You will need enough electrical power available to prevent breaking a fuse.
-You should pay attention to the type of plug an air conditioner or swamp cooler uses. It may also require a dedicated unit.
-Larger air conditioners and swamp coolers may require a 230/280 volt circuit which is not common in standard households. You may require assistance from an electrician.

For more tips on choosing portable cooling units click here!

The Coolest Earth Day Ever: Take Care of Your Portable Air Conditioner!

Today is Earth Day!

Earth day is intended to inspire awareness of and appreciation for the Earth's environment. It is held during spring in the northern hemisphere and during autumn in the southern hemisphere. The United Nations celebrates Earth Day on the March equinox each year. This tradition was founded by John McConnell in 1969.

The April 22nd Earth Day was founded in the late sixties by Gaylord Nelson who was a United States senator and governor. He founded Earth Day as an environmental teach-in and it is celebrated in many countries.

The first International Earth Day was celebrated on April 22, 1970. Twenty million Americans demonstrated for a healthy environment in the streets, in parks and in auditoriums. Environmental groups fighting for various causes realized that they shared common values. In 1990, Earth Day mobilized 200 million people in 141 countries and it was a huge boost to recycling efforts. It partly paved the way for the 1992 UN Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro as well. In 2000, 5000 environmental groups reached out to hundreds of millions of people in 184 countries. Last year, one of the largest Earth Days to date was celebrated with an estimated billion people participating in activities.

Earth Day is celebrated on April 22 because it is the birth date of Eddie Albert. He was an actor that did early work with environmental causes and groups. Let's do him and millions (or is it billions) of earth lovers around the world a favor and do a little conservation checkup on our air conditioners.

Earth Day Air Conditioner Checkup List:

-Purchasing a high efficiency model can do a world of good not only for the Earth, but for your wallet.

-If shopping for a central air conditioner, get one with the highest Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) possible. They cost a little more but the reduced energy costs will offset the expense.

-Schedule regular checkups. Your air conditioner will last longer and operate more efficiently which will save you money.

-Before you turn on a new air conditioner read the owner's manual and follow all of the instructions. Have it checked on the following spring.

-Keep the inside and outside of your unit clean. Regular maintenance of the filter is mandatory and clear any accumulated dirt and debris from outside the condenser unit annually.

-Make sure you install it in a shady place. Do not expose the unit to direct sunlight because it could use up to 5% more energy.

Just these few simple steps can start you on the journey to a better Earth. William S. Burroughs once said:

After one look at this planet any visitor from outer space would say "I want to see the manager."

Let's tidy up the place, shall we? It's supposed to be a classy establishment.

The Quiet Cool of a New Air ACS Split Air Conditioner

As the weather heats us, you might be looking for a way to cool down your home that is cost effective and quiet. Why not try a split air conditioner like the New Air ACS 9001H? This unit is meant to cool spaces up to 400 square feet and comes fully charged with refrigerant. It also includes a 25 foot long line set that connects the indoor and outdoor units. This line set is a conduit that houses the power cable, refrigerant tubing, suction tubing and a condensate drain of the ACS 9001H. This links the outdoor and indoor air conditioner units through a small hole that is drilled in the wall of the building. The indoor unit on the New Air ACS 9001H mounts on the wall and quietly disburses the cooled air. The outdoor unit houses the compressor/condenser.
Since the compressor/condenser is housed outside, the indoor unit has a sound level of only 35-42 decibels. What does that decibel (dB) rating mean exactly? Well, the smallest audible sound is 0 dB (or near total silence). A whisper is 15 dB. A normal conversation is 60 dB. So the sound the indoor unit of a New Air ACS 9001H makes is between a whisper and a normal conversation.

The filter system of the New Air ACS 9001H is made up of a washable screen, and activated carbon filter and a photocatalyst filter. The washable screen is an air filter. The activated carbon helps get rid of odors. The photocatalyst filter employs an ultraviolet light that creates a reaction that releases free radicals. The free radicals get rid of toxic substances like germs and volatile organic compounds. This is how the New Air ACS helps protect you from harmful substances that might be inside your home.

The New Air ACS 9001H Split Air Conditioner not only protects you from excessive noise and potentially harmful air particles, it is incredibly convenient. It comes with a fully functional remote control and a one year manufacturer warranty. You can use this split air conditioner all year round because it also has a built-in heater. It also comes ready to install out-of-the-box by your HVAC professional. Just be sure to make sure you are choosing a good person to install your ACS 9001H. A qualified HVAC specialist should be licensed, be a member of the North American Technician Excellence and/or Better Business Bureau, have great references and be insured. Also, evaluate the bids you get from different companies and contractors very thoroughly.

You will want your New Air ACS Split Air Conditioner up and running beautifully as the summer months rapidly approach!

How You Discard Your Air Conditioner Affects the Environment

The ozone layer is our natural protection against the harmful ultraviolet radiation of the sun. A hole in the ozone was discovered over Antarctica in 1985. The ozone over the North Pole was also discovered to be depleting. Refrigerators, window and car air conditioners, and dehumidifiers rely on refrigerants that contain ozone depleting CFCs and HCFCs, also known as Freon. Ozone depletion means more exposure to higher levels of ultraviolet-B (UVB) rays, posing serious threats to human, animal and plant life.

Air conditioners are made with steel and plastic which are highly recyclable. In fact, 90% of all steel from appliances is recycled according to the Appliance Recycling Consortium. Before you try to recycle your air conditioner, you should take some steps to ensure that the coolants, which can cause ozone depletion, are not released into the air:

1. Contact the public works department in your town or county and ask about home appliance recycling or CFC/HFCF recovery programs. Refrigerant recovery machines draw the refrigerant from your appliance into a holding tank. Refrigerant is purified and sold for reuse and the appliance is recycled or discarded without harming the ozone layer.

2. Ask local home appliance retailers about their refrigerator and home appliance collection programs or about the availability of refrigerant-recovery programs.

3. Inform your local hauler or service person about the ozone problems and the law. As of July 1, 1992, refrigerants must be recovered from appliances before disposal. Per the Clean Air Act, the release of refrigerants into the atmosphere during service, maintenance, or disposal is prohibited. The EPA is authorized to assess fines of up to 25,000 per day per violation of the Act.
4. Avoid trying to recover the refrigerant yourself. Only qualified professionals with proper equipment should recover refrigerants (or any other pressurized gas).

5. Be prepared for a possible increase in appliance collection costs. You could consider the extra cost a contribution to protect the ozone layer.

Sometimes it is not quite necessary to discard your air conditioners. The National Association of Home Builders says that room air conditioners typically last about ten years on average. They are usually simple and cost effective to repair. Repairing units more than twenty years old, especially units manufactured before 1979 (when the first state efficiency standards went into effect) can cut your cooling bill in half.

For a central air conditioning system, if all of the other components are in good condition, a compressor change-out can give the system another 5-20 years of operational life. It also can increase the efficiency of the unit. Sometimes, though, it makes more sense to buy a new unit than repair a broken one. When it is time to replace the outdoor unit (condenser), the entire system should be replaced as a packaged with a new evaporator. This is even more critical with heat pumps and high efficiency equipment. If this is not done it could impact the reliability and performance.

10 Ways to Make the Most of Your Air Conditioner

As the weather starts warming up, air conditioners start being utilized more. That does not mean your wallet has to be stretched to its limit, though. If you do a few key things around your home, you will get more cool for your buck.

1. Add insulation to your home. It will save you money and keep your home cooler. For example, attics need R30 insulation at least to keep heat out in the summer and heat in during the winter.

2. Fix the windows in your home. Windows that have leaks or windows with single pane glass let cold air out and hot air in.

3. Close your window dressings like shades and drapes. Sunlight helps heat get into your home. You should block out the sun with light colored opaque drapes and shades.

4. Replace filters in central air conditioners and portable air conditioners as often as the manual suggests (usually every three months).

5. Don't block the source of the cool air with furniture or anything else. Make sure the space around the unit is clear. Keep the areas open to promote circulation.

6. Use floor or ceiling fans. Sometimes it is only a little warm and a ceiling or floor fan will suffice. If it is really warm you can use both together but put the air conditioner on a lower setting to keep costs low. Using the fans will help the sir circulate and also keeps cold air from settling near the floor.

7. Be sure to check and refill the refrigerant in your air conditioner. You may need to call in a professional to help to help you do this.

8. Install a programmable thermostat so you can vary the temperature according to when you are home. You should turn off your air conditioning when the outside temperature is less than the thermostat setting in the early mornings and late evenings.

9. The darker your home, the more heat it will absorb. Consider painting it a lighter color if at all possible.

10. Avoid generating heat because the heat you generate is the heat your air conditioner will have ti work harder to expel. Cook outside or use a microwave instead of oven. Turn off lights, computer and other appliances when they are not in use.

Air Conditioner Filters: In with the Bad, Out With the Good

Air conditioner filters are many splendored things. They are responsible for taking the dust and the dirt out of the air you breathe. They also help your air conditioners be more efficient at cooling your environment. An inferior air conditioner filter cools down air poorly and decreases the life span of the unit.

There are five main kinds of filters. They are:

Standard air conditioner filter: These air conditioner filters are made of spun fiberglass and cardboard frames. These filters remove ten percent of the airborne pollutants. There is an oily resin coating the fibers to help the particles adhere to the fiberglass as the air circulates. Larger particles rather than smaller particles are removed when you use these filters. They do not filter harmful allergens and contaminants well. It is recommended that you change standard fiberglass filters once a month.

Pleated air conditioner filter: This air conditioner filter is also made of fiberglass but the filter media is folded back and forth forming pleats. The pleats make these air conditioner filters have a larger surface area than standard filters. These filters remove thirty-five to forty percent of the airborne particles. Pleated air conditioner filters are slightly more expensive than standard filters but they do not need to be replaced as often. These filters only need to be replaced once every three months.

Electrostatic air conditioner filter: The filter media of this air conditioner filter has an electric charge that attracts contaminants. They either have built in electrostatic charges or create a charge from the air moving through the system. Electrostatic air conditioner filters remove ninety percent of airborne particles and cost from thirty to a hundred dollars. These filters should be replaced every three months.

HEPA air conditioner filter: HEPA stands for High Efficiency Particulate Air filter. This air conditioner filter traps ninety-nine point nine seven percent of the contaminants in your environment like fibers, dust, smoke, and pet dander. They even trap particles 1/300th the width of a human hair.

Electronic air conditioner filter: These are like electrostatic filters but more effective. These air conditioner filters use a fan to trap up to ninety-five percent of the particles in an electrostatic precipitator. These filters are recommended to people who suffer from allergies.

One thing to consider when you are deciding between the different types of air conditioner filters is the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV). This is a number from one to sixteen that is relative to the air filter efficiency. The higher the MERV, the more efficient the air filter is at removing particles. If a filter has a MERV of fourteen, that is a hospital grade air conditioner filter. Also take into consideration that the higher the MERV, the more resistance to airflow because the filter media becomes denser as the efficiency increases. For the cleanest air, you should choose a unit with the highest MERV possible but also one that allows your unit to force air through it.

The Soothing Sounds of...Air Conditioners?

Have you ever turned on your favorite jazz radio station and heard the announcer say, "And now for the smooth sounds of the air conditioner?" Probably not. But it's not as far from the truth as you think it might be. Some people do use appliances like portable air conditioners to help them relax or even sleep. The soothing sound these appliances emit is called white noise.

White noise is the type of noise that is produced by combining sounds of all different frequencies together. All the imaginable tones that a human ear can hear are combined together. By using white noise, you can blank out all the other noise that might disturb you. For example if you hear two people talk you can pick out one of the voices to listen to. If you hear three people talk, you can still pick out one of the voices. But if you hear one thousand people talking, it kind of melts into a hum and you can't really distinguish the different voices. Some people find that kind of sound peaceful, soothing and calming.

White noise can be obtained through:

-Radio static.

-Running an electric fan or portable air conditioner.

-White noise sound machines.

-White noise CDs (there are even a CDs that imitate the sound an air conditioner makes).

The ways white noise can be helpful are:

- To people with sleep problems who need to block out the sounds that interrupt sleep. It promotes more restful sleep and all of the benefits of a good night's sleep.

-Parents use white noise to calm a new baby. It helps quiet crying or fussing babies. It even helps babies suffering from colic.

-Students at schools and employees at businesses also use white noise to increase productivity when dealing with environmental noise pollution.

-It can also be used as a treatment for ADD/ADHD, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), hyperacusis and other inner ear disorders.

The next time you are tossing and turning in your bed at night, maybe you should think about using an air conditioner like the Soleus LX-120 Portable Air Conditioner to ensure a good night's sleep!