Save Time and Frustration with Air Conditioner Home!

Right after you purchase something, you usually read the instructions to see what you need to do. But sometimes this process gets confusing. Oftentimes, I find it useful to watch a video when putting something together or trying to figure out how something works. Seeing the process visually helps me save time and, not to mention, effort. As a result, Air-Conditioner-Home.com has put together a "How-to" video page that will save you time and frustration. We have videos that review products, such as dehumidifiers and air conditioners. We also have instructional videos that can help you learn exactly what you need to do to vent a portable air conditioner successfully. These videos can also be very helpful when you're shopping for the perfect home appliance (or maybe even the perfect Christmas gift!). Click here to take a look at Air Conditioner Home's helpful videos!

Stay Cool Without Tuning up Your Central Air Conditioner!

Humans lived for an extensive amount of years without the help of an air conditioner; in fact, the first modern electrical air conditioning unit wasn't even invented until 1902! Nowadays, it seems like nobody can go a day during the summer without relying on these units to provide cool air. There are a few drawbacks to using central AC units, of course. Air conditioners use a lot of energy, which costs money. This hot summer weather is going to last a long time; even when fall 2009 comes around, the weather will probably just be a few insignificant degrees cooler. Here are some tips you can use to stay cool without spending a fortune:

• Drink water! Yes, you've heard this before, but the fact is that most people don't drink enough water to stay hydrated (especially during the summer). Get water from a water cooler and dispenser, like the Vitapur VWD2636BLK. It can provide you with 50-degree cold water!
• Use a portable air conditioner or swamp cooler instead! These units can cool down your room or home quickly, and they don't use as much energy as central air conditioners! In fact, you can use an evaporative cooler like the NewAir AF-350, which only uses 200 watts of energy when cooling - it uses less energy than a normal desktop computer!
• Eat spicy foods! These foods make you sweat, which cools your body as it evaporates.
• Try not to use too many electric fans. If you have no other choice, use one fan that has a high CFM (cubic feet per minute) rating, such as the Air King 9230 electric floor fan. This powerful fan can circulate air up to 7,400 CFM! It is recommended that you don't use more than one fan, though. Fans are usually used to circulate air, so if you have too many fans pointing toward the same direction, you may just be circulating the hot air and making situations worse for yourself.
• Wear clothes made of cotton or silk. These fabrics don't retain heat, unlike polyester and rayon.
• Keep the blinds closed. It may be tempting to just keep everything open so that "fresh air" can come through your windows, but this actually makes your home much, much warmer. If you keep your blinds closed during the daytime, temperatures in your home can be up to 10 degrees cooler.
• Use products that contain mint or menthol. Mint soothes your skin and leaves a nice cooling sensation.
• Think cold. Have you ever heard of the man who froze to death in a refrigerator because he thought it was on when, in fact, it actually wasn't? Don't think that cold, but you can actually stay cool by thinking of cold places or by watching movies about cold places. Rent a movie such as Ice Age or March of the Penguins, sit back, and think about that temperature rather than the temperature you're sitting in. Your mind can help your body feel cooler when it actually isn't.

Central AC may sound like a good idea when you're feeling a bit warm, but it can also take a big chunk from your wallet if you're not careful!

Save Money and Energy with a Programmable Thermostat!

No matter what time of year it is, a large portion of your utility bill results from heating and cooling (about 43%, to be exact!). Wherever you live, the blazing summer heat is sure to have run up your energy bill already. Save energy and money while staying cool with a programmable thermostat!

Features and Benefits of a Programmable Thermostat:

- It's a money saver! You can save about $100-$180 per year by using a programmable thermostat. It controls how much heating or cooling you use, even when you're not at home.

- You can help the environment! By turning the temperature back 10%-15% for 8 hours, you can conserve enough energy to save you about 10% from your energy bill!

- It's customizable. You can override set temperatures if the day becomes exceptionally cold or terribly hot, so you don't need to skip out on comfort as you minimize the energy you use.

- You only need one thermostat for the entire house! Unless you have a room that is ten times hotter or colder than the rest of the house, one programmable thermostat is all you need to keep your home comfortable!

- Energy Star Approved. If you look for thermostats approved by Energy Star, you know for sure that the unit you're using helps you save energy and stay eco-friendly throughout the year.

- It features ventilation. You have the ability to program ventilation into the thermostat's settings to provide fresh air to the house at appropriate times, so you never have to worry about the air quality in your home!

- There are three different models for your own personalization. You can use the thermostat model that best adjusts to your schedule. The 7-day model is perfect for people whose schedules change every day; the 5+2-day model for people who have different schedules for weekdays and weekends; and the 5-1-1-day model for people who have one schedule for weekdays, another for Saturdays, and an entirely different one for Sundays.

One of the best brands out there is definitely Honeywell. This brand is energy efficient and a real money-saver! Best of all, Honeywell thermostats range in price from $40-$360, so the cost of the actual thermostat is covered with the amount of money you save in one to three years!

Energy Star - What is It?

We've all seen it. That blue logo with script stating that a product is "Energy Star" rated, but what does it exactly mean? Why are so many products rated with an "Energy Star" and why is it important? In a rough post, I will explain what these products mean to our energy use and what it can do to our environment.

Loop to Nature
Unfortunately, our environment is undergoing a huge change due to our immense consumption of energy. As more and more Americans drive cars and use electricity in our homes, our energy sources are depleting and disappearing. Energy Star was implemented to bring awareness to consumers of their energy use, and also as an incentive to save energy along with money.

Energy Star is an international label allowing consumers to know that such labeled products consume 20-30% less energy than their conventional counterparts.
Energy Star began in the United States as a voluntary labeling program, but was soon recognized by manufacturers.

The purpose of Energy Star is to assist consumers in making environmentally friendly choices that can help reduce our consumption of energy and lower our emission of greenhouse gases.
Items that are labeled with Energy Star include appliances, computers, and air conditioning units. Consider which item you use frequently and invest in an Energy Star rated product to start reducing your energy consumption today!

NewAir AC-12000E Portable Air Conditioner - Back by Popular Demand!

One of our biggest sellers last summer was the NewAir AC-12000E and for good reason: this ultra-sleek, ultra-efficient portable air conditioner is one of the most compact units in its cooling range and looks better than almost any other room AC on the market. Back by popular demand, it's now available this summer!

The NewAir AC-12000E is a portable air conditioner that cools medium-sized rooms such as bedrooms or offices. Unlike other portable air conditioners designed for installation in a wall or window, the AC-12000E sits on casters. This means you can roll it from room to room whenever you need a shot of chilled air.

Easy to install and operate, what we like most about this portable air conditioner is that it also works as a dehumidifier. It can take a considerable amount of moisture out of the air. According to NewAir, this model can remove up to 60 pints of moisture out of the air in a single day.
Although Southern California isn't that humid, we use this model in our own office and we're still pleased with its dehumidifying performance. Plus, auto-evaporative technology saves us the hassle of constant maintenance.

In terms of performance, the AC-12000E is a 12,000 BTU unit and it quickly cools even sizeable rooms. However, the best thing about this portable air conditioner is easily its looks. The NewAir AC-12000E boasts a sleek style we've yet to find in any other portable AC or window-mount models. Its silver body with black accents gives it a modern-chic look. 



Get your NewAir AC-12000E portable air conditioner while we have units still in stock!

Beat the Heat with a Lakewood Desk Fan!

Due to the current economy, a lot of customers have been asking us for suggestions on how to stay cool without turning on their air conditioners. Although evaporative swamp coolers can reduce temperatures by using 25 percent less energy than an AC, they're not always practical for areas with high humidity levels.

That's why we always suggest the handy electric fan as a great, energy-efficient way to beat the heat. One of our favorite models is definitely the Lakewood 1016 portable electric desk fan.
Over the years, in our quest to remain cool, one of the absolute best fans we've ever used is the Lakewood 1016. Unlike cheaper fans on the market, this fan isn't made of plastic - it's constructed of metal with aluminum blades. We've found that less expensive plastic fans tend to bite the dust in a few months. They may work for a while, but as time goes by, they usually break down.

With that said, this Lakewood is like a hurricane! There are three settings - low, medium, and high. You can adjust it to whatever level you want. Best of all, the Lakewood 1016 also looks great. The all-metal finish fits in with almost any decor.

If you're looking for a dependable and long-lasting desk fan, we highly recommend the Lakewood 1016 electric fan!

On a Budget? Your Portable Air Conditioner Can Double as a Dehumidifier!

When excess humidity causes condensation in your home, this leads to dripping on windows, wet sills, damp walls, mold, wet insulation, wood rot, and metal corrosion. One of the best ways to address excess household moisture is with a dehumidifier, but if you're on a budget, you may not need one if you have an AC.

Air conditioners double as dehumidifiers and remove moisture from the air. In fact, a portable AC unit such as the NewAir ACP-1400H eliminates up to 126 pints of moisture per day!

If you plan on purchasing a portable air conditioner, buying a separate dehumidifier shouldn't be necessary. In fact, you should probably try the AC first and see if that solves your moisture problem. However, if that doesn't work, or if you need to remove moisture in a basement or laundry room (areas where your portable AC may not reach), it's time to shop for a dehumidifier.

When looking at dehumidifiers, just look for these features:

• Automatic Shutoff: This shuts the unit off when the water tank is full.
• Hose Attachment: This allows you to connect a hose to the tank to allow the dehumidifier to drain into a floor drain.
• Wheels: Also referred to as casters, wheels allow mobility.
  

Say Hello to Our Newest Portable AC - the NewAir AC-10000E!

Introducing the newest portable air conditioner to the NewAir lineup: the AC-10000E!

We just received this unit in not too long and this portable AC unit is pretty much perfect. When it comes to spot cooling, everything that could have possibly been thought of was included in this great new air conditioner.

The AC-10000E utilizes NewAir's patented auto-evaporative technology. This high tech system collects water within the unit, and it's then misted out the exhaust hose along with hot air. This means you spend less time emptying the air conditioner's tank and more time enjoying the cool air it provides. Because this portable AC removes moisture from the air, it also works as a dehumidifier, making it great for areas with humidity problems.

Although the NewAir AC-10000E must be vented, it fits conveniently into a corner or tight space and comes with an easy-to-use window mounting kit. For cleaner air, the unit has a washable pre-filter that collects larger particles and prevents bacteria, and dust build-up. An amazing 10,000 BTUs of cooling means this unit can cool a room of 250 square feet easily. Also this portable air conditioner is equipped with a timer that can be set from 1 to 12 hours and varying degrees of temperature (all of which can be programmed with the included remote control).

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

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

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.

Portable Air Conditioner: Server Room Cooling

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?

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

Portable Air Conditioners: Green Purchasing

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

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.

Ready, Set, Winterize!

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

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.

The Importance of Venting Your Portable Air Conditioner

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

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?

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

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.