Five Ways to Use Swamp Coolers Efficiently

Swamp coolers are great for people who live in hot, arid climates. They can produce effective cooling but also cost less to operate than a standard air conditioner. They use the natural process of water evaporation within a simple air-moving system. The trouble is, many people don't optimize the performance of their evaporative cooler by following these five simple steps:

1. Install Your Swamp Cooler Correctly


There are different types of swamp coolers and they are installed in different ways. Larger swamp coolers are more complex to install, especially if it is designed to cool an entire home. It will probably need to be mounted in an external wall with access to moving air. Portable swamp coolers are simpler to install. They just need to be plugged in, filled up and switched on. As long as the water tank remains full, the swamp cooler should be working to cool the air to the desired temperature.

2. Open a Window


Evaporative coolers create moisture to cool. If that moisture builds up in your home, the swamp cooler will be less effective. For sufficient cooling to take place, the air forced into a room or home needs an exit path in the form of an open door or window. The general rule is a two square foot opening per 1000 CFM the evaporative cooler provides.

3. Wait for the Right Conditions


Swamp coolers actually perform better when it is warmer. There needs to be a significant difference in temperature between the cooling pads, the water and the air. The humidity in the air should be less than 50 percent for the swamp cooler to work best as well. Be sure to note that evaporative coolers can only reduce the air temperature throughout a room by 10 to 20 degrees and should be used primarily for personal cooling.

4. Clean the Filters


The water filter clears any impurities in water for maximum evaporation. Also, the moist pads within the swamp cooler double as air filters so that the cool outside air is blown into the house and the hot air is pushed out along with odors, pollution and smoke. Swamp coolers also exchange stale air for fresh air every one to three minutes. One swamp cooler on the market, the New Air AF-330, even has a HEPA filter. This is very beneficial for allergy and asthma sufferers.

5. Maintain Your Cooler


Be sure to clean all of the components of your swamp cooler and make sure they are all working properly. If at all possible, do this before an expected heat wave. A larger window or roof mounted swamp coolers will probably require tools for maintenance. Portable swamp coolers are simpler. As long as the water and filters are replaced often and the cooler is cleaned regularly, the maintenance needs of your portable swamp cooler are met.

So, you need to install, ventilate, use when the conditions are right, clean and maintain your swamp cooler for optimal performance. Following these five steps will ensure that you stay cool as the temperatures rise.

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!

The NewAir ADS-300 Mini Dehumidifier Product Review: Preventing Mold in Common Areas

The NewAir ADS-300 Mini Dehumidifier uses a thermo-electric peltier motor to remove excess moisture from small places like under the counter, bathrooms and closets. This technology makes it lighter and quieter. In fact, it only weighs two pounds and operates almost completely silently. You should utilize this dehumidifier in small rooms where poor ventilation results in musty odors or fungus growth. This dehumidifier helps you get rid of odors and prevent fungus growth for good.

The NewAir ADS-300 Mini Dehumidifier comes with a car kit adapter. This means you can rid your car or truck of excess moisture as well. It has an automatic shut off switch. When the water reservoir is full the dehumidifier automatically turns off so that the tank does not overflow. When the reservoir is full a yellow full indicator light will also alert you so you can empty it as needed. The tank holds up to 16 ounces of water.

If you suspect mold in your home, here are some common places to look for it:

Basements/Crawl Spaces

This level of your home has the most chance out of any level in your home of fostering mold growth. The thing to look for here is any sign of dampness. You should also look for black mold growth that may be taking place in wooden building materials. It is very important to look for black mold in the framing because this is the easiest way mold spreads to other parts of your home. You especially do not want mold to spread to the framing because your beams can be weakened as well as bearing walls that are crucial to the stability of the structure.

Rooms/Areas with High Relative Humidity

One way the likelihood of a mold problem will increase is when the relative humidity of a room or area is above 55%. You should be sure to monitor areas with high humidity levels on a regular basis. To measure the relative humidity of a room or area you will need a relative humidity sensor. These can also be called a moisture meter or a hygrometer.

Inside Wall Cavities

Walls are where warm air meets cooler air. This is especially true concerning the walls around the perimeter of homes and buildings. Wall cavities are, unfortunately, good at trapping moisture. Pipes inside your walls can leak without you being aware. Mold inside your walls eventually works its way to the outside of the walls. It will be visible, you will smell a musty odor and/or you will have respiratory health effects. You should remove drywall anywhere you suspect mold and then clean and remove mold.

The NewAir AF-350 Swamp Cooler: Product Review and Tips

Evaporative coolers or swamp coolers are a great way to keep cool and are less expensive than air conditioners.

A great swamp cooler is the NewAir AF-350 Swamp Cooler. It has a very powerful motor that runs on 200W of cooling power. The cooling pad has an improved design that is capable of retaining a greater amount of water. This means more cooling in a shorter amount of time.

The NewAir AF-350 has an extra large, 20 liter tank so that you will not have to fill it up as often as a swamp cooler with a smaller tank. It only weighs twenty two pounds so that you can easily maneuver it around your home. The rolling casters and a carrying handle also add an extra layer of maneuverability.

There are also electric controls and a remote control included with the NewAir AF-350. There are three selection speeds and a built-in ionizer for particulates. A carbon filter helps with any odors that might be permeating your home. There is also an optional TiO2 filter for even more filtration.

A timer and a power cord rewind are features that make the AF-350 even easier to use. You might need some tips to make sure you are using your swamp cooler to the best of its ability. Five ways to make the most of using your swamp cooler are:

1. Make sure that a window is open while the swamp cooler is in use. If you do not, the moisture in your home will build up and your swamp cooler will work less effectively. Swamp coolers use humidity to cool so if there is too much present in the air already, the temperature will not change.

2. Wait until it is 85 degrees or warmer to operate the swamp cooler if possible. These units operate better when it is warmer. The temperatures of the cooling pads, the water and the air need to be significantly different.

3. Maintain your unit. Makes sure everything is clean, especially your filter. When filter is clogged, impurities can get through and evaporation might slow or even stop. It is especially important to perform maintenance on your swamp cooler before a heat wave.

4. Search for a cooler that is energy efficient and uses a low amount of water.

5. Do not operate an air conditioner and a swamp cooler at the same time. If you need to use both use the swamp cooler first to cool the air down and add humidity. Then use the air conditioner to maintain the temperature.

Prevent a House Fire By Maintaining Your Portable Air Conditioner

No one wants a house fire. It devastates not only your home, but your family as well. A lot of house fires can be prevented. Here are some steps to take to prevent a fire in your home:

-Kitchen: Help prevent cooking fires by being vigilant in the kitchen. Gas stoves start fires because actual flames are being used. Food can boil over. A towel or oven mitt might be placed too close to the flame. Also be aware of faulty appliances. You should not try to fix them yourself. Have them professionally repaired or purchase a new one.

-Home Heating: Of course the sources of heat in your home should be watched closely as well. You should check and clean your fireplace regularly to prevent chimney fires. You should also examine your gas furnace every year. Keep all of your vents clear and uncovered. There is a higher fire risk with electric baseboard heating and space heaters. Make sure blankets, curtains and clothing are kept away from these kinds of heaters.

-Wiring: Electrical fires are very common in homes so it is important that wiring is properly installed. Make sure electricians are experienced and well-trained professionals. Examine your wiring whenever possible and try to update your home's wiring as well. This may be expensive but it could potentially save your life.

-Air Conditioners: It seems weird that something that is used to cool you down could be a fire hazard, but it's very possible. You should clean or have the interior coils cleaned by a professional. This prevents the motor from being overworked and you save money on energy bill. You also need to listen to your system for squealing sounds, rumbling noises, or banging and tapping sounds. These sounds may indicate loose parts or bearings which are seizing up.

-Smokers: Smokers have a higher chance of starting fires in their homes. If you are a smoker, do not leave a cigarette to burn. Also, do not smoke if you are feeling sleepy or tired because you might fall asleep with the cigarette in your hand.

-Decorations: Scented candles can make your home more cozy. They also can start a fire within minutes if not properly supervised. You should never leave one unattended and keep them away from children, pets and flammable objects. Also, natural Christmas trees are highly combustible when they are dry, old, damaged or decorated with low quality tree lights.

These are just a few things you can do to prevent your home from going up in flames. Mostly, just be watchful of anything you think might start a fire. If you have children, teach them that matches and lighters are not toys. Your home and your family depend on it.

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.

Make Today Air Conditioner Appreciation Day!

I know what you are thinking: but, there is no such thing as Air Conditioner Appreciation Day! There could be, though. All you have to do is take a little time to make sure your air conditioner is running properly. Why is this so important? Air conditioners do more than cool and dehumidify air. They also filter out the pollen in the air. Dust mites and mold hate the cool dry air so air conditioners dissuade them as well. They also discourage cockroaches because those little critters hate the airflow an air conditioner provides. A poorly maintained air conditioner can spread airborne bacteria and allergens. It also can produce enough prolonged noise to cause hearing damage. It is also potentially hard on your wallet because it can consume more energy.

Now that we have covered the importance of air conditioning maintenance are you wondering where to start? Look no further than you air conditioner filter. The filter(s) on your air conditioner need to be replaced and/or cleaned regularly. Dirty filters reduce the efficiency of an air conditioner substantially because the dirt blocks the normal air flow. When the airflow is blocked, the air that bypasses the filter can carry dirt directly into the evaporator coil and impair heat absorbing capacity of the coil. Remember how poorly maintained air conditioners consume more energy? Well, a clean filter lowers the consumption of energy by 5-15%.

You may now be wondering where the filter is located on your unit. If you have central air conditioning, the filter is located somewhere along the length of the return duct or in the air conditioner itself. If you have a room air conditioner, the filter is mounted in the grill that faces into the room. Some filters are reusable and need to be cleaned. Others are disposable and need to be replaced. During the cooling season you should clean or replace the filter(s) every month or two. If the air conditioner is in constant use, is subject to dusty conditions, or you have fur-bearing pets in the house, your system may need more frequent attention.

Another place to check on your machine is the coil. The coil and condenser coil collect dirt over the months and the years. One way to slow down the collection of dirt on the coils is to make sure the filter is clean. If the coil is insulated by dirt, the ability to absorb heat is reduced. It is important to check and clean the coil every year. You might also need to check the outside coil (or condenser coil). You should check to see if dirt is collecting on its fins. Make sure you minimize the amount of dirt and debris near the condenser unit and allow for adequate air flow around the condenser as well. You should also make sure that foliage is trimmed at least two feet back from the coil.

To complete your Air Conditioner Appreciation Day rituals, you should check the coil fins, condensate drains and window seals on your unit. Coil fins are easily bent and can block air flow through the unit. There is a tool that will comb the fins back into their original position called a fin comb. For the condensate drains, you should pass a stiff wire through the drain channels occasionally. This is important because if the channels are clogged the unit is prevented from reducing humidity. This excess moisture in the air can cause discoloration of walls or carpet. If you have a room air conditioner, you should check the seal between the air conditioner and the window frame. The seal should make contact with the metal case of the unit. The seal can be damaged by moisture which allows cool air to escape from your home.

Checking the filter, coil, coil fins, condensate drain and window seals on your air conditioner should complete your observance of Air Conditioner Appreciation Day. What is that you say? You are upset that it is over so soon? Never fear. I doubt your air conditioner will mind if you make every day Air Conditioner Appreciation Day!