Cool Mist Humidifiers: The Benefits

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

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

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

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

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

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

Humidifiers and Dehumidifiers: Controlling the Moisture in Your Home

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ready, Set, Winterize!

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.

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.

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.

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!