Review Window-Mounted Air Conditioner

Today, many people are looking for alternate sources of energy and more cost conservative and environmentally friendly ways to power their home. You can also cool your home in a friendlier way to your pocket and your environment.

Evaporative coolers, also called swamp coolers have great features to naturally keep your air cooler, create clean, constant circulating air, humidify your room (which can even be done in dry winter heat) and operate at lower noise levels than a refrigeration type air conditioner. Window evaporative systems have cooling pads that are absorbent and turn heat into cool air, have slats or louvers to allow you to direct air flow, have a kit to allow you to slide the unit into your window and the design of the window cooler allows it to help cool your home without being bulky and in the way such as with a portable unit.

Window-Mounted Air Conditioner

What other reasons are there for using window based evaporative coolers?

There are many reasons to use window evaporative coolers. They are generally installed in a window like an air conditioning unit but with many features that set these products apart from regular refrigeration air conditioning units. The evaporative air cooler uses hot air and water to dramatically lower your room temperature. They are significantly lower to operate electricity wise over regular air conditioners and they are cleaner to operate with the bonus of being better for the environment and creating cleaner air in your home. You can have a portable evaporative cooler, a window based unit that cools a room or a system installed in your home that cools your whole house. They also exist in commercial sizes as well.

There are great advantages to your electrical bill being reduced with a healthy flow of air and without damage to the ozone. This is a much more natural process of cooling your house and units even exist that have additional features of fighting dust and pollen. The hotter it is outside, the better the unit will work with evaporative technology.

There are varying materials inside the unit that can impact the performance of it such as materials that may or may not be susceptible to corrosion or rust. There are different types of absorbent pads with varying materials and levels of thickness, there are fans and blowers that will vary as well as a water reservoir that can determine how often you need to fill it. Some coolers can be fed water directly from your plumbing as well.

A window evaporative cooler can look as sleek and stylish as a new air conditioning unit. Be sure that you buy a unit large enough to cool the entire room you plan to use it in and be sure to maintain the unit regularly to reduce scale build up and continued absorbency of the water pads. Pads need to be replaced regularly depending on what type of pad your machine uses as well.

In closing, an evaporative cooler that's in your window can cool your room in a natural, environmentally friendly way that can also lead to a reduction in energy costs as well as cleaner air for your home. Maintenance is not complicated and can be completed a few times per season if you are even just a little bit handy. There are many options available in window coolers for varying prices.

Using Window Evaporative Coolers To Reduce Energy And Increase Air Quality

A mini split heat pump is perfect for room additions, where extending or installing distribution ductwork is not feasible. There are two components to this system. It has an outdoor compressor/condenser, and an indoor air-handling unit. The conduit houses the power cable, refrigerant tubing, suction tubing, and a condensate drain, links the outdoor and indoor units. 
 
However, there are advantages and disadvantages in using this kind of heating system. The advantage of using this system is that they are small. It also has flexibility for zoning or heating and cooling individual rooms. Models of this type of device have as many as four indoor air-handling units for four zones or rooms. The handling unit of the mini split heat pump is connected to one outdoor unit. The number of unit also depends on how much heating or cooling is required for the building or each zone. This is also affected by how well the building is insulated. Since each of the zones will have its own thermostat, you only need to condition that place when someone is there. This will save you energy and money. 
 
Another advantage of this system is that they are often easier to install than other types of space conditioning systems. The hook up of this device between the outdoor and indoor units requires only a three-inch hole through a wall for the conduit. Manufacturers of the mini split heat pump also provide a variety of lengths of connecting conduits. You can also locate the outdoor unit as far away as 50 feet from the indoor evaporator. This makes it possible to cool rooms on the front side of your house with the compressor in a more advantageous or inconspicuous place on the outside of the building. 
 
This system can also avoid energy losses associated with the ductwork of central forced air systems because of the absence of ducts. In addition, since duct losses can account for more than 30% of energy consumption for space conditioning, especially if the ducts are in an unconditioned space such as an attic. Thus with the absence of these ducts, you can save this 30% energy consumption. 
 
Another advantage of the mini split heat pump is that it offers more flexibility in interior design options. The indoor handler of the device can be suspended from a ceiling, mounted flush into a drop ceiling or hung on a wall. There are also floor-standing models if you prefer this design. Most indoor units also come with sleek, high tech looking jackets. They can also come with a remote control, making it easier to turn the system on and off even when it has positioned on a wall or suspended from a ceiling. 
 
Most importantly, they keep your home safe since there is only a small hole in the wall. Though the wall and window mounted, room air conditioners can provide an easy entrance for intruders. The disadvantage of using a mini split heat pump is that it can cost about 00 to 00 per ton of cooling capacity. This is about 30% more than central systems excluding ductwork. Though this device has many advantages but if you are planning to buy this type of device, you need enough money to be able to buy it.

Window-Mounted Air Conditioner

The Mini Split Heat Pump - Is it For You?

The main theory of what a conventional non condensing boiler does is pretty simple. A boiler works by igniting a combustible fuel source (oil, natural gas, or LP gas), with an appropriate air mixture. The heat from the flame and hot combustion gases pass through a heat exchanger within the boiler, where water is heated and then circulated through radiators, under floor radiant tubing, and hot water cylinders throughout the house. The flue gases then escape through the chimney or venting system. A decent amount of heat is wasted with this type of boiler, where the heated gases are just directly vented out. These types of boilers have a lower efficiency rating; no higher than 75%. An efficiency rating is basically a gauge of how much energy the boiler transfers from fuel used to how much heat is supplied to the system.

Condensing boilers work a bit differently. They essentially have some of the same components non condensing boilers do, except for a second heat exchanger. One of the gases produced in the combustion of fuel is water vapour.Where the hot flue gases just got vented out in a traditional boiler; condensing boilers condense these vapours around a second heat exchanger before venting. By the time the gases are ready to be vented out they are much cooler, around 60 degrees Celsius. As a result the vent pipe used in installation can be made of PVC.

Window-Mounted Air Conditioner

With these systems some of the internal components have to be made of more durable material, because the condensed water tends to be acidic with a 3-5 pH. This results in the cost of the condensing boiler being higher than average. The secondary heat exchanger is where the system return enters first. So by the time the water enters the primary heat exchanger it is already been preheated, allowing the boiler to work more efficiently. The efficiency rating from condensing boilers range from between 80% to 98%.

Combi boiler / Combination boiler
Combi boiler / Combination boiler is an excellent choice for homes with limited space. Combi boiler / Combination boiler is a domestic water heater and a central heating system combined into one unit. They have a heating coil inside of them, and function like an unlimited on-demand water heater. Combi boilers don't have cylinders or external holding tanks like traditional systems do, so they can be installed in areas where a typical system would never work.

Condensing Boiler Pros
1 They are fuel economical and have a 15-30% higher efficiency rating than non condensing counterparts
2 Considerable savings on annual energy expenses
3 Most units are very quite ( they make as much noise as a window mounted air conditioner)
4 Many Models could easily fit in a small closet and have combination boiler
5 They are more environmentally friendly with C02 output

Condensing Boiler Cons
1 Initial cost of the unit is more
2 Units need to have the acidic condensate fitted outside or to a waste line
3 The dwelling the boiler is installed in needs to be insulated well, otherwise the heat saved through efficiency will be lost through the walls.
4 Most units need an outdoor weather sensor to operate effectively

High Efficiency Condensing Boilers and Combination Boilers

If you live in a house or an apartment that does not allow air conditioning units, then portable air conditioners will remedy your problem. There are so many manufacturers of air conditioning units which make it hard for you to choose which one to get. However, Haier Portable Air Conditioners stand out for the following reasons.

1. They are very affordable. You can already get Haier Portable Air Conditioners for around 0 to 0. If it is possible to get it from a clearance, then do so. You can get it for 0 if you're lucky. Haier Portable Air Conditioners are very appropriate for daily basis. It can hold itself up and provide the cool breeze its customers are looking for especially during the summer.

Window-Mounted Air Conditioner

2. The size is convenient. They can fit small bedrooms. It is only over two feet tall and 18 inches wide. It is over a foot deep. It is appealing to the customers because of its silver and white color and the round edges and streamlined design. Haier air conditioners can easily be transferred from one room to another because of this convenient size. The casters that are located on the side of the unit make it easier for the user to do so.

3. It has an exhaust hose. If the unit has an exhaust hose, then the user need not exert time and effort in bringing out the water that the unit has taken it. With the extendable hose that must be mounted to a vent and placed near a window, the user can just let the Haier Portable Air Conditioners do the work. It is not as obtrusive as the window mounted air conditioning unit. This is the advantage of the portable air conditioner units over the traditional models.

4. It has digital display and reliable thermostat. This shows the goal temperature as well as the current temperature. The user can set the temperature manually or he can do so via remote. The remote comes with a 24-hour timer that can also be used to shut off the unit after he has gone off to bed.

5. It operates quietly. This is a feature which most users love about Haier's line of portable air conditioners. This is nice white noise-less machine. You can still watch television, listen to music, or converse with other people while their conditioners are blasting. The three fan speeds and the cooling unit provide the cooling power for the user to chill especially during those really hot days.

6. Health friendly. The Haier Portable Air Conditioners respond to the need for healthy living of today's customers. In fact, people who have been diagnosed with some sort of ailment resort to the Haier Portable Air Conditioners because the room they are in eventually becomes an oasis which keeps them comfortable.

With portable air conditioners, any room can be cool in just a matter of minutes. You can put the unit in the hallway and then just transfer it from the master's bedroom to the kids' room, if preferred. The weight of the Haier Conditioners makes this possible because the user wouldn't have to exert much effort to keep all the rooms in his house or in his apartment cool. The compact size of most models of the Haier portable air conditioners is another reason why this particular brand is very popular in the market. Haier has proven its worth to their clients and continue to deliver and meet the expectations and demands of the people who buy these. These models are also very allergic friendly and are perfect for people who suffer from this.

Reasons Why You Should Buy Haier Portable Air Conditioners

What if there was a way you could keep the rooms in your home cool during the hot summer months, without the need for expensive air conditioning. Imagine what it would be like to find a solution to stuffy rooms, whereby air conditioning was a thing of the past? The Air King 9166 is that solution! Basically the Air King 9166 is an exhaust fan that sends stale air out and fresh outdoor air in, and is the perfect answer to any room in your house that needs to be kept cool.

I was looking for a way to keep the rooms in my house cool during the hot summer months, but I did not want to go down the air conditioning road. I also did not want a ceiling mounted fan, so it seemed a window mounted fan was the only answer. Unfortunately there was nothing available that could move the amount of air that i needed. That is until i came across the Air King 9166.

Window-Mounted Air Conditioner

I'm not someone who is into DIY, but the Installation for this fan was surprisingly easy. A template and manual is included for easy placement and installation and you will find that this fan will fit most windows between 27 and 38 inches wide. Also included is a storm guard, this allows the window to be closed at the rear of the fan.

Air King - A Great Brand Name

Air King is an American company that was formed over forty years ago, and is based around the principals of quality and need. Besides ventilation appliances Air King also make Range Hoods, Furnace Humidifiers,Portable Heaters and even door chimes. Most of their products comply with industrial standards and are built to last a lifetime.

Power Aplenty From The 1600rpm Motor

The 9166 is the larger of two window fans that Air King make, the 9166 is the "20" and the other smaller model, the "16" It is also offers more power than the 16? The 9166 can blow as much as 3560 CFM (cubic feet per metre) with a sound reading of 64.

American Construction

The grill and blades of the 9166 are made from powder coated steel. Also incorporated are plastic extender panels which can easily adjusted for a perfect fit.

To say that this thing moves air is an understatement, in fact lots of air. That said at full speed it can be quite loud, but there are no rattling of parts. I would recommend that you put it in a room you don't use much and open the windows in the rooms where you want cool air in and hot air out. And because it's in a room a fair distance from my bed room, i can't hear it at all at night.

The Air King 9166 replaces the need for any air conditioning and saves you money because of it.

Air King 9166 - A Great Solution to Stale Air

Imagine seeing your birds so close you can count the feathers. Have you ever seen a cardinal feed its young? There are many window bird feeders available to choose from these days. Open trays, tube feeders, suet feeders and small hoppers come in a wide variety of shapes and materials.

However, do you know that you can own a window bird feeder with a one-way viewing feature that lets you watch the birds, but the birds can not see you? This fascinating feature has been around for about 10 years. Watch as your children or home bound relatives get up close to the window bird feeder and never scare the birds away. Impossible you say?

Window-Mounted Air Conditioner

Originally designed by a Cape Cod father for his handicapped son, two-way viewing is the perfect answer for many households. These window bird feeders are designed so that you can fill, clean and view wild birds from inside the comfort of your house. There are models that fit in your window like an air-conditioner for double hung windows. These are the most popular due to ease of use. You can fill the feeder from inside your home. The opening is large enough for your hand so that you can clean the large window area safely indoors. This is the perfect choice for children and home bound birders. Nursing homes and elderly complexes love these models for their clients to use. Loved ones confined to wheelchairs can simply move as close as they need to be without scaring the birds away. The sheer joy on their faces while they watch their birds is priceless.

Some window feeder models use suction cups and are narrow enough for crank-out windows. These models will have to be filled and cleaned from outside the home for obvious reasons. Some styles incorporate a two-way film for simple viewing pleasure. There is a special window film you can attach to your window, allowing you to use any window feeder for two-way viewing.

Many people are apprehensive about using window feeders for fear that birds will hurt themselves flying into the glass. Birds going to window bird feeders are like airplanes coming in to land at an airport. Planes apply brakes in order to land safely. Birds use their wings to "brake" against the wind as they land on any bird feeder. It is the same principle.

Witness a mother bird while she feeds a newly fledged baby bird. Hear their cries for food. Watch the mating ritual of many wild bird species inside your feeder. It's like watching your own nature channel without the television. Your children will learn more about wild birds using these special feeders than any textbook could provide. Spend hours during the spring seasons as more and more new species of wild birds discover these window bird feeders that provide a protective location while they feed.

Try different food sources in your window bird feeder. We supply fruit such as oranges and apples. We provide water in small dishes, mealworms in cups and hair in mesh bags for nesting. Window bird feeders provide more ways to attract birds than any other style of bird feeder. The only limit is your imagination.

Window Bird Feeders, You See the Birds, They Can't See You!

Obtaining a water filter can be one of the best things you can do for your family. By removing contaminants from their drinking water, you will help your family stay healthy and enjoy the water more. Today's crazy world with pollutants and other threats to a clean environment requires that we take as much care as we possibly can with our precious drinking water.

Of course, there are many types of water filters that you can buy, but did you know that you can create a simple water filter yourself? It is a very simple process that just about anyone can perform.

Window-Mounted Air Conditioner

First, you will have to cut a length of PVC pipe to about two to two and one half inches. In the end cap of the pipe, drill a small hole; you will probably need to use a power drill to cut a clean cut.

The whole you cut should be the same approximate size of the diameter hose you are going to inset in it. Screw on the end cap of the PVC to the PVC pipe and seal it with silicone sealer, and then insert a vinyl hose into the opening you have made in the end cap and seal that with the sealer as well.

Next, use some material to use as a filter, such as a paper towel or a coffee filter, and fill it with carbon before you insert it into the PVC pipe. When you pour some water into the open side of the pipe, it will go through the filter with the carbon, then out the thinner vinyl tube into a container.

Voila! Quick, easy filtered water you can keep in the refrigerator to drink at any time. As mentioned, this is one of the simplest, cheapest filters there is. You can certainly buy more complicated ones if you prefer. In either case, you will have to be conscientious about changing the filtering material in your filter. You change the filter in your air cooler on a regular basis; this is the same concept.

Clean, pure water is on everyone's mind today and the best way to make sure that your family is drinking clean water is to purify it yourself. You can eliminate those contaminants before they get into that glass of water.

Most water supplies would do better with a water filter, but if you want to be sure of the quality of your water, just bring a sample to a water testing laboratory. They can tell you how good your water is.

Air Coolers, Water Filters and More

Keeping the inside of a home or business cool can be very important in environments where there are people with medical conditions or where employees will be performing strenuous labor. Solar air conditioning uses energy generated from the sun in order to power different components that can keep the inside of a building cool regardless of the temperatures outside. There are two basic designs that can be used for this purpose. Both installations require the use of solar panels in order to power the cooling equipment that is used.

Photovoltaic Cells

Window-Mounted Air Conditioner

The most common types of solar air conditioning require the use of photovoltaic cells in order to convert sunlight into electricity. These panels need to be installed in an area where the maximum amount of direct sunlight can reach the cells for the longest period of time possible each day. The size of a home will help to determine exactly how many panels are needed, because the amount of electricity that can be generated is directly related to the number of photovoltaic cells that are exposed to the sun. Average homes can have these panels installed on the roof, while larger estates might require separate installations somewhere on the property.

Hybrid Systems

A hybrid solar air conditioning system uses photovoltaic cells to generate electricity that powers traditional air conditioners inside of the building. Since the cells are unable to create power unless the sun is shining there are several hybrid solutions that are used to guarantee that the system will work regardless of the weather conditions or time of day. The photovoltaic cells can be used to charge batteries when not in use so that there is a reserve of energy available later. Many systems also incorporate a backup mechanism where electricity from the local power grid can be instantly activated to drive the cooling system when there is no solar energy available at all.

Evaporative Cooling

Individuals or businesses that are concerned about the environmental impact of traditional cooling units might want to use evaporative solar air conditioning. This involves using solar power to drive fans that push air through tubes or chambers that contain moist materials. Water draws heat out of the air in the tube very efficiently. Fans that are powered by solar panels or batteries can then circulate the cool air throughout the building. This system uses less energy than larger window-mounted units and also produces fewer harmful emissions. There are even some evaporative cooling techniques that use the natural moisture under the ground to create a cooling environment.

Cooling A Building With Solar Air Conditioning

I am a 25 year old male that lives in Hawaii and for the past 2 years I have suffered from night sweats. If you are reading this then you already know the irritation and frustration this can bring about. I have done my research to see what exactly can cause this excessive sweating and for a night sweats remedy but all I find is health symptoms and diseases that cause the profuse sweating and no promising night sweats remedy that does not involve taking medication.

The only rational nights sweats remedy would be to buy a fan or air conditioning unit to lessen the heat. The humidity in Hawaii is on the high side so installing an air conditioner would be the best answer since it would cool and dehumidify my apartment to a cool 63 degrees and voila!, no more heat. Now here is where my rationality reaches a dead end. My apartment building does not allow us to install any type of ac unit whether it be the window mounted type, or the portable ac type (strict rules that make no sense). So since moving out is not an option with the price of rent sky rocketing and my family settled in, I am forced to find a different night sweats remedy.

Window-Mounted Air Conditioner

I currently own 4 fans for my 1 bedroom apartment. I have 2 ceiling fans, and 2 floor standing oscillating fans. When me and my wife sleep at night we leave the ceiling fan and one oscillating fan on high focused on the center of our bed. I sleep with my blanket off most of the time to beat the heat, however this makes my bottom half cold but from my chest up, I still feel the heat emanating from my skin enough to make me perspire. My wife sometimes feels uncomfortable when the fans are pointing at the bed because she becomes cold at night.

She is such a soldier for allowing me to sleep with the fans on but I can see that sometimes it is bothersome for her.

Another night sweats remedy I have tried is taking cold showers right before bed. This feels wonderful but the feeling subsides only a few minutes later when my body settles in and starts to make a campfire under the sheets. I have tried letting my body "wind down" before going to sleep but still I perspire just as if I were still at work. I have twice waked up in the middle of the night to take another shower to lessen the heat but this makes me lose out on a lot of needed rest. I wake up feeling tired and unmotivated to start the day. Showers can help but it is only a band-aid to the suffering.

Having almost lost my mind trying everything I could think of I resort back to the internet for help. I come across a YouTube video of a lady with an oscillating fan at the foot of her bed directing air under her sheets. At this time I am desperate and I try it that night. To my surprise IT WORKS!!. It was the best night's sleep I have had since high school. Finally a night sweats remedy that actually works. Only two things that I could find wrong, first, the fan shroud is 16" in diameter which makes it cumbersome to direct air under the sheets and second, even on the low setting the air flow was substantial and was a little distracting when trying to fall asleep.

So if you are like me and suffer and are frustrated but do not have a health problem like diabetes, cancer, HIV, alcoholism, menopause, and any other diseases that are linked to night sweats. Try putting in an air conditioner first if you are allowed that should help. If all else fails then a fan at the foot of the bed, no matter how unorthodox it sounds, will beat the heat. Even if you do suffer from those health problems I have listed above, give it a shot what do you have to lose. I hope you have found this night sweats remedy guide useful and good luck with your battle against night sweats and your own night sweats remedy

My Quest in Finding a Night Sweats Remedy

Thinking of making the switch to clean and green? Don't go shopping for your solar array before you've looked at some strategies for keeping the cost down.

If you've done any research at all you already know that the cost factor is what's preventing a large scale solar powered system from adorning every roof. The good news is that new technologies have recently been perfected that will dramatically reduce the cost of a solar power system.

Window-Mounted Air Conditioner

Also, there are easy and affordable changes you can make right now that'll save you tons on your conversion to solar energy while keeping the planet a shade greener.

Reduce Your Use

How much power do you use right now?Your monthly energy bill will report how many KWH or kilowatt hours your household used during that month. If you haven't done anything to reduce your use up to this point you should realistically be able to cut your current amount of power use in half.

Here's how to painlessly reduce your use:

1 - Insulate, insulate, insulate.

* Plug every escape route you can identify.
* Double up on the insulation in floors, walls and attic.
* Ensure that no air is passing through dryer vents, chimneys, attic doors, electrical outlets and around doors and windows. On a breezy day hold a match or lighter flame near any suspicious areas. If it flickers, air is moving in or out. Find the leaky spot and plug it.
* If it's time to replace the windows, seek out the most energy efficient types available.

2 - Hot water solutions.
* 120° F (48° C) or less is the ideal temperature for your hot water heater for energy reduction and safety from scalding. Most families use their hot water in the morning and after supper yet the water is kept hot even when no one is in the house or everyone is asleep. Programmable water heaters only heat water when you tell them to - saving hundreds of dollars per year on your hot water heating bill.
* Wrap your hot water tank with an insulating blanket (made especially for this purpose).
* Better yet, install a solar hot water heater. More about that below.

3 - Use a power bar.
* Plug your TV, computer and stereo equipment into a power bar which can easily be turned off when the equipment isn't in use (at night and when you leave the house). When left plugged in to a regular outlet these types of equipment continue to use small amounts of power while in stand-by mode even when they're turned off.

4 - Reduce heating and cooling costs.
* Turn the air conditioner off or up and furnace off or down when you leave the house and save scads of money every month.
* Progammable heaters and air conditioners, like programmable water heaters, heat and cool your household only when you need it.
* Heat and cool only the rooms you're using at the moment and close doors to the unused rooms.
* Strategically placed ceiling and rotary fans reduce the need for air conditioning.
* Insulating draperies and shutters keep the indoor temperature where you want it. By preventing the escape or intrusion of air you'll have more control over the temperature in your living space. There's little point in cranking the air conditioner up if the sun is blazing through the windows, conversely, you'll lose precious heat especially at night, through uncovered windows when the weather is cold.

* A solar power attic fan expels trapped heat from the attic space reducing your home cooling costs in the summer and prevents the accumulation of health threatening molds.

5 - Make Use of Small Appliances and Laptops
* Toaster ovens, electric kettles, electric fry pans, slow cookers, etc. need much less energy than the stovetop or oven.
* Laptop computers use way less energy than desktop models.

6 - Lighting Options.
* Incandescent bulbs convert most of their energy to heat rather than light which makes incandescent light inefficient and expensive. Switch to those curly fluorescent bulbs or LED lights for big savings (We really like the LED bulbs which stay cool, draw very little power and emit a clean white light).
* Install dimmers on your light switches to get lots of light when you need it and less light when you don't.
* Eat by candle light a couple of nights a week.
* A scented candle in the bathroom provides enough light while keeping the air sweet.
* Use solar powered motion lights around your yard to light the way safely for family and guests and to discourage intruders.
* LED string lights reduce electricity needs at Christmas and look lovely year round.

7 - Laundry Strategies.
* Front loading washers use less power, water and detergent than top loaders.
* Look for the energy star when purchasing a new washer to ensure that you're getting one of the most energy efficient models on the market.
* Wash and rinse your laundry in cold water (studies have proved that there is little benefit to using hot water for laundry) and wash full loads only.
* Use a solar powered clothes dryer (commonly referred to as a clothesline). Not only will you save a bundle on energy costs but the sun will bleach your whites while adding a delightful fragrance.
* When you must use a dryer make use of the cool cycle as often as possible.
* Appliances that make things hot or cold use the most household power. Focus on temperature altering appliances for the most dramatic energy savings. These include, refrigerator, electric oven, central air conditioning, central heating, freezer, washing machine,
dryer, electric stovetop and dishwasher. Dust or vacuum the coils on the back of your refrigerator every month or two. When the time comes to replace these appliances, purchase the most energy efficient models available.
* Unplug the fridge and store perishables in a basement cold room or underground pit and add a wood burning stove or use energy efficient space heaters to further reduce your energy needs.

Passive Solar Principles - Use the Free Stuff

Passive solar applications can dramatically reduce the need for heating and air conditioning.
Before you spend tens of thousands of dollars on a photovoltaic array (solar panels) take advantage of the free stuff. Incorporate as many passive solar strategies as your situation allows. It's as simple as letting the sun in where and when you want it and keeping it out where you don't along with making use of shade trees and natural breezeways available on your property. Here's how:

Staying Cool with Passive Solar Strategies

If you're trying to keep a box of air cool in a hot environment, it makes good sense to keep the hot air out of the box by using insulation on the walls, floor and ceiling and plugging any holes that let the hot air in. Adding window and door openings to that box makes it a little trickier to keep the interior temperature stable. Here are some passive solar energy techniques to help you keep your cool.

* Insulation... Lots of insulation
* Awnings keep the area immediately around windows and doors from heating up and prevent overhead sun from entering the house. Install retractable roll up awnings if you want to let the light in during the winter.
* Covered Verandas provide deep shade on a sunny side of the house and along with making a shady outdoor space they keep the sun from making the house overwarm.
* Ceramic, stone or marble floors stay cool underfoot and can be covered with area rugs during cooler seasons.
* Take advantage of the wind if you're building or renovating. Situate openings so that seasonal breezes can wend through the house.
* Add shutters or insulated window coverings especially over south and west (north and west in the southern hemisphere) facing windows.
* Trees, trellises and potted plantings can be situated in front of south and west facing windows to keep the sun out. Choose deciduous trees if you want the sun to come in during winter months.
* Plant more trees. The shade and evaporation produced by a single, mature, hardwood tree in a day is equal to the effect of 10 window mounted air conditoners running for 20 hours. All that and it purifies the air too.
* Create a shady oasis on the cool side of the house. Arrange trellises, potted shrubs and plantings around a pergola and train hardy foliage to grow up the trellises and over the pergola. Surround a free standing awning with leafy plantings to establish a cool gathering place for family and friends.
* Add an outdoor cooking area and keep the heat out.
* Skylights and windows that are slanted inward make it very difficult to keep the sun out when you want to. If you really love the idea of a skylight and live in a hot climate, situate it in an area where direct sun will not be allowed to enter.
* High ceilings work well in hot climates by allowing hot air to rise above the living space.

Warming Up with Passive Solar Energy
* Insulation, it can't be overstated. Insulation is the key to maintaining a desired indoor temperature.
* Thermal Mass absorbs the heat of the sun and radiates the heat into the home. Very dense materials such as ceramic tile, stone, brick and concrete soak up the heat of the sun and continue to warm the interior space for hours after the sun has set. In order to be effective the material should be at least 4 inches thick and situated where direct sunlight strikes it. Floors, window seats or half walls constructed of thermal absorbing materials situated close to south and west facing windows are some ways to catch the sun's warmth and use it to heat your home. Once you get the heat in, keep it in.
* Shutters or insulated window coverings help to keep the cold out and heat in. Keep them open to allow the sun to stream through the windows and heat your space during sunny times. When the sun isn't shining, close them to prevent the loss of heat and preserve the warmth in the house.
* Windows and Doorways should be most abundant on the south and west sides of the house to allow lots of winter sun access to the house. Minimize windows and doors on the north side to prevent the escape of your hard earned heat.
* Trees and plantings. On south and west sides of the house deciduous (leaves fall off in the winter) trees and shrubs or annual vines (hops grow really fast) shade windows during the hottest part of the year but allow the winter sun to warm your interior space when the branches lose their leaves. On the windy side of your property a row of evergreen trees block winter winds and make it easier to maintain heat in the house.
* A mudroom or separate entry area gives you more control of your interior temperature by containing cold air when the door is opened to the outside.
* Pergolas and Arbours - Rather than deeply shaded porches, in a cool climate you'll want to have more control over the amount of sun allowed to access your home. Train seasonal vines over a pergola or arbour to provide shade during warm seasons and sun, when the leaves fall off during cool seasons.
* Roll Up awnings are a great way to shade windows during hot seasons while allowing you to let the sun's heat in during cold seasons.
* Low ceilings keep your hard won heat in the living area. It's much easier and less expensive to keep a space with an 8 foot ceiling warm than it is to keep a room with lofty 16 foot ceilings heated.
* Skylights, if you can't live without them, should be constructed of very well insulated glass to prevent the loss of heat.

Add a Solar Water Heater

Why start with a solar power hot water heater? Because water heating costs represent about one third of your energy costs and a solar water heater uses a low tech flat plate collector to heat the water. That means that it's the cheapest way to get into the solar energy market. Add to that the fact that cost recovery time for solar water heaters is 5 years or less and that gives you the biggest and greenest bang for your buck.

There are tons of things you can do that'll make your home more efficient and prepare your space to take best advantage of the free solar energy that falls on your property every day. By themselves these changes will save you thousands on your energy bill but more than that they'll dramatically reduce your setup costs when you're ready to add a residential solar power system.
When you add your solar array, start with what you can afford and ensure that you can add to it in the future.

Solar Power Home - Before You Buy a Photovoltaic Solar System

Nothing beats the heat on a hot summer day like a cool room. However, not all air conditioners are made the same. When going out to buy a unit for this coming summer, you should have a checklist that will help you in picking out the best air conditioners.

First off the best choice will always take price into consideration. The many advances in production and manufacturing technologies have made many brands more affordable and cheaper than before. The first consideration therefore should be how the unit will fit into your budget. Being comfortable in the summer heat does not mean that you have to suffer for it financially.

Window-Mounted Air Conditioner

Size of the unit will always factor in to your decision. Will you need a large one for a bigger space or a smaller one for a few square meters coverage? Likewise you may need a bigger unit if you plan to run it for extended periods of time, as durability will be an issue. A smaller unit will tend to break down faster than a bigger one.

Apart from price and size, placement or installation choices should also be studied. This can be a source of extra cost as you will need to hire a technician or handyman in doing it for you should you not be technically inclined. It should be kept in mind that split type units my entail more installation cost than window mounted ones.

Consider also the energy rating of the unit you are buying. Most appliances have energy ratings done by an accredited international agency, which shows the energy efficiency the appliance. A higher rating will mean more cost savings on your part, and of course extra money to spend on other things.

Buying responsibly is also a priority in purchasing an air conditioner. By making a sound and green decision by refusing to buy a unit that uses Chlorofluorocarbons, we do our part in protecting Mother Nature. Even this small decision is a big step in protecting the environment not only for ourselves, but for others as well.

Although on the surface it looks simple enough to buy an appliance like an air conditioner this is not always the case. Always go through the above recommended checklist so that you will make a wise purchase, and also feel a bit better for yourself at the same time. So before opening up your wallet, put on your thinking cap first.

Considerations In Buying The Best Air Conditioners

Shopping for an air conditioning system can be an overbearing process for the average home owner with all of the types and options available. In order to keep you sanity (and your money), it is helpful to have some guidelines at your disposal in order to narrow down the options to only those that meet your needs. Here are some high level guidelines to help you determine the best choices for you in your particular situation. I will list then by least expensive to most expensive.

Portable Air Conditioners

Window-Mounted Air Conditioner

Portable air conditioners are a great utility appliance to have in any home. They are ideal for providing spot cooling for small rooms or areas on an 'as needed' basis. You will need to channel the heat exhaust to the outside via the exhaust duct provided with the unit, so you will need access to a window or some other portal to make this happen. Condensation is also collected inside of the unit and needs to be emptied after each use or when it fills up. When considering portable air conditioners, you should view them as an appliance like your vacuum cleaner that will be pulled out when needed and put away when not in use. If you envision yourself using this appliance on a continuous basis in a fixed location, then this is probably not the best solution for your application. If you do decide to move forward with the portable option, here are some features that you should consider:

Get the highest BTU rating that you can afford. Find a unit with an automatic shut-off when the condensation reservoir fills up. Look for units that come equipped with a washable air filter. This will cut down on your maintenance costs. Other options like timers, oscillators, wheels, etc. are a matter of personal preference and budget.
Window Mounted Air Conditioners

Window units are a good solution for cooling individual rooms within your home and are used as the primary cooling solution in most of the northern US where high temperatures are limited to about three months out of the year. Window units can be installed by the average home owner without the aide of an air conditioning professional. Although they are not intended to be permanent fixtures, it is rare to see units that are taken down an stored away during the none summer months. The down side to window is that they create a lot of noise, both inside and outside. If you need to cool more than one room, then you will need additional units for the other rooms. Here are a few considerations if you are shopping for window units:

Highest BTU rating that you can afford. A sturdy window/window frame to support the weight of the unit. Condensation drips out of the back of the unit. Be sure that it is not going to land somewhere that will cause a potential health hazard for children and pets. You will need a 3-prong outlet within close proximity of your window to provide power to the unit. Is the filter accessible from the front of the unit? This is especially important for 2nd story applications.
Mini-Split -or- Ductless Air Conditioners

This is a 2-piece cooling solution that does about the same job as window units but does not require a window and is very quiet. A hole is punched in the exterior wall of your home to provide cool air to the fan unit that is mounted over the hole. Copper tubing connects the fan unit to the condenser that is installed on a slab outside of your home. Most ductless systems that I've installed are the result of not having a window available where the cooling was needed, or that the noise generated by a window unit was not acceptable. If this sounds like you, then here are some things you should consider before selecting the right unit:

The unit should be sized by a professional based on the square footage of the area to be cooled as well as the climate. Other considerations like orientation and shading of the exterior walls also play into the calculation. Look for a washable air filter to reduce your maintenance cost. R-22 Freon is being phased out, so only consider a PURON-based solution.Split System Central Air Conditioners Split system central air conditioning is the most common solution in the southern US or in areas where high temperatures extend for 6-months or more. There are three components to a split system solution: The compressor which is mounted on a slab outside of your home, the condenser and the blower/heater which are installed in-line with your ductwork in your attic area. The ductwork services all of the rooms in your home and the blower doubles as a heater for the short winter seasons. The air is recirculated within your home and filtered through a return duct. If you home was not originally designed to support a central heat and air conditioning solution, then trying to retrofit one into your home can be very costly. Routing the ductwork can be very trick if not impossible in some cases for homes not originally designed to allow for it. If you are considering a new central heating and air conditioning solution, then you should consider the following: Do not use the size of your old unit to determine the size needed for a replacement unit. The majority of systems installed in the US are over-sized for reasons that will be discussed in another article. Installing a unit that is too big will result in higher energy consumption and less condensation removal. Have a professional size your system based on Manual "J" standards. If your air conditioning professional does not know what this is, then run away quickly (-; Consider replacing your ducts at the same time. Old ductwork contains mold and other heath hazards. New ductwork will provide you with better efficiency and a healthier living environment. Consider only Puron-based systems since freon (R22) coolant is being phased out. Weigh the cost of systems with a SEER rating of 16 or higher against those with a lower SEER rating to determine of the Energy Tax Credit offered by the EPA will work for you. If you have health issues, then you may want to look into electronic air cleaners and UV lights as additional low cost accessories that can be installed in-line for cleaner air.
Package System Air Conditioners

A package system is a single unit solution that contains all of the components that are found in a split system solution inside of a single unit. You will find most package system in office buildings mounted on the roof. There are some home applications in mostly high end homes where the units are hidden from plain site so as not to disrupt the landscaping. The other main difference between a package system versus a split system is that air is channeled in from the outside and heat exhaust is pumped outside. Because of this, package solutions are less energy efficient than split systems.

You have the same considerations when looking at a package solution as you do with a split system. The only difference is that the SEER rating requirement is 14 instead of 16.

Hopefully we have given you some information that will help to narrow down the seemingly infinite options that are available for your air conditioning needs. Happy shopping.

Selecting the Right Home Air Conditioning System For You

There are many different types of extractor fans but they have one common purpose and that is to keep a bathroom or kitchen free from condensation and unpleasant odours.

They are relatively easy things to install and the type and size of fan that you need, will depend on the room that it is being used in and where it is being positioned.

Window-Mounted Air Conditioner

Fan Capacity or size

Fans come in different capacities and the size you need depends on the volume of the room.

- A kitchen fan must be capable of changing the air completely 10-15 times per hour

- A bathroom requires 8-10 changes per hour or 15-20 if the room contains a shower

- A cloak-room requires 6-10 changes per hour

Fan capacity = volume of room x required number of air changes per hour

Fan Position

Stale air needs to be replaced with fresh air so the fan should be positioned opposite the source of replacement air and as high as possible so that it extracts the hot air and draws in fresh cooler air.

Fan Types

Extractor fans come in four main types: window and wall mounted axial fans primarily intended for overall room extraction; ceiling fans which are often used above showers and extracting cooker hoods designed to be fitted directly above your cooker.

Window Mounted Axial Fans

Axial fans move air from the inlet side through to the outlet side of the fan. The blades work a bit like a wing of a plane. As they rotate the negative air pressure above the blade sucks in air and the positive pressure beneath the blade pushes it out.

This type of fan can only be fitted in a fixed window so is not suitable for a sash style window. They can be installed into a double glazed window but the glazing manufacturer will need to supply a pre-cut unit with sealed edges.

Window mounted fans are useful but they can look a little unsightly and there is always the issue of what to do with the supply cable.

Wall Mounted Axial Fans

These work in exactly the same way as a window mounted fan but instead of passing through glass, this type of fan is designed to be wall mounted with the expelled air being passed through a duct.

Ceiling Fans

As the name suggests, this fan type is designed to be fitted into a ceiling and is often used above showers. For this reason many shower fans also incorporate a halogen light and come with long lengths of flexible ducts that can be run through a loft or cavity.

Cooker Hoods

Some hoods filter the air, removing the odours and grease before re-circulating the air. Others suck out the stale smelly air, extracting it, before it is blown outside. Because the air is changed with extraction, this is the more efficient of the two methods.

An extracting cooker hood is installed by cutting a hole through the wall. 'Ducting' is fed through the hole, a grille is fixed to the outside of the house and the unit is wired in above the cooker. This type of fan expels moisture and filters out cooking odours and grease.

Re-circulating hoods are easy to install and just need to be wired in and attached to the wall above the cooker. They remove grease and odours but not moisture. To keep either type of cooker hood working properly, the filters need to be changed regularly or washed.

Fan Features to Look Out For

- Humidity controls - preset humidity levels trigger the fan to switch on automatically.

- Timer controls - enable the operating period to be set for a certain length of time.

- Ball bearing motors - help reduce motor noise.

- Back draught shutters - help prevent smells blowing back through the ducts.

- Multi speed motors - offer variable speed control, a useful feature to have in a well-used bathroom.

- Can be installed using flat 'ducting' - useful for concealed applications.

- Simultaneous fan and light operation - useful above showers.

- PIR motion sensor controls - useful in the dark and will ensure the extractor fan is always switched on when required.

Electrical Installations

Any electrical installation needs to comply with current regulations. If you are in any doubt always consult a qualified electrician.

Deciding on the Right Extractor Fan

Since the arrival of central air conditioning window fans have not been used as much as they once were. However, today, with so many people becoming budget conscience fans are making a great come back. People are now considering more fans for their home windows as they are relatively inexpensive and easy to install.

How Does a Window Fan Work?

Window-Mounted Air Conditioner

Fans that fit inside your window are specially designed to remove the hot air from a room and will effectively do so if the temperature outside is cooler than your home. These fans work best in the morning and evening hours when the sun is not at its peak.

Simple Tips to Install a Window Fan

Installing your fan inside a window is as easy as three short steps. Since windows range in size it is best to measure the windows first before venturing out to the hardware store to choose a fan. Once you have the fan home, you can begin the installation process which takes mere minutes.

1. First open your window wider than the fan is. If your windows are older and do not stay up on their own, it is recommended to have an assistant hold it open for you to avoid unnecessary injuries. Once your window is open, place the fan in horizontally. If you have a slider window then hold your fan vertically to fill the open side of the slider.

2. Gently lower the window until it is snug against the window fan. You can push against it to make certain it is set in place.

3. Pull open the side panels on the fan, expanding them even to fully fill the space between the window frame and the window fan. This will benefit you in two ways. You will keep the bugs out and effectively allow the warm air to be forced outside rather than circle back indoors.

Fans for all kinds of windows, from your regular dining room windows to a double front window, are available for you. Not sure what you want? Browse fans for your window from the comfort of your home. They're online available through a hardware store. Since they work to remove hot air by releasing the cooler air into the home from outside, you can find a window fan almost any time of year. There are many different window fans available some even have features that shut off when the fan is not needed, effectively saving you money.

How to Install a Window Fan

If you're thinking of purchasing and having installed a new heat pump or split heat pump unit, then there are a few things you need to think about first. The variables involved that affect heat pump prices are the actual heat pump unit, installation cost, and energy costs to run it. When you add the first two variables, the up front cash part of the upgrade or new install, you get the amount you need to come up with right away.

In some cases the actual unit is relatively cheap but the installation is where you will pay out the nose. Installing the unit is not always easy and the work load involved in the process can be tedious. You can purchase a unit four as low as five hundred dollars for a window mounted unit that essentially will take the air outside and convert it into either heat or cool air through a refrigeration or reverse refrigeration type concept. These units are relatively easy to install and inexpensive as well in both regards.

Window-Mounted Air Conditioner

For many, the ductless pump is a good idea, but this is generally done in smaller homes or multiple units installed in different major parts of a bigger home. Economically, this is the best way to go, but not always the most efficient. If you have a home with ducts already built in, you can upgrade from an expensive electrical or gas unit to the pump technology recycling the use of the ducts. They are designed to fit right into the old units spot although installation is not simply plug and play. Installation requires a licensed worker or workers to come in and inspect your homes set up, to retrofit the pump to the ductwork and depending on how many units you need (i.e. for zoned split heat pump installations) the price will factor differently.

It can run as much as twenty five thousand dollars to install a system, usually this is in larger homes with more complex installations and this high a price is not typical. You will need to get an estimate before any work can be done. It would be a good idea to learn about the units available on the market, and to get an estimate for different ones before you hire anyone. Many companies will gladly give you an estimate, some charge others are free. You may choose your unit based on the expense of both heat pump prices and installation considerations, but whatever you do, make sure you've done your homework!

When Factoring in Heat Pump Prices, You Should Consider Installation Costs

The best option for cooling your home would be to purchase some good quality wall mounted air conditioning units. In fact these types of units offer you much more benefits than to be found with the installation of window or central air conditioning units.

So just what are the benefits to having this form of air conditioning system installed? Below we take a look.

Window-Mounted Air Conditioner

Benefit 1 - Unlike the other forms of air conditioning units available today with the wall mounted ones you have a number of different types to select from. There is one that is very similar to the window mounted variety but instead of having to place in a window you just mounted onto a wall.

Benefit 2 - These particular types of air conditioning units do not need to be removed and then stored way during the winter months as some other forms of these systems need to be.

Benefit 3 - The wall mounted air conditioning units available today use inverter technology and not only are these more economical to run, but don't create high levels of noise. Plus because of this technology the units are able to handle very extreme temperatures easily in a stable and smooth way.

Benefit 4 - Most of the units that can be mounted on to walls these days are able to provide rooms with lots of clean air. This is because the filters that they contain are able to absorb more of the microorganisms, mold spores and dust that travels in the air through the use of static electricity.

Benefit 5 - With these air conditioning units having inverter technology installed they tend to be able to better chance the speed and output of them much better. This will help to ensure that the exact capacity is met at all times when in use.

Benefit 6 - A great many of these units are now provided with a wireless remote control. This in turn means that you have complete control over the system at all times when in use from the comfort of your chair.

Benefit 7 - As the main part of the unit (compressor) is mounted on the exterior of your home only small holes need to be created in the walls in your home for the fan units of the system to be installed. So this means no large construction work needs to be undertaken for the installation of such a system, which means the cost of installation is relatively inexpensive.

As you can see from above there are many benefits to had from the installation of wall mounted air conditioning units. Certainly if you are looking for a system to keep your home cool in summer or warm during the winter months then the installation of such systems is worth considering.

7 Benefits of Wall Mounted Air Conditioning

Portable air conditioners have become very popular in recent years. Many people use them even if they have a central system because portable A/C can provide excellent cooling for a significantly lower cost. Find out about the pros and cons of a mobile A/C unit and if one could work for you.

A portable air conditioner is a self contained unit, usually about 30 inches tall and about 80 pounds in weight. The best thing is that it doesn't require any installation: it stands on the floor and you don't have to fit it in your window or your wall. Most mobile A/C units have little wheels, so you can easily move them around.

Window-Mounted Air Conditioner

Portable A/C pros:
you can move your portable unit from room to room, so there is no need to buy window-mounted air conditioners for each room you don't have to block your window or make holes in your wall - a portable A/C is ready to use as soon as you unpack it using mobile units to cool only one room instead of switching on a central system saves you a lot on energy bills

Parable system cons:
a portable unit costs slightly more than a window air conditioner with a similar cooling capacity comparable to central air conditioning and mini-split systems (where the compressor is outside), portable A/C is loud. If noise is an issue, look at the reviews of several portable units and select the one that makes the least noise.
Is portable A/C effective in cooling large rooms?

That depends on the size of your unit. Small portable units with cooling capacities of about 8000 BTU are perfect for a 300 sq. foot room, while larger 24000 BTU models can effectively cool a 1000 sq. foot room. So, as you can see, a properly sized mobile A/C can do a good job even in a very large room. However, you should know that larger doesn't necessarily mean better. An air conditioner that is too large will consume more energy and won't cool your room effectively, because it will stop and start constantly.

Portable air conditioners energy efficiency

Everybody knows that air conditioners chew a lot of energy, so energy efficiency is a big issue. However, recent developments in technology allow manufacturers to produce very efficient units. A few years ago an EER (energy efficiency ratio) of 6 or 7 was considered good. Now the standard is 12 or higher.

Modern portable air conditioners are as energy efficient as window or mini split units. To select the most efficient model, look at its EER - the higher, the better. Also choose a unit with an Energy Star. The Energy Star means that it meets energy efficiency guidelines set by the US Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy.

How affordable is a mobile air conditioner?

You might be surprised to learn that portable A/C is not too expensive. The prices have gone down significantly, in recent years, and now you can buy a good unit from around 0. Of course, air conditioners with a larger cooling capacity cost more, and so do those with higher energy efficiency ratings. However, when it comes to paying more for a more efficient unit, you actually save money because your energy bill will be lower.

To conclude, if you don't have air conditioning and don't feel like investing in a central system, a portable A/C can be a great alternative. And if you have a central A/C, it's still a good idea to have a portable unit for cooling just the room you are in, instead of the entire house. It can significantly reduce your bills.

Portable Air Conditioners - An Inexpensive Cooling Solution For Your Home

Window mounted air conditioners will generally do a very good job of keeping a space or two with your house nice and cool, but they lack the complete house coverage which only central air conditioning can provide. With central a/c you may be in a position to precisely tune the temperature of your home or store, and frequently you'll be in a posture to provide another temperature for each and every room within your home, using the press of a button. It's clear everyone would choose to work with centralized system but they're stymied by central air conditioner prices.

How much?

Window-Mounted Air Conditioner

There are a amount of factors you need to keep in mind when estimating central air conditioner prices. These factors include:

The age of one's property. Older properties are more expensive for install central air cooling into for that reality they weren't constructed while using potential for central a/c in mind.
Your property's a higher level insulation. The better insulated your property the less powerful of an system you need. The more your premises leaks cool air the harder you'll should spend on the central ac system. Insulation levels are often, and not always, correlated using its age.
Environmental conditions. Simply place the hotter your climate the greater powerful of a central a/c system you'll need.

As it is possible to see you will find plenty of conditions in place which may vary central a/c prices substantially.

The Costs On Average

Despite variations in price there are a couple of estimates you are able to use when pricing out of the central air cooling needs.

If you might have a property that's about two thousand sq ft you can expect to pay around ,000 for the system. A smaller home will surely cost as low as half that, while larger systems can cost substantially more.

In addition for the base cost from the system itself you may likewise require to adopt into consideration installation costs which may double your cost. If your building already gets the requisite ducts than you only should pay for that system itself. If you need to install ducts expect to pay for at ab muscles least another ,000 or maybe more to have your central air installed. Most older buildings will NOT have these ducts in position while it's hit or miss whether a brand new property could have them.

A Wise Investment?

So is central air conditioning worth it, considering it may (worst case scenario) cost you over ,000? If you have the amount of money to comfortably spend on a full system it's added convenience and level of control makes it an excellent buy. If you do not have the cash hand for central air a couple window mounted conditioners will surely cost you significantly less and will work superior to nothing.

What Should You Expect for Central Air Conditioner Prices?

The ac unit can be a great invention along with certain parts from the country, it is a necessity in order to get over the summertime humidity and heat. This is especially so inside case of southern states the location where the temperatures soar high and humidity is unavoidable. Similar for the ritualistic spring cleaning and turning time ahead to get ready for daylight saving, getting yourself for that upcoming summer is often a necessary and wise thing being looked into.

Heating unit repair is one of those tasks which require to get done periodically, regardless of whether it is done with a paid professional or a handy man which has experience dealing with mechanical devices. There are multiple kinds of cooling devices which range from evaporation coolers and wall and window mounted air conditioners to the giant units that are equipped to help keep a complete building cool and comfortable. Regardless of the look or sized it, all air conditioners work in a very similar fashion by maintain your rooms cool by replacing heat in a room with cooler air. It will be the size from the interior motor, fans and thermostat, condenser and refrigerant that can different in several sizes of air conditioners. Irrespective with the difference in size, you'll must consider getting a repair technician to correct your particular air conditioner.

Window-Mounted Air Conditioner

If you decide on to own an air cooling and heating repair professional allow you to fix you air conditioner, you will understand that you can find pros who focus on repairing different kinds of air conditioner, helping to make choosing the right professional to assist you as important as choosing the correct air conditioner for yourself. The important things you must look into while finding a person to assist using the repair will be the qualification, experience along with the fees charged by him in order to fix your ac unit.

Rates will change from state to state and person to person but there are a couple of pointers to help keep planned while picking out the professional. The first one is which you need to identify a technician who is trained on the specific air cooling unit belonging to you because as stated earlier, you will find technicians who focus on repairing specific models of air cooling units only. This is fairly important since despite the essential mechanisms within the air conditioners being the same, you will find still a number of differences which set different types of air conditioners apart. In order to ensure that your particular unit is fixed successfully, you have to find the right person and steer clear of those who are unqualified and it is out to create a quick buck.

Yet something else to help keep planned is that the Better Business Bureaus is definitely an efficient source which gives details about the companies you may consider seeking help from. Always ensure that you simply find a person that is well qualified and it has the essential face to face training at exactly the same time as experience to make certain that the heating/cooling problems you might be facing is likely to be fixed plus your home is gonna be made comfortable in the short while.

Also, you need to remember which a good time for you personally to handle any Air conditioner heating repair issues is before the start of summer to ensure that you're well prepared to face summer head on.

Air Conditioner Information

Air conditioning is definitely an integral section of most houses, schools, and offices. It keeps you cool in warm summer days, and warm in chilly winter nights. Many people use window-mounted units at home, because they're more convenient, compact, and flexible than central air conditioning. Frigidaire FRA123BUI is surely an exceptional window-mounted compact air conditioning system that will make you're feeling very comfortable being in your own personal home or office. It is well suited for medium to large rooms around 640 square feet.

This Energy Star compliant appliance offers many features including Ready-Select controls that allow that you select options easily with the touch of a button. It also has a number of Frigidaire's signature Effortless features, namely the Effortless Temperature Control (which makes sure that the air conditioner maintains the preset temperature), Effortless Clean Filter (which is definitely an anti-microbial filter that assists clean the air, remove harmful bacteria, and eliminate odors), and Effortless Restart (which ensures the unit operates at its previous setting when power is restored). The Clean Filter Alert will notify you when you've to completely clean the mesh filter.

Window-Mounted Air Conditioner

The air conditioner quickly cools once it can be on, along with the multi-speed fan features three fan speeds. Even the minimum speed is enough to maintain a space comfortably cool. The Sleep Mode ensures a quiet operation at night, so it keeps you cool without keeping you awake. You also don't have to worry about remodelling your window simply so the machine will fit in. Thanks on the SpaceWise Adjustable Design Optional Side Panels, it can be done to extend the location with the unit to match your window.

The Frigidaire FRA123BU1 includes a cooling capacity of 12,000 BTU. Despite our prime BTU output, this air conditioner is pretty efficient; it's got an electricity efficiency ratio (EER) of 9.8. This means that you can actually save electricity (and hence your electricity bills) by making use of it. Thanks to the light weight, you are able to actually install it on your own in under 30 minutes. This ac system is strong and durable, allowing it to function properly despite many years of use.

Upon purchase, you'll also get a one-year manufacturer's warranty. If you will find any faulty parts, they will be replaced for free. However, if it air conditioner is broken due to user misuse, then you definitely need to pay for your reparation service at your own cost. Frigidaire will even repair or replace any parts in the sealed refrigerator system within the 2nd on the fifth year from your purchase date, if they're proven to become defective from the manufacturer. You can receive the Frigidaire FRA123BU1 for 0 (prices may vary between retailers).

Frigidaire FRA123BU1: Cool And Efficient Window-Mounted Air Conditioning System

Warm weather has arrived. Now's the time in your case to you will want a fresh air conditioner or updating the one you have. Room air conditioners, central air conditioners, and ones in-between all get their purposes. Whether you've got heat but need cool air, need an aura conditioner for one room, are living inside a historical home that needs air conditioning, are on a strong budget or desire to go all out--take a glance at the forms of air conditioners listed below because there exists a right unit for you.

Room air conditioners:

Window-Mounted Air Conditioner

They cool rooms and even though are often noisier and lower in efficiency, provide lower costs while they are utilized in rooms only where they are needed--not the full house.

Window-mounted

-What it is: Small unit designed to fit in a window. Most are created fordouble-hung windows however some are created for casement windows. Be sure to choose a unit designed for that kind of window the customer has. Most units incorporate a window mounting kit, which may have sill brackets to keep the unit and side vents that will make an airtight fit to the window.

-Advantages: Purchase several and will adjust each room's temperature to individual preferences. Can be removed easily and stored in the wedding the season changes.

-Disadvantages: Give up creating a view through the window. Must be removed or winterized when cooler weather hits

Through-the-wall

-What it is: Usually utilized to cool an individual room. Functions just like a window air conditioner, only is permanently mounted through the wall.

-Advantages: Window is not blocked. Don't ought to remove and store during cooler weather.

-Disadvantages: Not easy to install in the pre-existing home. Has to be installed in an area where there is certainly no electric or pipes running from the walls. May have problems cutting the opening if walls are made from concrete, stone or brick. Unit is difficult to cover up throughout the winter months. During the colder months, has to be sealed off to help keep cold air from coming inside house

Free standing portable

-What it is: A unit about 30 inches tall and 80 pounds in weight that stands about the floor. May be single or dual vent. Dual vent units circulate climate back in to the room and definately will usually cool air quicker. Most have wheels, giving the customer the ability to move them around. Must be connected to some place being a window where the hot air through the unit might be vented. Most units have window-venting kits, that may be moved from one window to another knowing that are all to easy to install.

-Advantages: Portable meaning they can be moved from room to room. Window-mounting not required. Move mid-air conditioner from your bedroom on the kitchen on the family area according to where you happen to be during the day. Many have features the place that the condensation bin does not need to become emptied as frequently, making the system less of a pain to make use of and removing moisture in the air inside the home, helping in order to avoid mold. Ability to help keep different rooms different temperatures.

-Disadvantages: Costs more that the window-mounted air conditioner having a similar cooling ability level. Similar to central air conditioners.

Mini-split unit

-What it is: Mix from a window air conditioner as well as a split system. A compressor unit is mounted away from house and a fan unit is wall-mounted inside the house. The system receives a copper lineset between the outdoor and indoor unit.

-Advantages: They are smaller than average can cool individual rooms. Great for multifamily housing, room additions, rooms over garages and small apartments. The indoor part of the system will not have to have a window and might be mounted around the floor, hung on the wall, or suspended from the ceiling. Many of the systems even provide a remote control to change the machine on and off. Not noisy since the compressor goes outside.

-Disadvantages: They are more expensive than room air conditioners. Don't possess the built-in look of your central air conditioner unit.

Mini-duct unit

-What it is: They are specially-designed systems for tight spaces, where running conventional duct tasks are impossible. Forces air through plastic feeder ducts just 2 inches in diameter.

-Advantages: Good for historical homes where duct work wasn't considered when the home was built. Minimizes renovation costs by maintaining walls and ceilings intact. Not noisy. Use most air of an conventional ac system.

-Disadvantages: Higher costs to install the device since they require more outlets, about 5 outlets per ton of cooling.

Central air conditioners:

Aside from being better than room air conditioners, central air conditioners are out from the way, not noisy, and easy to operate.

Single-package unit

-What it is: Everything (evaporator coil, compressor, condenser coil, blower motor, and controls with the exception with the thermostat) located in one metal cabinet box. Sits outside in the house. Each room in the house gets cold air via a duct system.

-Advantages: Get this method and you'll not have to have a separate furnace indoors.

-Disadvantages: More expensive and complicated to install.

Split-system unit

-What it is: The air handler (inside) and condensing unit (outside) have a copper lineset running between the crooks to connect the condenser to the evaporator. They usually share control voltage, but have separate circuits for line voltage power. Each room in the house gets cold air using a duct system.

-Advantages: Makes more economical sense to install if your home already includes a heating system but no air conditioner.

-Disadvantages: More expensive and sophisticated to install.

Can't Stand the Heat? How to Select the Right Type Of Air Conditioner to Cool Your Home

Ductless mini split air cooling are great for virtually any house or commercial spaces. The system can be a mixture of wall-mounted unit and central air conditioners. It acts much like any other wall mounted unit, blowing oxygen a single direction only. The resemblance while using central air way is it uses split systems of components. It has an outside compressor and condenser with the inside oxygen handler.

A mini split air conditioner functions a lot more being a central AC. Although it's fairly expensive than a transportable unit, it demands no ducts to operate inside your house, which makes it perfect for properties where adding ducts for almost any central AC unit is going being excessive priced.

Window-Mounted Air Conditioner

Mini split ac might be a great option to get a person who's living in the home that does not possess the significant duct or electrical try to install central air or one that really doesn't wish to rely solely upon a window or transportable oxygen conditioning unit. A mini split air conditioner is also quieter and much more energy useful than an area oxygen conditioner. Furthermore, it will not use up floor room or block a window.

Properties and spaces which use radiant or hydronic heat or another sort of non-ducted heating technique are effectively suited for just about any ductless mini split system. Contemplating that it is a miniature edition in the split central system, the interior unit isn't made to awesome the complete house, but based on its BTU output it can quickly magnificent an entire floor.

A mini split fresh air conditioner, as being a central air conditioner, has two elements: an outside compressor/condenser with an indoor air-handling unit, connected by conduits. With conduits of various lengths, the outside compressor can reside as substantially as 50 feet away within the indoor unit.

The greater the SEER rating, the more efficiency you will get from one's AC unit (measured much like gas mileage ratings). The company standard for AC systems can be considered a SEER rating of 13.0, and Mini Separation Air Conditioner designs clock in at head and shoulders above that rating.

The Mini split ac units are genuinely cost-effective and they also could very well be described as a viable option to window-mounted air conditioners. Furthermore, contemplating that they can don't need any ducting they could perhaps be perfect to use in older homes as well as the larger expense of installing ductwork can be avoided. The other benefits will be the saving of window space and consequent accessibility to light, a smaller amount noise because compressor is put outside and easy convertibility to work as heat pumps to make certain which they may be accustomed to cool in summer season and heat from the winter for comfort from the year.

Mini Split Air Conditioning - The Benefits And Advantages As A Cooling Unit

As the days get longer, the temperature starts rising, imperceptibly at first. Within a couple of weeks it is merely warm and starting to have uncomfortably warm. This is absolutely the most effective time in your case to check around to have an air conditioner. Look around, do some research, but make sure you obtain one installed ahead of the scorching heat allows you to feel you could melt. Before you realize it your new puppy times of summer are upon you.

But exactly how does an AC work? An air conditioner is composed of two separate parts. There 's what is known being a condenser and a coil. Inside the condenser a cooling gas is compressed and cooled. Then this really is passed through the coil. Finally a blower then is utilized to pass the cool air in the room.

Window-Mounted Air Conditioner

There vary kinds of air conditioners; there include the individual units or perhaps the central air conditioners. Usually the latter is used in offices, malls and larger homes. The individual units are available in two varieties. The wall mounted type as well as the window mounted variety. Wall units are placed in holes cut in the side of exterior walls. As they are doing not occupy window space they've got become more popular. But these wall units have to have a much more effort to install.

In case you opt for the window type do make sure you measure the dimensions of the opening meticulously before you select to order your brand-new AC. Even a number of inches off will result in major difficulties fitting it in. And of course the dimensions in the room that requires to become cooled should be used into account. Accordingly the size from the AC should have keeping with all the size of the room. AC dimension is measured in BTU (British Thermal Units) that's basically the amount of energy necessary to enhance the temperature of the pound of water by strategy for a degree. For convenience this has now been converted to tons. One ton is comparable to 12,000 BTU. Therefore the more the BTU the greater it's cooling ability.

When you look at the stores to test out mid-air conditioners available you may have to compare some features. Check out the noise level. These days' air conditioners are a great deal quieter than they employed to be. Make sure you never get saddled which has a rattling wheezing type which will ruin your sleep. The thermostat needs to be efficient enough to conserve a preset temperature level. There needs to be smartly designed louvers to direct the cool air up and down, right and left.

Some air conditioners can switch from outdoors to recirculated air. This enables that you change to outside air if this is not too warm, then switches to recirculated air once you must cool along the room. Some air conditioners have filters within them to purify mid-air and take away allergens such because Bosch anti-bacterial units. Look for an air conditioner which includes built-in timers. This enables that you turn the unit off or on on a predetermined schedule. This way you'll find a way to set the AC to change on itself on prior to deciding to return home from work and relish the comfort of your deliciously cool environment.

Ask for models which have an easy-to-use handheld remote control so you never should get out of bed or cross the room.

How to Choose an Air Conditioner

Scenario:

My air conditioner is just a year old and leaking water badly. It's a window mounted air conditioner and I'm afraid the leaking water is likely to cause damage to my exterior walls. Do you guys possess ideas or tips?

Window-Mounted Air Conditioner

Solution:

It sounds like your drain lines are clogged. That's what allows your AC to drain over water. This is really a repair that you should have the ability to do yourself. A drain line ought to be cleaned out annually. Most drain lines flow with all the help of gravity, releasing the condensation that collects inside pan. It overflows as a results of becoming blocked and soon you've got a leaking air conditioner. Like I said, regular maintenance is important to help keep it free flowing.

Because you've got a window air conditioner it really is probably piped through the outside and this case you must locate the drain line and flush it thoroughly. You could use your backyard hose in case you are careful or you might also flush it with air.

If your air conditioning unit utilizes a condensation pump in lieu of gravity feed laptop or desktop computer may need to be replaced. In this example water is piped through the unit for the pump where it fills before the float reaches the correct level. After you turn it on check to view whether it could possibly be not running while it's full. If the pump isn't operating you might be in a situation to replace it yourself otherwise you may want to call and air cooling technician. Remember, before you attempt any repair work make sure to unplug air conditioner.

After you will get it fixed remember to scrub it annually to hold algae and dirt build-up with a minimum.

How To Stop Water From Leaking From Your Air Conditioner

Are you within the market for a new air conditioner? Have you been considering a room air conditioner instead of an central air conditioner but aren't sure whatever you ought to be looking for? Purchasing an aura conditioner of any type ought to be researched beforehand simply due towards the quantity of electricity your air conditioner may potentially use. If you get a bad unit you might find yourself with extremely large monthly electric power bills and inefficient cooling.

As the consumer you definitely desire to find the best performing unit for you. You wish to look for a unit which can be very energy efficient because not just can it save money within the long run, it's better for that environment as well. Energy efficiency is about producing the best or most efficient utilization of energy in order to attain a given amount of comfort and convenience.

Window-Mounted Air Conditioner

What is a Room Air Conditioner?

A room air conditioner is surely an ac system designed to cool an area or rooms instead in the entire house. Do you reside in a smaller home, townhouse, condo as well as apartment? Would you prefer or does one require a non-permaneant air conditioning installation? If you answered yes a room air conditioner could possibly be an excellent matched for you. In comparison to central air conditioners, room air conditioners are dramatically less expensive for operate - though they're often less efficient.

While central air conditioners often need higher voltage connections a space air conditioner can be plugged into any 15- or 20-amp, 115-volt household circuit. If you've got a more substantial room air conditioner you could require a dedicated 115 volt-circuit. In exactly the most extreme cases do you want to ever have to have a dedicated 230-volt circuit.

Room air conditioners in many cases are vented or window mounted so they can effectively expel hot air out. Be wary of any room air conditioner that will not offer proper ventilation.

How are Room Air Conditioners Rated?

If you are knowledgeable about central air conditioners you may be already familiar with all the SEER or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. Room air conditioners are rated not on in SEER but rather in EER or Energy Efficiency Ratio. The EER of the given room air conditioner is calculated by dividing the cooling capacity in British Thermal Units (BTU) each hour through the power input in watts. You will find room air conditioners offering a array of cooling powers from 5,500 BTU each hour to 14,000 BTU per hour.

While the national appliance standard requires that any room air conditioner built after 1990 to possess an EER of 8.0 or greater, along with the latest Energy Star standards require sometimes an EER of 10.7 or greater I offer the American Council to have an Energy-Efficient Economy's (ACEEE) recommendations. The ACEEE recommends a minimum of an EER of 11.6. Why? This guarantees your unit is energy efficient throughout the year so when it really is needed most - the hottest summer months.

Selecting a Room Air Conditioner

Once you've thought we would purchase a space air conditioner ensure you look for the Energy Star label. If every room air conditioner sold in the U.S. were Energy Star qualified, we will prevent 1.2 billion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions that will put that into perspective that is equivalent on the emissions from 100,000 cars. Energy Star room air conditioners use at ab muscles least 10% less energy than conventional models.

In the bedroom air conditioner game Energy Star isn't the sole certification being looking for. You should also seek out Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers or AHAM Certified units. Why? AHAM Certified room air conditioners have their EER ratings verified by an unbiased laboratory.

Getting the Right Size

Room air conditioners like all air cooling units are rated through the variety of British Thermal Units (BTU) of heat they can remove per hour. Another common way of rating air conditioners is through the "ton," some example are 5,500 BTU hourly or 14,000 BTU per hour.

Getting the correct size room air conditioner for the application is crucial. If you obtain the wrong size you'll have the ability to easily waste large volumes of electricity. The size of the air conditioner depends upon:

How large is your home and how many would you have? How much shade do you have? Do you might have shade on your home's windows, walls, and roof? Are the ceilings and walls of your respective home insulated properly? Do you might have air leaks? How much heat do you, the occupants, and appliances generate?

Remember the real key to any air conditioners efficiency and performance depend on you properly matching the size from the AC unit to your specific application.

If you will find this somewhat confusing then you are able to always utilize the free AHAM tool. AHAM offers a handy online tool which may help you calculate your air conditioner (or evaporative cooler) needs.

http://www.cooloff.org/sub_cool.html
Installing your Room Air Conditioner

When you put in a new room air conditioner you must try and locate the environment conditioner in a window or wall area at the center in the room. It can be good for install your air conditioner on the shadiest side of one's house. Try not to let your installation increase air leakage - you can minimize this by fitting the either the space air conditioner or its ventilation snugly into its opening and sealing gaps which has a foam weather stripping material.

Are Room Air Conditioners my only non-permeneant cooling option?

If your home is in a very drier climate, somewhere which has a relatively humidity level below 50%, then you may be like minded for an "Evaporative Cooler" sometimes referred to as a "Swamp Cooler." An evaporative cooler cools by utilizing a fan to make air through moistened pads. As the hot air passes over the pads, the pads absorb the heat and funky air in some instances as much as 15-20 degrees.

Evaporative coolers aren't for everyone. In a bad climate, in the wrong conditions an evaporative cooler can cause conditions of mugginess inside air which subsequently can cause condensation and also corrosion.

In the best conditions and climate, evaporative coolers, can provide cost quite effective cooling. When in comparison to air conditioners, evaporative coolers use an average of 75% less electricity. Evaporative coolers are very energy efficient.

If you think that you might be a fantastic candidate with an evaporate cooler you are able to use the free AHAM tool referenced earlier to calculate the correct size for the specific application too.

In many parts from the world air cooling can seem to be just like a life saver, nevertheless it comes at the cost - first in dollars spent for electricity, and second in co2 pollution from your generation of electricity. According to the the American Council on an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) we create an astounding 140 million tons of CO2 cooling our homes. You can simply save electricity by purchasing a correctly sized Energy Star rated room air conditioner. By saving electricity you might be doing all your part to address global climate change.

Energy Efficiency - Purchasing an Energy Efficient Room Air Conditioner