What to Do If Your Baby Has a Fever

There are a lot of parents that are always afraid when their babies get sick or have fever. You must know that fever is just a manifestation that something is going on inside his body. It actually tells you that his immune system is doing the right thing in protecting your baby. But your baby gets very irritable when he has fever. There are some ways that you can do whenever your baby has fever.

GIVE MEDICATION

You can give your baby his medication every time he has fever. These may include ibuprofen and Tylenol. But you have to realize that you must only give these medications if your physician tells you to do so. You must not give your baby medications without consulting a doctor.

DECREASE CLOTHING

Clothes insulate the heat inside your baby's body. You can probably decrease the body temperature if you remove some clothes. You need to make your baby comfortable and convenient to decrease his fever. You can also make him wear clothes made of cotton to allow more airflow.

BATHE YOUR BABY

When your baby has fever, it will be more beneficial for him if you will bathe him. Keep in mind that you need to use lukewarm water and not cold water. Try to remember that babies do not have good temperature control. Cold water will probably cause chills on him. Try to use lukewarm water to make him more comfortable.

ENTERTAIN YOUR BABY

You must know that your baby will never feel good if he has fever. Try to make him happy and comfortable by doing the things that he truly enjoys. You can give him his favorite toys or you can play his favorite games. Try to make him more relaxed and happy to decrease the discomfort that he feels.

IMPROVE AIR CIRCULATION

Good airflow will help decrease your baby's fever. It will surely make him more comfortable. You can use fans and air conditioning system or whatever you have in your house that can make the ventilation better for your baby. You can open the windows to allow more air to go inside.

INCREASE WATER INTAKE

Always remember that water helps to regulate the temperature inside the body. It helps to cool down the fever by eliminating the heat through various processes like sweating. This is one good way to reduce the temperature of your baby's body.

Babies will often get sick because they have weak immune system. They can easily acquire ailments that can give them fever. Always remember that you do not need to panic when your baby has fever. You just need to do some things for him to decrease his fever and make him more comfortable.

Information About Split System Air Conditioning Units

With split system air conditioning, the indoor unit is separated from the outdoor components or else the condenser. Split simply means separation and therefore the condenser is placed in a convenient place on the outside either on the ground or hanged up on the walls. In large buildings they are positioned in groups but each has its own features depending on the model.

There are some vital factors which one requires to consider before deciding on the type to buy. One of those factors is to determine the number of inside units required for the whole building. Normally one room is served by a single unit although several may be cooled in homes with wide open areas.

The condenser is connected to the indoor unit with the help of copper pipes or electrical wires which are fitted by experienced technicians. Refrigerant gas is then pushed to the indoor units from the condenser coil but it must be passed through a compressor to increase its pressure. Cold air is quietly distributed by a fan across the evaporator coils.

Split air conditioning systems control the amount of cold air flowing into a room through thermostats or infra red remotes. Each room is designed to maintain a certain temperature depending on its use. This technique is greatly employed in residential house as the sitting room can be conditioned during the day and the bedroom at night.

This technique is currently being employed to regulate temperatures in big retail shops, hospitals, institutions of higher learning, supermarkets and several other areas. The sitting room can be conditioned during the day and the bedroom at night. Since decent buildings demand more space which might not be available, exceptional and modular purpose offices might be installed.

Split air conditioning systems have been installed in several places across the world in places like hotels, shops and offices. It has several benefits compared to other methods. The system is cheaply maintained, has an attractive design and also easily maintained and operated. Washable filters are used and are cleaned after a certain period of time.

In split system air conditioner, the condenser can even be positioned outside the office and connection pipes be run to the room. Air is distributed in the room through then ceiling units or pipes which are fitted on the walls. This technique does not require much duct work or distribution knowledge and because of this it can be installed in a number of areas.

Features of a Split System Air Conditioner

Many people refer to split air conditioners as being mini units or ductless units. Split air conditioning units often connect indoor evaporators to outdoor condensers that have small hoses or tubes. You are going to have the ability to cool one spot or area in your house or more than one area at a time. These units additionally have a heating unit. There are many features to this type of unit and this is just a list of a few of them to consider when you are in the market for one.

Operates Quietly

One of the top features of a split air conditioning system is the fact that it's quiet. This is primarily because the compressor of the unit is outdoors. Typically sits on a window and that means you are not going to hear it when it's turned on.

Flexible

When you have a split unit, there are going to be more options available to you. There are more decorating and interior designing options as well as opposed to what you have with traditional units. Split unit air conditioners have the ability to fit in a window and you can incorporate it on a wall, or mount it to your ceiling. You can also suspend it from your ceiling or stand it on your floor. There are some units that come with a remote control and this is beneficial for times the unit is up high and out of reach.

Installs Simple

Unlike other air conditioner units, a split air conditioning system is easy to install. You are going to be connecting the indoor evaporator to the condenser that is outside and this is going to require a hole that measures 3 inches in your wall that will fit the conduit. Your outdoor condenser isn't going to have to be close to your evaporator inside simply because the conduit can be found in a variety of lengths. This is going to allow you to keep your entire home cool. You should consider having someone help install it to help ensure things are done properly and that it's working properly.

Cools More Than One Zone

You will find that there are some split system air conditioners that are going to be able to cool as many as 4 zones at one time and all with 1 condenser that is connected to 4 units inside. Each of the units will have their own thermostat which is great for keeping each zone to a specific temperature. This is a great feature that many people enjoy as they can keep the temperature warmer for children and if you have company, you can keep another area cooler.

Split air conditioner systems are being seen in more and more homes and they are beneficial in many ways. There are more and more homes that are making use of these types of air conditioning units, and therefore this could be an option to think about. You can begin with getting in touch with retailers in your area to learn what options you have in regard to these types of units.

Air Duct Cleaning - 5 Reasons Why You Should Keep Your Air Ducts Clean

The many great benefits of keeping your home's air ducts clean can make regular air duct cleaning a most important task to include as a part of a proactive maintenance routine for your home.

Cleaning and servicing your heating and air conditioning system (HVAC) is essential to help keep them energy-efficient and operating in a cost-effective manner. Make sure that any HVAC cleaning includes cleaning of the cooling coils, the drain pans, fans and heat exchangers. Failure to keep these components clean can cause dust, mold and/or allergens to infiltrate your ducting, which will then be blown into your home as air pollution. It's also a well-known fact that this type of indoor pollution from dirty air can be a prime cause of allergies, asthma and a host of other medical problems.

It's a great idea to have your air ducts cleaned when you have your heating and cooling system cleaned and serviced. Remember, the health and safety of your family depends upon keeping your home clean and safe from indoor pollution.

Here are 5 important benefits of keeping your home's air ducting system clean with regular air duct cleaning.

1. Saving Money. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that by cleaning as little as four-tenths of one inch of accumulated dust (slightly under 翻 inch) from your heating/cooling system coils can decrease energy usage by as much as 21%. Imagine saving 21% of your next heating or cooling bill! Sound interesting?

2. Keeping Heating /Cooling Systems Reliable. It's estimated that 90% of heating and air conditioning systems breakdown or fail due to a lack of proper maintenance. Costs for repairing heating or cooling system is often quite expensive and total replacement of your HVAC systems can cost thousands of dollars.

3. Air Quality In Your Home. Air duct cleaning is crucial to healthy and clean indoor air. Allergens (pollen, pet dander, hair, etc.), dust and debris and toxins (mold, mildew, mouse droppings, etc.) are routinely found in home HVAC systems. If your air ducts are not cleaned on a regular basis, these pollutants can be blasted into your home via the heating and cooling systems. Remember, you don't have to have allergies or asthma as many of these pollutants have been shown to cause severe illnesses in some cases.

4. Allergies, Hay fever & Asthma. If anyone living in your home already suffers from allergies or asthma, air duct cleaning can help to provide a healthy environment for allergy and asthma sufferers. Regular cleaning has been proven to reduce the quantity of allergens and pollutants found in your home, ultimately reducing the chances for allergies and other serious illnesses.

5. Nasty Odors. A musty or "moist" odor in your home often means that mold and/or mildew is already lurking in your air ducts. Air fresheners, scented candles or incense will only mask dirty air for a short while. Professional cleaning can eliminate the smells almost completely in a very short while.

Air Conditioner Trouble Shooting Tips

If your AC unit has ever failed on a hot summer's day then you will know just what a problem this can be. In many cities without access to a cool air flow life becomes unbearable. Most new units will come with a warranty for maintenance but if yours has just broken down and the service documents have expired then you will want to know what the most common air conditioner trouble shooting tips are otherwise you will have to hire an expensive repair person.

To begin with you should turn off all power going to the unit. If possible unplug it from the wall. In many cases when an AC malfunctions it is because the filters are full of dust and dirt. Our cities are full of airborne particles that will clog up the filters. This can often remedy the problem immediately.

Sometimes the problem can be a simple one. If you use a remote control to operate the air conditioning then try replacing the batteries. Often we forget that these will wear down each year. Also, maybe you are using the control in the wrong way. Perhaps you have set the unit to switch on at a particular time of the day.

Have you noticed that many of our electrical gadgets will start to work correctly again after we switch the power on and off? This also holds true for air conditioners. Sometimes by resetting the power they will magically spring back to life.

An air conditioner will use a compressor. If this fails then the unit will not function. Check to see if there are any signs of burning or ice around the compressor. If there is a problem then this part will need to be replaced. If all these tips fail then the problem may be more serious and it could be worth considering a new model as repairs can be costly.

Heating and Cooling Systems - Correcting Temperatures Differences Between Rooms

A common complaint about heating and cooling systems is wide temperature differences between rooms and between stories in homes. Heating and air conditioning (HVAC) contractors often refer to correcting temperature differences between areas as balancing the system. An HVAC system that is properly sized and properly installed should require only minor adjustment to achieve a reasonable temperature balance. In practice, HVAC system sizing and installation errors are common and can make balancing difficult.

There are several heating and cooling performance standards for HVAC systems. The International Residential Code (IRC) heating performance standard requires that the system maintain a temperature in the home of at least 68Ës F. The IRC has no performance standard for cooling. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) heating performance standard is 70Ës F. and the cooling standard is 78Ës F. or 15Ës F. below an outside air temperature of 95Ës F. The performance standard temperature is often measured near the center of the room and about five feet above the floor.

States or cities may have different performance standards. The Arizona cooling performance standard is 78Ës F. or 30 degrees below the outside air temperature. These national and local standards usually apply to every room in the home. In cooling mode, for example, if the thermostat temperature is 78Ës F., the temperature in every room controlled by that thermostat should be at least 78Ës F. A one or two degree variance from the thermostat temperature is usually allowed.

Balancing is affected by numerous factors that can change based on the time of day and the season of the year. Some factors that affect balancing include: room location (south and west facing rooms can be more difficult to cool), size, quality and location of windows and doors, room size and ceiling height, size and location of supply and return registers, thermostat location, and location of the air handler relative to the room (the air handler must push air further through ducts in unconditioned space).

Because a balancing problem can have multiple causes, solving the problem can require multiple solutions. Here are some simple potential solutions for balancing problems.

1. Confirm that all supply and return registers are open and unobstructed.


2. Confirm that filters have been cleaned or changed per manufacturer's instructions.


3. Confirm that ducts are sized and installed according to recommended standards.


4. Confirm that insulation is installed properly and in the required amount.


5. Install sun screens on south and west facing windows in high heat areas.


6. Plant deciduous trees on the south and west sides (sun in winter, shade in summer).


7. Improve air flow in rooms with doors by providing a return air path if none exists.

If these simple solutions do not produce satisfactory results, other solutions may be required. These solutions may include changing the supply and/or return duct configuration and adding zones that are separately controlled by their own thermostats.

Children's Health Concerns and AC Units

One of the biggest risks to a child's health is the unseen and unresolved levels of mold hidden in central air conditioner units. The mold found there, often goes undetected until it's breached the boundaries of the vent and starts spreading throughout your walls. By then, it's too late - you have a serious mold problem and it's in the best interest of your family to vacate your home till the issue is resolved.

What is mold?

Thriving on the very last rung of the food chain, mold thrives on very little and grows rapidly. If you've every forgotten to wash a container with food remnants still stuck to the bottom, you've been a first-hand witness to mold's rapid growth rate. Now imagines this in places in your home that you can't see or have easy-access to! And given the right conditions, mold can and will pop out of thin air just about anywhere. One mold organism can quickly multiply to trillions in less than three weeks simply through their constant production of spores!

Most families find out they have a mold problem when it's too late, and the number one cause and circulator of mold is your air conditioner. While central air conditioners are a seen as a luxury item, they are also an ideal host for mold. The ductwork and drain-pans provide a perfectly moist and recessed environment for fungal growth.

How mold can harm your child

It's doubtful that any parent would want their child around mold, but unfortunately most well-intentioned parents think that if they can't see the problem or its effects, then it can't be that serious. But mold causes serious health problems, especially for young children who are still developing their immune system. Mold can cause allergies, asthma, hypersensitivity, skin care problems, pneumonia, constant colds and flus, and even the possibility of bleeding lung disease - all of which will damage and weaken your child's immune system. Letting mold perpetuate in your home is as bad as blowing air over a swamp or through a sewer and right into your home where your children live, sleep, eat and play.

Signs of mold

Wood or fabric discoloration is a big. However, all discoloration is not due to mold. Carpeting near baseboards, for example, can be stained by outdoor pollution entering the house. Stains or soot may be caused by the smoke from burning candles or cigarettes. However, if you suspect mold, then keep a look out for discolored growth and contact a professional immediately. Note that it is difficult to identify mold since not all of the 270 mold types can be detected through smell.

How your child can be at risk

Indoor air quality studies by the World Health Organization show that 60-80% of indoor air quality problems are mold related, and that the most notorious perpetuator of mold is the central air conditioner system lurking in your home, with ducts and vents accessing each corner of your house - making it easy for an invasive attack of mold spores without you ever knowing it.

As mold and bacteria grow on in ducts and drain pans, they are distributed through ducts to your living spaces. This is an ever bigger concern if you're child is in school or day care. In such populated settings with poor AC environments, its very possible for a sick child to enter the premises and get other kids sick. How does this happen? For example, if a child comes in with the flu, its a very real probability that the virus may get transmitted to the air conditioner unit and remain there till it's redistributed throughout the room(s). This is one of the number one ways children get sick at a facility, even though they may be in completely different rooms.

If you suspect your child is getting ill at their school, talk to the school's superintendent and voice your concerns. Public buildings with poor air quality and possible mold/air pollutant problems are identified as "sick buildings". Make sure you take action because this is a problem that isn't going to go away on its own.

What you can do

Your best bet for avoiding mold problems in your home, or child's environment, is to invest in a portable AC. Portable ACs are fast becoming the smart family's alternative to cooling their home. These mobile room air conditioners offer spot cooling without the hassle of ducts and vents - all glorious havens for mold spores. Most mobile ACs now come with the multiple filters and dual functions, including dehumidifiers to remove excess mold-causing moisture from the area.

Heating and Air Conditioning Services - Right Service From the Right People

Looking to have a new HVAC unit repaired or installed at your home? Nowadays finding a good one is no longer difficult especially with the advent of Internet marketing and the like. People who own businesses have websites to cater their services to the prospective customers looking for stuff online, so everything becomes easy and accessible. If you are looking for a heating and cooling services in Houston Texas areas, then you might be just lucky since they are available just around the corner. You can contact them or you may even ask them for an on-site visit or send in your plans to their showrooms. Some companies offer free and no obligation advice on the most effective and energy-efficient heating, air conditioning and refrigeration options for your living or business spaces, whatever your budget is.

To do what is best and to get what is right, you need to be informed. Some contractors do have their sites to where you can browse and find out exactly what you are looking for. Their site is specifically designed to help you become an informed consumer when it comes to your home's heating and cooling systems. Browse their site and see a range of air conditioners, heating, AC repair, remodeling, refrigeration and air conditioning maintenance services. HVAC services available in Houston areas may also include Air conditioning sales and spare parts, commercial industrial cool rooms and refrigeration maintenance, expert installation and maintenance of split system air conditioning, ducted reverse cycle air conditioning and evaporative air conditioning systems and transportable cooling options for the building industries.

If you find the one that suits your interest and budget, make them your first choice for all of your heating and cooling service, sales and installation needs. Some are a full service residential and light commercial HVAC contractor, serving Houston and the surrounding areas like Memorial and River Oaks. Their specialists offer sales, replacement, remodeling, installation, add-ons and servicing of air-conditioning systems, evaporators, whole house humidifiers, and much more. They may offer service maintenance agreements, whereby they give your systems check-ups twice a year just to make sure they are running smoothly. Don't forget to ask about their air filtration systems as well. So go ahead and avail the right service from the right people.

The Importance of Server Air Conditioning

If you run a network, so that your staff can send emails to each other, to transfer documents and data, and to keep backups, then you'll know just how important server air conditioning is. If you're not a network manager, then here's what you need to know.

1. It's essential that the server is at the right temperature, as the server and other related products won't work at their best. You'll find that if your server has problems, then it could well be to do with it being at the wrong temperature, or a lack of server air conditioning.

2. Computers and servers are prone to overheating, and will stop working properly if they're too hot and there's no server air conditioning. Whilst it might be annoying if your laptop crashes, or reboots itself, imagine what would happen if this happened to the server?

3. Without your server, you can reduce the efficiency of your IT. Perhaps your staff won't be able to work without the information on the servers. Perhaps your lifts will stop working. Maybe your security cameras will crash.

4. If your server does fail, then it's likely that it will need repairing. You might have an in house technical support team capable of doing this, or you might need to call an onsite engineer and arrange a visit, which means it could take days before your server is sorted out and up and running again.

5. If your server is beyond repair, then it'll need replacing. This can cause major downtime, and huge expense. If you weren't convinced before, you definitely won't underestimate the importance of server air conditioning now.

6. If your server air conditioning is not as effective as it could be then perhaps you'll need to change the layout of your server room in order to improve air distribution and get better ventilation.

7. You might be better off with a dedicated cold server room, rather than just having your servers in the corner of the room. By giving your network servers their own room, you can ensure that the room is cold enough for your servers to keep working properly.

8. It might be that you just need a small room for your servers. You'll have to ensure that there; is enough ventilation, and that there is the appropriate server air conditioning in order to keep the servers up and running so that the network runs properly.

9. A large server room with server air conditioning is a good idea, so that you can store your servers and have plenty of ventilation. You might also want to have a work station in there, so that you can monitor what's going on. You might also be able to carry out repairs and maintenance without having to take the server down.

10. It's hard to put a price on server air conditioning. You won't want to have the turn away business, or send your staff home because of the computer system, and you won't want to have to call out an engineer to replace your server or other network components on a regular basis because they overheat. The value of server air conditioning can't be overstated.

If you're fed up of your network going down, then perhaps it's time for you to install server air conditioning.

Selecting a Colocation Facility

Communications and data access are integral for business operations. Websites, email and messaging services, and servers have to be up and protected for business communications to function. Data centers that house mission-critical infrastructure - the most vital parts of the company network, like servers and databases - must sustain the power, climate-control and connectivity that network infrastructure demands.

Redundancy

The colocation facility should have redundant systems, with sufficient capacity, at every point of operation, from climate control systems to network equipment. Having multiple units for to handle capacity is not the same as redundancy. All systems should be in an n+1 configuration; for example, if there are two units, they should both run at less than 50% capacity so that if one fails, the other can still handle the load; if there are three units, then they should be at 66% capacity.

Superior Connectivity

Several factors determine the quality of a colocation center's Internet connectivity:

o The number of Internet backbones

o Total available bandwidth

o Latency, packet loss, and jitter

o Uptime

Colocation data centers provide Internet access to tier-1 carriers, tier-2 carriers, or carrier-neutral access. Tier-1 services provide direct access to one of the major Internet backbone networks, like AT&T. Tier-2 providers routes traffic among multiple tier-1 providers, and reliability and speed are influenced by how effectively traffic is routed. Carrier-neutral access allows service from any carrier, but requires that customers configure their own routing and maintain their own connections to Internet backbones. Tier-2 access is preferable because routing is configured by the colocation facility and it's more reliable because more backbones are available, which increases uptime and network performance.

Load-Responsive Routing

The way that Internet traffic is routed, both the hardware and routing logic, has a significant effect on connectivity. Effective routing covers three areas:

o Redundant routers and switches with full capacity for all customers

o Performance-based routing, which continuously adjusts routes to find the most effective one, rather than the least expensive

o Routing among more than three, and preferably four or five, Internet backbones

A hardware-redundant, dynamically adjusting routing system creates a self-healing network that offsets backbone problems, traffic and load, and hardware failures so that service doesn't suffer.

Climate Control

The design of the facility itself has an impact on the performance of systems housed in the colocation center. Server rooms should control air flow between rows. The heat generated by servers is blown in one row, and cool air can be drawn in from another row. Designated hot and cold rows circulate the air to keep servers from overheating.

Appropriately-sized and redundant climate-control units create cold air and control humidity. Servers have strict climate requirements, about 72 degrees and 45% humidity. Colos must have both chillers for the facility climate control and computer room air conditioning (CRAC) units for the server rooms. The capacity for cooling units is calculated by dividing the total tonnage by the square footage. For example, if there are two 50-ton chillers and a 4000 square foot facility, the chiller capacity is 0.040 tons/foot. Chillers and CRAC units should each have a capacity of 0.30 tons/foot or higher.

Power

If there is a failure of the primary power source, the generators and UPS are vital to keep the network online. The UPSs run the servers while power switches from regular electricity to generators, and there must be generators onsite for immediate backup power. The power system should have the following features:

o Failover practices for switching to redundant generator and UPS systems

o Multiple, redundant UPS, systems, since UPSs fail routinely

o A generator large enough to handle 1.5 times the normal building load

Making a Decision

Keeping servers offsite can be a good decision logistically, but only if the data center provides a reliable, secure network environment. Look for potential pitfalls, where service may not offer enough reliability or performance:

o Non-redundant power, cooling, or Internet connections

o Insufficient backup power or non-redundant UPSs or generators

o A low number of Internet backbone connections or substandard routing methods

o Insufficient cooling systems

o Poor uptime record

Haunted Ships - The Queen Mary

The Queen Mary has been a permanent feature in Long Beach, California for a couple for decades and is one of the most famous cruise ships of all time. The ship has become a hotel, museum and popular tourist attraction, and the historic ship is internationally recognized and attracts thousands of visitors every year. Besides the living guests, the ship is said to play host to several ghosts. It has been speculated that the Queen Mary might be one of the most haunted places in the world. Reports say that as many as 150 known spirits have taken up residence and lurk in various locations all around the ship.

The Queen Mary sailed her maiden voyage on May 27, 1936. Built in Scotland to be used as part of a two-ship express service from Southampton to Cherbourg to New York, the Queen Mary is 1,000 feet long, and in her day was said to be bigger, faster and more powerful than the Titanic. She also held the record for the fastest-ever North Atlantic crossing. The historic ocean liner's passengers included the most celebrated people of the time, including royalty, top entertainment figures and important world leaders.

At the start of World War II in 1939, luxury travel stopped and the ship was turned into a carrier ship that was used by allied forces to carry troops from March of 1940 to September of 1946. It was during this time that she would become known as "The Grey Ghost". By the end of World War II, the ship had carried more than 700,000 troops, traveled over 500,000 miles and played a significant role in almost every major Allied campaign. She also survived a collision at sea, set the record for carrying the most people ever on a floating vessel (16,683), and participated in the D-Day invasion.

When the war ended, the Queen Mary was refurbished and started up her elegant cruises again in July, 1947, with weekly service between Southampton, Cherbourg, and New York. By the early 1960's, the popularity of transatlantic cruises greatly decreased due to the increasing affordability of air travel. The ship attempted to revive its popularity, but without central air conditioning, outdoor pools, or other amenities offered on most other cruise ships, the attempt was unsuccessful.

In 1967, the Queen Mary was pulled from service and was sold to the city of Long Beach, California, to be used as a maritime museum and hotel. On December 9, 1967, she made her final voyage to Long Beach.

During her 60-year history, the Queen Mary was the site of 49 reported deaths, opening the doorway for potential spirits to haunt her. Reported hauntings include a young crewman in the engine room, swimmers in the first-class pool, a man in black, and a woman in blue. Some of the Queen Mary's most haunted places include the propeller box, engine room, boiler room, cargo hold and first class swimming pool.

One of these hauntings is thought to be the spirit of John Pedder, a fireman in his late teens who was crushed to death by a watertight door in 1966 during a routine drill. Unexplained knocking has been heard around the door, and a tour guide reported she saw a figure dressed in dark clothing as she was leaving the area where the young man had been killed. She saw his face and recognized him from his photographs. He was dressed in blue coveralls and sporting a beard. The young man has often been seen walking along Shaft Alley before disappearing by door number 13. This famous door was used in the filming of the Posiedon Adventure and has reportedly crushed at least two men during the ship's history.

The first-class swimming pool seems to be a hot spot for ghostly encounters. Wet footprints mysteriously appear even though there's not a drop of water in the pool. These footsteps lead from the deck of the pool to the changing rooms. Women in vintage bathing suits are occasionally seen stopping by for a swim ,even though the pool has been closed for more than 30 years. There have also been reports of seeing the spirit of a young girl carrying her teddy bear along with disembodied voices, laughter and splashing sounds.

In the second class pool area the spirit of another little girl named Jackie is often been seen and heard. The girl drowned in the pool during the ship's sailing days and doesn't seem to want to move on. Her voice and the sound of laughter has been captured in this area.

In the room that was used as the third class playroom, there have been reports of the sound of children crying in the nursery room. There is also a report that a single baby's cry has been heard. This crying is thought to be that of an infant boy who died there shortly after he was born.

In some of the first-class staterooms there have been reports of a tall, dark haired man wearing a 1930's style suit showing up in various places. In addition to sightings of the man, the faucets and lights get turned on in the middle of the night, and phones ring in the early morning hours but no one is ever on the other end of the line.

There are several other reports of sightings about the ship including a beautiful young woman in an elegant white evening gown who dances alone in a shadowy corner of the salon, which was once used as the ship's first-class lounge. Another mysterious woman in white has been seen close to the front desk. She will usually disappear behind a pillar.

Other phenomena that has been reported throughout the ship include the sounds of knocking, doors slamming and high pitched squeals, drastic temperature changes, and the recurring smells of another time.

The Queen Mary has been investigated by a number of paranormal professionals, printed publications, television shows like Ghost Hunters and Most Haunted, and several others. In addition to portions of the movie "The Poseidon Adventure" being filmed there, the X-Files filmed a 1998 WWII era episode about a time warp in the Bermuda Triangle aboard the ship. That was a great episode - it was called "Triangle" - you should check it out if you missed it!

On the Ghost Hunters episode, what was thought to be a fantastic paranormal event caught on tape turned out to be not so fantastic as it appeared someone had tampered with the video camera. So is the Queen Mary really haunted or not? The Ghost Hunters are heading back out there in February of 2008 to see if they can find out. Hopefully there won't be any tampering this time and they can capture some evidence to support all the claims of paranormal activity on the Queen Mary.

Air Conditioning Preventative Maintenance Steps

Simple, painless steps can be taken to prevent problems with air conditioning units. The preventative maintenance needed to keep units in good working order doesn't take much time and it isn't too costly. Usually, just a screwdriver is needed to remove the shell of a unit. Removing the shell will uncover internal parts of a unit that occasionally require attention. Before trying to remove the shell of a unit, check and see what kind of screws are used to hold the shell in place, then, obtain the corresponding screwdriver.

For in-house units, after the shell is removed, check for leaks in the hoses that connect to the unit. Condensation should always travel through tubes and remain within the unit. Leaks can usually be traced to loose hose ends. To tighten a loose hose end just use a simple zip tie. If no leaks exist, proceed to check the filter. If the filter holds a brownish color and appears to be dirty, replacement of the filter is necessary.

Check the style of the filter and, if you aren't sure of the style, take the old filter with you when you buy a new filter. Filters can be purchased at any home improvement store for a relatively low price. A low-cost filter can make an enormous difference in the quality of air that circulates in your home. Frequently changing a unit's filter will keep it in good working condition.

For units placed on the outside of a house, preventative maintenance usually starts inside of the house where the filter is located. Filters are usually located within a metal housing in a home's basement. Again, check the cleanliness of the filter. If it appears to have captured a lot of dirt, change it. Not much more can be done for preventative maintenance for these units. Just make sure that no unnecessary moisture has breached the housing where the filter is.

Window units may be the easiest units to maintain because of their small size. Before installing a window unit, make sure the end of the unit that lies on the outside part of the window won't be susceptible to disturbance. This part of the unit is where the coils are and the coils are very sensitive. This is the first preventative maintenance step that should be taken. Then, check to see if there is a filter. Filters within window units are usually thin and can simply be hand-cleaned by rinsing away dirt with water. Placement and filter cleanliness are vital for optimal performance.

Preventative maintenance is a simple, yet effective way to keep a unit in good condition. It prolongs the life of a unit and helps maintain a good quality of air indoors. Preventative maintenance helps a unit do its sole job to the best of its ability: keep cold air in and warm air at bay.

Choosing Central Heating Radiators to Warm Your Home

Radiators are objects used to transfer heat from one medium to another. Mostly they are used in vehicles and buildings to bring either heat or cold to the place. Home heating radiators are warmers, used to keep homes warm especially during very cold weather. If you have a radiator you are always assured of continuous warmth in your home. Different companies have come up with different types and sizes of radiators. It is important to know the type and size of radiator you need for your home. If you are not very sure, get an expert point of view before installing what may not really meet your requirements.

How to match your radiator with your home setting

For most people, d矇cor and beauty matter a lot when we go out to buy anything for our homes. If you are one of those who value your interior decoration, you may find it a bit hard to buy the right radiator for your home. That is because many of them are not good-looking and for that reason, getting one that suits your home d矇cor may be hard. However, that should not stop you from purchasing one because it is possible to have both; beauty and warmth. It is possible to buy a home heating radiator and find that the colors are not in harmony with your home. If you find yourself in that situation, the solution will not be to avoid it; rather you can buy it and get covers for it. Interestingly, you can actually get decorative and pretty covers for your radiators. Some are purely decorative, while others can help your radiator to disperse heat even better. Since you need the two; warmth and flair, then buying these covers will go a long way in making you realize this dream.

Home radiators maintenance

Let us say you have bought your warmer and you have decorated it. How do you maintain it to avoid disappointments later? Home heating radiators are quite easy to maintain and all you need to do is to be very cautious especially if it has been out of use for a certain period. What happens is that once it is not in use, air gets in the system and prevents it from operating as expected. In fact you may think that it is spoilt only to realize that it was full of air. What you need to do is ensure that you remove all the air in the heating system by switching on the heat and giving it time to warm up. Most companies will provide you with a manual to help you remove the air. You will need to use it to make sure that your home heating radiator is functioning well.

Choosing the best radiator for your home

One of the things you will need to put into consideration before you buy a radiator is the type of heating system in your home. With that kind of information you will be able to know how much heat is required for your house. This is information that you can get easily from a heating engineer who is well qualified.

Whole House Air Conditioning Vs Window Units

During the summer, air conditioning becomes essential for many people, especially in the humid Deep South and the scorching deserts of the Southwest. There are two kinds of air conditioners: wall/window units and whole house units, or central A/C systems. Both types of A/C cool and dehumidify, but differ in energy use and scale of their cooling properties. Here is some information about each type.

How Air Conditioning Works

Air conditioning is complicated. A/C units have complex systems of compressors, heat pumps, fans, fan motors, and coolant circulation. Hot, moist air is taken in from the outside and put through a series of processes that cool it and remove the majority of the moisture. It is then forced through an outlet vent into the inside of the home, lowering the ambient temperature. In the past, carcinogenic and environmentally destructive CFC's were used as the coolant gas. Now, other substances are used. All air conditioning units will require coolant, external ventilation, and an electrical power source.

About Window Units

Window units, wall units, or split A/C units are all variations on the same thing, which is a single-room A/C system. They can be permanently installed in the room through a hole in the wall or placed in a window. The ventilation and cooling system are contained within the body structure of the unit, which can be plugged into an outlet or hard-wired. The electrical installation will depend on how many BTUs the unit needs to operate efficiently, but most units consume about 900 watts per kWh. Prior to buying window units, measure the space to be cooled so you can buy an A/C that will cool it without overworking.

Pros and Cons of Window Units

Window units are portable to a large degree, although moving them around often can be detrimental to its internal components. The unit's size is very important. If it is too small, it will run constantly, driving up your energy bill. A large unit will cool inefficiently and cause clammy humidity buildup in the room. Wall units are also prone to dripping and leaks, especially in very humid climates. They can be noisier than central A/C. Window units can be less expensive than central A/C if they are only used in small areas and the thermostat is set to a moderate temperature. They also are inexpensive, as little as $300.

About Whole House Air Conditioning

Whole house A/C is also known as central air. This is a larger air conditioning unit, consisting of a condenser (normally placed outside the house) a blower fan, and a cooling coil system. The warm air from outside is condensed, channeled into the fan and cooled by the coils, and forced through the home's existing ductwork into the rooms, thus cooling and dehumidifying the air. If the home does not have a forced-air furnace, the fans and the cooling coils will be placed in the attic. The thermostat will regulate the home's temperature level. Whole house 2.5-ton A/C units consume about 3500 watts of electricity per kWh.

Pros and Cons of Whole House A/C

If you have a house with several rooms that need to be cooled, installing a whole house unit is the way to go. The installation cost of a central A/C unit will vary on the region, type of unit, and the amount of customization that needs to be done to the home. If the home does not have existing ductwork, the installation will be much more expensive, since that will have to be added. Whole house units dehumidify and condition the air, removing allergens and irritants, making the environment better for everyone. Make sure enough cold-air returns are installed, and only choose a unit with a high seasonal energy efficiency rating.

Maximizing Efficiency in Both Types

There are many ways to make the most of each kind of A/C unit's cooling power, while keeping your electric bill reasonable. Set the temperature at 78F, because every degree below this mark increases energy consumption by as much as 4%. When you leave, increase the temperature to 80F or more. Set the blower fan at a lower temperature to help circulate the air better. Insulate your home well, especially on the sunward-facing side, which will keep the home at an even temperature yearlong. Replace filters, clean ducts and/or intakes/outlets frequently to prevent clogs, and check that the coolant level is sufficient.

When deciding whether to install window units, whole house A/C, or a combination of both, consider the number of rooms you need to cool and your installation budget. Regardless of which type of air conditioning you choose, set the thermostat at a reasonable temperature and maintain them well to ensure maximum cooling efficiency.

About The Vanagon Weekender

The Vanagon Weekender is the most convenient, spacey and well configured camper van ever used. The 1983-1991 Vanagon Weekenders have water-cooled horizontally opposed engine with Digifant electronic fuel injection and 90HP at 4800RPM that are 1.9 liter (1983-1985) and a 2.1 liter (1986-1991). Vanagon Weekender camper van attributes a 4-speed manual transmission or an automatic transmission with electronic ignition, dynamic oil pressure system, and a thermostatically controlled 2-speed electric radiator fan. The towing capacity of the van is hampered due to the size of its engine but the van can prove a greater efficient in towing small trailers if equipped with brakes. Particularly, the van is even more resourceful as it does not have the extra load of the full Camper.

How would you like a little extra space for your luggage? With cargo capacity of nearly 100 cubic feet, the van stands out as the most preferable camper vans, which is pretty exciting. More over the van has roof-top luggage carrier with tie-down bars for extra storage. And if you still need some room, then you have some space under the rear bench and a wardrobe closet with sliding door. With a seating capacity of 7, the Vanagon Weekender will be a perfect choice for a comfy trip with your family and friends.

The van has forward-facing center bench that converts into a 3-person bed and 2 rear-facing seats that can be detached to increase cargo space if needed. It has two Front seats that swivel 360 degrees and have adjustable armrests. Three point belts for the captain seats, Height adjustable head restrains for each seat, Side impact beams in front doors and slide side doors are the special feature that enhances the safety of the van. On the other hand, the storage capacity of LP and water is also more in the van. 15.9-gallon capacity gasoline tank, 5.9-gallon LP gas tank and 12-gallon capacity fresh water tank are excessively useful for a long and safe trip.

Almost all these vans come usually with power windows, rear-blowing air conditioning, electronic locks, cruise control, cassette stereo, rear wiper, Rear-blowing air conditioning, and power mirrors. Additional to these, the Vanagon Weekender vans comes-up with pop-up roof that has 2-person bed, window curtains, an second deep-cycle marine battery (optional) and many more exiting add-ons. AC/DC/LP gas refrigerator of 2 cubic feet, two-burner LP gas stove with stainless steel splatter shield, Dining cum utility tables, AC-to DC power converter with coach battery charger, Fluorescent lights over gallery and lower bed, pleated curtains for side windows that acts as room darkeners, Privacy curtains to separate the front cab and rear hatch windows are the other additional luxuries.

Vanagon Weekender is not just a tour vehicle that can keep you at ease during your travel, but it can also serve as the best means of transport for your other everyday usage.

Reverse Cycle Air Conditioning And Sustainable Comfort

When living in a place that has a variety of seasons that go from Hot to Cold to Hot to Cold again, it leaves a very uncomfortable feeling in the people especially when they are living in a house with their family or with another person. A lot of people have already blown their money on getting a variety of Heating and Cooling systems that can address this problem just to escape that uncomfortable feeling from their homes. The good thing that can result from this kind of need is that there will be products that will be made to address a variety of issues instead of several products addressing one issue only. A prime example of this is a Reverse Cycle Air Conditioning unit.

For homes and offices, a Reverse Cycle Air Conditioning unit is a dual-purpose Heating and Cooling unit that provides an efficient and effective Heating and Cooling solution. Since common air-conditioning units have a variety of Types to fit the home, the same can be said for a "Heat Pumps" as they are also known for. There are Portable, Window/Wall, and Split Units that provide electric heating systems as well as refrigerative cooling. The advantages of this type of unit is that it is one of the more economical forms of Heating and Cooling compared to the common separate Heating and Cooling systems.

So how does a Reverse Cycle Air Conditioning unit work exactly? The heat outside of a home is utilized by this system even in frigid temperatures and then shoots it through an External Coil to a waiting Refrigirant and then is absorbed by a Condenser and pumped by a Compressor to be then shot through the slats and fanned throughout the House. Just reverse the process and then Cold Air is blown to the home. Anyone can use this kind of sustainable solution that is safe and cheaper to use in the long run especially in a place where the seasons go from Hot to Cold and back again.

So if you are in an area that needs both Heating and Cooling and you only have a budget for one type of system, then the Reverse Cycle Air Conditioning system is the answer to your comfort issues.

Air Conditioning Repair - 5 Things That Could Go Wrong With Your Air Conditioning and What to Do

There are a lot of different parts in your air conditioner so most people would prefer to hire a professional air conditioning technician to fix their problems but there are a number of different issues that you could check and save yourself the cost of a house call. The number one issue that people have is that their air conditioner unit is not blowing any cold air. Here is a quick list of things to look at.

1. The most common reason for this problem usually can be solved with the filter that is located in the air conditioning unit front panel. Most people can easily change the filter but because they forget to or neglect to (I'll do it next week), the filter ends up becoming clogged with dirt. Once the filter is clogged the condenser fins aren't able to breath and the unit freezes up. If this happens to your unit, change the filter and try turning the unit off for a couple of hours. This should allow the ice to thaw and the unit to work again.

To keep this from happening again, make sure to replace your filter as often as it needs. You can usually tell when it needs changing by holding your filter to a light. If the light shines easily through, the filter can continue to be used. If it is opaque then the time has come to install a new filter.

2. If you filter is clogged that means that your condenser fins might also be clogged, keeping them from working properly. You can use a brush to clean the fins off and often times this easy air conditioner repair will restore your unit to good working condition.

3. The third issue that might cause the problem is low freon pressure in your unit. Over time leaks can develop that will allow the freon in your unit to leak. While you can buy a gauge to determine if this is the problem, you can't replace the freon yourself. You need an EPA license to work with freon. This is why the freon pressure is one of the things that should be checked by an air conditioner repair expert at least once per year.

4. If the thermostat is turned down and the condenser fan fails to turn on, a burnt or shorted wire could be the cause. Sometimes the wires just get shaken loose so this is another easy fix.

5. Finally, as silly as it seems, if the unit isn't working, check all the fuses or circuit breakers to make sure that it is getting power. Air conditioning repair people report that this happens a whole lot more frequently than you would think.

Bottom line is that there are a number of things that you as a homeowner can easily check before calling in an air conditioner repair person. The important thing to remember though is that there is a reason that the air conditioner repair people require training to get their licenses.

It's because there are some potential problems that are too complicated for the average homeowner to fix. Make sure that you know your limits or you just might be creating more problems than you solve.

How to Take Care of Your Air Conditioner

One of the widely used devices at home is the air conditioning unit. It is extremely helpful during the summer when the heat seems unbearable. However, not all of us know how to care for our air conditioning units properly. This is one of the reasons why our utility bills rise and our units do not last long. Proper care for the air conditioning units will pay off. It will not only work efficiently but it will also make your device last longer. But how will you take care of your air conditioning unit? What are the things you need to keep in mind? Here are some tips to help you in its maintenance:

Make sure that the condenser is in god working condition. The condenser is normally found outside the house. This is what keeps the liquid in the unit cool through its coils. If the coils are cool, the water in it will be cooler as well. In order for it to cool the coils, there should not be anything that will block the air from getting in the condenser. Remove leaves, branches and other things that may block the vents. Nothing should block it within one to two feet.

It is important that the internal parts of the property are also clean. Before opening your air conditioning system, see to it that you check the manual, as there are different ways of cleaning such devices. Check the safety precaution first to avoid problems and accidents like electrocution. Turn off the device and see to it that you handle it properly. Remove the dirt such as cobwebs, dust, leaves and other debris that may have managed to enter the unit. Some are cleaned with a brush while there are those that need to be hosed down.

It will also help if you keep you air conditioning unit cool. If it is cool, it will not need to work harder. This means that energy is used efficiently. This makes it last longer as well. This is why it is ideal to have your unit in a shaded area. You may plant a tree or a shrub that can protect your unit from direct heat of the sun without blocking its vent. You should also be consistent with the level of cooling of the device. Do not turn it on and off repeatedly. You can set it low and let it cool the room without changing it every time. It is also ideal to have your fan unit in auto rather than in an on mode.

Regularly check your air conditioning system too. Change your filter regularly. A clean filter is essential to ensure that you breathe a clean air. Have it serviced and checked by professionals too. There are devices that come with regular monthly monitoring for one year. You can take advantage of this. This may also be covered in your home insurance, so see to it that the system is checked. If you want to make sure to stay comfortable especially during the warm season, see to it that you take care of your air conditioning unit.

Why Choose a Centralized Air Conditioning Unit

Living in a warm place where it is summer every day can be fun and exciting because of the many different outdoor activities that you can enjoy such as hiking, swimming, picnicking, and other outdoor recreational activities. However, when it comes to staying indoors, it can be a nightmare because of the high temperature inside the house or office. It can get really uncomfortable especially in the hottest weeks of summer. To solve this heat problem, you should consider installing a central air conditioning unit.

Having an air conditioner at home makes the heat of summer more bearable. You will not feel suffocated inside your home even if you stay indoors for a long period of time. It is important to turn on the unit whenever necessary, especially if you have elderly people or newborns who need to feel comfortable at all times.

Although there are three basic kinds namely portable, window, and centralized air conditioner, this article will focus on the last type. Many people prefer to buy centralized air conditioners because of the reasons stated below.

• These air conditioners have higher cooling capacity than the other types. It is a bigger and more complicated machine but it is more efficient in terms of providing cool air inside the home.

• This is also the perfect choice if you want to decrease the temperature in a large room or building. Once the central conditioner is installed in a specific location in your home, it will distribute cool air through the ducts which are also used by the heater in winter. The ducts are installed throughout the house. You will not see the air conditioner because it is installed inside the ceiling or walls. People who do not want to see unsightly home appliances in their home should choose this type of air conditioner.

• Since this appliance is difficult to install, you need to hire a contractor to be able to properly install the system. This means that you do not need to worry about incorrect installation which can cause fire or other accidents at home.

14 Things You Should Know About Air Conditioning

1. My home summer air conditioning bill is bigger per month than the winter heating bill per month. Traditional air conditioning is less efficient than heating and natural gas is less expensive than electricity.

2. Air conditioners have two motors that use electrical power. The compressor is the machine that makes the refrigerant cool the air. The other motor drives the fan that moves the air. Motors are energy hogs.

3. Every degree that you set your thermostat below 78 increases your air conditioning cost by 3 to 4%.

4. While your AC is working normally, you should feel the amount of airflow from your window unit or register for central units. You need to know what is normal to be able to trouble shoot problems.

5. Use a thermometer to check the room temperature and the temperature of the air that the AC is putting out. The air coming out of the AC should be about 20 degrees F cooler than the room temperature. Make a note what the difference is. This is good trouble shooting data for future use.

6. Air conditioning reduces the water vapor in the air turning it into liquid water. This makes us more comfortable by lowering the humidity in the home. The condensed water will flow down hill.

7. The water is supposed to drain outdoors from the back of a window unit, or to a basement floor drain for central air conditioning. There is a drip pan at the bottom of the window unit. There is a drip pan located under the cooling coil, inside the ductwork above your furnace for central air conditioning. The drip pan is there to catch the water and direct it the proper drain location. Seeing a lot of water going to the right place is very good news. It indicates that your AC is working as designed.

8. If water is draining to the wrong place, it can make an unpleasant mess. Window units should be tilted so the outdoor end is a little lower than the indoor end. If it is tilted, too much the wrong way water will drain into the house and make a mess.

9. Water from a central AC draining down inside of the furnace, will rust the furnace and destroy it before it wears out.

10. If the water is not draining, it will make ice and stop your AC from working. When the drip pan fills with water ice will start forming on the cold coil. The ice "grows upward" starting at the bottom of the cold coil. As the ice builds up it blocks the air flowing through the cold coil. You are likely to be unaware if the problem until the temperature in the house goes up. Given enough time a mixture of dust and dirt from the air, will plug the drain. Cleaning the drip pan and drain needs to be part of the pre-season maintenance.

11. How do you know when the coil inside the ductwork is iced up when you cannot see in there? If the fan is running but the airflow is reduced or stopped, it is iced up. See number 4 above.

12. If you do not take corrective action, the AC will continue to run wasting expensive electricity. The ice will continue to build up and the house will continue to get warmer. Action plan: Turn the AC off. Let the ice melt. Fix the drain problem. Turn the AC back on.

13. If the AC stops cooling but the air is flowing normally, the problem is not ice. If there is good airflow but the AC is putting out air that is not 20 degrees cooler than room temperature the problem may be due to low refrigerant level in the AC. See number 5 above. When the refrigerant leaks out the AC will continue to run wasting electricity. With low refrigerant, the AC will cool poorly and waste power.

14. What to do if your AC puts out a normal amount of air that is 20 degrees cooler than room temperature but the house does not cool down? The AC may be too small for the job. It needs your help. Action plan: Reduce the amount of outdoor hot air that is sneaking into the house. Shut off heat producing appliances and old style light bulbs. Close the storm windows and doors. Add more insulation to the attic. Spray water on the outdoor part of the central AC. Spray water on the house. Make shade for the house. Make shade for the AC. Buy another window unit. Pack up and move North.

Understanding the Use of McQuay Air Conditioning

McQuay Air Conditioning is top-of-the-line recognized names in mercantile and industrial surroundings control. The corporation continues to be in operation since 1872, when it first started producing steam engine machinery. The line of technology products presented by McQuay has developed in mature way through the years, with the company progressing itself soundly in competent industry. McQuay offers a complete range of heating system and cooling machines which can fit the wants of colleges, office, residence buildings, and also larger domestic houses. Technology products consist of complete-pack central air conditioning devices, unit ventilators, interior and outside air handlers, condensing models, rooftop systems, water-cooled chillers, and heat pumps.

McQuay Air Conditioning accomplishes more in less place than the majority industrial environmental control devices. Full-pack air conditioners are smart, indoor, water-cooled systems that allow for cooling large buildings in a reasonable and efficient manner. Lots of sizes are available with number of operations and features to satisfy the wants of conditioning through fans which throw air to all the parts of a house either corridors or stairs successfully. Air ventilators offer single room comfort, drawing warm or cooled air into an indoor room. Ventilation units are capable of cover those areas of building where ventilation is impossible since these can be fitted on interior or exterior wall.

Efficient heat pumps from McQuay can be added to any part of a building which has access the water system. These devices are water source heat pumps which make use of a water circle to function. They are an environmentally firm method for heating and cooling a shop, applying less power and increasing performance across the way. Heat pumps can be found in multiple sizes and can be useful in controlling internal temperatures in any number of businesses, commercial facilities, domestic apartment buildings, and medical conveniences. With increased efficiency and less dependence upon fuels, McQuay heat pumps are thrifty technique of heating and cooling large buildings. With a well developed grip in the industry, McQuay Air Conditioning has created the status it holds as one of the best among industrial HVAC providers. The variety of stuffs offered by McQuay ensures that all your HVAC needs may be met through an individual provider.

Air Conditioning - 4 Tips to Troubleshoot Your Air Conditioning Unit

During a warm and humid day, the last thing you want is to see your air conditioning unit breaks down. If the unit does break down suddenly, there are actually a few ways that you can troubleshoot and fix the problems yourself. In this article, let me share with you 4 tips to troubleshoot your air conditioning unit and make it work again.

1. Make sure that the controller is correctly used. If it is used incorrectly, the air conditioning unit will not function properly. This is the first thing that you should check if your unit breaks down. Check the setting and make sure that everything is set-up correctly. If you are not familiar with the controller, read the operation manual to find out how to set it.

2. Examine the compressor for any sign of damage. The compressor is another important part of your air conditioning unit. If it fails, the whole unit fails. So the next thing you should check is the compressor and make sure that there is no damage. Also, you should look for ice build-up around the compressor too. If there are damage and ice build-up, it is time to ask a professional contractor to replace the compressor for you.

3. Simply reset the main power of the unit. Sometimes you can fix the problem by simply resetting the power. To reset the main power, just go to the meter box and turn the unit off and on again.

4. Clean the filters regularly. If you want your unit to last longer, you must clean the filters regularly. Cleaning filters should be an on-going maintenance and you should perform it at least once a month. It gives you fresher air and extends the lifespan of your unit.

These are some simple tips to troubleshoot your air conditioning unit and I hope you have absorbed them well. If you are still unable to fix the problem using these tips, call your contractor to come down and take a look. A professional contractor should be able to detect the problem and recommend the necessary actions to take.

It is important to work with a contractor that you can trust. So do not look for a contractor only when your unit breaks down. In fact, you should look for a reliable contractor now so that they are always ready for quick repairs or replacements. To look for a list of contractors, just do a search on Google. You should be able to find a list of contractors in your area.

Heat and Cool Capacity Test, Real Time EER Measurement

Heat Cool Systems can be tested to measure real time BTU Capacity and EER. It is common to find a 3 ton, 13 SEER, Heat Cool System only producing 2 tons and 8 SEER. We have found new installations with this problem.

If the system is over 12 years old it may have lost significant capacity and efficiency.

About 70% of your heat and cool air conditioner unit capacity is used to lower the temperature of the air. The remaining 30% capacity is used to remove humidity or moisture from the air. As an example a 3 ton unit should have a total capacity of 12000 btu's per ton or 36000 btu's. Of the 36000 btu's, 24000 btu's would lower the temperature of the air and 12000 btu's would remove moisture from the air. In order to measure total capacity, we will need to measure both.

A normal thermometer will measure the air temperature entering the return of your AC and the temperature of the colder air can be measured at the first supply vent. If you multiply the difference in temperature by 1.08 btu for each cubic foot of air flow produced by the Heat Cool System, you have the capacity measure that lowers the temperature. This measure is called sensible heat.

Another thermometer called a psychrometer or hygrometer is needed to measure the humidity that is removed by the air conditioner. A psychrometer is a normal thermometer with a wet cotton sock over the bulb. The temperature reading called wet bulb temperature can be converted to a value indicating the temperature and grains of moisture in the air. This value is called latent heat and enthalpy. You can purchase or make a wet bulb thermometer. A very accurate digital hygrometer that measures % relative humidity can be purchased for around $100. Using an enthalpy chart or enthalpy calculator available online, you can convert your measurements to btu's. It is very important to measure wet bulb temperature within one tenth of a degree F.

The more difficult measure to obtain is the amount of air flow in cubic feet per minute (CFM). An instrument called a vane anemometer can be used as can an instrument to measure static pressure. Instruction videos for measuring air flow in CFM can be found on www.youtube.com

The Formula

Calculating total Btu's involves measuring airflow and wet bulb air temperatures in and into a conditioned space. Total Btu's are calculated using the formula:

Total Btu = 4.5 X CFM X Enthalpy Change

The 4.5 factor represents the weight of 1 cubic foot/minute (CFM) of standard air per hour.

CFM is the total supply airflow entering the building from the system.

Enthalpy change is measured using a hygrometer and converting the readings to Enthalpy.

Latent eat = Total Heat - Sensible Heat

Notes:

Air and heat can leak into the system between your temperature readings and the indoor cooling coil. If this happens, your calculation will indicate the cooling delivered to the space and not the cooling produced by the AC unit.

You can also determine equipment airflow by carefully measuring fan static pressure, then plotting the fan CFM based on the manufacturer's fan data

An enthalpy change of about 6 is normal.

Airflow has a major effect on system performance. It must be measured accurately with top quality instruments and procedures.

A humidity level of 90% plus from the supply side of the system is common. As the air is cooled is can hold less moisture.

Normal sensible/latent ratio is 70/30. A significant return air duct leak from a hot attic, produce a 55/45 sensible/latent BTU ratio.

The Home-Buyers Guide to AC Systems - Part 3 of 3

Homeowners your hands one of the most important documents you can possess before you purchase a home! What every homeowner or potential homeowner absolutely needs to know and understand is this, you as a homeowner have ALL the responsibility to make sure your new home is going to function and be an energy efficient home.

This document is written for the homeowner to understand the city inspections. This article is not referring to the third party inspection completed by a licensed Professional Home Inspector.

If you are concerned about the energy efficiency for your new home the single most important item that impacts energy usage and monthly energy bills is the size of the home. The energy cost to operate your home is directly related to the size, shape and volume of your home. Home builders today are not supplying potential home buyers with two critical pieces of information you need to understand the energy efficiency of a particular home or if you are comparing the homes from two different home builders.

When an engineer designs and sizes the AC equipment for a building large or small he uses a load calculation method to determine how much heating and air conditioning capacity is needed to serve the new building. The same approach and method is supposed to be used today in new homes built in Texas. The home builders in Texas have been building homes in Texas since 2001 that will not meet the required energy code standard and design guides. The load calculation step is the very beginning and most important step in building a home for energy efficiency but is not being performed by builders today. This is simply because most builders do not pay attention, understand the energy code or understand load calculations.

The other problem or issue is that most homeowners have never heard about it and do not care as well. Most homeowners believe that someone else is taking care of this for them. As I stated earlier in this guide this is simply not true or being done.

Homeowners Have To Take Responsibility

How do homeowners know that one home is more efficient than another? The method used to
understand the efficiency of a home in regards to the heating and air conditioning systems is based on a unit of energy known as a "British Thermal Unit" (BTU). I am not going to get real technical here but I will give you the homeowner the information you need to go home shopping with and it is really very simple.

Three Efficiencies Regarding Home Building

1. Thermal Efficiency- Determined by the home construction methods and materials
used to build the home. It is the most important efficiency in home building.

2. Energy Efficiency - Measured and calculated by the conversion of energy input
(KW/BTU) into useful work output cooling/heating BTUH.

3. Overall Efficiency - Is the combination of both efficiencies above. Thermal Efficiency
has a huge impact on the Energy Efficiency rating and therefore will impact the
overall efficiency of the home.

As a homeowner this is what you need to know. The amount of energy required to heat and cool your home is directly related to the amount of heat gain your home experiences when it is warm outside and how much heat loss your home experiences when it is cold outside. This heat gain and heat loss is measured in BTUS. The amount of heat gain and heat loss is measured and defined on an hourly basis so the measurement is in BTUH. This stands for British Thermal Units per Hour. The higher the thermal efficiency of the home the lower the energy use is. As a homeowner you will receive a better return on investment for each dollar you spend to make your new home more thermally efficient than to build a very poor thermally efficient home and try to make up the overall efficiency with very expensive high end heating and air conditioning equipment. This approach simply does not work over the life of the home.

As a homeowner you have another measurement or consideration to think about and that is the "Return on Investment" (ROI) for your money. If you to take short cuts on the home construction side and purchase very expensive high end AC equipment to make up you may cost your self a lot more money over the life of with expensive repair bills. The cost to repair the high end AC systems is very expensive.

Below is a simple but real example.
- 14 SEER AC System - Replace a failed indoor fan motor. Cost= $250.00
- 20 SEER AC System - Replace a failed indoor fan motor. Cost= $1200.00

The newer systems are very complicated with a lot of electronic components that are very susceptible to power problems and lightning strikes during storms. As a homeowner you need to consider this when building a new home with the least cost to maintain and operate. Homeowners need to spend their money making their home more thermally efficient and use AC system(s) rated at 14-15 SEER instead of 20 SEER systems.

The Questions a Homeowner Needs to Ask a Home Builder

- Mr. Home builder what is the heat gain for this home on July 15th at 3:00 PM in the afternoon?

After he regains his thoughts he will probably reply with; what do you mean? This will give you a real clue here. He does not know anything about the thermal efficiency for the homes he is building!

"You might want to consider a new home builder at this point!"

- Mr. Home builder what is the heat loss for this home on January 15th at 3:00 AM in the morning?

These are the questions that any potential home buyer should ask if they are concerned about energy efficiency and the monthly energy bill for their home. If you are a homeowner who operates on a monthly budget then energy efficiency is very important for your new home. Let us use the example below to demonstrate how the real energy efficiency of two homes should be compared.

- Home A- single story with 2500 square feet of air conditioned living area, all electric home, all energy star rated appliances, and all the lighting fixtures are compact fluorescent and the high efficiency type. The home has a 5 ton 14 SEER rated AC system.

- The heat gain for the home in July is 49,500 Btuh.
- The heat loss for the home in January is 72,000Btuh.

- Home B- single story with 2700 square feet of air conditioned living area, all electric home, all energy star rated appliances, and all the lighting fixtures are compact fluorescent and the high efficiency type. The home has a 4 ton 13 SEER rated AC system.

- The heat gain for the home in July is 44,000 Btuh.
- The heat loss for the home in January is 66,000 Btuh.

Which home is more efficient? Many homeowners would choose Home A simply because it has the largest AC system and highest SEER rating of the two homes. The most efficient home is Home B. This home is larger and is being served with the smallest AC system. Even with the lower SEER rating for the AC system the system is rated at 4 tons and is able to cool the home adequately. The difference in heat gain and heat loss values is what makes home B the most thermally energy efficient. The size of the AC system does not make a home more thermally efficient. The AC systems in homes are sized to meet the heat gain and heat loss values of the home. The lower the heat gain/loss number the higher the "Thermal Efficiency" is for the home. What makes the home more thermally efficient is size, construction, direction the home faces, window type, wall construction and insulation values to name a few. The thermal energy efficiency of the home is determined by the construction methods and materials not the heating and air conditioning equipment. The AC equipment only makes a difference in the conversion of electrical energy or the conversion of fuel into useful work- cooling output (Btuh) or heating output. When the SEER rating is higher the conversion of electrical energy is more efficient and therefore the energy bills are lower for the home. A home that only requires a 3 ton AC system to meet the cooling load will be less efficient if the same home has a 5 ton system installed no matter what the SEER value is.

Example:
- Home C- Has a 12 SEER 3 ton AC system that is properly sized and works properly
- Home C- with a 16 SEER 5 ton AC system will not function correctly and will make the home uncomfortable because the system will short cycle and this reduces the energy efficiency (SEER) of the AC system.

Homeowners do not fall for the bigger is better sales pitch! Bigger is not better regarding AC systems EVER!

Let's talk about heating systems now. If you are building a new home, buying a new home or purchasing an existing home you need to consider how your new home is heated. The method of heating a home today is not quite as simple as it once was. My personnel first choice for heating a home is by using a natural gas or propane system. I like the warmth and feel of the gas systems. At one time it would have been considered the most economically method to heat a home. In today's constantly changing energy markets the price of a MCF of natural gas is not always the least cost to operate. I will list the methods of heating a home in order based on cost, comfort and reliability below.

The Southern Part of the Country

1. Gas Heat- If the price of natural gas or propane is least expensive on a consistent basis

2. Heat Pump System- If the home is total electric a heat pump system is a must for energy
efficiency.

3. If the home is total electric the last choice would be electric resistive heating. This is a very
expensive choice for heating.

The Northern Part of the Country

1. Fuel Oil - If the price of fuel oil remains less than natural gas or propane on a consistent basis

2. Natural Gas - Would be the second choice over electric heating.

3. Heat Pump System- If the home is total electric a heat pump system is a must for energy
efficiency.

4. If the home is total electric the last choice would be electric resistive heating. A very
expensive choice for heating.
5. In areas where wood is available and the home has a good wood heating system.
Home AC System Design

Questions to Ask Your Builder

1. What is the heat gain for the home? July 15th 3:00 PM _____________ Btuh

2. What is the heat loss for the home? January 15th 3:00 AM ______________Btuh

3. How many units (systems) are in the home?

Recommendations
- Single Story Homes less than 2000 sq ft- Single System
- Two Story Home less that 2000 sq ft- Two Systems, One Up and One Down Stairs
- Single Story Homes > 2000 but 5000 sq ft- Need to consult with a mechanical engineer with experience with
energy efficiency designs and energy conservation. Ask for references. Suggest
someone not in relation to the AC contractor to get the best objective design and solution.
- Discuss the heat gain/losses with your AC contractor or mechanical engineer to find out
what you can do to lower these values by making changes in the design and materials for
your home.

4. 6. Ask for the AC contractor's name and for references. Talk to homeowners who have been in their home more than two years or so. This will give you a better understanding of how well the contractor designed the AC systems and how they performed in both the cooling and heating seasons.

5. Ask the contractor to give you some estimates in writing to replace the indoor fan motor and the compressor for the AC systems you are considering. If you are trying to decide between a system rated at 15 SEER and one rated at 20 SEER this will help you understand what the overall cost is and what your ROI could be over the life of the system(s).

6. If you are looking at purchasing a home that will require major remodeling and the heating and air conditioning system to be replaced you need to make sure you understand the following about the AC contractor you hire.

- Is the contractor licensed?
- Is his licensed current?
- What level of general liability insurance does he have?
- Is his insurance policy current?
- How many technicians will be working in your home?
- Have these technicians been registered with the state? A state of Texas requirement
- Have you checked the contractor out with the Better Business Bureau?
- Ask for a copy of his license and insurance policy.
- Verify the insurance policy is current with the policy provider, this is very important.

Insurance Requirements for AC Contractors Texas (Verify Requirements for Your State)

Homeowners AC contractors in Texas are required to carry a general liability insurance policy in order to perform work in the state of Texas. In 2003 the state of Texas stopped requiring AC contractors to prove they have general liability insurance prior to renewing their license each year. This puts homeowners at risk all over Texas when using and hiring AC contractors. You as a homeowner have to take the initiative to verify the AC contractor you are working with has a current general liability insurance policy.

- Class A license holders are required to carry a $300,000.00 policy.

- Class B license holders are required to carry a $150,000.00 policy.

Homeowners you need to determine if the value of your home and personnel possessions have a value higher than the required limits for the AC contractor you hire. Check with your homeowner insurance provider how this impacts you as a homeowner in the event your home is damaged or destroyed because of poor workmanship or faulty equipment. You may want to ask your contractor to provide a higher level of liability insurance before starting work in your home.

Homeowners do not become a victim of an unlicensed and uninsured AC contractor!

Third Party Inspections and Resources

Many cities and homeowners are using third party inspectors today. As a homeowner you are ultimately the responsible party to make sure your home and your investment is protected. Just because someone is a third party inspector means they are any better than the local city code official. I would recommend that you take the time to talk with two or more inspectors to find out who you believe is the best one that can help to insure you receive the best value for your money and the best AC system for your home. I always recommend that homeowners talk to their neighbors, friends and family to find out if they can offer you some good advice or to help steer you away from someone who does not understand what they are doing. A few simple phone calls or few minutes talking to someone can save you thousands of dollars and headache.

Summary

Homeowners if you are considering purchasing a new home you have a lot on your mind. The AC system(s) for your new home are a very important piece of the equation to being satisfied and happy with your new home. We covered a lot of information in the "The Home Buyers Guide to AC Systems" and I believe you probably have learned some helpful tips and a whole lot about heating and air conditioning. Do not let this overwhelm you but simply take it in a step by step approach when deciding what type of heating and air conditioning system for your home. If you take the information you have learned and start to discuss it with home builders and AC contractors you will find out they are not going to be very open and willing to work with you. When home builders and AC contractors know they are doing business with a potential homeowner that knows something about AC systems they become a little uncomfortable. This will go to show you that home builders and AC contractors have had it their way for a long, long time. It is time for homeowners to receive the best AC systems for their new homes. You can do this and be very
successful at the same time.

Good Luck with Your New Home or Next AC Project!

A Few Simple Tips To Remember To Make A Bath More Relaxing

This article will hopefully help you to make a guests visit to your home feel more welcoming. We will look at ways in which we can provide your guests with a relaxing bath whilst visiting or one that they can take home with them when they leave. Also in this article we will provide advice on how to make a guest bathroom more welcoming and to ensure that they feel right at home when visiting you.

Firstly let us look at ways of pampering your guests and how to ensure that they can have a relaxing bath which is made for ingredients that you have in your kitchen. First of all why not start with plain rock salt you can either leave it in the size it is (cleanses a person's skin more effectively) or else you can grind it down.

Then to make the salt that little more special there are any number of herbs that can be added to it such as lavender, lemongrass or chamomile or your could add some dried flowers instead (roses, daisies). What you need to do is mix 1 cup of rock salt (or choose Epsom Salts instead) and to this add the ingredients that you have decided upon (remember the more of the ingredient you add to the salt the more fragrant the bath mixture will be. In fact why not make a visit to your local health food store and see what organic herbs or flowers they have that can be used in order to make the bath even more relaxing.

Another tip in order to make a bath more relaxing for your guests it to add a small amount of your favourite perfume or essential oil (mix this with carrier oil). Not only will this add more depth to the smell that the dried flowers you have used and will be released when added to the hot bath water. Once mixed put into either a pretty jar or bottle which can be used as a decoration in the guest bathroom.

Another way of creating a relaxing bath for any guests you have is to place the fragrant herbs or flowers into a muslin or dye free cloth bag and can then be placed into the bath like a tea bag or if you want just place it in the drawers of the guests room. Remember do not use a bag that has been dyed or else this will leak out into the bath and may well stain the bath as well.

Another method is to use unfragranced oils (however you will need more time to produce this). Place the oil in to a pretty jar or bottle then add dried herbs or flowers (don't forget to pick those that not only look pretty but smell good as well). Place a cork in bottle or a top on the jar and allow them to stand in a cool area for a few weeks. As time goes by the fragrance of the herbs or flowers will pervade into oil thus providing another way of giving your guests a relaxing bath.

When decorating the guest's bathroom prior to their visits it's important to remember that the little things will matter the most to them. Think about things that any guest may need such as a rich moisturizing cream or lotion, a mirror, shampoo and conditioner, comb, toothbrush and toothpaste. It might also be worthwhile getting a lint brush as well for their clothes.

Also when looking to decorate a guest bathroom it is important to consider that you want to make your guest feel special. By placing a nice basket with all the items you have collected along with any instructions on how to make a relaxing bath will make your guests feeling extra special (almost like royalty).

Why not place plenty of towels along with a bathrobe if you can in the bathroom and try and spend time each day keeping the guest bathroom clean (even if it just giving a wipe down each day).

So hopefully now that you have learned how to not only produce a relaxing bath but how to decorate a bathroom to make your guests feeling more special then you should be prepared for any visitors that you have (even your in-laws).

How to Find a Trustworthy Air Conditioning and Heating Company

Taking some extra care while determining which air conditioning and heating company is right for your needs can be a great way to ensure you will get the best service. Everyone wants to seek out the most highly qualified AC repair contractors who have a reputation in your area for being trustworthy and customer friendly. An air conditioning contractor will be performing maintenance on one of the most expensive appliances in your entire home, so it's a good idea to be absolutely sure that they can be trusted to do a good quality job.

Another factor you should take into consideration when searching for an air-conditioning and heating company is whether or not they have a reputation for overcharging their clientele for unnecessary services, parts, or entirely new air conditioning units. Occasionally an air conditioning contractor with questionable intentions will attempt to over-sell their products if they're getting paid any kind of product commission. Being sold extra parts can mean more labor costs that are not necessary. It is one thing for an air conditioning and heating company to attempt to convince you to upgrade your air conditioning unit to a newer and more energy efficient model, but buying a model that has more BTUs than your home or business needs can be a very costly mistake. Since air conditioners remove humidity from the air as they cool the temperature indoors, it's important to have a properly sized unit for your needs with the appropriate BTU level. If a BTU level is too high for the space it is intended to cool, the rooms will cool down too rapidly and the unit will shut off before the air conditioner has been given the appropriate amount of time to remove the humidity in the space. The result is a room that will either be too cold or humid to be comfortable. Many uninformed consumers believe that bigger is better with most products so it's the same when buying a new air conditioner, but it is just not the case when it comes to BTU power on air-conditioning units.

A good way of figuring out which AC repair companies are the most trustworthy is simply by doing a search online for reviews of local companies. A reliable air conditioning contractor that has been in business for several years will have had the time to build up enough clientele to discuss their worthiness on service review websites. The more positive reviews an air conditioning and heating company gets online, the more likely it is that you will get similar satisfactory service from them. Another way to determine which company to use for your air conditioning needs is to ask friends or family for recommendations. If you call an AC contractor directly, ask a few questions about how long they have been in business, if their employees are paid on commission, if their employees all have clean criminal background checks, and if they are bonded and insured. In addition to these questions, ask for a few references from their past clients. A trustworthy company will be willing to give you a few.

Four Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality

Don't Share Your Bed With Dust Mites

If you suffer from allergies indoors, it's highly likely that you're allergic to dust mites. They'll make a home in your carpet, curtains, mattress and pillows. If you don't want to breathe these nasty little guys in while you sleep, protect your new mattress and pillows with dust mite-proof covers. Plus, if you think moving your mattress is difficult now, wait ten years for dust mites and their waste to double the weight of your mattress. Covers can keep the dust mites and allergens out of your new mattress and pillows, or serve to lock existing allergens in where they can't affect your breathing.

Regularly change your High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters.

A dirty air filter not only aggravates allergies but is also the number one cause of HVAC system failure. HEPA filters remove a minimum of 99.97% of all particles 0.3 microns or smaller. For a size comparison, a human hair is about 75 microns across and a dust mite allergen measures from.1 to.3 micron. According to the American College of Asthma, Allergy and Immunology, there could be as many as 19,000 dust mites in one gram of dust. You can keep those dust particles out of your air by changing your filter at least every two months as suggested by AC companies and doctors alike. Pick an air filter with a higher MERV rating. They're more expensive, but they catch more contaminants.

Eliminate Dust

Your vacuum is your friend. Pair it with a HEPA filter and you've got a grime-fighting, dynamic duo. Vacuums with HEPA filters can trap those microscopic allergens while using a lesser filter amounts to stirring them up in the air. Allergy sufferers should vacuum at least twice a week (and possibly more often if you have a pet). While you're in the cleaning mood, take the next step and get your mop in on the cleaning action. Mopping after vacuuming will take care of what the vacuum could have missed.

Leave Your Dirt at the Door

This one's easy. Get a boot tray for your entryway and lose your shoes once you're inside. This will keep you from tracking dirt, dust, pollen or whatever else is stuck to your shoes all over your house. If you want a boot tray without the visually displeasing mud buildup, place a layer of river rocks or stones in the tray. Mud, dirt and dust will sift to the bottom of the tray where you can't see it. We're not saying to neglect your cleaning responsibilities (rinse that tray off every once in awhile!). We're just suggesting a boot tray option that's more shabby-chic than eyesore.

Increasing the Efficiency of Your Air Conditioner

Any air conditioner, whether it's a single room unit or central AC, made after 1990, will typically have what is called a SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating) or an EER (Energy Efficiency Rating). These ratings are going to be printed on the unit's ID tag. Any units that have the SEER of 12 or more, or for units that have an EER of 10 or more, are considered to be Energy Star ranked. If you are looking to improve the efficiency of your air conditioner there are a few. Here is a brief overview of a few steps and tips to try.

Things You Will Have to Have:

• Hose

• Metal duct tape

• Air filter

• Programmable thermostat

• Vacuum

To begin with, ensure the system's air filter gets changed out with a new one. This should be done each month. For AC units that are single room, you should wash the filters under hot water or in the bath tub. After it's rinsed, shake any excess water out and ensure it's completely dried out before you place it back into the unit. When you are doing this or dealing with the filter area, ensure the unit is turned off.

If you see any dust or other dirt built up, vacuum it. Look by the coils and inside the coils as well as areas when changing the filters. Dirt, dust, and other debris tend to build up over time, and can affect the efficiency of your air conditioner. It blocks coils and restricts them from working efficiently.

Use the duct tape and seal all areas that are exposed in the open near the ductwork. This tape is designed to stick well to metal housing, ensuring it seals effectively.

With a hose, clean outside coils as dirt and other debris accumulate and can get on the units fins of the coils. By always ensuring the coils of the air conditioner unit you can ensure that it will not have to work so hard to cool your home. You are also going to help increase air flow throughout the unit and reduce how hard the actual unit has to work.

Consider installing a thermostat that is programmable, as this helps to reduce how often the AC kicks on during the day. This is true when everyone in the home is gone for vacation or when you are at work. You might want to have a professional help install it as it's often going to be tricky to do on your own. This can also depend on what type of central AC unit you want and currently have. When you aren't in a room, turn off your window units or other AC devices.

Make sure that you have the proper size of AC unit for your needs and based on the amount of space you want to cool. You need to have a unit that is going o cool your desired sq. footage, and in some cases, especially when using a portable air conditioner, you may need to have a few units. Having a nair conditioner that is smaller or even too large is going to reduce its efficiency.