Gas Furnace Prices - Important Facts You Need to Know When Choosing a New Gas Furnace

The recent spell of very severe cold weather has caused many householders to consider upgrading their gas furnace. Since this is a decision that has long-term consequences, you need to ensure that you take your time and do extensive research before reaching a final decision on which new furnace to buy. You should not base your decision solely on gas furnace prices.

The first consideration is whether to go for a replacement gas furnace or whether to change to an oil-fuelled furnace. The choice will not only depend on the current availability of either fuel in your locality but also the current cost of either fuel. And to make matters even more complicated, you should also consider how the price of oil and gas will fluctuate in the future.

A new furnace will probably have a lifetime of at least 15-20 years, so you need to do your research into how fuel prices in your area are likely to increase in that time period. There will - of course - be some guesswork involved in arriving at a conclusion.

The next consideration is to decide on what energy output furnace your property requires. If you choose a new furnace that has too low an energy output, then your house will never be warm and cosy. But get a furnace that produces too much energy than you need and you will be wasting money unnecessarily. You will find several resources on the web that will allow you to work out the heat output you ideally need for your size of property.

Another major factor in deciding upon a new furnace is its efficiency. Technology is developing at a raid pace and highly efficient furnaces are being introduced all the time. The better the efficiency, then the lower the running costs. But this is offset by the fact that more efficient furnaces cost more.

Finally, you need to think about how long you will need a furnace for your own needs. If you are planning to move home in the next few years, then maybe it would be a false economy to spend a lot of money on a highly efficient gas furnace. This however must be offset against how a new efficient furnace will help to appeal to any potential new buyer of your home.

As you should by now appreciate, buying a new furnace is not a decision that should be taken lightly - and certainly not by solely considering gas furnace prices alone. You need to consider all of the points I have mentioned above and do extensive research.

Natural Gas Heating and Air Conditioning Units Are Money Savers for West Coasters

The cost of the average electric heating & air conditioning unit is generally not a very cost efficient way to go. Although, some areas of the country do not have access to natural gas, for the most part it is the cheapest option. On the West Coast, it costs pennies on the dollar to heat a home with this form of energy as opposed to your other options.

Near the Pacific Ocean oil, wood, and electricity are less economical choices. If you are a homeowner and you have a home with one of these fuel sources for heating consider the financial coup you can attain by switching out to a natural gas heating and air conditioning unit. Not only will your bill be less each month in the summer because you have installed a new, preferably Energy Star certified unit, but you will see a significant drop in the winter as well.

The other plus to switching to a gas heating & air conditioning unit is that the gas company will subsidize your switch over. If you have been running on electricity, which many older homes have, the savings to you and the utility companies themselves is huge. Pushing eco-friendly appliances, as well as weather stripping your home has been a big issue for these companies over the last decade.

If you are unsure as to which one you should buy, the utility companies can help you with that as well. They give suggestions which one's they recommend which are always Energy Star certified. Energy Star is a program backed by the U.S. government which helps homeowners and businesses alike achieve superiority in energy efficiency. Putting their star on all appliances that meet their standard, this seal of approval makes it easy to determine which appliance to buy at a glance. This program is so large now that it is almost impossible to find anything without this logo. Not only do they make recommendations, but they have a very generous rebate program as well.

You can also go to Consumer's Digest to get information. This magazine specializes in testing products and publishing their results so you, the consumer, can have the highest level of intel when you hit the stores.

As well, there are numerous internet sites where you can check and see what the rating of the various heating and air conditioning units are. With the advent of technology and the internet, there is no reason why anyone should go to the store unarmed with knowledge of what is going to be the best product for them in the long run. A little homework and research and you'll be glad you switched.

Air-Conditioning Maintenance and Repair Services

There is a great deal of importance attached to air-conditioning systems in modern lives. These are compulsorily required for comfortable conditions of indoor temperature levels especially in the months of the summer season.

There are several areas of commercial consumption of air-conditioner services that are compulsory and essential. These are places like hospitals, airports, emergency medical services, hotels and restaurants among many others that require the constant and regular supply of cool to cold air temperatures as provided by them.

There are warehouses and storage houses that are placed under constant and intense services. These ensure a proper and healthy storage of a wide variety of food and medicine among other things as well.

Services

There are different areas of services that are there. These appliances are available in a wide variety of capacity and designs. Each has its own set of electrical and conditions requirements for a safe and smooth functioning.

The constant supply of cold air in indoor premises actually generates an equal amount of heat energy from the compressor and machine of an air-conditioner. Thus, there is a need for periodic checks and supervision to ensure safe working of the appliance. A lack of the same can cause electrical shocks or even short circuit situations.

Additionally there is also a need for the air-conditioner equipments and appliances to be checked and serviced periodically.

There are several companies that are engaged in the business of air-conditioning services. This starts from the time of installation of the appliances and equipments. As part of this work, there are important aspects of ventilation outlets and suitable electrical connectivity that needs to be ensured. There will also be a requirement to check the wiring network and the supply pipes that will provide a flawless service of the equipment.

The second aspect of air-conditioning services includes repair and maintenance. The regular and constant usage of these appliances puts a stress on the machinery and technical setup of the appliance. Thus, there is a need for periodic checkups that will ensure that the appliance is in good running condition.

There is a need for a regular check of the electrical connectivity and the spare parts of the appliance. These are under regular and constant usage. There is also a great deal of heat generation from the bigger units of appliances. The heat has its side effects on the machinery of the appliance as well.

The companies for services are those that are teams of professionals that have the knowledge and experience of handling the appliances of different companies and brands. There are variations of capacity and designs that make it important to have a know-how of the different features that these have.

Services also requires frequent changes of spare parts. In addition, these are readily available with services companies that make an easy replacement possible.

They are vital for the cool to cold temperatures of indoor area in different places of public interest. These are commercial requirements that have a big capacity as well as a bigger load. Thus, a regular system of servicing will ensure durability and smooth functioning.

Window Air Conditioner

Rising temperatures, scorching heat, second name to summers, which can make anybody mad. But maybe this summers the scene drastically changes and you stay thanda thanda cool cool !! How??? With the new cooling technology of window air conditioners. Now enjoy customized world class air conditioning just a button away. Sometimes back air conditioners were counted in the list of luxuries but now it has become a bare necessity. Air Conditioners have become a very common thing and they are available in the market of various brands, different sizes, varying capacities and prices according to all budgets. The brands, which produce and sell Window Air Conditioners are Bluestar, Carrier, Electrolux, Godrej, Haier, Hitachi, Kenstar, LG, Samsung, Voltas, Videocon, Whirlpool.

Window Air Conditioner is basically a refrigerator without the installed box. To provide you with cool breezes, evaporation of a refrigerant is used. The new technology Air Conditioners help clean your home and the environment. Now-a-days Air conditioners are equipped with such filters that have the ability to catch dust pollen, mold spores and other allergens as well as smoke and everyday dust. Making your home not just clean but germi clean.

Everybody thinks that air conditioners simply lower the temperature in their homes by pumping cool air in but what really happens is it removes warm air from your home and converts it into cooler air. This conversion cycle continues until it reaches the desired temperature. Window air conditioners are the best for small spaces. With the changes or improvement in technology, these models can befit the requirement in larger rooms also.

The new technology air conditioners are equipped with many new science and technology which in a way make the purchasing of air conditioners simpler and one should always keep these points in mind:

BTU -The BTU (British Thermal Units) is directly linked up to the cooling capacity of the air conditioner. The higher the BTU count, the better will be the cooling capacity. An air conditioner with higher BTU can keep you cooling extreme conditions. The cooling capacity also depends upon the size of the room, no. of members etc.

EER - The cooling capacity and the power consumption together make the ratio, which is known as EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio). Models with higher EER save more on electricity but are a bit expensive for the pockets.

Filter - The filters purify dust, pollens, smoke and many more things making the environment free for you to breathe.

Anti Corrosion Body - The air conditioner bodies are covered with chemicals, which saves it from water, sunlight and other harmful effects giving it a longer life.

So this all about the Window Air Conditioners, now you can easily choose one for yourself. Just take proper care of it. Comfort, Style meets substance!

Cut Down on Your Air Conditioning Bills by Learning Self Maintenance

If you are a homeowner, then this article is definitely for you! An air conditioner is one of the biggest assets in your home, so learning some air conditioning self maintenance is very important. Below are some air-conditioning self maintenance tips that you will be able to do yourself. Minor maintenance like these are often neglected by owners but help to save electrical cost and prolong the air conditioner's life in the long run.

Air Conditioning Self Maintenance List

1) Air-conditioner Unit Cover
It will be great if you know how to take out the cover to wash it. If not, just use a vacuum cleaner or a cloth to clean the cover without removing it.

2) Air Filters
Clean the filter with water every weeks. You can use any kinds of soaps found in your bath room and scrub it with brush. Dry it with cloth before placing it back to your air-con unit.

3) Evaporator Coil
Using a vacuum clean with a brush head attachment, lightly clean in the same direction as the aluminum fins. If you are not confident in doing this, please leave the cleaning for the professional. It is because if you clean the fins too hard, the fins might bend and affect your air-con blowing strength.

4) Drainage Pipe
Go and locate the drainage pipe, usually in your toilet, then using your vacuum cleaner to suck out all the dirt. It may take up some time if your air conditioning is badly choked.

5) Outdoor Unit
Use a hose and spray small pressure water through the condenser coil. It is best to do it during rainy days.

Hope that you has learn the air conditioning self maintenance and implement them right away. I am sure that once you have done the above, you can definitely reduce your utility bills and pro-long your air conditioner equipment.

The Benefits of Hired Air Con at Critical Purpose Medical Rooms

Critical purpose medical rooms in UK hospitals, in addition to other health, diagnostic and treatment centres can house highly sensitive apparatus. Equipment such as CT, MRI and PET scanners need to be kept at specific temperatures.

Conditions must be precisely controlled to enable technology to operate reliably and to maximise 'up time' (i.e. to treat as many patients as possible). In such environments, time really is of the essence; hospitals today are beholden to their waiting lists, so any delay to diagnoses and treatments is to be avoided as far as possible.

Any Fixed Air Con System Can Suddenly Fail

The extra heat load the aforementioned equipment creates can be considerable, particularly as most medical rooms are not open environments and so would not have windows or traditional ventilation. At the vast majority of hospitals the fixed air con system is specifically designed to deal with the extra heat emitted by equipment. That said, any built-in air con system can develop a fault or completely breakdown. This is where the option to quickly hire air con units is essential.

More About the Scanners

CT Scanners

Computer tomography machines are used to generate CT scans (also known as CAT scans and computerised tomography scans). The machines are large and ring-shaped, with a hole in the middle to accommodate the patient. Within each scanner there is an X-ray machine that rotates as the patient passes through, whilst they are lying horizontal on a bed. The scanner generates images that are sent to a computer for analysis.

Medical professionals use CT scanners daily to help with the diagnosis and treatment of a range of different ailments and conditions.

MRI Scanners

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a type of scan that is often used to diagnose health conditions that affect organs, tissue and bone. MRI scans use strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce a detailed image of the inside of the body.

The device that carries out MRI scans is known as an MRI scanner. The scanner consists of a large tube that contains a series of powerful magnets. The patient lies inside the tube during the scan.

PET Scanners

A positive emission tomography (PET) scan is used to produce a detailed, three-dimensional picture of the inside of the body. The images clearly show the part of the body that is being investigated and can also highlight how effectively certain functions of the body are working.

PET scans are most commonly used to help diagnose a range of different cancers, as well as heart and neurological conditions.

Patients will need to lie on a flat bed that will move them through the large circular PET scanner, which highlights any areas of the body affected by disease.

The magnets and X-ray tubes/capsules can heat up very quickly. If they are not cooled, this can interfere with their performance (and the diagnostic results they produce), and also cause damage to the units themselves. Unfortunately, scanners are often manufactured abroad, meaning that diagnosing the problem and then having necessary replacement parts shipped to the UK can be a protracted process (sometimes taking months).

The key to avoiding overheating, breakdowns and damage is to strictly control and maintain required temperatures within critical purpose medical rooms. This can be achieved by contacting an established air conditioning hire specialist who will be experienced in supplying equipment to this environment and understand the need to fit around hospital schedules.

Typically an air conditioning hire company will specify a split type portable air conditioner that can be connected via a flexible hose (which reaches up to 30m). This means that there are two parts to the system, the room unit and the external condenser unit, allowing for versatility of location and access to more remote sites within a hospital setting.

No in built air conditioning system is completely fail-safe, no matter how regularly it is serviced and maintained. Having a robust contingency plan in place with an air conditioning hire company will ensure that both down time and waiting times are minimised.

If Car Air Conditioning Quits in the Summer, Time For Mobile Mechanics

We should all admit we have a dependence on our air conditioning when the hot weather arrives. In Melbourne, the high summer months can see temperatures nearing highs of 40 degrees C and lows of 24 degrees C which puts a strain on both bodies and the vehicle air conditioning system. Your body has to work hard at staying cool while your air conditioner pumps refrigerant trying to maintain a decent interior temperature.

No one likes doing without air conditioning, but the units need lots of tender loving care on a regular basis in order to continue functioning efficiently through the strain of hot days. Waiting until the unit breaks is not a good plan, especially when you can have a mobile mechanic do on-site maintenance including the following.

* Insure refrigerant is not leaking

* Clean condenser to prevent air flow problems

* Recharge car air conditioning system

* Insure air conditioning lines and vents are not clogged

Of course, autos and trucks air conditioning units can be perverse at times and break down despite following a careful maintenance plan. When the car air conditioning quits in the summer, it seems like the most important repair on the face of the earth. Driving to work, travelling on holiday, or delivering the kids to school, while sweating profusely the entire time, is no fun. In fact, it can be downright miserable.

Shaken Not Stirred...Cold Not Cool

In the James Bond movies, the secret agent always ordered his martinis "shaken not stirred". When it comes to air conditioners, the order to the mobile car care service is going to be "cold not cool". In other words, you can have a charged air conditioning system that still refuses to blow cold. When its 40oC outside, cool is just not going to suffice. You want cold!

There are many different kinds of air conditioning repairs mobile care mechanics can complete on-site including at work, home, at family's house, or wherever it is convenient. These repairs include the following for example.

* Cooling fan that has quit working

* Air in the refrigerant

* Blocked condenser

* Broken compressor

* Broken pressure switches

* Corrosion

* Hole in lines

* Electrical problems

These are just a few of the types of automotive air conditioning repairs that might be necessary, and a certified technician can complete any of them wherever your car is parked. You can schedule a repair at your convenience and your choice of location. The services are available for both personal and fleet purposes.

Hot Winds and Cold Temperatures

When the hot northerly winds blow into Melbourne, the temperature rises. Car air conditioning has to work longer and harder than usual, and it's nice to know your unit is as prepared for the summer months as possible. Mobile air conditioning service can provide the preventive maintenance needed. But even if the air condition quits, the on-site services are comprehensive and can turn your cool air back into cold.

It's aggravating when air conditioning doesn't work correctly because it goes without saying it will be during a time when you need it most. You don't have to drive around in a hot car wondering when you'll have time to give up your car for a day while the air conditioning is getting fixed...not when mobile air conditioning service is available.

Ductless Portable Air Conditioner - Comparison With A Ductless Split Unit

Spring and summer are the best times to own an air conditioner and the fall is the best time to buy it, considering all the end-of-season specials and installation rebates. And after the scorching heat of this summer, many are decided they will be better equipped next summer. But what air conditioning unit to buy? In this article, we will present three major advantages of ductless split unit air conditioner as compared with ductless portable air conditioner. By the time you finish reading, you should be better equipped to see which type of room AC might best suit you. The three major advantages of split units are: Minimal space requirement, Higher cooling efficiency, and Low noise.

Minimal space requirement

Ductless split units take up very little space in the room. The inside unit of the split AC system is either installed on the wall, such as above the window, or is recessed in the ceiling, or is suspended from the ceiling. In either case, the ductless split unit, wall mounted or otherwise, is slim and will not take up any useful space in the room. In contrast, a ductless portable air conditioner will be much bulkier, it will take up valuable floor space, and its air tubes will meander across a part of the room to the window opening. As the tubes can not be bent arbitrarily tightly, the portable unit may be positioned as far as a few yards away from the window, taking up precious floor space.

Higher cooling efficiency

Ductless mini split systems clearly separate the cooling part inside the room from the heating part outside. Therefore, there is never a need to put one in direct contact with the other. In contrast, the usually very hot exhaust air tube of the ductless portable AC is still placed inside the room, heating that part of the room. The portable, single piece unit has to work harder to keep the room cool. In other words, a portable AC is less energy efficient. This is reflected in the EER and SEER, seasonal energy efficiency ratings of portable air conditioners, as well as in their lack of the EPA-sponsored EnergyStar label. The cooling efficiency of recirculating portable AC types, or dual hose portable air conditioners, is better than the cooling efficiency of single hose air conditioners, but still incomparable to that of the ductless split unit systems.

Low noise

As the louder, compressing part in the split unit ductless air conditioner is placed outside the house, so is most of its noise. If you are needing air conditioning in the bedroom, the noise can be a problem. In contrast, a ductless portable air conditioner's operation will be quite a bit noisier as both the compressing part and the expanding, or the evaporating part are located in the single, indoor unit.

Is Your Environment Making You Sick?

It's that time of year when warmer weather returns and so do my patients with a whole host of symptoms and illnesses associated with their living environment! These can include allergic reactions to plants or to chemicals we come in contact with on a regular basis. I even see patients with upper respiratory illnesses caused by their air conditioners and dehumidifiers!

Environmental illnesses send hundreds of people to their doctors or emergency rooms every spring and summer with mild to severe allergic reactions to something in their daily living environment. Let me share with you some of the most common exposures in our immediate environments that tend to bring patients in with itchy skin rashes, upper respiratory distress, stomach upsets and headaches as well as what you can do to treat and/or prevent them.

Plant Allergen Reactions

I can't tell you how many patients I see every spring and summer with a case of the "itchies", a skin rash caused by handling flowers, grass, or weeds on their property. Usually the rash appears on their lower legs, arms, or face. This type of reaction is called contact dermatitis and can range from mild to severe with slight redness to severely inflamed skin that is badly itching, and fluid-oozing often seen with poison ivy or oak. If you've ever had a plant reaction such as this, you know how miserable and uncomfortable it can be.

What To Do:

If you are wheezing, feeling tightness in your throat, having trouble breathing along with a skin reaction, please get to a doctor or walk-in clinic immediately, as you could have a severe systemic allergy to the offending plant.

In the case of poison ivy or oak, if the reaction is severe with weeping blisters and intense itching, your doctor can give you a prescription steroid to stop the immediate reaction and lessen its course from the usual 2-3 weeks down to 2-3 days. If the reaction is milder, you may want to treat it yourself by taking a lukewarm soap shower to help open the blisters that form so the itch-causing fluid can drain. Applying refrigerated witch hazel mixed with a few drops of lavender oil will help dry out these oozing lesions and lessen the itching. This mixture also works well for the itching associated with mosquito or chigger bites.

Many plant allergies respond to cleaning the areas with witch hazel and applying Calamine lotion. Taking 1 tsp of Benadryl liquid will help with the itching and/or swelling.

It's important to find out what caused the reaction as often times the second exposure can bring on a worse reaction. You will likely need to visit an allergist who can perform skin testing to common plants, grasses and weeds. Wear long cotton pants and socks, long sleeves and gloves while gardening or removing brush or weeds. Be careful not to rub your face while working as this transfers the offending agent to your facial skin.

If your cat or dog likes to lay in your garden or around weeds or ivy climbing up walls, wipe them down with a moistened baby wipe or pet wipe to get any plant oils off their fur which can be transferred to you by rubbing against you or jumping up on couches or beds.

Chemical Reactions

Spring and summer brings out the bug sprays, lawn fertilizers, pool chemicals, house paints, cleaning solvents like bleach and ammonia, construction adhesives, epoxy, etc. These agents contain strong chemicals like DEET, VOC's (volatile organic compounds), urethanes, chlorine, and, often, toluene that need to be used with good safety precautions. Exposure to these chemicals can give you mild to severe symptoms ranging from crashing headaches, upset stomach, skin rash, heart palpitations, and upper respiratory reactions, depending on the level of exposure to them. Follow the directions on the containers and wear gloves and/or a respiratory mask in a well-ventilated area when applying.

Chemicals that go into pools, hot tubs, and outdoor water parks, like chlorine and other bactericides/fungicides can cause serious reactions like upper respiratory (wheezing, coughing), to skin rashes, nausea, vomiting, headaches, heart palpitations. Even gasoline we use in our lawnmowers, motorcycles, and go carts, can give us a bad headache, especially on a hot day as the vapors from the compounds in these products intensify.

What To Do:

If you're wheezing and/or short of breath, vomiting, or have a pounding headache, dizziness, rapid heart beat after exposure to insecticides, pool chemicals, paint/cleaning solvents, adhesives, please get to a doctor immediately. Symptoms like these indicate a severe reaction and you need medical attention.

If your symptoms are milder, such as only skin irritation, and you are not in any immediate respiratory or other distress:

1. Take a cool shower with a mild soap and remove the chemical from your skin.
2. Rinse out your nasal sinuses with an aloe/saline spray.
3. Rinse your mouth with some warm water (don't swallow, spit it out).
4. Rinse your eyes out with saline solution (same used for contact lens cleaning).
5. Drink several glasses of water with some lemon juice in it to help your liver more quickly process the chemical out of your body.

Air Conditioner/Dehumidifier Illnesses

As soon as we start turning on the AC and dehumidifiers is when I start seeing patients with upper respiratory conditions. Bacteria and mold spores which have been forming in AC window boxes, or dirty AC venting systems, blow bugs into the ambient air that people breathe and lodge in their sinuses and airways. Before long they can have an acute infection of the sinuses, sore throat, bronchitis and sometimes even pneumonia!

What To Do:

Keep window AC boxes tilted slightly backwards so any condensation that is in them has a chance to drain out at the end of their season. Keep the box covered tightly over the fall and winter so rain, leaves, snow, doesn't have a chance to get down inside and grow bacteria and mold. Make sure filter screens are kept clean wipe down the screens and surrounding areas with an antibacterial cleaner, and spray the air vents with a good antibacterial household spray such as Lysol.

Keep central AC venting systems clean with regular vent cleanings. Be sure to change/clean any ceiling intake screens with an antibacterial cleaner.

Dehumidifiers - make sure you empty the water they collect on a regular basis and wipe collecting pan clean so it doesn't have a chance to grow mold spores.

Aloe/saline nasal sprays can help wash out mold spores and bacteria from your nasal passages before they cause infections. These can be used safely a few times a day.

Sick House Syndrome

This situation can occur in any season, but happens most prominently in the late spring/early summer, especially if the weather has been very humid and/or rainy. Dangerous black mold can grow on dark basement walls, bathroom showers, wood paneling and fiber ceiling tiles and give off mold spores into your environment.

Similarly, dust (and their mites) can build up in a house. You breathe in these mold spores and dust mites and serious upper respiratory infections can ensue as well as neurologic disorders, chronic fatigue, aching joints, depression. These are some of the common aspects of sick house syndrome which affects many Americans and people around the world. Others include off-gassing of formaldehyde from materials like fiberboard in your home or radon gas emitted by your furnace.

What To Do:

Good housekeeping practices of dusting and general cleaning go a long way to prevent the type of illnesses that come with sick house syndrome. Use bleach (wear gloves and face mask), or bleach alternatives like lemon juice, to remove black mold wherever it grows in your house.

Replace mold infected wood paneling and fiber ceiling tiles as it thrives on wood and paper-derived building materials. Run a dehumidifier in the basement to dry out any moisture. Make sure there are no leaking pipes or windows, any possible way moisture could develop in the basement. Put a few daylight lamps in dark areas and run them for a few hours to discourage mold growth. Have your house inspected for mold even if you don't see it anywhere, yet have the above-mentioned symptoms.

There you have just a brief overview of some of the most common environmental agents that can cause chronic and acute reactions and illnesses. They can be hard to overcome and deal with since they are part of your everyday activities in the environment around you. However, with a little common sense and preventative measures you can stay reaction-free from your environment and get back to enjoying the spring and summer!

Air Conditioning Repair: Common Problems That People Encounter

An air conditioner is a vital component of each car. Its main function is to keep the interiors of a car cool. Without the AC, the interiors of a car can get really stuffy and the people riding inside it may feel very uncomfortable in time especially if the climate is extremely hot. The AC system forces hot air inside the car and lowers the internal temperature so that it becomes cooler and drier. Problems with a car's AC system usually rise up during the cold months of the year when it's hardly used and usually forgotten. When not in use, it can dry up and deteriorate. When this happens, you need to get air conditioning repair services for your car as soon as possible.

In this article, we're going to look at a list of the most common air conditioning problems that people encounter. The first common problem that people encounter is contamination of the component because of moisture in the air. This leads to reduced efficiency of the AC system. Moisture can transform into ice crystals, which in turn can obstruct the free flow of air from the compressor to the condenser. Next in line are compressor problems, which happen when the condenser valve becomes obstructed by debris such as insects and leaves. This can affect the cooling ability and the functioning of the compressor as a whole. Reduced amount of Freon or refrigerant is another common problem that affects the efficiency of a car's AC system. This is why it's important to check the levels of the freon on a regular basis in order to prevent the system from heating up and causing further damage to its temperature sensor. The last common problem that people encounter happens when they use the wrong type of lubricant. Other problems include broken parts; a worn out compressor; and defects in the switches and clutch.

When doing repairs, the first thing that needs to be done is to check out the main cause of the problem. To do this, it's necessary to check each component of the system. Coolant leakage is one of the primary reasons why a car's AC system blows out hot air. By using a fluorescent dye, you can locate the site of the leak. If there's rust inside the condenser, this needs to be cleared off because this can lead to blockage of the valve. You can use a flushing agent to get rid of blockages. If you're dealing with mechanical problems such as a broken condenser valve and switches or a faulty compressor clutch, it's best that you take your car to a technician. Taking your car for a routine servicing will help you avoid AC problems.

Finding the Best Appliance Repair Man

Repairing appliances isn't something we all consider especially if the appliances aren't all that expensive. However, every penny counts and therefore you should try to find yourself an appliance repair man as that would help keep your home running smoothly for cheap.

Very often our home appliances break down and this usually happens when we need them the most; and, in such cases it could result in havoc in your household. Of course you could try to repair it yourself, but in most cases you're going to need a professionals help and therefore you should keep in touch with a local appliance repairman.

How to find the best appliance repair man

Finding the perfect appliance repair man isn't going to be an easy job as there are plenty of professionals in every town. Let's take a look at some tips that you could follow in order to find the best:

Cost of services

The cost of the services offered by the person involved should be economical. Therefore, when searching for someone make sure to ask them what they usually charge per hour.

There are times wherein you would have to pay them depending on what they repaired as well. So, make sure that the payment method is known before you choose to use their services.

Find someone online

Even though your locality may be small, it would be easier for you to find the right person online as there would be plenty of reviews from other clients as to the quality of the repairs done.

Ask around

Of course your friends and neighbours are going to need an appliance repair man as well. Therefore, if you want your job to be made easy just go ahead and ask them who they usually use. Probably the person they use would be the right choice for you as well. You'd never know until you go ahead and ask them.

Quality of services

Would they be able to come to your aid anytime you need it or do they have fixed hours and have an off on weekends? Appliances can break down at any time and therefore if you could find someone who doesn't have a fixed schedule it would surely help a lot.

Give them a try

There's no way to know whether a person is right for a job until you give them a try right. So, make sure to give your candidate a try before you decide to make him your regular appliance repair man.

Finding Quality Heating and Air Conditioning Contractors

In AZ, finding the correct contractor for your specific job need can be a difficult task at any time. There are thousands of different contractors to choose from, ranging in everything from Ahwatukee painting contractors to Phoenix heating and air conditioning contractors. We live in one of the hottest states in the U.S. and many issues come up with the heating and cooling systems in Arizona homes. The home cooling systems and their varied components are frequently in need of service or replacement.

Now that the specific contracting service has been identified you can begin your search for the Phoenix air conditioning service that is correct for you. How does one begin this search? You could start with the yellow pages, search the internet and even ask around at you local hardware stores and air conditioning retailers. All of these ideas are good. The best idea for finding contracting services should be to seek advice on their specific contracting expertise from the community closest to them. A great way to start finding quality contractors is to ask your friends and family for their referrals, the odds are pretty good that if the contractor did good work for them, they will do good work for you as well.

Once you have completed your family and friends inquiries, you then can take that data and search for more information through the internet. Upon the completion of your research you should then rank your top selected contractors and then request quotes from at least 3. This process allows the ability to find the best price for you and ultimately to determine the best quality of services being offered. Due to the fact that there are many contractors who are not as ethical as we would like them to be, we all owe it to ourselves to take the time to find those dedicated contractors that will do a consistently good job at a fair price. Finally, be sure to have included in your contractor quotes price of any Phoenix heating unit issues as many homes incorporate both heating and cooling central air systems.

Steps That Can Be Taken To Reduce Unnatural Hair Loss In Women

Hair loss among women can be very common with age. Many women notice more hair than usual in the bathtub drain, stuck to furniture or clothing, or caught in their brush. Although this is somewhat alarming, it is very common and there are steps that can be taken to remedy the situation.

First of all, a certain amount of hair loss is completely normal. According to Rebecca Caserio, M.D of the University of Pittsburgh, most hair lives three to six years. At the end of their life cycle these hairs go into a resting period for three months and then simply fall out. New hairs then grow into these roots. Since we do not lose all of our hair at once, different strands of hair are at different points in their life cycle.

Hair is lost at a rate of 50 to 100 hairs daily. Stresses on the body and changes in the hormonal cycle can trigger more hair loss. This includes, but is not limited to: menopause, pregnancy, hormone changes from birth control or other hormone based medications, severe dandruff or scalp problems, and iron or protein deficiencies. According to Dr. Caserio, dramatic, temporary hair loss of up to 50% can also occur due to serious illness or physical stress. However, these cases are very extreme.

If hair loss is abnormal or accompanied by facial hair, changed or abnormal periods or changes in voice, it may be a sign of hormonal changes. If so, it is time to see a doctor.

Hair loss experienced as a thinning at the crown of the head, known as female pattern baldness (similar to male pattern baldness) is less likely to be the symptom of a medical condition and is most likely caused by genetics. Similar to men, women can inherit baldness. This can be inherited from either parent. However, the social stigma for women and the emotional toll exacted can be far greater. Female pattern baldness can be treated with Minoxidil (Rogaine) in either over the counter or prescription form. Consult with a doctor to find out of you are a good candidate.

There are other options for slowing, reversing, and managing hair loss. These methods are designed primarily for healthy women who are not experiencing hair loss as a result of a medical condition. The following tips can be used to hold on to the hair you have and encourage re-growth.

1. Take care

Be very gentle with your hair and scalp. Do not shampoo hair more than once daily. Do not repeat with a second lather. When massaging shampoo, make sure to rub your scalp gently. The best shampoo to use is a very mild baby shampoo. Follow this with a light detangling leave-in conditioner.

2. Air dry

Letting your hair air dry is much better if you are experiencing hair loss. Do not towel dry hair vigorously and if you must, use a blow dryer on a low setting.

3. Style with Care

Wait until your hair is dry to style. Brushing or combing wet or damp hair can cause stretch and breakage.

4. Switch it up

Change shampoo brands at the beginning of every season. According to Dr. Bihova this may prevent some shedding.

5. Never tease

Teasing or backcombing hair is not recommended even for women without hair loss problems. Teasing breaks hair and can even contribute to the appearance of hair loss.

6. Color treat and perm with care

Perming and color treating, when done incorrectly can cause severe hair breakage. Hair can break very close to the scalp and even cause the appearance of complete hair loss in that follicle. If you suffer from hair loss make sure to read and follow all product instructions with the utmost of care.

In addition to daily care, hair loss in women can be helped with some dietary changes. Make sure to get enough lean, healthy protein (chicken or fish are good choices). Protein is needed by the cells that make hair in order to work efficiently. Iron deficient anemia can cause hair loss, so make sure to get enough iron in your diet. Eat two servings of iron rich foods daily (tofu, clams, soybeans, broccoli, etc.). In addition, according to Dr. Caserio, 100 milligrams daily of vitamin B6 can also been helpful. However, larger amounts and prolonged use can be toxic, so check with your doctor.

How to Repair Damaged Hair Fast at Home - 5 Amazing Techniques

There are many things that can damage your hair. Blow dryer, straightening and curling irons are just some examples. Hair color, sun exposure and pollution can also damage your hair, too. Luckily, there are several techniques on how to repair damaged hair fast at home.

1. Trim Your Hair

One of the most common hair problems for women is split ends. It can be solved by simple trimming. You can do it on your own but do not hesitate to see a hair stylist if you are uncomfortable with the idea. You can choose the hair with splitting ends. If all or nearly all of them are damaged, cut about quarter of an inch to prevent splitting up to the roots.

2. Change the Way You Shampoo Hair

Minimize your use of shampoo to two to three times a week. Look for organic or natural shampoo, too. Follow the directions for use but apply it only on the scalp and roots. Keep your hair's natural oil by not shampooing the tips.

3. Condition Hair

Conditioning hair thoroughly is also an important step on how to repair damaged hair. It would treat damages caused by coloring and constant heat application (i.e. curling iron). You may also consider deep conditioning every week. Conditioning is different from shampooing. It requires you to apply the conditioner from roots to tips.

An alternative to commercially sold conditioners is egg yolk. It has great moisturizing properties. Use egg white if your hair is oily.

Rinse your hair and let it dry. Wrap your hair using a towel and don't rub. Put down the blow dryer, too. Hair experts say that Taylor Swift is right when she prefers air drying over blow drying. Daily blow drying can seriously damage the strands of your hair resulting to thinning and breakage.

4. Have a Home Oil Treatment

You don't need to call a spa to get an oil treatment. You can just look for a good product. Search for natural oil treatment products that have herbs and natural oils. This treatment does not only nourish the hair. It also serves as an aromatherapy. You can even mix in lavender oil for a better scent.

5. Make Your Hair Sticky with Honey

A couple of minutes with honey on your hair will help you repair damages caused by the sun and straightening iron. Half cup of honey should suffice. Mix mashed avocado if frizz is also you problem. Apply it to damp hair and rinse only after 20 minutes. Your hair will be sticky for sure so use warm water with olive oil for rinsing.

There are many things that can damage your hair. Luckily, there are also many ways on how to repair damaged hair fast at home. Be sure to trim and remove split ends. Change the way you shampoo and spend more time on conditioning. You can look for a natural conditioner or just use egg yolk for added moisturizing effect. Oil or honey treatment may solve problems with sun damages and frizz.

Maximum Efficiency and Energy Savings With Mitsubishi Air Conditioners

Whether you need an air conditioning system for your home or work place, be sure to consider Mitsubishi air conditioners. Mitsubishi Electric is a leader in all kinds of air conditioning systems. They have developed sophisticated machines that can be in constant use in basically any condition. Perfect in any room, they are quiet and energy efficient. If you want a reliable and environmentally friendly system, Mitsubishi is the brand for you. The company developed technologies with the goal of providing optimal comfort to the user and simultaneously protecting the environment. From that came a number of firsts for the industry. Its quiet operation, energy efficiency, and eco-conscious aspects make Mitsubishi machines number one for a wide variety of people.

One of the advantages to these air conditioners is their inverter technologies. Inverters ensure the optimum power is applied for all temperatures, and minimal energy is consumed. The running cost is strikingly low and the operation is comfortable and convenient.

Inverters control the voltage, frequency and current of electrical devices in the air conditioner. They adjust and regulate the air conditioner output based on information received from operation monitoring sensors. The result is any unnecessary consumption of electricity is avoided, and the most comfortable environment is created.

One benefit of inverter air conditioners is their low cost. While their purpose is performance efficiency, the technology is combined with cutting edge electronics and mechanical research to offer maximum performance, less consumption of energy, and lower costs.

You can also be sure you get a lot of energy savings with Mitsubishi Electric air conditioners. This is important because on a mass scale, the environment is helped. For the individual user, you benefit because you'll have lower electric bills.

One way this happens is these air conditioners heat and cool rooms faster and more efficiently than other machines. This is thanks to the inverters, which increase the motor speed of the compressor when they manage the operation frequency. This allows for a powerful output at the beginning. The technology also eliminates large temperature changes which are common with other kinds of systems. As the inverters monitor the operating frequency and changes in room temperature, they calculate the waveform that most efficiently keeps the temperature in the comfort zone.

Energy is also saved in additional ways. For instance, the unique motor - known in Japan as the Poki-Poki Motor - uses a joint lapping technique, and has very high efficiency and dependability due to its high density, high magnetic base. The machines also make use of a drive device which converts the electrical current waveform to a sine wave to get higher efficiency than a conventional waveform allows. It does this by raising the ratio of motor winding use and it reduces energy loss.

With a Mitsubishi Electric air conditioner, you can have the comfort of knowing the best technology has gone into it. Hallmarks of Japanese products, the goals of efficiency and environmental protection are achieved in these machines and systems, plus you can see lower electric bills with less energy used.

Installing Home Air Conditioning

During the summer months many people have found it extremely beneficial especially at night when trying to sleep even though it may be hot and humid outside.

Because so many new build properties are now coming with air conditioning already installed the costs of purchasing the equipment by other homeowners has become a lot less. Also many people are opting for such systems because they tend not only to help cool a room when it is warm but heat it up when it is cold.

As you will soon discover there are wide array of air conditioning units that can be installed in one's home today. However, the one that seems to be proving most popular is the split system unit. With this system part of the unit is situated inside your home whilst the other half of it is located on a wall outside. There a number of benefits to be gained from installing home air conditioning systems of this type, and below we look at what these are.

1. If you are looking for a system that won't create too much noise inside your home when on then this is the system for you. The reason being that the condenser part of the unit which is what creates all the noise is located outside your home. No noise produced from it will carry into the house and the only part of the system that is actually installed inside your home is the duct system.

2. The two sections of this type of air conditioning system are connected with pipes that allow the refrigerant used to cool the air to travel easily between them. Because of this you will find that this type of system has a great cooling capacity than many of the others available.

3. These systems because of their size and capacity are more than adequate for helping to cool your home. However, this is not the kind of system that you can install yourself and in fact needs to be carried out by a qualified air conditioning technician.

As well as the technician being able to install the air conditioning system correctly they will also be able to determine what size system is needed. Plus after installing home air conditioning a technician should be used to maintain it so that it works at optimum levels at all times.

Luckily a great number of companies who are now installing home air conditioning systems will provide a maintenance service as well. You will normally be expected to pay an annual fee for this service, but they will clean it properly and use all the right chemicals. Not only will this ensure that it works at the right levels but also help to prevent build up of bacteria and mould, which if released in to the air in your home can lead to health issues for you and your family.

How to Buy Central Air Conditioning

If you're dreading facing another long hot summer with substandard and inefficient cooling methods for your home, now is the perfect time to look into buying a central air conditioning system. Thanks to federal tax credits for energy-efficient air conditioners and many local utility company rebates as well, it's never been more affordable to chuck those window units, floor fans, and evaporative coolers once and for all. Here are some basic tips on how to buy central air conditioning.

--Choose a quality contractor: The best contractors don't just sell you an appliance; they are valuable resources for selecting the right one for your home and getting it at an affordable price that will fit your budget. Most of us haven't a clue how to install an air conditioner ourselves, so make sure you really trust the company you go with and that they are licensed and insured.

--Capacity: Air conditioners are definitely not one-size-fits-all. Too large an appliance for your square footage will result in the system cycling on and off way too often, wasting energy. If the air conditioner is too small, it will not be able to cool all areas of your home effectively.

--Efficiency: Air conditioners fall into low, medium, and high-efficiency categories. Efficiency is measured by a SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating). The SEER number for an appliance will fall between 10 and 23, with the higher number being the most efficient. Government standards demand that all air conditioners sold in the United States rate at least a 14; those that are rated 16 and higher qualify for Energy Star efficiency status. Your contractor will be able to recommend the appliance with the best SEER number that will both suit your needs as well as your budget.

--Price: Most heating and air contractors keep their pricing within the same general range; however, some of the more experienced contractors may have special long-standing relationships with manufacturers and be able to offer reduced prices on the products themselves. Make sure you get a bid from several contractors in order to make comparisons regarding labor costs, since these tend to vary greatly from contractor to contractor.

The best time to buy an air conditioner is during the spring or fall months since technicians tend to be less busy during these times and will be able to give you prompter service. Like any machine, your new air conditioner will require ongoing maintenance in order to operate at peak condition; many contractors offer cost-effective maintenance service agreements that help prevent little problems from getting bigger and costing a bundle.

Common Practices of Air Conditioning Companies

Air conditioning companies are said to be one of the most important types of company that you need if you want to have the best comfort while staying inside your house. Most of the services that they are offering will help you get better performance from your air conditioning unit, but a lot of people are not aware of the most common practices that they can get from these companies.

Although different companies have their own special services there is still something that we can call basic services. These are the ones that we normally get whenever we get air conditioning companies, and you need to be sure that they can provide you with a great service if you want to get the most out of your air conditioning unit, together with the best value for the money that you will be spending.

Most of these companies can provide you with a service that will help you find the best unit for you. If you are having problems in choosing the best unit for you, contacting them will make your task easier. Since they are very familiar with the things that should be considered, you can be assured that you will always get the unit that is suitable and is perfect for your house.

You may also want to ask these companies to have the unit installed for you. This will be advantageous for you in the future, because you will need their service whenever you have problems with your unit. They are the one who will be installing your system, so they are, most likely, aware of the things that should be done in order to repair or replace something in your unit.

After the service warranty has expired, you need to contact these companies to help you repair your machine. There are a lot of problems that you will encounter if you are going to use air conditioning, and getting their service will ensure that you will always get the best performance from it. Aside from this, you will also be able to save more money in the long run, since it will consume less electricity.

If you are going to search the Internet, you will even find air conditioning companies that can provide you with units and parts that you need for your unit. This will help you save more money, because they are willing to give you discounts if you are a regular client of their company.

Central Air Conditioning Prices - AC Contractor Shopping Offline And Online

When you are looking to replace or upgrade your existing home air conditioning, you may be concerned with central air conditioning prices and what to do to get the best deal on air conditioning equipment. We will cover two possible paths to find the best air conditioning (AC) contractor for the job. One way would include first finding the right contractor, and the other would include you learning what you can before you even begin your search for an AC contractor. Regardless of which path you choose, by reading this article you will be better prepared and will likely pay a lower central air conditioning prices for your AC upgrade or replacement.

Finding the right AC contractor first

Nowadays, it seems quite difficult to even begin shopping for an AC professional locally. If you know a local contractor, or if you can ask someone about it, that is great, but if you don't, where are you going to start? You may want to visit home improvement stores such as Lowe's, Sears, Home Depot and such only to find that the largest air conditioner they carry would barely be sufficient to cool down a single room.

So what are you to do? You fire up a web browser and start searching for AC contractors. What you will find is that there will be just about one type of site. The site will want all kinds of contact information from you, and information about your home, before you even really know who you are dealing with. Having written all the information in, you will receive calls and emails from a number of contractors, and will be able to talk with them, explain your situation, invite them over to your home to take a look, take the measurements, and give you a proposal including the air conditioner cost and the cost of installation as well as the cost of ongoing AC system maintenance.

If you at any point of the conversation feel that the company you are talking with is pressuring you into a sale or eager to give you a quote or shower you with central air conditioners prices before even seeing your home, be polite with them but be wary. Always look for conversations with multiple vendors and contractors.

Taking a look at your current home air conditioner first

An alternative route that will likely save you money and result in an overall better solution for your needs will be to do a bit of your own due diligence in your own home. Locate the place where the compressor of your air conditioning is, and take a look at it. Simply pretend that you are just doing a regular maintenance, and inspect the AC unit thoroughly as you are looking at the filters, wiping up and cleaning the coils, and wiping the blades of the fans. Inspect the surroundings of the AC unit for any signs of leaks, or anything unusual at all.

Read up on some general information about AC systems. AC units have made much progress in the past 10-20 years, and have become more energy efficient. Also, there is much more information about air conditioning systems on the internet that you can peruse.

After that, you will be ready to go online and request to be contacted by the contractors. The difference? They will deal with a much better informed customer who knows much better what they want.

The advantage for you is that you will likely be able to come out of it paying better central air conditioning prices and a better deal overall. Perhaps without the features that you really don't care about. There is something in it for the contractor as well. By dealing with a well informed customer, their job can be done faster and more efficiently.

Why Do My Lights Dim?

I'm asked this question a lot in the summertime. Quite often in the summer, when your central air conditioner kicks on , you may experience lights dimming in your home.

This happens because of a condition called "inrush". When a motor is running, it consumes a rated amount of current. And it's generally constant, unless the load of the machine it's driving changes.

Now when a motor starts up, particularly under a load, it draws inrush current. This current can spike as high as three to six times normal running current. Since current and voltage are inversely related, a spike in current will cause a drop in voltage. This voltage drop is why you're seeing your lights dim. The voltage drop should only last momentarily however. If it lasts for a couple seconds or longer, you may have other conditions present.

Those conditions can be any of the list below:

* Main Electrical Service heavily loaded.

* Main Electrical Service undersized for the electrical loads in your home.

* Main Electrical Service entrance conductors too small, or too long.

* Loose connections on conductors for the main, or conductors for the A/C branch circuit.

* Utility company transformer near or at capacity.

* Utility company secondary conductors too long.

* Incoming voltage too low at service entrance.

* A/C unit itself drawing too much current because it's old, inefficient, mechanically worn, weak or bad capacitor.

Some of these conditions will need to be checked by you, the homeowner. Others will need to be checked by the utility company. If you are in doubt, call a professional electrician to evaluate. If your system gets a clean bill of health, it's time to call the power company.

Air Conditioning Window Units

Air conditioning window units have been used in residential homes for many years and are very popular. They are designed to fit in a window of a room and hence do not take up a lot of space, and can fit in just about any room. They function as any other air conditioner does, they are very affordable, do not make a lot of noise and are also long lasting. Air conditioning window units contain two coils, a hot coil and a chilled coil which is fitted to two fans. Air is blown over the coils by the fans; the coil then pulls the heat and humidity from the room and releases it outside. As result the room is made to feel clear, cool and humidity free.

The ability of these units to cool a room can be judged by its British Thermal Units (BTU). The BTU of the window unit that you require will however depend on the size of the room that the unit will be placed in. The bigger the room, the greater the number of BTU the room will require. As a result, a normal sized AC with a small BTU, will not be able to cool a large room. In addition, buying a really large window unit with a high BTU for a small room will also not be effective or efficient. This will result in the room being too cold even in the lowest or warmest setting of the air conditioning window unit.

The energy efficiency ratio is another feature of these kinds of units which is crucial to its operation. This number gives an indication of how efficiently the air conditioner will convert electricity into cool air. As a result, the higher the EER, the more efficiently the unit will use the electricity and the lower will be you energy bill. However, the higher the EER of the air conditioner window unit, the more expensive it will be. As a result you will need to choose wisely, if you plan on using the a/c unit everyday then it will work out cheaper in the long run to choose a high EER, however if your usage of the a/c unit will be seasonal, a low EER will be just fine.

The affordability of air conditioning window units makes them advantageous over other types of A/C units. They are both cheap to buy and operate. Also they are simple to maintain, almost at no cost to you. Most air conditioning units contain a filter which is made of fabric with holes that can easily be removed from the unit and cleaned. While those without a filter can be cleaned externally with a cloth, others may have a disposable foam filter. Air conditioning window units are especially great for the bedroom, study or any averaged sized room. They have a manageable weight, making them rather versatile. As a result they can be affixed into the window when needed and then removed when not in use or when you so desire. Also, due to the small and compact size of air conditioning window units, they are also easy to pack away when they are not being used.

What Causes Frequent AC Breakdowns?

What most house owners dread is their air conditioning system breaking down. And it is even more dreadful when it happens more frequently than normal. The question is, what causes frequent AC breakdowns? According to AC San Antonio, breakdowns occurs due to lack in maintenance and other factors like faulty installation.

Maintenance is the key to a proper functioning air conditioning system. If one fails to carry our regular AC Maintenance, the air conditioner is bound to breakdown before time and more frequently. It is understandable that people usually have no time and enough knowledge for AC maintenance. But you can also take the help of San Antonio air conditioning repair companies for your routine AC maintenance.

Air conditioning consists of two main units the condenser unit which is situated outside and the air handler (consists of evaporator, filters, etc.). The outside unit is generally vulnerable to physical harm and chemical effects. It is suggested that this unit should be checked regularly. Maintenance should be done once every three months.

Some AC problems which are common to the condensing unit of an air conditioner are:

• Noise from the condenser


• Heated compressor


• Defective heat exchange fan


• Freon Leakage etc.

When an AC is not maintained for a long time, the air vents and the air filters generally gets dirtied by dirt and debris clogging up and accumulating. It not only decreases the AC's performance but it also serve as the thriving area for harmful micro-organisms. These micro-organism can cause diseases like legionnaire's disease, asthma and bronchitis. It can also heighten sinusitis, arthritis and neuritis. Keeping all these in view, you should carry out regular AC maintenance with the help of AC San Antonio Companies.

From the above statement, you might have known that lack of AC maintenance is the main reason for an AC breakdown.

Another factor is faulty installation. It is requested that home owners or building owners should keep in mind that installation is one factor responsible for a proper working air conditioning system. Before installation you should check the compatibility of the AC with the size ans shape of your building. After a comprehensive study of your building structure you should choose a proper air conditioning system. If the AC doesn't suit your building it will not work properly and breakdowns will be your frequent visitor.

Inappropriate power supply is also another reason for AC breakdowns. You should be careful with the amount and type of power you supply to your appliances. If not, problems like short circuit and power overload will be common. You should also make sure that you don't run your AC day-in and day-out. Overuse of your AC can also be a problem creator. Make sure you use appropriate circuit breaker to avoid frequent tripping circuit breakers.

As all AC problems results from lack of maintenance and since all problems can be avoided through regular maintenance, you should take the help of San Antonio Air Conditioning Repair Experts and perform routine air conditioning maintenance and repairs.

Does Homeowner's Insurance Cover Air Conditioning Repair?

Many people with their own homes worry about air conditioning repair costs, and wonder if their homeowner's insurance covers this area. The simple answer is yes and no. If you have a natural disaster, fire, or some other catastrophe, and your air conditioner gets destroyed or damaged along with your home, then you are covered by your insurance. However, in many cases where it is just the air conditioner that is broken, or has a problem, then your homeowner's insurance does not cover the repair costs. There are other ways to cover these costs.

When it comes to air conditioning repair, there is another kind of insurance that homeowners can buy. It is called major appliance insurance. This insurance has been advertised in the media and can be obtained online, or you can also ask your current insurance agent about it. What appliance insurance does is cover all of your major home appliances from your refrigerator, to your air conditioner, and most large appliances in between. How it works is if you have any kind of problem with your air conditioning unit, no matter what time of the day or night, you call the insurance hot line, let them know the nature of the problem, and they call a technician to come and fix it for you. This can come in handy in the middle of the summer, when you unit breaks down.

How much you will actually pay for air conditioning repair when it comes to appliance insurance depends on the coverage, and the deductible. If you want, you can pay a higher premium with no deductible, and if you need someone to come out and fix it, you will have no out of pocket expenses. The higher the deductible, the more you will have to pay for repairs, it's just that simple

Another way to cut down on these costs is getting an extended warranty on your unit when you purchase it. While many air conditioners come with at least a two year warranty, in many cases you have the option of an extended warranty, which can extend it up to twice as long as the regular warranty will. Now this may cost extra, in some cases up to $100, but considering how much repair costs are, this is a small price to pay for added peace of mind.

So as you can see, there are ways to get around your homeowner's insurance when it comes to air conditioning repair costs. In many cases, the newer the unit, the more efficient it is, the easier and cheaper the coverage will be, and the length of the warranty will be longer. The older the unit, the harder it is to find parts for, and it may take longer for the technician to find the problem. A new more efficient unit will not only cut down on your repair costs, but also save you money because it will work better, and use less energy.

How to Get the Best Gas Furnace For Your Home

What is the best gas furnace for your home? This question may sound all too difficult to answer, but in most cases you should be able to find the perfect solution without too much trouble. There are many options on the market, and every furnace has something to offer. You will find that some are more affordable, but others have better reviews. It is your job to decide what the word "best" means and then go out to find something that suits your definition. All in all, the best gas furnace for your home is the one that you are most comfortable with.

To start, look for the best rated furnaces in a given category. For instance, you may be looking for a gas furnace - in this situation you have many options. Of course, some people are in the market for the best natural gas home furnace. As long as you know what you are looking for you should be able to decide which options are best. It would be in your best interest to compare many systems. Online reviews will provide you with a lot of quality information. Taking your time to do proper research is the only way to make sure that you are going to end up buying the right one furnace.

There used to be a time when finding and buying the best single stage gas furnace was simple. But over the years more and more of these found their way to the market. The more furnaces that are available the more work you have to put in. This may sound like a bad thing, but it actually works out in your favor. With so many single stage systems you should be able to find one that gives you everything you want, plus much more.

Does the best gas furnace mean that you are getting the lowest price? To some, the answer is yes. There is nothing wrong with chasing after the system that is going to save you the most money. That being said, you are making a big mistake if you forget about everything else - such as the quality and reliability. If you want something that will last a long time you need to turn to a system that is proven to be durable. Buying a furnace on price alone could turn out to be a very costly mistake in the long run.

Only you know what gas furnace is best for your home. It can be a difficult decision to make, but most people find out soon enough that they are on the right path. As you continue through the process it is important to note that the best gas furnace for you may not be the best for somebody else. So don't let anybody tell you what to buy!

A Quick Look At Trane Through The Wall Air Conditioners For Hotels

Air conditioning was one of the most important technological developments of the twentieth century. Trane is a key manufacturer of heating and cooling systems. Following is an overview of Trane through the wall air conditioners.

The two main techniques for cooling air are evaporation and refrigeration. This article does not address the evaporation method. Refrigeration systems actually use evaporation, but the fluid that evaporates is in a sealed system. After it has provided cooling, it is recompressed and reused.

Trane used to be part of American Standard Companies and is currently part of Ingersoll Rand. It makes many heating and air conditioning systems. In addition to air conditioners, Trane also makes gas furnaces, heat pumps, and integrated systems. They have both commercial and home product lines.

Most of the Trane product line consists of large scale cooling systems such as central air conditioning systems. They also make a line of through the wall air conditioners, but they don't call them that. The are Packaged Terminal Air Conditioners (PTAC). They are designed to have part inside and part outside, connected through a hole in a wall. They could be used to cool, and possibly also heat, guest rooms in a motel or hotel. This simplifies separate temperature control for each room. It also makes it easy to turn off the unit when no one is using a room.

PTACs can be either heat pumps or conventional air conditioners. Heat pumps are air conditioners that can also heat. They do this by reversing the air conditioning process and pumping heat inside from outdoors.

Trane PTACs can cool at anywhere from 7,000 BTUs to 15,000 BTUs, depending on the model. Some have no electrical heating, others have as much as 5 kilowatts. They use either 208 or 265 volt electricity.

The units can be turned on and off remotely. This could be useful in a hotel, where a central location could ensure that only the rooms in use are being heated or cooled. This could save both staff time and utility bills.

They can work with different kinds of thermostats. Maintenance staff can establish upper and lower limits on thermostat settings. If necessary, a separate temperature sensor can be placed in a better location in the room.

They can be set to dehumidify the air without cooling it. In many circumstances this can give the same comfort level as cooling for less expense. Outside air can be vented in to the room through a filter. This reduces the load of pollen and dust, making the air more pleasant to breath and helping to keep the room from getting dirty. They can be very quiet when the fan is on low.

Heat pump units with electrical heating will turn on the electrical heat if a heat pump failure is detected. If all units come back on right after a power failure, a dangerous surge can occur. This is prevented by delaying each unit's restart for a variable period. The compressor will not restart for at least three minutes after a shutdown. A faster restart could cause excess wear.

Due to their efficient and quiet operation, centralized air conditioning and heating are often favored. It is good to remember that less central options have their advantages. In some situations one of the Trane through the wall air conditioners can be a good choice.

Benefits in the Air Conditioning Market

Customers can receive rebates from several utility companies in the San Antonio and New Braunfels area. When you have a new complete air condition and heating system installed that qualifies for the rebates depending on the EER and Seer rating of each system. The good thing about it is that you can buy whatever brand you prefer as long as it meets the requirements. For example the new unit must have a minimum 15 Seer rating and a 12.0 EER rating. Heat pumps will require a 15 Seer, 12.0 EER and HSPF of 8.2 rating. The Air Conditioning Contractor that you select can give you the further information on what amount you will qualify for. They will also send in your forms to the utility company that you pay your electricity bill with to get your rebate.

There is also the Texas Appliance Rebate Program which is on a first come first serve mail-in application. Your general contractor can fill out the application for you or help you with it.

The rebates will be available to the public until the funding is used up. They are giving out up to $1075.00

The importance of having a good working air conditioning and heating system is to keep us comfortable in our own homes with these long summer and winter months. It is also very important to have your ducts looked at when you get your yearly Ac and Heating maintenance done on your system to keep it functioning properly, and avoid any unexpected expensive repairs and high energy bills.

This year 2011 some utility companies are also offering air flow performance rebates. This allows the air conditioning contractors to do an air flow testing on all of your ventilation in all of the rooms in your house. The certified contractor will use a flow hood method that will allow them to measure the air flow deferential from each vent to determine why some rooms are colder or hotter than others in your home.

Duct Testing is also important to find out if the ducts are leaking or if they have any holes in them. The air flow that comes out of the ducts must be air tight and sealed, to eliminate any air escaping and create high electricity bills. The ducts are located in the attic, crawlspace, or the garage and underneath your house. You can also qualify for rebates if you have your ducts repaired or replaced. These rebates only apply for work completed on existing ducts and not applicable to new construction.

The insulation in your attic must be up to code as well, the requirement is now R19 the contractor will also measure it and bring it up to code to qualify for rebates. This can improve the overall energy efficiency of your home.

Top Recommended Panasonic Air Conditioning Units

Panasonic is a special company that cares about consumers and the environment. They are troubled by the negative impact that electronics of all brands have on the Earth and now offer close to 400 locations where anyone can drop items off to be thrown away. Rather than throw electronics in the trash and have them filling landfills, Panasonic will dispose of them the right way.

Recommended Choices

Panasonic CW-XC145HU - This 13,000 BTU unit is one of Panasonic's most popular air conditioners. It is very easy to install either through the wall or a window and is Energy Star qualified. The Panasonic CW-XC145HU is equipped with a washable filter, 12-hour timer, automatic restart and easy touch thermostat. You will need at least two people for installation as it weighs 117 pounds.

Panasonic CW-XC245HU - Running at 23,800 BTUs, this is Panasonic's most powerful choice. The filter and intake grille are both removable and washable and the unit also features a slide out chassis, dry mode, 12-hour timer and automatic restart. However, while this until will keep your home cool on the hottest of days, it unfortunately isn't Energy Star qualified.

Panasonic CW-XC54HU - If you have a tight budget, Panasonic has an answer! This 5,200 BTU is ideal for bedrooms, small apartments or even offices. It features an Energy Star label too so it won't cost you a fortune to run. The Panasonic CW-XC54HU has a washable intake grille, touch screen panel, remote control, automatic restart and dry mode operation. Don't expect miracles from it on scorching hot days but it will keep you more comfortable than if you didn't have it!

Panasonic CW-XC105HU - One of the most hard working and economical units is this one from Panasonic. This is a 9,800 BTU air conditioner that allows you to program the temperature by using the remote control or easy touch screen feature. These Panasonic air conditioning units are Energy Star qualified and have a filter that is super easy to clean. They are also equipped with three fan speeds and ventilation control.

How To Find The Best Air Conditioning Repair Service

No matter how hard you have tried to take very good care of your air conditioning unit, there will come a time when it will be in need of Air Conditioning Repair. If you are reading this, then that time is probably now. The thing is though, this is probably not something that you have been looking forward to and therefore, you have not researched who it is that would be doing the repairs for you.

It is very important to make sure that you are doing your best to select the right person or repair company for the job. This is because the wrong person or company could end up costing you more money than you started out willing to spend. If the break down is in the middle of the hot summer, you are probably less likely to want to mess around with a company that doesn't know what they are doing.

The best thing to do is to talk to friends and family that may have needed Air Conditioning Repair before. Ask them who they used and whether or not they were satisfied with the service that they received? Would they recommend them to other people such as yourself? You can always count on friends and family to lead you in the right direction. After all, they do not want to see you waste money and time and suffer without nice cold air conditioning.

If that doesn't work or you simply do not have anyone to get advice from, you will have to do a little research on your own. This means you will want to look for local companies that have a decent reputation around town. For those who you can't figure out what their reputation is, search their business name online. If there is a lot of bad news out there about them, you will surely come across it in no time at all.

Make sure that you are getting several free estimates before you authorize any Air Conditioning Repair. You will want to make sure that the estimate is not just on the price, but on the time that the job will take. You will also want to make sure that you are getting that estimate in writing. This is the best way to make sure that you are getting the best deal possible.

Also, do not be afraid to ask for references. They should have plenty to offer you. If they don't, then they are either unprofessional or they are trying to hide something. Either way, you will want to check out your other options. The more you search for the best possible repair company, the smoother the entire repair process will be. The time you spend will be more than worth it.

Air Conditioning Vs Refrigeration

Having some kind of cold room or refrigerated storage option is crucial for a lot of businesses. There are a number of different ways to keep product and produce cool - what works best will depend on your business model and your needs. When you're trying to decide on the right option for you it's important to understand some of the key differences between the refrigeration techniques that are commonly used.

Air Conditioning and Refrigeration

Air conditioning and refrigeration are the two most commonly used methods of temperature control. Most people will know of and think of air conditioning because they use it in their homes. With a standard temperature of 22 degrees to ensure human comfort, air conditioners have a limited range when it comes to cooling. Refrigeration allows for much greater alterations in temperature with the ability to cool to around negative 30 and even heat to 25 degrees or more. For most cargo and produce, refrigeration is the only way to go.

How do they work?

Cold is the absence of heat rather than the presence of something else and refrigeration of any kind works by removing heat from an environment. Air conditioners use fans to project and circulate cool air into a room or container to keep temperatures low.

Refrigeration systems use a series of tubes and vents to circulate cold gases and liquids to alter temperature. Air is sucked into a compressor and recycled through the system.

Air conditioners usually have a stricter set of requirements for the air that they use for cooling. Most systems need air to be filtered and purified to ensure that no dust particles build up inside the unit. A certain level of humidity is also required depending on the type of cargo or produce that is being stored. Refrigeration systems don't have this set of requirements to maintain temperature.

What should I use?

For humans and animals, air conditioning systems tend to provide a more comfortable environment with a constant fresh air supply. If you are storing temperature sensitive produce and products, then refrigeration is a definite winner. You'll have more control over any desired temperature with a good refrigeration system.

Keep your produce cool with a refrigeration system. Consider a refrigerated container for more mobility and as a cheaper storage option instead of building an expensive cold room. Cool more efficiently with a refrigerated container system for your business.

Beat the Summer Heat - What Size A/C Do I Need?

A larger air conditioner will not always provide more cooling. It should be sized for the room area. If properly sized it should operate long enough to remove moisture from the air. It is the moisture removed from the room which actually produces the feeling of cooling. Unfortunately many people in their rush to purchase a window air conditioner buy too large a model.

Too large a unit can actually provide less cooling than a smaller, properly sized unit. This is because with an oversized air conditioner its run time is too short. Consequently it does not remove enough moisture from the room to produce a feeling of comfort. If you're A/C seems to cycle off and then back on every few minutes and does a poor job of cooling, it is probably oversized for the room.

Air conditioners are rated in BTU's. British Thermal Units are a measurement of how much heat is being transferred form the room being cooled to where the heat is dumped out of doors. This is why the cooing coil inside the room is cool to the touch, while the part that hangs outside is extremely hot.

A window air conditioner used in the average household room can be as low as 4000 BTU. While 5000, 6000, and 8000 are the most common sizes purchased.

How do I determine what size A/C I need?
Following is a basic sizing chart for calculating the window air conditioner needed for a room. Calculate the size of the room by multiplying the width of the room by the length of the room. Use your room size to determine what BTU's are required to cool that particular room size.

room in sq ft-----room in sq m-----A/C size in BTU's

100 - 250............9 - 23............5000 - 6000

250 - 400...........23 - 37............6000 - 8500

400 - 550...........37 - 51............8000 - 11000

550 - 875...........51 - 81...........11000 - 15000

Based on a room occupied by two adults, having an average insulation, number of windows, and sun exposure.

Which is the best room for placement of an air conditioner?

Wherever it gives the most comfort is where it should be installed. If you only have one air conditioner then we usually suggest the bedroom. This is because most people find that if they can sleep comfortably during a hot summer night then their next days work will be a lot easier. Getting through a hot day at work becomes a lot easier when you know you will sleep comfortably that night.

Some people do not like a cool sleeping environment so they will tend to place it in a living room or family room. Or some people will place it in the family room because the whole family can sleep there. Get out the sleeping bags and turn it into an adventure for the young ones. Beats waking up in the morning to find a dog, cat, and four kids in the bed with you.

Also window air conditioner can be noisy, which may disturb sleep. Others find the drone of the fan actually promotes sleep because all the neighbourhood noises are drowned out. Some people say the air conditioner works as well as a sleeping pill

But whichever room you eventually pick don't expect the impossible from you're A/C. It is not meant to cool more than one room or one open area. Air conditioners will not cool other rooms? This is because the blower in a window air conditioner is not very powerful. It is sized to cool one open area, not a number of interconnected rooms. Therefore once again a couple of smaller units may be better for your home than one large unit.

Lastly, remember to properly secure the air conditioner in the window. Once installed a piece of wood to stop the window from being lifted up is a good idea. If you have wooden sills the simple addition of a wood screw at the top of the raised window (the one you had to raise to install the A/C) will only take a minute. Otherwise an intruder could gain access to the house by lifting the window and letting the A/C fall out. This could result in the loss of both your valuables and the air conditioner.

Ductless Split Heat Pump Review - Ductless Heating and Cooling of the Hard to Duct Home

You are building a log home or a home that you want the rustic look of the floors above also being the ceiling of the floor below. You hate the thought of having to install ugly heating and air conditioning ductwork in your new home. For you there is hope. You can still have a comfortable home and have the look that you want.

The advancements in ductless heating and cooling has made it possible for you to have those wood ceilings, roof lines, wood walls, and everything you can think of. The new ductless units take up very little space on your wall. They can be placed almost anywhere with a little planning, and they are very efficient at both heating and cooling.

The many features do not stop with the heating and cooling. Most units have remote controls to run the unit. Many of these units can run multiple inside units from one outdoor unit. These units are so quiet that you have to feel the air coming from them to see if they are running. The installation has been simplified to the point that they can be installed very quickly by an experienced professional.

If you are concerned about the looks on the outside, that too can be fixed rather easily. The piping and wiring going to the indoor units is relatively small and can be hidden in many ways by using a little imagination. Colored aluminum can be fabricated to cover the pipes. I have also run the piping through rain spouting and made it to look like just another rain spout coming off of the roof.

If you are looking to build or remodel and are worried about the look you will have on the inside, then take a look at ductless split heat pumps to give the comfort and the looks.

Many heating professionals can find a way to make these units work for you. Make sure that you do not settle for something less than you want. You may need to look at more than a few companies to find the one that will give you the system that you want.

Recognize the Signs for HVAC Replacement

For equipment that is as steadfast and sturdy as HVAC units, it is always difficult to realize when it is finally time to part ways with the trusty heating system that had successfully kept you warm during cold winter nights and cool during hot summer days.

However, as hard as it might be to get rid of a seemingly functional appliance, all manufacturers of heating appliances claim that replacing the HVAC system is a process that has to be carried out by the end of the listed expected service life of the product. This time period is usually estimated to be around a decade for air conditioning units and fifteen to twenty years for furnaces and boilers.

However, most people choose to ignore these simple instructions, or are reluctant to act upon them given the expensive costs of these units. While service age is a serious factor when determining replacement, some signs make replacing HVAC system evident, detailing that the unit is too far gone to be rescued through repairs. These symptoms are stark indicators that the period of replacement for these units has arrived.

For a furnace, there are specific symptoms that you need to look out for:

The core of any gas-fired furnace is its heat exchanger. The heat exchanger allows heat to transfer from the gas burners so that it can circulate throughout the system. This is why if the heat exchanger is damaged in anyway, it is essential to replace it.

Damage occurs in heat exchangers in the form of cracks and holes. These occur when the exchanger heat up beyond their endurance capacity and expand beyond the limits of their original design. This is process that is eminent with age but can also be caused by dirty air filters.

Heat exchangers are also susceptible to rusting if there is a high amount of moisture in the area or if the furnace is bound closely to the central AC. Rusting can also occur if the interior exchanger on the air conditioner has an issue with its condensate pan or drain, which causes water to leak and drip onto the furnace exchanger.

Symptoms that show a faulty heat exchanger include bad smelling exhausts emanating into your living space and soot sinking into orifices around your house or gathering around the furnace itself. It is essential to get this fixed because a breach in the exchanger lets the toxic exhaust gases to mix with the circulated air of the system which can result in CO2 poisoning. This is when you should call your nearest HVAC Service Company immediately.

Know About Pros and Cons of Portable Air Conditioners

Can an air conditioner be portable? Well the answer is yes and here are some pros and cons of the small and movable air conditioning system.

Now as the name suggest the device is movable and small. Essentially an AC is considered as a home appliance which comes in various shapes and sizes. It is able to regulate the temperature and humidity inside a closed area like a room or a car for making the stay in it comfortable. It is a device which shows that we want to be comfortable and the desire to alter our environment.

Now what are the advantages of such a portable air conditioner? Well first is obviously the size of the device. Now the size allows placing the device where you want it. For example you need not fix the bed in the direction of the AC on the wall or the window. The s-portable one allows you place the bed as you want in the room because the size and mobility of the device gives you the freedom to do so.

Another big factor is the efficiency. Well the portable one and the window are equal in consumption of electricity, but since the portable device allows you to move it the cooling can also be in the direction you want. Unlike the large air conditioner you will not have to wait for the entire room to cool down to feel the effect of the appliance. Here you can point the cooling directly at the place you want it. Also a portable device is cheaper as it requires no installation.

Now there are also few disadvantages. Moving the machine is a plus point but that also comes with its own problems. Now the machine needs to near a window as the machine has an exhaust. Another problem with the portable air conditioners is the noise level they generate. Some of the models are known to noisier than many window or split ACs.

But if you are a person who changes a lot of houses or cities then is the best option as it is small and avoids the excess cost of installing it every time you move.

Swamp Cooler vs Air Conditioner

Although swamp coolers and air conditioners were invented to turn hot air into cool, the science behind each method is quite different.

What is a swamp cooler?

It's just another name for an evaporative cooler. Water is used to wet absorptive pads around the sides of the cooler. A fan or "squirrel cage" draws outside air through the pads and the air is cooled as the water in the pads evaporates. The major benefit of this type of cooler is that you only need to power a water pump and a fan to draw the air through the pads.

They typically use between three and 10 gallons of water per day. That's equivalent to a few toilet flushes or, on the high end, a short shower.

Unless the relative humidity is lower than 30% or so, swamp coolers are not very effective. They work well in the southwest, west Texas, and parts of Idaho, Washington, Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana. In those areas you should be able to achieve a 20 degree differential between outside and inside.

Also, for a swamp cooler to remain effective it must exhaust as much air as it takes in. This means keeping a window open. If you don't, the humidity will rise and so will the temperature of the air blown from the cooler.

Air conditioning, on the other hand, is popular because it will reliably dehumidify and cool the air, no matter where you live. This how an air conditioner works:

The compressor compresses cool Freon gas, causing it to become hot, high-pressure Freon gas. This hot gas runs through a set of coils so it can dissipate its heat, and it condenses into a liquid.
The Freon liquid runs through an expansion valve, and in the process it evaporates to become cold, low-pressure Freon gas. This cold gas runs through a set of coils that allow the gas to absorb heat and cool down the air inside.

Mixed in with the Freon is a small amount of lightweight oil that lubricates the compressor.

Swamp cooler vs air conditioner: which is cheaper to operate?

In our friendly contest the swamp cooler wins handily. For similar sized units, even an air conditioner with and Energy Star rating uses 4-5 times the power needed to run a swamp cooler.

The difference is the amount of energy required to power an air conditioner compressor versus the electric motors used in a swamp cooler.

Which is better for the outdoor environment?

Unless you believe that soon to be outlawed R-22 refrigerant leaking into the atmosphere from your air conditioner is a good thing, the swamp cooler wins again. The swamp cooler maintains a Green profile by mimicking nature's way of cooling.

The way in which an air conditioner or swamp cooler affects the indoor environment of your home is determined by the way it circulates the air. Although an air conditioner re-circulates the same air, this is helpful in controlling allergens such as dust and pollen.

Since an open window is necessary when running a swamp cooler, you'll be letting in what the air conditioner keeps out.

Swamp cooler vs air conditioner: Which one wins?

I think swamp coolers are a good option since they're relatively less expensive and much cheaper to operate than air conditioning as long as you live in Phoenix, Arizona. But if you call Little Rock, Arkansas your home, nobody's going to talk you out of your air conditioner.