How to Reduce Air-Conditioning Costs With These Money-Saving Tips

There are ways that you can reduce your electric bills quite significantly if you have central air conditioning or a window unit. This article will attempt to show how to reduce air-conditioning costs, even in very warm climates during the summer months.

Consider the size of the room and base your air conditioning on that when buying a unit as more does not mean better in every case. Other factors to consider are in respect of what will affect the room temperature such as number of windows, direction it faces etc. If you buy a unit that is too large for the room, it will need to work much harder and end up costing you more money.

When in the market for a central air conditioning system, always check that the SEER number (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) is above thirteen (fourteen for warmer climates). Less efficient systems' running costs will be more and so for room air conditioners, look for an energy efficiency ratio of eleven or above. High efficiency units will cost you more on the initial purchase but, particularly if you live in a hot climate, the extra cost will more than be recovered over a few years from lower electricity bills.

Make sure that you maintain your air conditioning unit and regularly check and replace the filter (every month) during the cooling season and have it professionally serviced every year at the start of the cooling season..

Cooling systems are renowned for being the largest consumers of energy in the home. Depending on your location, it will probably only be outdone in the energy sapping stakes by your heating system. If your system is aged with a SEER rating below eight, it may be worth consideration to replace it with a more energy efficient system.

You may also want to consider installing a thermostat that you can program in order to vary the temperature according to the times when you are actually at home. A setting around seventy eight degrees Fahrenheit is okay for when you are present. If you are away from your home for more than a few hours, it may be apt to set the temperature higher (around eighty five degrees) for the time that you are away.

The location of your condenser is another important consideration. Make sure that it is in the shade and has enough room to dispose of the hot air that it removes from your home. Do not place shrubs or plants around it - enable it to breathe. You can, however, plant shade trees and plants around the house to assist in reducing the heat from the sun, particularly on western and southern sides to your home. This could result in a reduction of up to thirty per cent on your cooling costs.

Close all curtains and blinds on the sunniest side of your house to prevent the heat coming into your home and wherever possible, install awnings on the windows. Sealing any air leaks in your home will reduce costs of your air conditioning as well as your heating costs and remember to check that all seals around drying vents, plumbing are closed. Fill in any gaps that there may be around places like chimneys and weather tape any doors or windows that cause drafts.

You may wish to consider putting in ceiling fans into rooms and running them on hot days. If it is too warm for you, use the fan without air conditioning but if t is hot enough for it, using both together will allow the temperature to rise by five degrees, therefore reducing costs. Only use ceiling fans when you are in the room as running it alone doe not actually lower temperatures - it is the movement of air increasing skin evaporation that causes coolness.

The colour of the exterior of your home will also make a difference. The darker it is, the more heat it will take in so bear this in mind when building, repainting, buying property in the future. Choose light colours for the outside of your home.

Did you know that thirty per cent of heat in homes is absorbed through the roof? Ensure that any attics are ventilated sufficiently. Vents in the eaves will allow for cooler air to enter. A ridge vent or even an attic fan can reduce cooling costs significantly.

Any heat that is generated within the home will need to be removed by your system of cooling so avoid it whenever you can. Try grilling or barbecuing food outdoors or if you have to cook inside use the microwave or a crock-pot.

Following just some of these tips on how to reduce air conditioning costs will help your wallet and also make your life that little more comfortable during those long summer seasons.

Air Conditioning - Routine Maintenance

There are many routine maintenance procedures that you can take to keep your air conditioning system running at peak efficiency. In Frederick Maryland where I live, it is essential to routinely maintain the air conditioning and heat pump unit to help keep utility costs down, and it is imperative where you live as well.

In order to keep your air conditioning running at its highest efficiency, it is always best to have your unit or units periodically serviced by a professional. Whether this is done by the contractor who installed your HVAC units, or another contractor that you have a set up a service agreement with, you should have them service your air conditioning at least once a year.

However, there are many things that you can do between professional servicing that will extend the life of your system and lower your electricity costs as well.

Probably the most important procedure that you can perform is to clean the air filter every month. Not only does this keep the system running smoothly, it reduces the amount of airborne dust and dirt from being transported through your home. There are many different types of filters that can be used in an air conditioning system, and it is important to understand how your filter for your particular system works.

There are some filters that need to be washed with soap and water and then laid out to be dried before being re-installed into the unit itself. These type of filters can last for several years, and if cleaned every month, will keep your system running at optimal condition.

Then there are some filters that will need to be gone over with a vacuum. These filters will need to be replaced every year. Your service technician can tell you more about what type of filter that you have in your air conditioning system and can give you the servicing routine for each type of filter.

Then there is the outside units themselves. First off, if your outside units are in a corner of the house, make sure that you clean the area around the units periodically. Any mulch, grass clippings and debris should be removed from around the units, and every six months, you should remove the grill cover and take a garden hose and wash down the fins on the unit. Just be careful not to spray with too much pressure against the fins on the air conditioning unit. This will help the outside parts of the system running smoothly.

Also, if you live in a colder climate and receive any kind of snow or sleet during the winter, make sure that you protect the units from sucking in the snow into the fins. This will eventually turn into a solid block of ice if left unchecked. As the unit is trying to heat your home, the snow will be pulled into the unit, filtering in through the fins and becoming frozen. Install a shelter around the units leaving about three feet of clearance around the unit itself, even on the top. This will keep any unwanted snow and ice from accumulating in or on the unit.

Facts About Air Conditioning and Heating Repair

OK, calm down. AC and heating repair isn't that bad, right? Stop! Put that wrench down. Please pick up the phone and call an expert. Air conditioning and heating repair is not for novices. Unless that is your profession and you are repairing the units yourself, another professional or expert is needed. So, let's break it down.

AC- Heating Repair

The prelude to repairing your unit is regular maintenance checks. These are things like a removable replaceable filter that might be the only thing you as a novice might be able to do by yourself, cleaning the unit of dust, and making certain to adhere to the manufacturers' specifications. Additionally, if you have an outside unit, be sure to keep the surrounding area clear to create better drainage.

Heating Repair

To understand the how to of AC- heating repair you must first understand the type of unit installed. Not knowing the type and specs could cause you to hire the wrong type of expert. Your product manual should be kept for this purpose in a safe and easily accessible place. Any type of heating unit should always be serviced regularly by a professional in that field in addition to regular maintenance checks done by the homeowner, thus minimizing any unforeseen costly repairs and damages.

If you are building for the first time or having to repair a system for the first time, you might ask questions like these:

Are air conditioning units and heating units the same thing?

That would depend on which type of unit you choose. Some air conditioning units are equipped with heating mechanisms. They are called Package Units. Separate air conditioning and heating units can be installed based on your needs.

What is an air conditioner?

An air conditioner is a machine that converts hot air inside an enclosed space to cool air, keeping it dry and at a regulated temperature.

What types of air conditioning systems are there?

An air conditioning system can be package units, central air conditioning units and split units.

What type of heating units are there?

Heating unit choices can vary between any of the following: radiators, boilers, heat pumps, fireplaces and furnaces.

What caused the problem?

Figuring out what is wrong with your air conditioning or heating unit can be anything from a blown fuse, the system not cooling or heating to bad odor emitting from the unit.

How much does it cost to repair?

The general advice as is normally with any electrical product is to have a professional assessment for repairs. The level and costs of the AC- heating repair would depend on the type of unit and the problem.

Now that you know what you are working with and have hired a professional to troubleshoot and repair the damage, ensure that a proper maintenance log is kept for each unit whether it is a package unit for both air conditioning and heating or two separate units. Repairs for individual air conditioning and heating unit types can vary drastically from that of package units.

All About Commercial Air Conditioning

Commercial air conditioning is available for hotels, restaurants, industries and other institutions. Schools, churches and retail stores can find appropriate services and there is a wide range of products that are available. You may locate a company providing these products and services through the internet and one can also call them for more information.

If you have any questions, you may find a live agent that you can chat to over the internet and they will ensure that instant response is provided. Commercial product application will also include public buildings, mining and industrial, restaurants and fast food joints and even hospitals. With the appropriate solution, you will be able to reduce your energy bills and save money in the process.

Professional service will be provided and this includes the design and installation of your unit. Comprehensive after sales service will be provided and your unit shall be maintained for you. Redundant systems may be decommissioned and gas reclaimed from them. In addition, redundant systems may be removed from your facility.

Service and maintenance programs are available and you can enjoy many benefits from air-conditioning. Common problems can be solved for you and if you have a computer room, the heat that is emitted from the PCs can be too much. Too much heat in a room hosting a server can make the server fail to function and you may lose business if your systems are not functioning.

Wall or floor mounted systems can be provided for your computer room and this will enable you to control the temperature in the room. Offices can sometimes get too hot and you shall be uncomfortable is the office. The reason is because there might be too many people in the office. Overhead lighting and heat emitted from computers can also contribute to the rise in temperatures.

For an office, an appropriate solution will be offered and this includes outdoor units. Delicatessens can become quite hot due to having several refrigerators in a facility. In addition, there is a high density of clients in the shop and it can become uncomfortably hot.

An open plan office can be offered with an air-conditioner and studios may also be provided with appropriate solutions. Dentists, warehouses and nurseries can also be offered with the appropriate solution. Pubs and nightclubs can also have air-conditioning units installed for them. If you would like additional information about commercial air conditioning, you can contact a company that is providing the products and services.

A Spring Maintenance and Auto Repair Checklist

The auto repair that your vehicle needs may not just be based on the sounds you hear. In fact, if you are like most people, you don't think twice about getting your oil changed or checking your tires. You have things to do, and your schedule is often too packed to worry about additional things. When it comes to maintaining your vehicle though, there are several things you need to do. This spring, be sure that you are taking every step possible to ensure that your vehicle is able to run its best all summer long.

Basic Maintenance

Have you pulled out the auto repair and owner's manual yet to find out how often you should get the oil changed? Do you know when you should change each of the filters? Perhaps you haven't thought about having the car lubed in a long time. All of this adds up to potentially big risks for the vehicle. You should have this done once every three months or more often in most cases.

Those Problems You Put Off

You have a check engine light on in your vehicle. You know that you need to do something about it, but you really have not had the time to get it done. This is the perfect time to take the vehicle in for a engine performance and evaluation. You will want the technicians to perform a diagnostic test to determine what steps you need to take to maintain your vehicle. The longer the engine is not functioning at an optimal level, the more likely it will be for your vehicle to have long-term problems. This can affect gas usage, too.

Other Services

What other services do you need to have done to maintain your car? The following auto repair is often considered a must for most vehicles. During the spring, you should have your air conditioning system checked to ensure that it is working properly. You should also have the braking system visually inspected and tested, especially with wet roads in your future. Your transmission may also need service. You may need to have the suspension, steering, and differential inspected and maintained as the manufacturer suggests. You should also consider having the electrical system, tires, windshield wipers, and the lights checked. Taking the time to have this done will reduce risks to your vehicle.

Auto repair is not something to put off. If you know that your vehicle has a problem, get it taken care of right away. If your vehicle has not had all of the required maintenance, it is time to keep that in mind as well. Don't put off getting the help your car needs now.

Wood Burning Stoves - Do You Have The Tools Needed To Be Using One In Your Home?

Whether you installed your wood stove yourself to reduce the cost of your heating bill, or you're utilizing the stove that came with your house when you purchased it, wood stoves can help to serve multiple purposes, including heating as well as a place for the family to gather around on those cold winter nights.

There are certain tools you should have before having a fire in your stove. Some stove tools include a poker, which can be used for stirring up the fire and moving logs around. Another tool you will need is some kind of scoop for shoveling out ashes, if your wood burning stove doesn't have any kind of ash drawer, this is a must. Another accessory you should add to your supplies arsenal, is a set of tongs for picking up logs. You may also want to purchase fire retardant gloves, so you reduce your risk of burn when working with a fire.

Blowers can be utilized in a way that is beneficial to a wide range of wood stove owners. The purpose of wood stove blowers is to redistribute the heat throughout your home. Many people don't realize the savings potential in purchasing a wood stove blower. It may be 85 degrees Fahrenheit by the stove but if the heat isn't being distributed throughout the house, other rooms in the house may only be 60 degrees or lower. The benefits in purchasing a blower are both money and peace of mind, in knowing that you are getting the most out of your wood burning stove.

Having a log holder near your wood burning stove is also a recommendation. A log holder will help to keep wood chips and saw dust consolidated all in one place. Another option is a wood carrier to help you transport your wood from wood pile to stove without losing a single chip. Log holders can be a worthy investment if you don't enjoy the mess associated with having a wood burning stove.

If you have a fireplace, you may want to consider investing in a fireplace insert. Fireplaces are not airtight structures, so most of your heat will just get sucked straight up the chimney. This is fine if you only have a fire a few times a year for special occasions, but if you are looking to use your fireplace for heating your home, you should consider purchasing a fireplace insert. A fireplace insert is basically a wood stove that fits inside your fireplace. A fireplace insert is airtight so it will burn slower and it won't suck in air sending all your heat up the chimney.

When using a wood stove or fireplace, it is very important that you get your chimney checked regularly for creosote buildup. Creosote buildup is more common with slow burning such as wood stoves and fireplace inserts, but you should still get your chimney checked if you are just burning with a fireplace. It is imperative that you check for creosote in that it can potentially cause chimney fires.

Aircon Service - 3 Things To Look Out For When Hiring An Aircon Contractor

Today, almost every household and office has installed an aircon unit. Air conditioning has become such as integral part in our lives, even though we do not give much thought to it. Whenever you are out shopping, all the centres will surely be air-conditioned. Whenever the weather gets hot, you will be desperately looking for air-conditioning place to cool yourself.

As we are now overly-dependent on air conditioning, sometimes aircon contractors use this opportunity to maximize their profits in unethical ways. So, let me share with you 3 things to look out for when you are hiring an aircon contractor:

1. Make sure that the contractor cleans your air conditioner in the right way by using the right chemicals. There are harmful moulds growing in your air conditioner fan coils. When the contractor cleans your fan coils with a brush or vacuum, they loosen these spores from the fan coil units. These loosened mould spores will be blown into the air and you will breathe into your lungs. This is extremely harmful to your health and you need to make sure that your contractor does not do this. Always ask for the right types of cleaning chemical to be used when cleaning your air conditioning unit. Sometimes, the contractor may not want to use it because he wants to maintain his bottom line. This is also part of his strategy to get more service jobs out of you.

2. Always insist on at least a ½ inch drainage pipe for split unit air conditioning. If your contractor tells you otherwise, you need to beware. Sometimes, the contractor may just give you an undersized drainage pipe so that the pipe will choke. This will cause the unit to leak easily and thus require you to call for service often. So always insist on a large enough drainage pipe to be used.

3. Always check the full range of service offered by aircon contractors. One trick many contractors use is to offer relatively low cost for their annual servicing contracts, which they will use brushing and vacuuming method to service your aircon unit. As I have mentioned before, brushing and vacuuming are not enough and they can be harmful to your health if not done properly. Usually by the second servicing, you will complain about low performance of your aircon unit. Upon this time, your contractor will recommend a full chemical service. A full chemical service is very expensive, and since you have already committed to the contractor for a year, you will agree to the full service to get back the strong clean air as before. So, make sure you know exactly what they are offering for their annual package and ensure that they clean with the right methods to preserve the useful lifespan of your air conditioning unit.

Keep yourself up to date by doing a research on the Internet to find out the right way to clean. In this case, you will prevent yourself from falling into victim into these unethical contractors' plans.

The Most Familiar Type of Air Conditioning

One reason human beings can thrive in all kinds of climates is that they can control the qualities of the air in the enclosed spaces in which they live. Air conditioning is the use of mechanical systems to achieve that control in such places as homes, offices, theaters, institutions, factories, airplanes and automobiles. The most familiar type of air conditioning is summer time cooling. Although important, this is but one of the several aspects of air conditioning. Other applications include the control of humidity( of air moisture), circulation of the air, and heating. It is also desirable that an air conditioner remove dust, pollen, smoke and odors from the air.

In many industrial environments, air conditioning is essential. Most print shops, for example, require constant humidity in order to control paper shrinkage. Libraries, especially one with rare books, require air control to preserve the physical quality of their collections. Bakeries and the tobacco and cotton industries require high humidity for their products, and perishables such as fruits must be stored in cool, dry rooms. Some electronic components, drugs and chemicals must be manufactured where the air is as free as possible of dust and other particles. Air conditioning is also vital in hospitals, especially in operating rooms.

There are several ways to classify air conditioners. It is note-worthy that the functions of all air conditioners are essentially the same. Nearly all of them cool and clean the air while they ventilate the space. Some humidify, dehumidify, and heat as well. Air-conditioners customarily cool by blowing the air through a coil of tubing that contains a cold fluid. The fluid, usually a special chemical, is most often cooled by the process of refrigeration. The air is usually cleaned by passing it through a filter. Dry filters in particular, work like a kitchen stainer, capturing impurities while clean air passes through.

Most people tend to group air-conditioners on the basis of size and complexity. For example, the familiar boxy device, commonly referred to as a room or window air conditioner, is also called a self- contained air conditioner. This is because all of its working parts are in a single unit. Some homes and buildings have central air conditioners. These have their controls in one area and the machinery in another. Systems in hospitals, factories or other large buildings may perform several functions at once in widely separated areas. These large air conditioners often controlled by computers, are properly called environmental control systems.

The amount of cooling produced by a home air_conditioner compared with the electricity it consumes is its energy efficiency ratio( EER). The higher the EER, the more efficient the air conditioner is. Air conditioners with an EER of 7.5 or higher are the most efficient and the best to buy. They cost more initially but cost less to operate and are thus 'money savers' in the long run.

The size of air-conditioner required for a given job is best determined by calculating a cooling load- that is, the amount of cooling that the machine will have to put out to condition the space. Cooling load depends upon the size and shape of the space; the number and size of windows and their orientation toward the sun, the areas of walls, ceilings, and floors and the extent to which they are insulated; local climatic conditions, the wattage of electrical equipment present and the number of people who normally occupy that space.

Six (6) Common Factors To Consider When Installing Air Conditioning Units

If you have a new structurally constructed house and your next step is to install the air conditioning units, then you have to consider a few things about air conditioning before you install them. There are common mistakes in installing air conditioning systems which will be depicted in the following article in order to help you not make these.

1. Falling for the articulated sales talk of a highly experienced salesman.

Do not just let the salesman win your favor through his flattery and articulated sales talk. Winning you to his favor is his job as a highly experienced sales person. Often, some customers are not really knowledgeable about air cooling units. Some end up buying air conditioning units that are recommended by the salesman who would not care whether the merchandise is too large or too small for the intended area. This is a common mistake of some customers which is making an outright decision to buy an air cooling unit without knowing what things they should consider first.

2. Installing the AC unit without careful planning.

In some cases, installations of air conditioning units are simply done to satisfy the caprice of the homeowner. This should not be the case. Installing air cooling units is not that simple, many things need to be considered. This should be well planned by your electrical engineer. The AC units to be installed must match the contour or layout of your house. This is why one type of air cooling unit is set in one place while another type is installed in another part of the house. Some mistakes committed in installing air conditioning units include installing too small or too big units in a room without considering the number of warm bodies occupying it, the area, sizes of windows on the wall and house layout.

The primary consideration when deciding what size to buy would be the area and the number of people using the room. First, you must determine the area in your house which you want to be cooled. This should determine how much power you need. Your room area should match the BTU or the British thermal unit value and the strength (capacity) of your air conditioning (ac) unit. It becomes a recommending guideline that a cooling capacity of 2000 BTU be required for every space of 50 square meters. So here, you need to do a little mathematics. The other thing to consider is the number of warm bodies occupying the air- conditioned area and how often they will use it.

3. Location of the AC unit

Another mistake commonly committed would be installing the unit inside a room or area with too many lights or light bulbs around. Such condition generates more heat from light bulbs when switched on. This does not help at all while using the air conditioning unit. In another related situation, setting up an AC unit in an area facing the sunlight or adjacent to a plant or tree is an installation that is not carefully thought out. Air conditioning systems must be cleared of any debris or any obstructing object.

4. Unchecked AC unit's connections

When installing the connections of the chosen air conditioning unit in your house, try to re-check the connections made if you have left everything to the technicians. More often, if not properly checked, some connections may not have been fit well, thereby, causing leaks in the future; therefore, it is better check these connections before it's too late.

5. Making window-sized holes in your walls to fit in an AC unit

The lesser holes you make in your house, the better. Nowadays, they do not make large window-sized holes in your house to accommodate your air conditioning units. There are several air conditioning units today that only require a very small hole for its installation. Today, you can have split type systems or portables, or independent wall unit, whichever suits your needs. Therefore, the lesson here is not to allow window-sized holes be made within the four corners of you walls unless it is absolutely necessary.

6. Installing AC unit in rooms with wood floors

It is not exactly bad to have an AC unit in a room with a floor made up of wood. It is just that the type of floor material you have or use affects the speed of cooling the area. This is based on the principle that cool air sinks and hot air rises which also indicates that air bounces back fast in solid surfaces. If you are lucky to have a good consulting electrical engineer, then he should be explaining how the materials of house floors affect room cooling. He should also mention other alternatives which can somehow economize the use of your AC units.

Will a High Efficiency Air Conditioning System Pay for Itself?

Home HVAC (Heating Ventilating Air Conditioning) systems in most climates will be a major user of energy. In warm climates it can account for 60% or more of your total electric bill. If your system is ten years old or older it is a prime candidate for an upgrade. Air Conditioning systems are rated by SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio). This is sort of like a cars MPG rating. The higher the number the more energy efficient and less power it will consume for the amount of cooling compared to a lower SEER rated system. A system 10 years old or older were likely rated 10 SEER or less when new. As they age they can lose efficiency due to compression loss and heat transfer restrictions like a dirty or damaged coil. If you have an older unit in need of repairs you might be tempted to spend the few hundred or few thousand dollars it may take to get it up and running rather than the thousands it would take to replace with a high efficiency system. Repairs can many times be the best alternative with a tight budget or in a case where you don't plan to stay in the home long enough to get a ROI (return on investment) from the new system.

But in the long run it can cost more to repair an older unit then replacing. If you have an average 2,000 square foot home with a 4 ton air conditioning unit, it could cost somewhere around $5,000.00 to replace plus or minus a thousand or so depending on the grade of equipment and what all is involved with the installation. If this hypothetical system needed repairs in the typical $600-$1,000.00 range it might seem like you save around $4000.00 by repairing instead of replacing. But you have to factor in operating cost and future repair and maintenance to get a true cost comparison. If your system is starting to need repairs in that price range the chances are good that year after year it is going to need even more repairs as it ages. If you are adding refrigerant because of a leak and not repairing the leak you are guaranteed at least one, but probably several service calls a year to keep it cooling. Finding and repairing small pinhole leaks in the coil can cost a lot as well. Repairing coil leaks can be very difficult. When the coil starts to leak it is likely there are many small pinhole leaks in the tubing where the fin makes contact with the tubing. This is due to electrolysis caused by contact of two dissimilar metals and the presence of VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) that have condensed onto the coil that contribute to the formation of these pinholes. Repairing them is a tricky process and can result in less than desired results. Repairing one leak can just open another one nearby. Even if you are successful the efficiency of the system can never be returned even to its original low 10 SEER rating much less improving it. Charging a leaking system to "get by" also just contributes to the cost of operating that system. You have the service costs plus the increased operating cost as the system losses refrigerant and become less and less efficient.

So let's look at that $5,000.00 system verses maintaining your old system over a period of just five years. Up front we already know you will have an expense of about $1,000.00 to get the system even operating at a low efficiency level. So now we are down to $4,000.00. Now let's say you average a very modest projected $350.00 in maintenance and service cost for years 2 to 5. Now that new system is costing you just $2,600.00. Most systems will have a 10 year parts warranty so even if something did fail at least the parts would be covered. The labor for repairs on the new system will be at least 1 year and up to 10 years can be added for around $500.00 on most systems.

We haven't even talked about energy cost savings yet. According to operating cost comparison software using 0.11 cent a kilowatt hour and a modest increase in rates of 3% a year you would save $2,092.00 on air conditioning cost by upgrading to an Energy Star rated 14 SEER system from 10 SEER system. And this is assuming your a 10 SEER system is still operating at 10 SEER. I can tell it won't be. Savings will vary.

According to the same cost comparison software, government studies have also shown an increase in home value of around $7,800.00 by making this upgrade. When we expand the time frame out to the expected average life span of the system to 20 years your savings is over $10,000 in operating costs.

So waiting till that old system completely fails to replace it can cost you much more in energy cost and comfort then replacing it now.

Heating and Air Conditioning Services Commonly Offered

What types of services does your local heating and air conditioning company offer? Do you call them when your home gets too warm or too cold? What about when you notice that the quality of your oxygen seems to be diminishing? There are a number of services that most local companies provide that will keep you and your family comfortable inside your home regardless of the weather outside.

Routine Maintenance

Every year, when the weather changes, your heating and air conditioning units need to be checked out. Before you turn either system on, a professional comes out to the house and performs a full inspection. If there are any noticeable problems, he or she will be able to fix them right away and check to make sure that the system is functioning properly. These maintenance appointments are critical to your system and often ensure that you do not let issues get out of hand. When you catch a problem early on, the fixes tend to be less expensive and less time consuming.

Duct Cleaning

Do you have any idea what type of dust, dirt, and debris are located in your ducts? The heating and air conditioning systems use these ducts to bring warmth inside or drop the temperature to help everyone cool off. Either way, the ducts tend to contain all types of contaminants. If they are not cleaned out frequently, that debris slips noiselessly into your home. Even if you change your filters regularly, you and your family can still run into problems.

Quality Checks

If you are concerned about the oxygen in your home and its overall quality, you can request that a technician run a test on your home. You can find out if you have a lot of contaminants or if your family is breathing safely. Once the test has been run, you can check your filters to see if they need to be changed and you can arrange for duct cleaning if necessary.

Repairs

Eventually, there is a good chance that your heating and air conditioning systems will need one or more repairs. When you first notice that something isn't right, make sure that you call the professionals. They can come out and take a look and let you know what the problem is right away. Many times a technician will be able to make adjustments and repairs on-site to get your system running right once again.

Installation

Unfortunately, repairs are not the only problems that homeowners tend to run into. Sometimes a replacement unit is needed. A heating and air conditioning company can explain all of your options and help you choose the best system for your home. From there, they will handle the removal of the all system and the installation of the new one.

Geothermal Heat Pump Cost - Is it Affordable?

One of the first considerations when investing in a device would be its price and this is also sure when you want to invest in a heating device such as a heat pump and learning how much will a geothermal heat pump cost tops your concern.

In this time of economic crisis, consumers are more than just simply careful on where to invest their money aside of course from the fact that they want to get the best out of their purchase.

In general, a geothermal heat pump cost is around $3,500-$7,500. This is the price range is without added features. For those with added features the value is expectedly a little higher. Aside from the cost of the unit itself, one should also consider added cost on installation, which may range well within $10,000-$25,000, which may also vary depending on how deep the drilling will be.

If you are lucky, you may find a discount offered by a local heating and cooling company. It is often not recommended that you buy a used unit though.

Before purchasing a unit, it is important that you invest a little of your time searching for a good company that will offer not just the best type of heat pump but moreover, the right price that you can afford.

Banking on the fact that you really need a heating device to warm your water supply should not solely be the basis for purchasing such a relatively expensive device. However, if you are looking to heat your home in the winter and cool it in the summer then a geothermal heat pump is a wise investment.

Also, when buying this device it is best to examine some features first before buying. Scrutinize first the nature of the area where you plan to install it. Look for the efficiency of the unit. Often the best heating devices are those with coefficient of performance value of 2.5 and energy efficiency rating of 13 or better.

The geothermal heat pump cost could prevent you from making this purchase, but the savings you will see on your home energy costs could far outweigh the cost of the purchase and installation of this unit. Visit my site for more information on these heating and cooling devices.

Heat Pumps Vs Solar Water Geysers

Heat pumps and Solar Water Geysers have been created for the same purpose of maximizing environmental resources and reducing electricity bill while providing heat to a home or an office space. Heat pumps use the heat from an outside source to transfer it to an inside space while consuming very little energy in doing so.

A Solar Water Geyser on the other hand provides for hot water using a free source of energy - the sun. If you're wondering what would be the best one to purchase for your home, read on to gain a few more insights in helping you making a choice between the two.

Heat pumps transfer heat from the air, ground or water into the house using a certain amount of electricity that is used to enhance the heat. Solar water geysers use the sun's heat absorbed from panels installed on the roof. Heat pumps use electricity, while solar water geysers do not use any at all. Both systems have been proven to save energy but savings from using a solar water geyser is proven to be higher in comparison to using a heat pump.

However, savings for the heat pump is more consistent compared to the solar powered heating system and this is because sunlight hours vary, therefore it's not able to provide 100% of its function all the time. In the summer, solar water geysers can function perfectly, but during winter when there is a difference in the solar irradiance and when people need more heat, they are unable to function as perfectly.

Heat pumps can be used day and night and is not weather dependent while this might not be applicable to solar water geysers whose main energy source is the sun. Backup electric heating features are installed on solar water geysers to compensate for this problem but of course this affects its energy saving potential.

In terms of the cost for putting up either system, it may depend on the size and quality of the device a person wants. Solar geysers are basically made of simple materials so they are quite cheaper compared to the cost of heat pumps. The price of installation for the solar geyser may be higher considering that the solar panels have to be installed in multiple locations all over a house and it might even require some renovation to be done.

Heat pumps are easier and faster to install and there's no need for renovation or major changes. Even if you want to cover a large area, you just might need to install another unit and that's it. In choosing which heating system to install, the size and design of the house should also be considered to determine which unit and what type would be most suitable, also because solar water geysers may not be fit for any type of roof.

Solar panels are susceptible to damage from freezing and other weather conditions as they are usually placed on the roof. They are presumed to have a shorter life-span compared to a heat pump which has an average lifespan of 10-15 years. Either system would be a good investment and would serve the purpose of providing heat, helping preserve the environment, and reducing electricity consumption.

In deciding which one to install on your home or office, consider the following: the size of the home/office, the capital you have for the initial purchase and the estimated or projected savings that is expected to get afterwards.

Air Conditioning Service

Does your building need an HVAC upgrade? If you are experiencing trouble with your unit it could be one of two things: you are ready for an upgrade or you need a repair. Either way, by calling a technician out you can get your unit back on track. There are services available for both residential and commercial needs and they range anywhere from new installations to maintenance and repairs.

There are many reasons why keeping up with your air condition maintenance is important. Not only does a poorly working unit make your utility bills higher, but it puts your health in an uncomfortable position as well. Indoor air quality is important for any building whether it be residential or commercial. A poorly working unit could mean even bigger problems like mold. Mold problems should be remediated immediately if found in your home. Not only is mold a health threat but it can literally deteriorate the foundation of a building.

There are many signs to keep an eye out for if you suspect your air conditioning system needs to be serviced. The first one you may notice is a rise in the cost of your energy bill. Granted bills will increase depending on the season, there are also times when they increase because of your HVAC unit. A unit that is not working properly is typically using a lot more energy to function and in return your bills increase. Another sign that your system may need to be serviced is if different areas of a room or building are different temperatures than others. Unequally distributed temperatures in a building could mean that something is blocking or clogging the system. If something is clogging the system then it may not be able to reach the full area it is meant to regulate with heat or air. You may find cold or hot spots in a room or hallway as a symptom. Any odd noises or noises coming from the thermostat could also be signs that you need to call a technician.

There are always emergency services available for any air conditioning problems. There are local technicians available 24/7 if there is a problem that needs to be fixed immediately.

Keeping up with maintenance is always recommended. If you are interested in keeping your air condition system working its best, then try looking into a service maintenance agreement in your area. They are available for residential and commercial needs.

Air Versus Ground Source Heat Pumps, Energy Efficient Air or Water Heating and Cooling

Air source heat pumps (ASHP) and ground source heat pumps (GSHP) are exactly the same, they are very energy efficient in providing cooling and heating, use refrigerant to transfer energy from inside a building to the outside and they are either air to air or air to water cooling & heating. The difference between an ASHP and a GSHP, is that the heat pump's either get their outside energy (heat) from the ambient air temperature or the ground ambient temperature.

In the UK, air temperature ranges average from -0簞c to 30簞c, the ground is around 10簞c to 16簞c at 3m depth and can be 20簞c at depths of 50m. As you can see, the air has a larger variable than the ground, which allows the manufacturers to get very high efficiency ratios in the GSHP as compared to the ASHP, as the smaller temperature variable allows the system to be fine tuned within the 10簞c variable for GSHP, than the 30簞c variable for the ASHP.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

So, the GSHP is the best, right!? Well, let's look at the efficiency ratios, they are defined for heating as Co-efficiency of Performance or CoP and for cooling is Energy Efficiency Ratio or EER. CoP and EER are basically the amount of kW cooling or heating provided per kW of electricity consumed.

ASHP:

Heating at -5簞c outdoor ambient provides a 2.5 EER.

Heating at 7簞c outdoor ambient provides a 4 EER.

Cooling at 23簞c outdoor ambient provides a 4 CoP.

Cooling at 35簞c outdoor ambient provides a 2.5 CoP.

GSHP:

Cooling or Heating at 15簞c ground ambient provides a 4 CoP & 4.5 EER

It's long been thought that ASHP systems are not capable of working at low temperatures, this was actually the case up until recently, as the EER dropped considerably at -5簞c, as the capacity of the unit's were designed to a maximum of -5簞c for heating. Now, manufacturers have changed the design and the new lower operating design temperatures are to 15簞c and even 20簞c depending on the manufacturer.

COST

Well, this is hard to detail as each system is bespoke and engineered to each required solution, but I will try to make it simple by detailing estimated prices for an average 3 bedroom home in the UK.

Air to air ASHP @ 瞿12,000 + vat

Air to water ASHP @ 瞿15,000 + vat

GSHP with slinky @ 瞿15,000 + vat

GSHP with bore holes @ 瞿20,000 + vat

It will probably best to now look at the pro's and con's for the ASHP and GSHP, so you can understand the cost benefits or losses.

ASHP PRO'S:

• Equipment is cheaper.


• Cheaper to install, less labour time.


• Existing tried and tested technology.


• New higher energy efficiency levels.


• New lower ambient operating temperatures to -15簞c.


• Compact & low noise systems

ASHP CON'S:

• Larger variable operating temperatures


• Lower CoP's and EER's in extreme lower and higher temperatures

GSHP PRO'S:

• Constant year round and smaller variable temperature of 10簞c to 16簞c


• High CoP's and EER's

GSHP CON'S:

• Expensive equipment.


• New technology not so tried and tested.


• Large quantity of land needed for slinky or bore holes.


• Expensive to dig slinky or drill bore holes, large excavation or drilling machines.


• When drilling bore holes, it is unsure of how many drill heads will be used and they're chargeable per drill head.


• If the slinky or bore hole leaks, extremely expensive to fix considering it is buried.

?

GOVERNMENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

The government have introduced the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) to assist in the carbon reduction 2020 targets which is basically a payback scheme for buying a renewable and sustainable heating system for your home or business. The RHI only applies to air to water systems, otherwise known as ASHP or GSHP boilers.

For the home or for systems below 45kW of heating, the incentive will pay you 7.5p per kW of heat you generate in a year,

IDEAL SOLUTIONS

ASHP air to air work well in the following environments:

Domestic:

• Conservatories for energy efficient & stand alone cooling and heating.


• Bedrooms for cooling, town house top floor or master bedrooms which have high insulation and retain heat, making night times to uncomfortable to sleep.


• Home office, for the study or home worker.


• Commercial:


• Offices, retail shops etc.

?

ASHP air to water work well in the following environments:

Domestic:

• Boiler replacement for existing properties, heating and hot water.


• New build installations, heating, hot water and cooling.

Commercial:

• Smaller Offices, boiler replacement, heating, hot water and cooling.


• Offices, boiler replacement for sanitary hot water.

?

GSHP air to water work well in the following environments:

Domestic:

Large New build installations with acres of land, heating, hot water and cooling.

Commercial:

New build offices with acres of land, boiler replacement, heating, hot water and cooling.

The Benefits of a Free Standing Air Conditioner

Free standing air conditioner, as its name indicates, is an independent unit with blower, compressor and other electric items. Free standing air conditioners are great for those who want to keep certain areas of their homes or offices cool. 

Every free standing air conditioner comes with a built-in washable filter that can easily remove up to 65 pints of moisture per day from a 400 square foot room. Some of these units have continuous on switch with 1 to 12 hour digital timer settings with remote control. So in entirety they are perfect for cooling the room any time of day. Additionally, their smooth rolling casters help make moving the unit from one room to another with fresh and cool air. 

You must however remember that unlike split air conditioners and even window air conditioners they are noisier as the entire unit is inside your room. However, they are handy portable solution with no permanent installation. So they can be moved from one room to another and even place to another without any extra efforts. 

Most of these free standing air conditioners work on self evaporating technology. They are designed to provide quiet and efficient cooling to any room, with no permanent installation. Technically, they too work on refrigeration cycle with fan and compressor. So during the cooling process, water is extracted from the air into the unit. Most of this water is then recycled and used to cool the unit and make it run more efficiently. 

In almost every free standing air conditioner a majority of water (approx. 65-70%) condensed is evaporated out with the exhaust air, reducing the hassle of emptying the water tank constantly. 

Another striking feature of such air conditioners is that every unit has a built-in water tank, mostly fixed, with a drain outlet and water tube. When the tank fills, the compressor stops operating and the power light will flash. This indicates that the tank should be emptied. Nevertheless, this does not happen with every model, as some units are automatic in operation, so you are free of any additional hassles to empty the tank now and then. 

As we all know that air conditioners are used for cooling and dehumidifying the living space. Almost all air conditioning equipment usually reduces the humidity of the air processed by the system. The relatively cold (below the dew point) evaporator coil condenses water vapor from the processed air, much like a cold drink will condense water on the outside of a glass. The water is drained, removing water vapor from the cooled space and thereby lowering its relative humidity. 

Some air conditioning units dry the air without cooling it. These work like a normal air conditioner, except that a heat exchanger is placed between the intake and exhaust. In combination with convection fans, they achieve a similar level of comfort as an air cooler in humid tropical climates, but only consume about one-third the energy. Those who find the draft created by air coolers uncomfortable also prefer them. 

So free standing air conditioning units are used when we need to shift that unit from one place to another, sometimes more cooling required on some particular space like in restaurants and bars. So no matter, where and why, you can take control of your indoor temperature with this portable air conditioner. 

They are also great at dehumidifying a room, so can be used effectively at your home also. For example, you can use a portable room air conditioner to keep your bedroom cool at night and even to keep computer room or study room cool and dry. In addition, they are great to cool down attics or upstairs rooms. And last but not the least, remember when there are no windows these free standing windowless air conditioners are also great for an office or room.

Residential Steam Heating Maintenance 1-Point-0

As cold weather approaches, you gaze at your older NJ home and at the radiators that provide warmth to you and your family. It's a classic New Jersey castle- cherry wood doors and moldings. Fireplace... oversized windows, elegant Victorian radiators and... a steam heating system. The former owner has left you some notes on how to care for your system, but the paper is yellowed and aged, and the words can no longer be read at all.

If you are accustomed to other contemporary types of home heating, be it forced air or hydronic baseboard, you need to be educated. A steam heating system is a living force in your home... it hungers, it speaks, and it even breathes! It is your responsibility as its keeper to provide for all its needs. This accomplished, it will give you the warmest, toastiest home you can imagine. Its embrace will keep you and your family warm on the coldest winter nights when your friends with other systems will be jealous of you! Follow these simple steps...

Draining your steam boiler: Cast iron steam boilers absorb heat from fuel and turn water into steam. The steam travels along steel pipes and through cast iron fittings to cast iron radiators. The radiators give off the steam's heat, causing the steam to condense into water. The water returns back to the boiler through those same cast iron fittings and steel piping where it again absorbs the energy from the burn fuel, and the process is continually repeated. As steam and water flow through all those steel and cast iron surfaces, minute amounts of iron become oxidized... they rust. This rust is continually washed and drained back to the boiler. Water, once pure and clear will begin to take on the color of mild tea or in severe cases, black coffee. Clean water boils faster and easier than dirty water. We need to keep the water as clean as possible.

Boiler manufacturers advise that water be drained periodically from steam boilers. Your boiler has drain valves on it, at least two of them. The drain valves look a lot like hose faucets you might see in your laundry room or outside your house. They have a standard male hose thread. There is one on the lower part of the boiler, near the bottom. A second one is located on the lowest part of the return piping. The manufacturers advise removing water from each drain once a month. As a professional, I urge you to perform this task twice monthly. If you forget, well, you are back on schedule. If you forget monthly service, before long, the winter is over. Drain about 2 quarts of water from each drain, or till the water runs clear. You are doing two things. You are flushing "boiler mud" from the low points in the boiler and return piping. Boiler mud serves as an insulator, preventing the heat from burnt fuel from traveling to the water. You are also "thinning the soup"- reducing the amount of rust in the system as a whole. Don't take out too much water. Excessive fresh water is also a problem to be discussed shortly.

Feeding your steam boiler: Ok... you have drained the proper amount of water from your boiler and you are on the way to achieving maximum steam boiler efficiency. Your system also loses water through the various radiator vents and main vents during normal operation. Now, we have to put that water back! See that glass tube on the front or side of your boiler? That indicates the water level in your system. We like to see it between half and three-quarters full. Boilers are filled two ways. Most are fed manually via a valve on the water feed line. Crack the valve open, using the dial or lever handle. Feed slowly. The water level will rise in the glass tube. Shut the valve off tightly when proper level is achieved. Failure to fully shut off the valve can cause continuous feeding of the boiler, until the water level rises and rises... to the top of the boiler, through the steam piping, even up to the radiators. If you see water pouring out of radiator vents, it's a good sign that your system is flooded.

Many boilers are equipped with automatic feeder systems. These will replace normal water loss with no effort on your part. This DOES NOT absolve you from draining your boiler as previously described! A potential problem inherent with automatic feeder systems is that they will always maintain your boiler's water level, regardless of the nature of water loss. Earlier we wrote that excessive fresh water in a boiler is a bad thing. Fresh water contains dissolved air in it. You can see the bubbles come up when you fill your water glass at the kitchen faucet. The dissolved oxygen and carbon dioxide, when present in excessive amounts, can form mild acids in your system that can rot your cast iron and turn it into the consistency of wet cardboard. Keep an eye on your system. Periodically, during normal operation, check the radiator air vents for excessive steam loss. Check the radiator shut off valves at the base of the radiators. Visually inspect steam piping and vents in the basement. If there are consistent leaks of either water or steam, call a professional contractor and have them repaired!

Servicing your steam boiler: You can perform most normal maintenance on your steam system. It is suggested that periodically, your boiler and system should be examined and maintained by a professional steam heating expert. He will properly check function of your automatic feeder, pressure control, burner, thermostats, pigtail and low water cut off control. He can clean or replace an obstructed gauge glass. He will check for proper and safe combustion. Your chimney vent will be checked for proper draft and leaks. He can replace defective radiator air vents. Vents stuck in the open position will leak steam and waste water. Vents stuck in the closed position will prevent the radiator from ever getting warm. We have our cars serviced, why not our heating systems? We use them so often and are very dependent on them. Your steam heat professional has the tools and parts and expertise to provide that extra level of maintenance to minimize your needs for emergency service.

Maintenance of Air Conditioning Units

Proper maintenance of air conditioning unit can be a simple process, if you consider some basic things. You can enhance the working by proper maintenance. To do so the very basic thing is to do regular checkup.

Things included in complete Air Conditioning Checkup

A complete checkup consists of following steps.

o Check out refrigerant (Freon) levels. In case of lower levels than normal range, the next thing is to find out leaks. Leaks must be repaired unless you go to refill more Freon.
o Electrical components and controls must check carefully.
o Carry out cleaning of evaporator and condenser coil if it is required.
o Check machines for oiling and lubrication.
o Thermostat must be calibrated properly.
o Accurate working of condenser is also important.
o Filter must be examined for dirt depositions.

Important things to consider before turning on Air Conditioning Unit

The condensing unit on outer side should not cover up with any thing like furniture, garbage bag for leaves and lawn clippings. Some users have misconception of covering condenser units with some protective shield to increase the working span of unit. But in actual situation such things badly affect the working of AC units. Condenser units do not need any protection. Condenser pulls air from out side cool it and blow inside to decrease room temperature. But if the condenser is blocked or protected with some covering it will fail to perform its function.

Important Tips to Keep your Air Conditioning Unit in Working Condition

o Examine all connections for leaks.
o Assure proper draining of condensate tube.
o Try to clean or change the furnace filter especially in summer.
o Keep plants, curtains, hanging objects and furniture away from outside condenser units.
o Get your duct work cleaned by professionals on yearly basis.

Maintenance of Key Components

The over all functioning of any air conditioning unit depends on key components. These key components include filters, coils, power cords, switch, thermostat drain ports and fan. These key components must be serviced on regular basis in order to keep your system working for long duration.

It is also necessary to adjust the thermostat on cooling mode. Because setting thermostat below room temperature will not turn on cooling. You can see that proper functioning of air conditioners needs proper maintenance with all other working precautions and guidelines.

Portable Air Conditioning Units

Portable AC units tend to be more compact, light, ability to transport to any space or place your house, and can be easily stored away in a closet. With all the technological innovation for the portable air conditioner units sector, they now use less electric power to run, as a result lowering your electric statement, and need a lesser amount of upkeep. The main rationale for less maintenance is portable a/c units are created using fewer elements so is less to break down when you need it the most, the intense heat for the summer time. In comparison to window and wall installed air conditioning unit, moveable a/c units push out as much or more cool air and require a lesser amount of electrical power. While in search of a portable air conditioning unit you need to think about the air conditioner prices, size of a air conditioner, the power you need to keep a comfortable temperature, size of a compressor, the SEER scores and Bel units, deals offered along with warranties. The best place to begin with your hunt is with the world-wide-web. You are able to check all the numerous styles, dimensions, specs, ratings and testimonials and most significantly cost. Vital Specifications

Below is a list of the critical specifications that you'll want to know previous to trying to find your portable a/c unit

SEER rating-the seasonal power efficiency ratio, this will let you know how economical the unit is. A great rule of thumb is to begin with as a ranking of SEER 13.

Size for the Compressor-this will influence the price. A good compressor will lessen the sound level, reduce repair needs and increase the ability to cool your house rapidly. The type of refrigerant used in the compressor can also be vital. R-410 has replaced R-11 and R-22 so it would economical to buy a unit with R-410A because R-22 will be extremely difficult to discover and you'll pay a higher price to place it into your new unit. An additional measure you ought to think about is BTU. The higher the BTU rating, the more powerful the air conditioning unit will be.

Bel Units-This is a unit of noise, the higher the amount the worse it is.

Warranty- it is recommend to simply investigate on the web to discover what the market is offering at the time of purchase. The more confident they are of their portable air conditioning unit, the longer the warranty.

Once you have looked for the very best portable a/c unit for the best price it is time to buy and relax in the cool comfort of your home. By placing a portable air conditioning unit in your home will significantly lower your temperature without having to purchase a new central A/C unit, drastically increase your electric bill and give you the ability to store it away for next summer time.

Asthma and Allergies - Can Air Conditioning Make Your Allergies and Asthma Worse?

I remember growing up, my mother was very selective when we were to use our air conditioning in our home or the car. We could afford it but my mother was a firm believer that fresh air was natural and good for you. I thought she was a little wacko but that was her belief system. It is very possible there is something to that fresh air theory after all these years.

Most people live and work in buildings that are loaded with pollutants like ozone, toxic chemicals and toxic mold. The funny thing is, a lot of us get sick because of these toxic environments. Now, lets look at air conditioning because it can create the phenomenon known as "sick building syndrome." There never was "sick building syndrome." before air conditioning. So that is a plus for why air conditioning can make your allergies and asthma worse.

Next, we need to deal with the bodies response to temperature changes when dealing with asthma and allergies. Most people who have impaired immune systems can not tolerate this rapid change to our bodies temperature change. Heat causes your pores to open in order to cool the skin and keep your bodies temperature from getting too high. However, it also allows your skin to better absorb things around you in the air like fungus and bacteria that is in the air. In other words, if you walk into an air-conditioned building room on a hot day, you could be more exposed to particles that are not filtered out by the skin due to the open pores. That is why our mothers always told us to take a cold shower before getting out of the hot shower. Might be an old wives tale, but it works for me.

There have been studies done that show that people working in air conditioning are more likely to suffer from more frequent respiratory infections than those who breathed fresh air every day.

Remember, fresh air is good for you. A good example is to go to the beach for maybe one hour. The difference is you are exposed to fresh air from the ocean. The sinus's start to open and you feel better. Try it, if you live near a beach like I do. That is why I live in South Florida because I can go to the fresh air at the beach. In fact, the beach was great this morning and I feel much better than when I got up this AM from my air conditioned home. Everyone that tries it is amazed how much better they feel.

In conclusion, fresh air is good for you, as long as it is not polluted. Try to get as much fresh air as possible. Air Conditioning is OK when it is hot, but try to continue to get clean air. Open the window in your car instead of running the A/C next time. Remember, there was no "sick building syndrome" before Air Conditioning. Going to the beach is healthy for you because there is more oxygen by the water, try it. If your Asthma or Allergies get worse from fresh air, the odds are it is polluted and you need to see your Doctor for medical advice. If your Asthma or Allergies condition is serious, never do anything without your Doctors permission first.

If you have any questions, feel free to call us or visit our website.

Heating and Air Conditioning From The Earth's Ambient Temperature

People are always looking for ways to get the most out of their energy dollars and be more environmentally conscious. Some people choose to use less power by keeping the thermostat set to a higher temperature in summer and lower in winter. That is fine but it does not account for the discomfort of being too hot or too cold. Others try and harness other alternative methods to offset the amount of electricity they extract from the grid. This is a good idea but it has a number of flaws. For one thing these systems are expensive and require a lot of harmful chemicals to manufacture. For another, if the sun is not shining, solar power is not worth anything. That means the home is only green when weather permits.

Fortunately there is another option that uses less power; less chemicals and will never not work. It is called geothermal heating and air conditioning and it uses an alternative option that is safe, renewable and very inexpensive to operate.

Essentially these geothermal heating and air conditioning systems use the natural heat contained in the crust of the earth to warm a series of looped water pipes beneath the house. These are warmed to the same temperature of the earth and then return back up to the house. Once their heating and air conditioning compressors circulate the temperature controlled environment, as they would have if they had been artificially enhanced.

This allows the home to remain the same temperature as the inside of the earth all year long with little operation costs. Of course as with any thing there is a drawback and that is the initial cost. If by chance the home you are going to be living in has not been built yet there is the potential to install a geothermal heating and air conditioning system without a lot of added cost. On the other hand retrofitting an existing property requires a number of things to be right and cost nearly thirty thousand dollars. This is a lot to invest in something but it is worth remembering that it will seriously save money in the long run and will eliminate the need for outside energy for any sort of climate control need other than the price of running the pump to circulate the water beneath the home.

Heating and air conditioning does not need to be expense and bad for the environment. With geothermal the need for toxic refrigerants is eliminated and the burning of petroleum is no longer used to warm living spaces. The cost to set up can be substantial but the benefit will last forever and never need replacing or repair for the life of the system.

Benefits of a Cool-N-Save Air Conditioning Pre Cooling System

Every household makes use of an air conditioning unit. Some people use it at night, some during the day. It all depends whether the weather is too uncomfortable during a specific time. Most instances, the air conditioning unit will be turned on to at least compensate for the discomfort. However, in days of extreme heat, an air conditioning system or unit will have a hard time circulating cool air to the area it is suppose to provide for. The air conditioning unit has to double its efforts to pump out the cool air because of its continued compensation and battle with the extreme heat from outside. Apparently, whenever this happens, the life expectancy of the unit will shorten and can end up consuming more electricity. This is true for many of your standard air conditioners especially old ones. Thankfully, there has been a breakthrough to help ease the problem and it is all going to come down to the cool-n-save air condition pre-cooling system.

The system is based on what commercial structures use. Like warehouses, factories and offices, majority of these structures have a misting system all over its air conditioning unit. If you are not familiar the logic of it all is very similar to the mist systems that you can see at entrance doors of restaurants and parks. In no less than five minutes your home may have one too.

When a cool-n-save system is installed, it is usually located above the air conditioning unit. It works to absorb heat from the air by using what they call a flash evaporation. Through this method, the room instantly cools in temperature and even if it is using water, there will be no evidence of it since it has completely evaporated. What works well with home owners is that the cool-n-save only turns on when the ac is powered as well. Both units rely on each other to provide power and water that is then thrown into the air or as mist.

Why the cool-n-save works well beyond any other standard cooling system is the fact that it is a simpler contraption compared to the regular bulky misting systems that you may have seen. For any home owner, installing a regular cooling system will definitely have to spend a lot of money because these aren't cheap. Unlike the cool-n-save, the machine is very small and accessible, it can easily be controlled. In fact, maintenance is easy and will only require minor cleaning.

The biggest factor that benefit a home with a cool-n-save is through its effects on cooling within a room is because of its patented control valve. Electricity is hardly consumed and if ever it is turned on, the consumption can hardly be felt. As mentioned above, it turns on and closes the same time as the AC so it feels like it is only an add-on to the entire unit.

Now that you've seen the capabilities of a cool-n-save air conditioning pre cooling system, does it not justify itself and its purpose? Make the move and have that instant cooling satisfaction in your home.

Buying Air Conditioning For Less

When buying air conditioning, selecting the right merchant or service will ensure that your climate control needs will be met more easily and effectively. A poor choice of retailer or repair service could limit your opportunities or require greater expense. Doing business with the best will allow you to enjoy greater benefit for your investment.

Customers who are in need of initial installation, upgrades or even repair services could find themselves in a very uncomfortable position if they make a poor choice. Having to suffer through an inconvenient delay for climate control solutions can be very irritating. The right retail and repair opportunities will shorten the time needed to enjoy a more comfortable home or business.

Equipment required to cool a larger household, business or other large structure could represent a truly sizable investment. Making an ineffective selection for your retail opportunities could incur greater expense. Customers who make every effort to find the best deal they have available may be able to enjoy a measure of savings.

Cost concerns are not the only factor that should govern the decisions customers will be making. Working with any service that will be unable to provide the installation or repairs you are in need of may be little more than a waste of time. Superior services will be able to offer quality work and more convenient arrangements.

With so many different opportunities to find the machinery and services you are in need of, beginning your search can seem like more of a challenge than it needs to be. Conducting the most successful search will require customers to stay focused on the best resources. Exploring and assessing a narrower range of alternatives will make for a more efficient search.

Using a computer to seek out and find new opportunities to consider could provide a much better way to conduct your research. Discussing your needs with more than one retailer or repair professional will give you the chance to compare more than one option. Such measures, when neglected, could greatly reduce the number of opportunities that you have to make use of.

Buying air conditioning is an important concern for any customer who is interested in a cost effective way to beat the heat. Investing in the best equipment and the right services can be a paramount concern. Learning more about the opportunities that can be found would be an important step in making a better investment.

The Pros and Cons of Portable Air Conditioners

With the weather becoming intolerably hot in summer, air conditioners have become a must in every home and office. Due to the great strides in technology, there have evolved various kinds of air conditioners to meet your different requirements today. The most common among them are the window AC, split AC, central, and the portable AC.

The portable ones have become very popular today as they are the most cost effective kind of coolers. They are very easy to shift from one room to another which is a great advantage. Another benefit of these devices are that they are extremely hassle free to install and do not need any alterations in the interior of your home.

Portable air conditioners come in different sizes and models and you can choose a model which will be perfect for your needs. It is better to settle for a bigger size as this plays an important role in the cooling of a room. Most of these devices also come with dehumidifiers and a two way oscillating fan which are added advantages.

These air conditioners can be used in your homes, offices and even class rooms. They are almost as effective as a window or central air cooling system. They are also great energy savers. Maintenance of these systems is also very easy as their filters can be cleaned or changed easily.

But there are some minus points also for these air conditioners. The biggest minus point is that they are only capable of cooling smaller areas as opposed to the other usual coolers. Another disadvantage is that you have to dispose of the water that is produced by the system. And they are also noisier compared to the fixed air conditioning systems. The ultimate choice is left to you whether to but a portable AC or not.

How Heating and Cooling Systems Work

Most homeowners don't think too much about their heating and cooling systems until they stop working. But having a contractor perform regular maintenance on the system is the best way to keep it running smoothly and minimize your downtime. It also helps to have basic knowledge about how the system works so that you can give repair technicians an idea about what might be wrong before they come out to service your heating and cooling system.

There are three main components of heating and cooling systems: a source of processed air, a method for sending the air from the main source throughout the house, and a thermostat. In most cases, the furnace and air conditioner use the same ductwork to send air throughout the house. Usually the same thermostat is used for both sources of air as well. When there is any kind of a problem with the heating and cooling system, any of the system components could be the source of the issue.

The most basic principle to understand about heating and cooling systems is that they both work the same way. Both of them are designed with the idea that heat moves from something that is warm to something that is cold. In other words, it moves away from the source of heat. This is why furnaces blow hot air in order to heat up your home. But air conditioners work under the same principle. They actually pull hot air out of your home so that it will cool off.

It's also important to realize that every system that heats or cools your home has to burn some type of fuel. Air conditioners burn electricity, while furnaces may use electricity or gas. A heat pump runs on electricity and performs both heating and cooling functions.

While any of these units is turned on, it's consuming whatever type of fuel it uses. This causes the hot or cool air to be produced and pushed out to the various parts of your home, usually through air ducts. After passing through the ducts, the air then comes out into the rooms via heat panels, radiators, or registers. Some systems heat water and use it to warm up your home. In this type of system, there are pipes in the walls of your home that heat up when the water inside them is heated.

Air conditioners work by cooling a gas that's inside of them until it reaches its liquid state. As air meets up with the unit, it cools off and then is pushed through the ducts for delivery into the various rooms of your home.

The entire system is controlled by a thermostat, which works according to the temperature that's around it. So if your thermostat is located in your main living room, then it is that room's temperature that will have an effect on the rest of your home. Other parts of your home might be warmer or cooler depending on how far they are from the thermostat. If you don't already have a programmable thermostat, it's a good idea to invest in one because they can save you a lot of money on your heating and cooling bill by changing the temperature automatically at different times of the day.

Two Stage Air Conditioning Can Give You Better Comfort and Higher Efficiency

If you live in an area in which you need air conditioning most of the year, then you need to check into the benefits of two stage air conditioning. The addition of another stage to your system will help to make you more comfortable and help your system to use less electricity.

Cooling your house is a necessity for many people all year long. For these areas the addition of a second stage to you system will give you a much more comfortable system. The ability of the unit to run at a lower output will also save on the electric bill.

When your air conditioning system is running at a lower output you will either have your compressor running at a lower speed or you will only have one compressor running instead of two. The refrigerant is still going through the same size coil so it is taking every bit of the cool out of the gas before it is returned to the compressor. The indoor blower is running at a lower speed which saves electric also. The result is that you are running your air conditioning system at a super high efficiency.

Next consider that often in cool rainy weather you still need a little bit of cooling. But your single stage system runs at full output and shuts down very quickly. The result is that you have a cool wet house. The system does not run long enough to take the humidity out of the air in your house. By running your system at a lower output for a longer time over the same size coil you give the system the time it needs to dehumidify the air in your home.

When considering the replacement of your existing air conditioning or installing a new system, make sure that you take a look into a two stage system. The benefits will be a more comfortable environment both in lower humidity and less overshoot of the temperatures in the home. The extra money you spend will soon be forgotten with your more comfortable home, and the money you save will help to pay off the initial cost rather quickly.

The Lowdown on Ductless Heat Pumps

Ductless heat pumps generally deliver air from the indoor part of a heat pump to a space that is cooled without any means of a duct system. The ductless heat pumps are an energy resourceful system for any house. How will they work? Most of these units installed may have a duct system or else an air distribution system; ductless does not. It is just one that will hang on a wall and will deliver air from the indoor part straight to a space, which is cooled without any means of a duct system.

The ductless heat pumps give a unique answer to bringing central air conditioning into homes. By piping the refrigerant to individual coils in air handlers increased throughout a home, heat pumps do not need duct work for the central air conditioning.

The ductless systems combine flexibility of the room central air conditioners with cooling of the central systems. However, some systems give heating and cooling, ductless heat pumps are generally installed mainly for cooling.

In a conventional heat pump, a single indoor unit and single outdoor unit serve entire the house. The air is cooled at an evaporator coil and distributed all over the house through ductwork. In the ductless systems, you will find one outdoor unit that is serving multiple units. Refrigerant is also piped from the outdoor unit by small diameter refrigerant lines straight to the individual rooms and zones. The cooled air is then blown in the room by a fan in individual evaporator components. The term "mini" has been used to describe small indoor units situated in every room or area.

The ductless heat pumps are installed by using the conventional techniques for installation. Nevertheless, extra care should be taken to stop refrigeration leaks as well as to make sure of proper operating pressures. In addition, it takes two installers about a day to install a system having three zones. In addition, wiring for power and controls is simpler than with the conventional unit as wires are run along with refrigerant lines. The refrigerant lines from the outdoor units will span to one hundred feet to the indoor units.

Tips for Picking a Mini Split Air Conditioner

As real estate grows thinner and thinner and homes push up against each other, the mini split air conditioner has become more necessary than ever. Many of us do not have space for air conditioning ductwork and also lack windows for window-set air conditioning, rendering the need for efficient yet compact units pressing to many people who unfortunately do not know how to choose the right mini split for their home. To avoid the common mistakes made, follow the tips below.

Do not think that a mini split air conditioner coming pre-charged with refrigerant is immediately one you can install yourself. Many companies lead customers to this false conclusion by failing to explain properly that such pre-charged products usually require regulation before they work, and this is a process that still has to be carried out by a professional. Make thorough inquiries before you jumping to conclusions like this, or you may be sorely disappointed when what you expected to be low costs escalated to high one owing to the price of hiring a pro that you did not factor in from the start.

Check the decibel figures for the amount of noise each air conditioning unit makes. This should not be too grave an issue since this type of air conditioner is known for being quiet. Still, you should compare the numbers across units. Lower decibels naturally mean less noise.

Look for an air conditioning unit that has a high SEER rating. SEER figures indicate how efficient a unit is, so you typically want to go with a mini split unit with a very high number here. Even if the unit does appear to carry a higher price tag, you may rest assured it shall be worth every penny you pay. These days, it is fairly easy to find a mini split air conditioner that posts a figure as high as 20 SEER; indeed, many are now posting higher ratings. Consider going for these to keep your energy consumption excellent.

Consider the big picture when buying a unit. The costs involved in buying cooling units like these are not restricted to simply buying the product: you need to search for a mini split air conditioner whose installation is straightforward enough for you to step in and do some of the basic preparatory tasks instead of leaving everything to the professional installers. The bottom line is always better if you are handy enough with your household or garage tools to take some of the work upon your shoulders, as this cuts down the labor costs involved in hiring experts to do the work for you.

Preventative Maintenance by HVAC Contractors - Service Specialists

Common preventative maintenance on your HVAC system is as necessary as getting your car's oil changed regularly. Air conditioning contractors can help alleviate expensive energy bills by tuning up your air conditioning system. HVAC contractors specialists need to routinely check up HVAC systems and perform regular maintenance in order to keep the systems running smoothly. Preventative care for HVAC systems can catch costly issues before they get worse, and can help prevent your HVAC system from turning in to a money pit. Having HVAC contractors inspect central heating and air conditioning systems can help them last longer and perform more efficiently. The performance of a regularly maintained HVAC system is more reliable than one that is not inspected and maintained. Owners of properly updated systems enjoy lower energy usage each month, cleaner and healthier indoor air quality, and a sense of security that their HVAC system is safe for every day use. Keeping your HVAC system cleaned, inspected, and maintained regularly by the same air conditioning contractors can be affordable when clients are return customers, since many contractors offer considerable discounts.

Asking your local air conditioning contractors some questions about their business policies can help determine whether or not they are a reliable company to do business with. Request some information about their commission policies, time limits for service inspections, and certification. Clearly, an HVAC service specialist whose primary income is based on sales commission will be much more likely to suggest that you purchase appliances or upgrades you might not necessarily need. If there are strict time limits on how long service inspections are supposed to take, the HVAC specialist may overlook issues which can cost you money over time. If you're investing money in having air conditioning contractors inspect your home or business HVAC system, it is almost worthless if the inspection is not entirely thorough. A qualified heating and air conditioning expert needs to be constantly updated and certified to use the most current technology. Taking advantage of energy efficient models is a great way to save on utilities, and the efficiency of these appliances increases with each passing year. HVAC service specialists always need to know how to install, repair, and maintain the most current appliance models.

A good annual pre season check up will consist of several different preventative measures which vary by season. A typical all season checkup consists of checking thermostat settings to ensure they're properly functioning, tightening electrical connections and measuring motor function. Lubricating any moving parts in the system helps reduce friction and results in less energy consumption. A HVAC contractor will then inspect the condensate drain to ensure there will be no water damage as a result of a plugged drain. Then the controls of the entire system should be checked to see if it turns on and off properly and runs smoothly. Going over a few of the things that your HVAC specialist will be doing to your HVAC system will help you understand why regular maintenance is vital to energy savings.

How To Add A Central Air Conditioning To The Home

Economical air conditioning of any kind of house is now possible with the introduction of new central air conditioning equipment. The last large category of existing homes previously considered difficult or expensive to air condition - those with hot water or steam heat and those without central heating systems - can now add summer cooling at a reasonable cost without modifying the heating equipment.

Practically all homes fall into one of the following five categories as far as heating systems are concerned.

1. If you live in a home with warm water or steam heat using radiators or one of the other radiant heat applications, you can install a summer air conditioner such as the Summer Weathermaker. The small unit located inside the house contains cooling and dehumidifying coils, filter and air-circulation fan. It can be hung from the ceiling in a hallway, closet or utility room, or placed in a minimum space in the attic, basement or crawl space.

The simplest kind of duct system can be used because perimeter discharge of air which is usually advisable for heating systems in cool climates is not necessary for cooling. It is connected to a refrigerating unit requiring no water which is located outside.

2. If your house has a floor furnace or space heaters, the approach is the same as indicated above for houses with wet heat.

3. If you have a modern forced warm air heating system in good condition, you can obtain year- round air conditioning at a comparatively low cost. You can install a conversion unit which uses the furnace and existing duct system for filtering and air circulation and adds cooling and dehumidifying. There are models available which can be installed with any kind of forced warm air furnace, whether it is the standard vertical type, counterflow or down-flow unit, or a horizontal heating plant installed in a crawl space or attic.

The small, quiet cooling and dehumidifying coil package is located at the discharge end of the furnace, and a weatherproof and tamperproof refrigerating unit requiring no water is placed out of doors.

4. If you have a forced warm air furnace which is getting old and worn, it might be better to replace it with a summer and winter unit like the Year-Round Weathermaker than to try to convert it. You can usually use the same duct system. This is less expensive than installing a new forced warm air unit and adding a conversion unit later on.

The complete unit handles both summer and winter air conditioning. It supplies cooling, dehumidifying, heating, air circulation and filtering. A simple control shifts it from cooling to heating and the same thermostat sets the temperature level for summer and winter. It is available either with air-cooled refrigeration using no water, or water-cooled, and for heating it burns oil or gas.

5. If you have an old gravity warm air furnace with warm air pipes coming off in all directions, your best bet is to replace it completely with a unit which will provide winter and summer air conditioning. Conversion is not recommended. Some modification will be necessary in the ducts and outlets, but you would need this if you installed a new forced warm air system.

4 Great Air Conditioning Brands

We usually don't understand the luxury of air conditioning until we go a day or two without it. If you live in a hot muggy climate, air conditioning is is a luxury you cannot go without. With the popularity of air conditioning, the manufacturers have spent a great deal of time and money into making their products more energy efficient than ever. Luckily for us, air conditioners have become more affordable as well. Buying a new air conditioner can be a tough decision with so many choices in brands, sizes, and types of ac units.

There are many great air conditioning brands to choose from, I think these three are some of the best on the market for residential units:

1.) Trane Air Conditioners: This company is more than 100 years old, includes the American Standard and General Electric brands and has revolutionized the way heating and air conditioning has been used in the United States. On their website, they claim "our systems and services have leading positions in premium commercial, residential, institutional and industrial markets; a reputation for reliability, high quality and product innovation; and a powerful distribution network." From my experience in the HVAC industry, I would say this holds to be true. They offer great products that are very reliable.

Trane offers four different efficiency units; Ultra, Super, High and Standard efficiency. The units offered by Trane have a 13 to 20 SEER rating. The more efficient the more expensive the unit but more you will save down the road on utilities. They have focused a lot on indoor air quality and noise reduction with their machines. Trane is a reliable brand name that will be at the top of the HVAC industry for a long time.

2.) Carrier Air Conditioners: This company has also been around for over 100 years and claims to have been the first to engineer the first air conditioner in 1902. On their website they say "Through our market-leading products and solutions, we are constantly striving to help people live more comfortable, healthy and productive lives" which I believe to hold true as they are in 170 different countries and have one of the largest HVAC product lines.

Like Trane, they have four main types of units: Infinity, Performance, Comfort and Base units. The four are separated by efficiency levels which can be directly measured by their SEER rating ranging from 15 to 21. Carrier focuses and tests their units for sound, durability and air quality. As Carrier says, they invented the air conditioner and I believe you can count on their units.

3.) Goodman Air Conditioner: This company has been around for over 60 years and focuses mainly on residential and commercial units. Unlike the two companies above, they have not expanded into refrigeration equipment. Goodman says "We remain focused on providing high-quality products at an affordable price, and protecting them with what we believe to be some of the best warranties in the industry" on their website. They are right, they sell more units in the US because of their affordability and warranties than another other HVAC manufacturer.

Unlike Trane and Carrier, Goodman doesn't break down their units by efficiency. They have seven main residential units, all with different SEER ratings ranging from 13 to 18. They focus mainly on their units affordability, durability, and optimum cooling comfort. All of their units have at least a five year warranty and some even have a lifetime compressor warranty. Goodman is a great brand for residential and commercial ac units, you cannot go wrong buying one.

4.) York Air Conditioner: This company was purchased by Johnson controls in 2005 making them the largest global provider of integrated products, systems and services in the buildings market. Although the York brand hasn't been around as long as the other three manufacturers listed above, they make a very durable and energy efficient product.

York breaks their units down by three main types; Affinity, LX and Latitude models ranging from 13 to 18 SEER. York has concentrated on building quality residential machines that you can count on for quiet, trouble-free service and economical operation. York may not have the number of years in the industry as the other three brands mentioned here but when you buy a York air conditioner, you know you will have a machine that will last as long as any unit on the market.

Make Your Hair Come Alive With the Dead Sea Mud

The Dead Sea is the lowest point on earth but has the highest concentration of minerals. Although life dies inside the sea but outside life thrives off its invaluable resources.

The Dead Sea has a reference in the Old Testament as the "Salt Sea" and it is believed that Jesus was baptized at a place near the Jordan River which used to be a main tributary of the sea. Apart from the historic and religious value the sea has life giving qualities. People from all over the world flock to the resorts in the nearby areas to benefit from its air, water and mud; they soak up the sun here since the harmful UV rays are filtered because of the atmospheric pressure. A lot of ailments from respiratory to skin are believed to be cured by the water and the black mud which is brought from the bottom of the sea.

However there are still quite a few who are not able to go there due to the expenses involved and make do with the products made from refined dead sea mud, combined with a lot of other herbs and natural ingredients. The skin and hair care product manufacturers are taking advantage of the mud's therapeutic properties and using it as an ingredient in the natural care range. In order to take full advantage, compare products and choose the one with the higher concentration of the sea's mud.

Shampoos containing ingredients derived from the black mud:

• Detoxifies the scalp that is it cleanses and nourishes; it cleans all the chemical deposits left over from years of usage of harsh products.

• Provides moisture to all parts of hair.

• Penetrates roots and scalp with healthy minerals unlike the harmful coating done by other shampoos.

• Believed to prevent premature graying of hair.

• Has been seen to give relief to chronic sufferers of psoriasis, dandruff and other scalp problems.

The mud has been used by kings and queens of ancient times in their beauty regimen including Cleopatra!