Residential Air Conditioning: 4 Tips To Help You Save

There are few things as enjoyable and relieving as coming out of the blistering heat and into the cool, welcoming embrace of your residential air conditioning. Unfortunately, some of that comfort slips away when you get your bill at the end of the month. So you start making adjustments. You turn your A/C off when you leave the house. You yell at family members when they adjust the thermostat. You decide that you should rely more on your body's natural cooling process - sweat. But these are not the greatest adaptations. Here are 4 good tips that will save money.

Ceiling Fans:
If you have ceiling fans, it's time to start putting them to use. Having your fans running can make a big difference when it comes to saving on your residential air conditioning. If you don't have them, strongly consider installing them. For a moderate up front cost, you can make your house much more comfortable and cool for a fraction of the cost. You may even find there are times when you can set the thermostat much higher and still relax without sweating.

Programmable Thermostats:
Changing your thermostat out is an inexpensive way to save money on residential air conditioning. If you often forget to adjust the temperature before you leave for work in the morning and come home to realize the house has been working hard to keep it freezing for the furniture, this might be a good investment. One mistake people often make is turning the system completely off when they aren't home. This can actually cost you money, as it takes much more energy to cool off the home than to keep it cool.

Keep The Filter Clean:
Your residential air conditioning can't work to its optimum capabilities if it can't draw the air in. Check the filter once a month or so and make sure it isn't getting clogged more frequently. If you want to save a little money, you can always buy a metal mesh filter rather than rely on paper filters. Then you can just wash off the screen every month instead of buying a new one.

Insulation:
If your home isn't properly insulated, you're probably spending a great deal more on your monthly energy bill than you should be. Call out a good insulation company and have them see if there's anything they can do to improve your energy costs. This may even qualify you for a tax rebate, as the government is interested in getting homeowners to be more energy conscious.

Cyclone Technology for Central Heating Filtration

Many of these units rely solely upon magnets for the separation of debris from system flow. There is a concern that these filters do not also protect the boiler and other central heating system components (such as pumps and valves) from damage, as a result of non-magnetic debris and contaminants. The debris which can be found within a central heating system varies greatly depending upon factors such as the age of the system, the quality of installation and maintenance, the quality of component manufacture and more. The types of non-magnetic debris found within a system include but are not limited to; non-ferrous swarf, flux, casting sand and spalled scale.

It is for this reason that a greater emphasis on the removal of all types of system debris is required, and therefore a progression away from magnets towards a more advanced, all-encompassing method of filtration. Cyclones are used in both domestic and commercial environments to separate solid matter from liquid or gaseous mixtures. A popular domestic brand of vacuum cleaner makes use of cyclone technology for central heating filtration is the Sentinel Eliminator, which uses Quadra-Cyclone technology for the removal of all kinds of central heating debris.

Hydrocyclonic separation makes use of centrifugal force to separate heavy particles from liquids. It works by manipulating liquid flow into a cyclone or vortex. The resultant centrifugal force impels the heavier components -the system debris - towards the outer edges of the vortex. Once separated from the flow, gravity causes the particles to sink towards the bottom of the cyclone. Here, free of debris, the cyclone geometry squeezes the clean water towards the inner vortex of the hydrocyclone, exiting through the top of the separator unit.

Even though hydrocyclones take on the primary role of debris removal in this revolutionary new filter, cyclone magnets still play a part in retaining the debris, keeping it securely in place within the collection chamber. Unlike other filters which rely on a single, usually centrally located magnet assembly of cylindrical magnets, the Eliminator makes use of four separate bar magnets, providing an even magnetic field across the collection chamber strong enough to retain magnetic debris and prevent recontamination of the system flow. The debris can then be removed either via the anti-tamper flushing valve, or the removable collection chamber.

By making use of this Quadra-Cyclone technology instead of simply relying on a single cyclone magnet, Sentinel are revolutionising the way in which central heating filters are designed. As always, focusing innovative thinking to maximise energy saving through improving the efficiency of central heating systems.

Some Basic Benefits of Getting Your Central Heating and Air Conditioning Unit Serviced

I used to work in the H.V.A.C. field, this if you don't know stands for Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning. It was hard work, at least it was to me.

It was also very frustrating work too. However, it had it's rewards also. It paid pretty well for the small town areas that I have lived in. And I always had lots of work which means I always got a paycheck.

Those are two good things about it. Now, I am going to write here for a moment about why you want to get your central heating and air conditioning system checked out at least a couple times per year.

First of all, your central air and heating system is a machine. And most any and all machines need to be maintained. They need to be checked periodically to make sure they are working properly and doing the jobs they were designed to do.

Next, by having your unit regularly maintained you are able to know many times if any costly repairs may need to be made in the future. Thus, this may give you some added time to save money in order to have those things taken care of.

The third basic reason why you want to get your unit serviced on a regular basis is the fact that it can help you save money on your electricity bill. By keeping your unit well maintained and having it serviced and cleaned your unit should work less and not use as much electricity. Therefor saving you money in the long run.

So, if you have not had your central air and heating system serviced in a while, get it done because it can save you a lot of money and heartache in the long run.

Hair Regrowth - 4 Easy Tips To Help You Make It Possible

There are millions of people out there who are wondering if hair regrowth can be achieved. Baldness and thinning hair are two of the most common hair concerns encountered by adults. Oftentimes, the causes include hormonal issues and changes, certain medical conditions and medical treatment procedures, stress, psychological factors, hereditary, unhealthy scalp, hair damage secondary to chemicals and other hair treatments and poor diet among many others.

Whether a person will admit it or not, having healthy and strong hair is a major contributory factor to physical beauty. In fact, there are a lot of individuals who would agree that hair loss can significantly lower one's self esteem and confidence. For this reason, the quest for effective ways to re-grow hair continues and hair experts dedicate much of their efforts in looking for promising solutions.

There are some basic tips that you can try which can stimulate hair regrowth. By following these simple steps, it is possible for you to get favourable results. Furthermore, these basic pointers can likewise help in making your hair healthier, shinnier and stronger. Here are some of the best advices;

1. Regular hair trimming can help in making your hair grow healthier. It also makes your hair look thicker. Although hair trims will not directly stimulate regrowth, it contributes a lot in maintaining the health of your hair shafts especially the ends. It can reduce split ends and breakage as well which is important in order to maintain hair thickness. When you are able to maintain hair without any split ends and with less hair loss, you can expect your "crowing glory" to be healthy and beautiful for a long time.

2. Massaging your scalp using your fingertips for about 10-15 minutes everyday can improve blood circulation to your roots which is very important in drawing oxygen and for nourishment. It is possible to stimulate hair growth by massaging your scalp regularly due to the increase in blood flow. This can be done prior to going to bed or right before shampooing your hair.

3. Hair regrowth is important in order to maintain your hair's natural thickness as well as to replenish the hair that has fallen out due to brushing, styling or breakage. It is important to make the hair stronger and more resistant to damage in order to reduce hair loss and maintain its volume. This can be done by using the right hair care products such as shampoo and conditioner. Moreover, it is of utmost importance to avoid excessive use of hair straightening irons, curling irons and blow dryers. Allowing your hair to air dry is a much better option because it tends to be weaker and more prone to breakage when it is wet.

4. A good, well-balance diet and healthy lifestyle can also contribute to hair regrowth. Drink plenty of water to keep your skin and hair moisturized. It is also advisable to eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, take supplements that contain Vitamins A, C, D and E and minerals like sulphur, zinc and magnesium; and to stay away from alcoholic beverages. Quit smoking and have enough hours of sleep and rest to optimize your healthy lifestyle. Proper diet and lifestyle modification can improve your physical appearance and can help in making your hair grow healthy.

Chill on a Yacht With a Portable Air Conditioner

Heat can be dangerous; it's a killer especially for the very old and the young. The heat wave in Europe in August 2003 killed an enormous  19 000 people, which shows that air-conditioning is becoming more of a necessity now than ever before.  Those lucky few that spend their spare time yachting around the seven seas aren't exempt from the body's need for temperature control. The sun beats down without mercy on the sea, and a small cabin can easily become an unpleasant roasting oven. Portable air conditioning for boats is a must if you really want that pleasure cruise to remain a pleasure.

Energy efficiency becomes even more important when you are far from dry land. A Miami invention by seasoned yachtsman, Bert Kehren, came after he realized that his air-conditioning unit was the biggest drain on his boat's energy supply. The way Kehren managed to develop a highly-efficient portable unit was by using top quality parts and rearranging them to work more efficiently. Kehren added a rotary compressor to the traditional unit, which is more efficient than pistons, and added top quality evaporators, blower motors and a condenser. The 6000-Btu can run all day, keeping the air in the boat cool and dry and it uses significantly less power.

The Carry On 7000 is another US invention that is specifically made for small boats and is the only hatch top air-conditioner around that is meant for the marine environment. It can fit onto any hatch and is easily installed by one person without tools. The waterproof hatch bag is adjustable, so it fits tightly over the hatch and seals in cool air and keeps out insects. The Carry On lives up to its name; it's compact and light.

If you want to buy a portable air-conditioning unit for your boat it's worth shopping around a bit. Power supplies on boats are a little trickier than the power supply at home, and factors such as size and weight become a lot more important when your living space is diminished. Using an energy saving unit that can run continually and spare you and your family from feeling drained and tired on a hot, humid day will make all the difference to your summer holiday.

Home Inspections And Your Air Conditioner

Home Inspections and Your Air Conditioner There are different types of air conditions that can be used in your home. We will be discussing the split system central air conditioner typically found in residential homes. Air conditions are one of the most expensive mechanical systems in your home and have a relatively short life span in some climates.

According to the Carson Dunlop training manual there are some limitations to inspecting your central air conditioning system, which are; you shouldn't test an air conditioner when the ambient air is below 65 degrees F or has been below 65 degrees in the past 24 hours, don't test if the power has been off for at least 12 to 24 hours because compressor could seize, most parts of air conditioner are not visible without removing plates etc which is beyond the scope of a home inspection and the interior cooling coil is normally not visible for inspection.

Central air conditioners operate by using Freon gas between two coils. Cool liquid in the cooling coil contacts warm air of your house and attracts the heat as it boils off from liquid to a gas. The gas is then compress by the compressor to increase temperature from approximately 170 to 230 degrees F which then allows the cooler outdoor air to absorb heat from gas when it is moved through the outdoor coil. This liquid, which has been cooled down to approximately 95 to 110 degrees F, is then restricted by passing through a capillary tube or thermostatic expansion valve which brings temperature back down and then cycle is repeated over and over, cooling down your home in the process.

Another function of the air conditioner unit is to dehumidify the air. This function is performed as air passes over the evaporator coil, cooling air to past the dew point, which converts moisture in the air into condensation. This water is collected in a pan and then drains through condensate line to drain etc.

A properly functioning air condition will drop the ambient air by 15 to 20 degrees F. This will seem much cooler because of the dehumidifying of the homes air. Some air conditioners have a block heater or sump heater that warms the oil and release the gas from the lubricant. This can take from 12 to 24 hours, which is why you cannot just power up a central air condition unit and test right away.

I recently came across a situation where a real estate lady, who was representing both buyer and seller, apparently told buyers not to worry because the air conditioner was in working condition. I had told the clients that I was unable to test unit because ambient temperature was below zero at time of inspection. Imagine the homebuyer surprise when they moved in and the air conditioner was not working. Checking with the agent, they were informed that it was disclosed that air conditioner was working in uneven manner. They maintain that on their final walk through the agent, who represented both buyer and seller, reassured them that the air condition was working. Their A/C tech, who inspected unit for them, informed them that the unit had not been working for up to two years. Now the real estate agent is blaming me, the home inspector, saying her home inspector would have tested unit and also stating that there was no verbal confirmation of air conditioner condition. This is a good example of "cavet emptor" buyer beware. This local agent has left a bad impression on these particular homeowners, who do not feel that she represented their interests. She has also made comments about the home inspection that are unsubstantiated and untrue, but money will make people do strange things. It is so important to get those small details in writing, especially when your agent was originally representing the seller. Let that be a lesson for you.

Air condition compressors come in five different types, which are: reciprocating (piston), scroll, rotary, centrifugal and screw. Residential compressors are normally piston, rotary or scroll types.

Most air conditioners have a 5 minute delay built in to prevent starting unit when high-pressure gas is still in system. These types of air condition usually start up with gas being equal on each side of system. Failing to wait can cause damage to compressor. This is also true for your fridges or freezers, you should always wait 5 minutes before plugging them back in.

The compressor is the guts of the air conditioner and is usually the place where most problems occur. Here are some common problems that are encountered with compressors; Excess noise or vibration, Short cycling, Out of level, Excessive current draw, Wrong breaker size, Wiring too small, Missing electrical shut off, Inadequate cooling.

The life expectancy of an air conditioner can depends on where you live and your climate. They can last as little as 8 to 10 years in hot climates to as long as 15 to 20 years in Northern climates. Many older air conditioners may have had their compressors replaced, which would extend their life span considerably.

Tips Read your contract carefully before signing it so that you understand the rights and obligations of all parties. Never rely on a verbal agreement--agreements must be in writing to be valid.

Don't locate your air conditioner in direct sunlight-particularly on the south side of your home where it will be forced to work much harder to do its job. Indoor unit coils should be cleaned periodically with a vacuum cleaner or brush. The outdoor coils should be kept free of grass, leaves, shrubbery and other obstructions. Check your owner's manuals for information about proper start-up and operation of their equipment. Also, make sure that registers and vents are not restricted or blocked by furniture, carpets, rugs or curtains. Brought to you by Barrie Home Inspector

Attack Those Awful Air Conditioning Odors

Automobiles do not usually have stale, unpleasant odors but many drivers are often bothered and annoyed when they turn on the car's cooling system and those musty, stale air conditioning odors rush out of the vents. It is actually quite common for people to turn on air conditioning units and notice stale odors for the first 3-5 minutes

Usually after several moments of air conditioning odors, the unpleasant smell will simply fade away. Sometimes this peculiar odor will remain as long as the air conditioner is on and the fan is blowing. Even fairly new cars are not immune from the stale and annoying odors that very often accompany the cool breeze from your car's air conditioner. While not a health hazard, these odors can be very unpleasant. Most people want a safe and easy way to rid their vehicles of the scent.

A basic review of the air conditioner system in a car is necessary in order to develop a better understanding of how and why unpleasant air conditioning odors occur. You can also find out how to get rid of the odors with a little elbow grease and disinfectant. This tip might help you prevent future occurrences of this same problem.

When an auto's air conditioner is started, the compressor pump has to push the coolant through the hoses and coils to the condenser. The condenser is easy to find and is located in front of the radiators.

This is the place where the coolant product is actually cooled and is changed into liquid form. The liquid in the condenser is then pulled through tubes and hoses to the auto's evaporator unit. The evaporator unit is found in the ac heater housing unit. At this junction, the fluid will be changed into a gas and the heat from the evaporator unit is absorbed by this gas.

The air has almost constant water vapors that are present and this creates condensation on the newly cooled vents of the evaporator unit. This is the same thing that occurs when you take a cool jar from your refrigerator and place it on the table. The difference in temperature creates a layer of water, or condensation on the outside of the jar.

The condensed water is what traps the dirt and dust from the air as it is moving through the vents of the evaporator unit and blowing into the car to cool the passengers. Ordinarily you would expect this dirty water to drip into the bottom pan of the air conditioning and heater-housing unit. You always see this fluid dripping and puddling beneath cars in parking lots, especially during those hot, summer months.

Whenever a car is being driven it will encounter a dirty environment. You can count on some of the dirt, dust and other pollutants to end up caught in the bottom pan of this housing unit. This is not a totally air tight piece of machinery. This dirt and dust will also coat the evaporator unit, particularly on the tiny vents. These vents lead into the interior of your vehicle and as the air begins to blow through the system, and over these vents, you smell and inhale all of the air conditioning odors from the dirty water and whatever is in the water.

With a mixture of a dark warm environment, water, and dirt, you have a perfect place for fungi, bacteria, mold, and mildew. It is the dirty water and these microbes that are responsible for those air conditioning odors that you dislike. Your air conditioning unit is almost an innocent party; its only fault is trying to keep you cool.

There are some ways for you to clean and disinfect the units and thereby get rid of the air conditioning odors:

You can remove the entire housing unit and clean it yourself with disinfectant solutions.

You can opt to take the car to a professional mechanic and hire him to do this for you.

You can also just use a spray disinfectant solution and try to spray this into the complete interior of the housing unit. This auto AC disinfectant is available at almost all auto shops and all of the dealerships now carry it. If you will also clean the evaporating unit, you will help decrease or remove the odor and this one little project may help your air conditioner perform better. When you clean those vents on the evaporating unit this often allows better airflow and more efficient cooling.

Spray the disinfectant into the housing unit by aiming through the visible opening where the blower motor is mounted upon the resistor block. Your car's resistor block must be unbolted from the mount to get to the opening, but leave the block and the wiring connected. You must make sure to keep the blower motor running while you are doing the disinfecting. This is important to allow the spray to disinfect the system. Make sure to get the disinfectant into the housing and on the evaporator unit. Do not spray any of the solution onto any hot motor parts.

Use your vent fans or household portable fans to keep the interior of your car well ventilated during the time that you are actively applying the disinfectant. You want to get all of the disinfectant and the residue out and blown away. Let the car sit for about 5-10 minutes and then thoroughly wash and rinse all around the housing with at least 3-4 L of clean water. You will need to spray this water through that same opening. At this point, you can turn off your fans and put your resistor block back in its proper place.