High to Low Efficiency Central Air Conditioning Units - A Buyer's Guide

The price and performance of your air conditioning system is determined in a large part by your HVAC system's operating efficiency. The "matched systems" which comprise of the outdoor unit (compressor) and indoor unit are tested and given a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER). The SEER is similar to the miles per gallon (MPG) rating given to a car. The more cooling and heating a system provides for each unit of energy consumed, the higher the SEER. Therefore a unit with a higher SEER will consume less energy and help you to have lower utility bills.

High-Efficiency Central Air Conditioner

A high-efficiency central air conditioner has a SEER of 16 to 23. The estimated cost starts at $3,500.00. A high-efficiency unit will cost more initially but will save you a lot of money on your future utility bills. Using less energy is better for the environment and can be necessary if you live in a location with high energy costs or extreme climate conditions. These units use the more eco-friendly coolant R-410A instead of R-22 (freon).

Mid-Efficiency Central Air Conditioner

A mid-efficiency central ac unit has a SEER of 14.5 to 17. The estimated cost starts at $3,000.00. A mid-efficiency unit is more of a balance between initial investment and long-term energy expenditures. Today the United States government dictates that new central air conditioners have a SEER of at least 13. Like the high-efficiency units the mid-efficiency unit uses the R-410A instead of the R-22 (freon).

Minimum-Efficiency Central Air Conditioner

A minimum-efficiency central ac unit has a SEER of 13 to 14.5. The estimated cost starts at $2,500.00. Just ten years ago the minimum-efficiency units would have been considered high-efficiency. So if you're replacing a very old ac unit, then the minimum-efficiency central air conditioner will help to lower your energy bills by nearly half. Some contractors believe the minimum-efficiency units are the best value in general. If you live in a climate that will permit low use of the ac unit then minimum efficiency may be the best choice. Also if you're on a tight budget or needing a unit for a rental property the minimum-efficiency may make sense. Most of the models use R-410A refrigerant.

Mini-Split Ductless Air Conditioner

Central air conditioners require ducts to vent the cooled air from room to room. If your home is not equipped with ducts then installing them can be very costly. An option for homes that do not have ducts is a mini-split ductless ac unit. The estimated cost starts at $1,000.00.

A mini-split ductless air conditioner operates with two main pieces of equipment. The compressor is outside the home while the air handler which holds the evaporators and blowers is inside the home. The mini-ductless system may cost more for what you are getting but is cheaper to install when you don't have existing ductwork. One advantage is that you can better control the air temperature of each individual room and only cool the rooms that are in use as long as you have a unit in the room.

How to Buy Central Air Conditioning

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

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

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

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

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

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

Carrier Furnaces

If you are currently looking for a suitable furnace for your home, you will find a number of brands to select from. One of such brands is the Carrier. Here are a few reasons why Carrier furnaces are preferred by many people:

1. Made by a trusted name - Carrier furnaces are built by one of the trusted names in the industry. They are designed to deliver economical and reliable warmth in your homes. Most people prefer this brand because it has been delivering quality furnaces for years now.

2. Offer efficiency and quality - Though mostly priced higher than the other brands, these furnaces offer efficiency and quality. The efficiency ratings of these furnaces range from 80% to as much as 95%. Evidently, these furnaces are sure to keep your homes warm for a long period of time.

3. Available in various sizes - Available in different sizes, this furnace is suitable for various needs. It has different sizes that make it well-suited for different homes.

4. Available in two types - The innovative furnaces from Carrier are available in two types - the gas-fired and the oil-fired. Carrier's gas-fired or the variable speed gas furnace units are available in 15 models. These furnaces come in a variety of features from the variable capacity to the performance aspect. On the other hand, the oil-fired furnaces are available in six different models. These furnaces also brag of their excellent features from comfort to performance.

5. Energy-efficient - Furnaces from Carrier warm homes with less energy consumption. They are all recipients of the Energy Star, one of the notable standards for energy efficiency.

6. Warranty - Carrier's line of furnaces come with limited lifetime warranties on heat exchangers and 5-year warranties on entire units. Extended warranties of furnace units are also available.

7. Safety innovations - These furnaces from Carrier also exhibit safety innovations like the hot surface ignition system.

8. Provide Comfort - Carrier offers comfort systems that suit various preferences and needs. It provides impressive indoor experience through its variety of Carrier-exclusive features.

9. Power-packed - Exclusive features are integrated in the furnace units of Carrier to give them more power for excellence.

Questions to Ask Before Buying an Air Conditioning Unit

Sure, there are parts of the United States that are seeing regular snowfalls in winter and then there are others that bake in the summer sun. Air conditioning is a common feature in many American homes and as such the market has grown large and intimidating.

When last have you looked at the sheer variety available in just one brand of air conditioner, let alone across the spectrum of different manufacturer's brands? Well, if you are on the hunt for a new air conditioner for your home or business, there are a few questions you need to ask in order to get exactly what you need. After all, the last thing you want is to spend all that money on one and not have it fulfill your air conditioning requirements.

Stationary or on the move

One of the biggest decisions you need to make when purchasing an air conditioner is deciding on a stationary one or a portable one that can be moved from one room to the next. The type of air conditioner that you choose will depend on your needs. For instance, are you a stay at home mother who spends her day all over the home doing housework?

A portable device will suit your needs as it can tag along from one room to the next as you go about your daily tasks. Are you a family that spends much time away from home during the day and lots of time in a centralized area when at home? Well, a stationary wall or window mounted device would be perfect for your needs. Perhaps you have several members of the family needing air conditioning in each of their rooms. Wall or window air conditioners work well for this purpose as well.

Pick your device

Picking an air conditioner, whether it be a portable or a stationary one, needs to be done according to certain criteria. The first question you need to ask is, how long will it last? The device you choose needs to be durable so that you are not forking out money on something that will fall apart in two months flat.

You need to pick the best quality manufacturer and model you can afford. The next question is, where is the air conditioner going to be used? The size, power and such needs to cater to the size of the room and the location the device is going to be used in.

You need to take the amount of sunlight the room receives and the square footage. One more thing to take into consideration when purchasing an air conditioner is how user friendly it is. It is no use purchasing an expensive device that stands proudly and impressively in your living room like a small spaceship, but nobody can figure out how it works. Invest in an air conditioner that will be easy for everyone in the family to use so that everyone can enjoy the benefits of your home's new air conditioning.

What to Ask About in Heating and Air Conditioning Service Shops

Heating and air conditioning shops are plentiful around the country, full of professionals who are ready and willing to help you with your heating and air conditioning needs. They can handle nearly everything that is related to heating and cooling, helping to keep your home at a comfortable temperature.

These different heating and air conditioning service shops are generally overlooked. People fail to use them for their service, unaware of the incredible amount of information and help that they can receive from these shops. If you are thinking about home hating and cooling, you will want to go into these shops and ask about these various things.

Ask About Energy Efficiency

The first thing that you are going to want to talk to professionals in heating and air conditioning service shops about is energy efficiency. This simple discussion will lead them to ask you about your current system and will help you to better understand what you have and the new types of technology that are better. They will be able to talk to you about energy-efficient boilers and will help you to lower fuels costs in your home.

The discussion will also help you to better understand why your current system is inefficient. The professionals will help you to understand energy ratings and clear numbers that can show you eventual monetary figures. You will be able to figure out exactly how much you could stand to save through the types of technology offered by that shop.

Ask About Costs

If you are going into a heating and air conditioning service shop you are going to want to ask about cost. You need to understand how much your current system costs you and how much a new system would cost. You need to talk energy ratings to fully understand the utilities costs of each type of technology. Come armed and ready with information on how much you use in both gas and electric. The professionals may be able to show you exactly how much you could save based on your readings.

Ask About Experience

Experience is always something that you are going to want to ask about when walking into a professional setting of any kind. After talking to the professionals in heating and air conditioning service shops, ask them about their experience with these devices. They will be upfront and honest with you about their experience. The more experience they have, the more you can trust them to work on your home heating and cooling systems. Be sure to ask them questions about things you might not understand, such as electronic zoning or comfort zone finder technology. If they can explain it to you well, they know what they are doing.

If you are working on the heating and cooling in your home you need to work to understand as much as possible about the system. The time and effort that you spend on thinking about heating and cooling can help your home to save hundreds, if not thousands, per year. Go into these different shops and simply talk to these men and women about the various heating and cooling aspects of your home. They will be more than happy to meet your needs and help you to understand more about your home heating and cooling.

Air Conditioning Systems Serve A Variety of Purposes - Know Yours and Choose Well

Make an informed choice about air conditioning systems once and thank yourself every day after. Just like with any big purchase, what you know about air conditioning systems will impact the success of your purchase. Air conditioners have become a staple in the home and workplace, keeping everyone happy and at ease on those scorching hot days of summer. The positive effects of air conditioning systems are plain and simple, but the purchasing process is a little more nuanced. What you know makes a difference.

Knowing your options

First of all, there are multiple types of AC systems, ranging from window ACs to central AC systems. While some systems have a higher level of performance than others, each system serves a certain purpose. It is important to know what purpose you want yours to serve in order to make the best choice. Don't fall into the trap of making an uninformed choice by choosing either the highest or lowest quality system, depending on where your pocketbook is at. Find the air conditioning system that will fit your needs perfectly.

Before you can do that, you need to know your options. The professionals you will work with will likely help you out, but you can make a choice more confidently if you have done a little research first yourself. Besides, it's simple! Are you looking to cool a small room or a large room? Or do you need to cool your entire building? If you are only interested in room-specific cooling, consider the windows in the room. Are they of sufficient size for installing a window AC? Maybe you want to move your air conditioner from room to room. If so, going with a portable system can accommodate that. Size of conditioner also matters. You may think filling a small room with a large conditioner will improve energy efficiency, but this is not so. Have your air conditioning system match the size of your room.

Making an upgrade

Maybe you are looking to make an upgrade from the system you already have. Is your conditioner too noisy, or too difficult to control? Split air conditioning systems are known for their low noise performance and are remote-operated, making them easier to control.

Central air conditioning systems are an obvious upgrade as well, distributing cool air through ducts, or cool water through pipes, in your home or commercial building. Central AC systems offer the same performance benefits as the other AC systems, as well as a few more, including an air filtering function, minimal indoor noise production and reduced energy consumption.

If you are intimidated by the larger, more advanced systems, don't be. There are experts out there who specialize in AC systems and installations to help make the switch as non-invasive as possible.

Remember, when you know what you want you are more likely to get it. By combining your expertise regarding what you need, and the expertise of air conditioning systems professionals, you can be sure that your needs will be met.

How to DIY Air Conditioner Repair

The major air conditioner repairs carried out are due to the air conditioner not being able to turn on, or the cooling capacity has been reduced, the air flow is lost or it can also be due to the internal components of the air conditioner.

The usual air conditioner components that need to be replaced are the faulty air compressor or condenser, defective air handling unit, defects in the duct system and the air leaks.

If your air conditioner doesn't start, you have to look at the controls and the switches as most of the problems are electrical related. You have to check whether the circuit breaker and the thermostat are properly functioning.

After that you need to check the air handling unit which comprises the return air plenum, air filter, blower fan, cooling and heating coil and the supply plenum. Next you need to check the circuit breakers for the compressors and the air handling units.

If the air conditioning problem is not resolved, then you need to check the duct system i.e. the return air ducts and the supply air ducts and the filters whether they carry air from the air handler to the different intended rooms in the building.

The other most common problem with air conditioners would be that the air conditioner doesn't give good cooling effect. It so, you will need to check the blower unit.

If you find that it is dirty, you should clean it as it causes loss of cool air supply. The reduced cooling could also be due to old or aged air compressors which have to be replaced.

The air compressors are costly and this would be an expensive repair. Cooling effect is reduced even if the condensate from the air conditioner is not being drained properly or there are leaks in the air handler, or due to damaged air ducts or due to the problems in the air conditioner refrigerant system.

Air Filter Supplies Clean Air When Everything Around Is Dust, Dirt and Pollution!

Air pollution has been the most common enemy of man these days. Much as we do not want to take notice of this, living in an urban area entails breathing polluted air from car exhaust systems. How then can one ensure that the air we breathe inside our homes is clean and safe?

Another scenario if there are family members that is very sensitive to dust particularly those that are suffering from asthma. Think about the babies and elderlies being prone to sickness when inhaling polluted air. So the best way to handle this is by installing air filters in air conditioning units and air heaters. This will ensure that a very pure dust free environment is there for the whole family.

Like everything in life we should also take responsibility over the things that we use like air filters. It cannot stay for a longer period of time because dust and bacteria will be trapped and it will compromise the quality of the air it supplies to our home. Furthermore, if left unattended, the said dirt and dust that were trapped there can cause a buildup of resistance to the air flow and could affect the performances and efficiencies of our air conditioning unit and heating system. Regular cleaning and replacement therefore is then advised to maximize the effectiveness of air filters. The normal period is every month.

Wait! Are you concerned about the cost of this particular service and replacement? You need not worry at all for the cost is very minimal in comparison to the expense one has to shoulder if someone gets sick due to an unhealthy air at home. Imagine the hospital bills, the doctors' fees, the medicine and laboratory fees will altogether require a big amount. Aside from that, there are unquantifiable effects a sick family member will altogether cause. As parents we need to be absent from our jobs in order to care for this family member. Other members of the family can easily be infected too. We will be exposing ourselves to emotional turmoil because of this incident. Sickness can further weaken the health of everyone around.

Likewise what about if the air conditioning unit and heater breaks down? It surely is a more costly alternative to a change and cleaning of an air filter. Not to mention the inconvenience and discomfort we have to endure. This is a perfect example of why prevention is always better than cure.

Carrier Gas Furnace - It's Easier Than You Think to Own One

Are you looking for a really reliable gas furnace? There are a number of popular brands to choose from in the market today, all of them claiming that they are the best. But the best is actually relative, and the only way for you to determine which is the best is to find out your preferences first. Once you have figured out your personal needs and the factors which are important to you, you'll be able to narrow down your options and find something that's right within your budget and is perfect for your home.

One of the most important considerations to think about is the furnace efficiency of a brand. Carrier gas furnace, for example, has a fuel efficiency of at least 80% which makes it one of the higher-efficiency types today. If you prioritize the savings that you'd like to get, it's just wise to pick a furnace with that much fuel efficiency or higher if possible.

Another important factor that goes into furnace efficiency is its ability to be both a cooling and heating system effectively. The secret to choosing one that works fantastic as both is to check if the compressor is working well, and if there is a thermostat that goes with the unit. These components make your gas furnace more efficient to use and to switch modes when you need it to be performing well.

Of course, the last but absolutely not the last consideration you should think about is the price. Carrier gas furnace range in models and types, and should give you enough options to find something that fits your budget.

Air Conditioning Energy Saving Tips

It costs you more money and uses more energy to heat and cool your home than any other system in your home. Typically, 44% to 50% of your utility bills pays for heating and cooling your home.

Regardless of the type of home comfort systems you have in your house, you can save money and increase comfort by properly maintaining and upgrading your equipment.

Keep in mind that an energy efficient air conditioner alone will not have as great an impact on your energy bills as using an approach that involves the entire house. If you combine proper equipment maintenance and upgrades with appropriate insulation, weatherisation and thermostat settings, you can reduce your energy bills by up to 50%.

General Cooling Tips:

* Use house fans. House fans help cool your home by circulating cool air throughout the house. They are most effective when the outside air temperature is cooler than the inside and when operated at night. An attic fan can blow away hot air that accumulates in the attic. This can go a long way to help the efficiency of your air conditioning system.

* Set your thermostat as high as comfortably possible. By maintaining a minimum difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures, you'll lower your overall cooling bill.

* Don't reduce your thermostat setting to a colder temperature than normal when you turn on your air conditioner. This will not cool your home any faster and could result in excessive cooling and unnecessary expense.

* Set the fan speed on high, except in humid weather. When it's humid, set the fan speed on low.

* Consider ceiling fans to help spread the cooled air more effectively through your home without greatly increasing your power use.

* Keep lamps and TV sets away from your air conditioning thermostat.

* Shade air-conditioning units by planting trees or shrubs, but make sure you do not block the airflow. A unit operating in the shade uses up to 10% less electricity than one operating in the sun.

* Close shades or curtains on east, south, and west-facing windows during the hours when the sun's intensity is at its peak. Open curtains and windows during early morning and overnight hours when the air outside the home is cooler.

* Turn off the air conditioner if the house (or air-conditioned rooms) will be unoccupied for an extended period. Use a programmable thermostat (link to product page) to turn Air off and on automatically when you know the house will be unoccupied.

Here are a few more steps you can take to substantially improve your home's energy efficiency.

Take a Holistic Approach to Total Home Energy Conservation

To achieve the maximum in total home comfort and energy savings, we recommend that you step back and look at the big picture of energy consumption in your villa. The fact is, your total home comfort and efficiency is the product of many systems: heating, cooling, lighting & electrical, plumbing and possibly others working together.

It is the interplay between these systems, combined with the size, age, physical features and location of your home, and even your lifestyle, that combine to produce the total energy efficiency of your home. Changing or upgrading one system, without considering the other factors will usually result in some improvement, but may not deliver the maximum possible benefit.

If you're building a new villa, or considering a major remodel or system upgrade, consider an Integrated Systems approach. It may cost a little more now, but will undoubtedly save you a bundle over time. Our skilled engineers and technicians will look at the big picture when designing a solution for your home.

Conduct a Home Energy Audit

The place to begin when evaluating your home's overall energy efficiency and deciding how to reduce consumption and costs is with a Home Energy Audit. This takes into consideration much more than just your heating and cooling systems, and will give you a benchmark from which to make decisions and measure your energy saving progress.

Here are some of the heating & cooling factors your audit should take into consideration:

* Insulation in walls, floors, and attic.

* Vapor Barriers in walls

* Quality of Windows - Single or double pane

* Heat loss around doors and windows

* Quality of insulation in doors

* Integrity of ductwork "- Any leaks

* Cleanliness of ductwork

* Use of "passive" solar energy

* Use of curtains and other window coverings to prevent heat loss

* Efficiency of heating and cooling systems - Condition of filters, etc.

Consider Purchasing an Annual Maintenance Agreement

You've heard the old adage, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it?" Well that doesn't apply to your air conditioner any more than it does to your automobile. However, when your system is operating properly, it is easy to forget. Regular maintenance will save you the time money and headaches of premature system failures and major repairs. It will ensure that your system is always working at peak efficiency and help you avoid excessive energy costs.

Make sure your Air Conditioner is properly sized

Bigger Is Not Necessarily Better - A bigger room air-conditioning unit won't necessarily make you feel more comfortable during the hot summer months and will most likely perform less efficiently and less effectively than a smaller, properly sized unit. Room units work better if they run for relatively long periods of time as opposed to being constantly switched on and off. The longer running time an air conditioner is allowed to maintain, the easier it is for the unit to hold a more constant room temperature. Running longer also allows air conditioning units to remove more moisture from the air, which reduces humidity and increases the comfort level in the room.

Check specifications carefully when choosing the right air conditioner for your space. Central air-conditioning systems also require proper sizing. Professionals, however, should perform the sizing of your central air system.

Also, do not use the system's central fan to provide circulation. Instead, use circulating fans in individual rooms. Make sure you set the fan of your central air system to shut off at the same time of your cooling unit (compressor).

Use an Air Conditioner with a high Efficiency Rating

Select a room air conditioner that has an A rating or 10 or higher.

Tips For Air Conditioning Preventive Maintenance

There is little worse than enjoying a scorching day out of the heat at home and suddenly your air conditioner doesn't seem to work properly anymore. It happens more often than not. The best way to avoid costly visits from the air and heating guy is to perform annual preventive maintenance. An annual preventive maintenance service call is a whole lot cheaper than a fix-it bill.

There are lots of things the average homeowner can do to keep the air conditioning units functioning well. Purchase extra filters and store them in a safe place for future use. The prices may increase from year to year, so buying extra filters will save money long term. Look for sales during off season or just before the warm weather starts.

You should replace or rinse dirty filters at least annually. More often is even better. Dirty filters can overwork your system as it works to keep your house cool. The air quality in your home will improve immensely too.

Check your freon levels or call a specialist to check for you before the warm season starts. Low or no freon can cause your system to burn out, much like your vehicle's air conditioner. Another simple thing is to replace the thermostat battery annually. Fuses and sensors may become faulty, so have them checked as well.

Use of multiple electrical devices and appliances during summer heat can cause your breakers to trip. Vacuum cleaners, washer and dryer, dish washer, pool pump, electric garage doors, computers, and hair dryers should be used sparingly. Refrigerators and freezers are necessary, but keep the kiddies from opening and closing them too much, causing the appliances to overwork to keep cool.

Beware of circuit board burnout. This can be costly. Rolling blackouts can mysteriously cause the damage. If your system is older than you are, consider replacing it if possible. If you are a new resident, ask the previous owner how old the system is and if there are any functional concerns.

Don't be afraid to ask questions or challenge the technicians diagnosis. If you are quoted what you feel is an extremely high estimate by the service guy, pay the small fee for the estimate and call another service technician for a second opinion. If your original quote is lower, the prior fee that you paid should be deducted from the total bill.

Some replaceable parts may have up to a five year warranty, so be certain to have the technician explain and write down all warranty information on your receipt. Refer a good service technician to neighbors and friends. This may result in addition savings for you. Staying cool is healthy for humans and animals alike. Be smart by taking care of your system.

An Easy To Implement Home Remedy For Hair Growth

We all experience some degree of hair loss. It might surprise you to know that the life expectancy for every hair on the head is just under seven years. Eventually they will fall out and normally more hair will grow in its place. In most cases, some hair loss really is quite normal and nothing to worry about.

However in some cases there may be slight reason for concern. For instance you might start to notice more and more hair in your hairbrush. Once you start to investigate, you may find that you are starting to get a small bald spot on the top of your head. This may be the start of the problem and is a warning sign.

There are all sorts of things that might slow down the rate of the new hair growth or make it fall out ranging from rapid weight loss, dandruff, low iron or protein, to name just a few. A certain amount of hair loss is expected, but it can also be your body trying to tell you something else is wrong. If you are concerned please see your doctor.

Even if you are experiencing some hair loss, don't despair. There may be things that you can do on your own to fix it before the problem gets any worse.

A home remedy routine for hair growth is an excellent place to start. It is relatively easy and the results will be long lasting and effective giving you a much healthier head of hair. Here are some of my most effective home remedy treatments to counteract hair loss and encourage hair growth:

Vitamins

The best place to start is to try to fix the problem internally. Ideally you need a well-balanced and varied diet. Getting enough protein and iron in your body is very important for many reasons, including the growth of your hair. You will need to have a proper diet planned so that you can get these important vitamins in your body.

Vitamins are a big part of a home remedy for hair loss and shouldn't be underestimated. You can take B6 as one of these vitamins. You should ask your doctor first to make sure that your body can take vitamin B6. He will prescribe a safe recommended dosage. If you take too much of this vitamin, it can be harmful to the body.

Protein

For protein, you can eat fish, chicken, or other lean meats. You can also get protein from nuts and pulses. Proteins are needed in every cell in the body. These cells also include the ones for making hair. If you do not have the right amount of protein, the cells in your body will not work to their full potential and will not allow new hair to grow so make sure that proteins form part of your healthy diet.

Iron

Iron is one of the most important parts of the body also. Iron deficiency can cause anaemia and hair loss. Good sources of iron are red meat, clams, dried fruit, cream of wheat and broccoli. As you can see keeping your diet well balanced is key to a good head of hair.

Grooming

Another effective home remedy for hair loss is to be gentle with your hair. Too much styling or heat can be harmful to your hair and over time will cause real damage. For best results use a gentle shampoo no more than once a day followed by a good gentle conditioner. Make sure that you use one that is right for your type of hair. If you must use a hair dryer, keep it on a low setting. Do not tease your hair. This will only harm your hair and be bad for it in the end. Ideally it would be better to air-dry your hair naturally.

These hair growth tips will protect your hair and prevent further hair loss. However do some research because there are lots of other ideas that you could use as part of your home remedy for hair growth.

The good news is that these needn't cost the earth compared to some of the hair loss products on the market. For example you can mix everyday store cupboard foods and ingredients together, such as mayonnaise and olive oil to make excellent treatments for hair growth. It will take some time but you will be delighted with the results, and your hair will love you for it too.

Your Air Conditioning Filter - Keep it Working Well

Making sure that you regularly change your air conditioning filter is one of the easiest and quickest ways that you can help keep your air conditioning system in peak performing condition. The dust in your home is made up of everything from plant spores, pollen and all manner of bacteria.

Because it is out of sight oftentimes we don't think about how important it is, but the filter on our a/c is a key component to delivering clean and fresh air to our home. A dirty air conditioning filter not only restricts air flow, it cuts the efficiency of your unit. Here are a few quick tips to make sure that you are getting the best use out of your filter.

How Often Should It Be Replaced?

How often a filter needs replacing depends a lot upon where you are living and how much you use your a/c. At a minimum filters should be changed every three months to maintain the air quality in your home.

But a lot depends upon the air that is being recirculated through your system. If you have pets, you or a member of your family suffers from allergies or even if you like to cook a lot you may need to adjust the frequency of changing your filter to keep your filter clean and working.

A/C filters are designed to trap particles that range from visible to microscopic in size. And it is these microscopic particles that make up the largest amount of debris that gets circulated in your homes air. According to the EPA, indoor area can be 2 to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air.

Why It Needs Replacing

Not only is breathing dirty air bad for the health of you and your family, a dirty filter will cause your HVAC system to be less efficient and waste utility costs.

Changing your filter regularly guarantees that you will put less strain on your air conditioning system and therefore be less likely to suffer costly breakdowns. Bottom line is that the dirtier a filter is the harder your air conditioning unit has to work to circulate the air through it.

Your filter fills up over time with the dirt particles that it is removing from your air. As the filter gets clogged up the a/c needs to work harder when it is pulling the air through.

How To Replace A Filter

Filters are pretty easy to replace and can usually be done by anyone with even mediocre mechanical skills. First you need to locate your filter/filters. Some HVAC systems have a filter both for incoming and outgoing air and both of these should be changed at the same time. Once located, remove them from their housing.

Make sure that you make note of which direction the air flow is going in the filter so when you replace it you have the new filter facing the same way. Carefully measure the filter. You will need the width, length and depth when you purchase your new filters.

If you have access to the specs on your a/c unit you can usually find the size and type of filter that will work best with your unit. Buy the most efficient air conditioning filter that will work with your unit. Filters come in a variety of sizes and types from numerous manufacturers.

Once you have found the correct replacement air conditioning filter make sure to use a marker to date it and put an arrow along the edge to show which way the air flow should be going. Then simply install the filter.

Conclusion

It's a good idea to link the changing of your filter to specific times of the year so you don't accidentally forget to change it. One good idea would be at the beginning of each season. Depending upon your usage you could also change them when the time changes.

No matter how you remember, changing your filter on a regular basis will help to insure that your HVAC unit is working at optimum efficiency.

What Should You Look For When Buying a PTAC Air Conditioner

PTAC stands for Package Terminal Air Conditioner. They are used a lot in the hospitality industry - you've probably stayed in a hotel that had them. A PTAC is a self-contained air conditioning unit that is installed through an outside wall rather than through a window. While PTAC air conditioner can be installed through windows, most units are 42 inches wide, so it would have to be a big window. One unit goes in each room, and each unit is controlled independently. Some PTAC units are made for both heating and air conditioning.

An advantage of PTAC installation over traditional central heating and air conditioning is that PTAC units, since they're installed through an outside wall, don't need ductwork. This can cut down on the amount of time and space needed for installation. Over time, they can be more expensive than central heat and air because they are generally less efficient. Because of this, PTAC units work best in moderate climates. Places that get extreme heat and cold can overwork the unit, making them expensive to run.

PTAC units use reverse cycle refrigeration or an electric resistance type heater to warm air when it is cold, and they use refrigeration and forced ventilation to cool during hot weather.

But for climates conducive to this type of heating, there are advantages for PTAC units. Since they are bought on an as-needed basis, you can buy them one at a time and add on later. Another advantage is that you won't be wasting energy by heating or cooling rooms where it is not needed. Many companies make PTAC units, including Sanyo, LG, Islandaire, GE, Frigidaire, Friedrich, Fedders, Carrier, Amcor, and Amana.

When choosing a PTAC air conditioner, there are three important things to look for: BTUs, voltage, and size. You can easily find BTU calculators online that make a calculation of your BTU needs based on the room size. For example, for a room with 100 to 150 square feet that is occupied by two people and gets neither a lot of sunlight nor is completely shaded, a 5,000 BTU unit is recommended. When purchasing a PTAC unit, you'll need a grill and a sleeve. You can also buy a drain kit and a wall-mounted thermostat.

Some people purchase enclosures that surround PTAC units (both new and existing). These covers streamline the appearance around the unit and are custom fit to each manufacturer's specification. The best PTAC enclosures are made from 18 gauge steel. They're pre-treated and powder coated in typical colors like white, brown, gray, and black, and can also be made with custom color powder coating to match the decor. People who find that their unit looks worn or tired after many years, but still works great can instantly update a room's appearance by purchasing a new PTAC cover for it.

The Benefits of a Split Air Conditioner System

Split air conditioner systems are a great alternative to both traditional central air systems, and smaller solutions like portable, or window air conditioners. They allow you to have complete control over which areas are cooled, but don't require that you have a window in the room where they're operating unlike a window unit. They are also about as efficient, if not more so than central air conditioning systems.

While window air conditioners are a decent solution to your cooling needs, they do require that you have a window in the room where it operates. This doesn't work out well if you need to cool rooms that are towards the middle of your home, possibly lacking windows, or not having windows large enough to hold a window a/c unit. They also require that you purchase an entire unit for each room you need cooled. Compare that to a split air conditioner system which has a separate outdoor compressor that is connected to the indoor units via rubber tubing. This means no window is required, and the lightweight indoor unit can be placed anywhere within the room.

Central air systems use large ducts that have issues with efficiency. They can become separated or cracked, which greatly decreases the efficiency of the system. They are also quite difficult to install, requiring extensive ductwork to get everything in order. Again, the split a/c unit wins here as they utilize one solid piece of tubing for output to the outdoor unit, and another one for input. This prevents efficiency issues. This tubing is also quite a bit easier to install than ductwork; not nearly as much work is required to install this tubing.

Best Air Conditioners

Tired of cold winters and rainy days? You were probably thrilled when the first few days of sun and warmth showed up... And this lasted, like every summer, until summer really hit. If summer regularly exceed 95 degrees where you live, you may find it difficult to stay home, or to sleep at night. And if you live in big city, this can be even worst as there is very little air circulation to cool down the house. This is why air conditioning is often not only a luxury in some areas. Luckily, air cons are not what they used to be. First, they are at least 50% less pricey, and second, they are so much quieter than they used to be. No more having to choose between heat or noise!

Portable vs Window

Choosing a good air conditioning unit is not an easy task. There are many things to look for. Of course, there are central air cons, but those one need to be installed by pros and are much more expensive. Portable air conditioner have the characteristic of being relatively small so they can be move between different rooms (home office during the day and bedroom or living room at night), or a window air conditioning unit, that needs to be installed and put in place only once before the hot season hits.

BTU

On major thing to consider is the size of the room you want to keep cool. This will influence the size of the air conditioner (BTU) you will need to purchase. If you choose an air con unit with too little BTU, your room will never get cold. On the other hand, if you purchase a very high BTU air con unit for a very small 400 square foot room, you will end up using the energy non-efficiently and be paying higher electricity bills for nothing.

Keep cool and help the environment

When choosing an air con, opt for something that is light and easy to use, that is eco-friendly (use environmentally friendly refrigerant gases) and that are energy star. Energy Star products have the property to use the energy in a more efficient way, so you save money on the long run by helping the environment.

What are the Best Air Conditioners

There are many places to look for a good air conditioner. You can shop on the Internet, where you will find competitive prices. You can also shop at your local retailer. While they may be more expensive in store, some people prefers the fact that it is easier to return the product if it does not perform. Kenmore, LG, GE, Haier, Sharp and Frigidaire are only a few of the numerous brands that carry quality air conditioners.

Frigidaire is known to make great window air cons while other brands like Haier or Sharp makes great portable air cons.

Explaining Watts and Volt Amps - Or What the Heck is a KVA?

Have you ever wondered why some power ratings are expressed in WATTS, some in AMPS, some in VOLTS, and some in KVA? For many in the hosting business this can be a very confusing topic. Face it, professionals in the content business are probably not electrical engineers, and most electrical engineers know nothing about the creation and delivery of content.

This article will explain in simple terms the difference between the major power ratings, and describe when each should be used in your network architecture planning.

According to APC, the main difference between watts and volt amps is the watt rating determines the actual draw of power from a power source and the heat generated from equipment. The VA rating is used for sizing equipment such as circuit breakers, wiring, and UPS. The VA rating is normally equal to or higher than the watt rating, as it includes the "power factor" in its calculation.

Power Factors

The Power Factor is a calculation used to account for the difference in power supplies used to convert AC power into DC for use in electrical appliances and computer equipment. There are two types of power supplies - the capacitor input supply and the power factor corrected supply.

Power factor corrected supplies are used in most high end computing and switching equipment, and have a ratio of 1VA:1W - allowing a very simple calculation for scaling electrical equipment and UPS. Thus, in theory, if your power factor is 1:1, and your UPS is an 80KVA UPS, then you would be able to load the UPS to 100% of its rating.

Older electrical equipment, as well as most lower end computers and video equipment use capacitor input power supplies and have a power factor anywhere from.55 to.75 times the VA rating.

Typically when scaling a UPS for use in a data center you will use a 60% load factor on the UPS. If you overload a UPS it is almost certain to fail during a power outage, as the draw on the batteries will exceed the capacity of the UPS. Most new UPSs will automatically go into battery bypass when an overload condition occurs. The 60% load factor accounts for the high probability that most of the equipment drawing power through the UPS will be of a category that has a power factor of between.55 and.75.

Example 1

You have a 10KVA UPS. Your data center has racks of low end self-assembled computers with a total estimated rating of 9000 watts. Your UPS will most like fail, as the power factor is probably around.70. You would need at least 12.85KVA to adequately backup the data center.

Example 2

You have a 10KVA UPS. Your data center has racks of low end self-assembled computers with a total estimated rating of 6000 watts. Your UPS will be able to handle the load, as the power factor corrected rating will require approximately 8.5KVA of UPS.

Some modern UPSs will actually tell you the average power factor and real time load capacity of the UPS.

Some Useful Conversion Factors

o Refrigeration

- 1 watt =.86 kcal/h

- 1 watt = 3.412 Btu/h

- 1 watt = 2.843 x 10-4 tons

- 1 ton = 200 Btu/min

- 1 ton = 12,000 Btu/h

- 1 ton = 3,517.2 W

o kVA Conversions

Three phase

kVA = V ï?--ïEUR A ï?--ïEUR √3 ⁄ïEUR 1000

Single phase

kVA = V ï?--ïEUR A ⁄ïEUR 1000

Formulas

kVA = Voltage x Current (amps)

Watts = VA x PF

BTU = Watts x 3.41

Repairing Your Own Air Conditioning - Its Benefits And Your Road To Popularity

Do it yourself air conditioning repair; why would anyone want to do that? Many people think to their selfs "don't you need to be certified to do that?" It turns out that the answer to that question is no, not when you are working on your own air conditioning system. Although hiring a certified repair technician is convenient, there are benefits to repairing your air conditioning system yourself.

Cost

The greatest motivation for DIY air conditioning repair is the cost benefit. Hiring a certified technician is expensive. They generally charge based on time an materials. The price of the materials is inflated because you are purchasing the parts through a middle man and they therefore mark up the price so they can make a profit. The rate they charge for their time is high because not only does the parent company need a cut but the technician has to recover the cost of becoming certified. All of this adds up to an expensive bill for you.

When your perform your own air conditioning repair you are not paying for time and materials. Instead you are only paying for materials. An additional benefit is that with a little research you can find and purchase from the same suppliers the air conditioner service companies buy their parts from. That saves you some of the cost occurred from middle man mark ups.

Learn a new skill

Many people really enjoy knowing how things work and how to service them. Having this knowledge is in of its self very rewarding. For some people, picking up hobbies like this leads them into a new career path. Learning to repair your own air conditioning system may push you to becoming a certified technician yourself; then you will be the one charging others the high price of service.

Self Reliant

The thrill of learning a new skill may not suit everybody, but there is one very piratical reason for gaining a new skill. That is self reliance. Not having to rely on a technician frees you to work on the issues much quicker. You also have the knowledge to know the job is done right. When somebody else does the work you never really know what they have done, if anything at all. Knowing how to do your own air conditioning repair means you no longer need to wonder if an unscrupulous individual is taking advantage of you.

Doing your own air conditioning repair can help you save a lot of money. Learning to do it yourself also teaches you a new skill that allows you to be more independent. Soon, many of your friends and family will be asking you to help them with their service needs. In all likelihood, your new skill will make you a very popular person.

Troubleshooting Routine Air Conditioning Problems

Having a problem with your central air conditioning system always seems to come during the hottest day of the year. If you are experiencing trouble with your air conditioning system, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot the issue before having to call in the professional HVAC technicians.

The first thing you should do if your air conditioning unit stops working is check for power. Electrical issues are more common than you may think. Often times, a homeowner will call in an HVAC service technician to fix the air conditioning unit, but the only trouble was that it had somehow lost power or the breaker had been tripped. In order to save your self the cost of a service call, make sure the air conditioning unit has power running to it. This would also be a good time to clear away any dirt and debris that has gathered around the electrical components. Of course, if you see any frayed wires, make sure the power is turned off at the breaker before touching them.

Cleaning the dirt away from the unit is another way you can troubleshoot the problem yourself. Dirt on the coils and pipes of refrigerant will hamper the transfer of heat. Dirt in the air filter will prevent airflow. It is important to make sure the filter is changed regularly to ensure the unit can disperse air properly at maximum energy efficiency. When air cannot flow freely through the blower and into the ductwork, you may begin to see icy buildup or feel hot air coming out of the registers rather than the cool air-conditioned air. It is quite common for people to call in an HVAC expert to fix a problem with their cooling system, only to realize that if they had changed the filter, they would've fixed the problem. It's amazing that a small maintenance task such as replacing the air filter can have such a big impact on the entire function of the air conditioning unit.

Another common problem with air conditioners is the leakage or depletion of refrigerant. If your unit is leaking Freon (the gas that acts as the cooling refrigerant), it can be an environmental issue. Instead of continuing to run the air conditioner when it is not working properly, shut it off and disconnect power to it. If the unit is low on its charge of refrigerant, turn it off and wait for a certified HVAC service technician to reload it. This can only be done by a certified heating and cooling professional.

You will know that your air conditioning unit is having a problem when you begin to feel hot air coming through the vents in your home or when you see icy buildup on the pipes of the unit. If you keep up with your routine maintenance and check for electrical issues, your next step should be to call in the pros.

Recharging Air Conditioning Frequently Fixes Your Cooling Problems

An air conditioners inability to cool is often directly linked to the refrigerant level in the unit. Adding refrigerant is the first thought that comes to mind when a unit quits cooling properly; however, this is not always the best solution for the problem. A correct charge and the right amount of fluid make a unit work appropriately. When an industrial air conditioning service does the commercial HVAC installation, they put in the right amount of refrigerant and set the balance for you. After thorough use, a refrigerant leak or a change in the charge may occur. This affects how the unit operates. Refrigerant itself never goes away. It doesn't burn up or evaporate like other fluids. Additional refrigerant is only needed if a leak is present. Recharging air conditioning is the more realistic solution if a leak has not been found.

A leak needs to be detected and repaired by an industrial air conditioning service. Units with refrigerant leaks tend to cool for a couple of hours and then stop working. They may be blowing air but it will be warm air. Refrigerant coils freezing is another sign that you need to hire someone experienced with commercial HVAC installation and repair. A unit that is low on refrigerant will operate below freezing and form ice from moisture in the air. The ice will build up, block air flow, and can result in more costly repairs. Refrigerant leaks are also very harmful to the environment. The fluid is hazardous to people, animals, and plants. Older fluid types are said to be very bad for the ozone as well. Air conditioning operates on a closed loop and fluid should only be added if there is truly a leak in the unit.

A low charge can also decrease the efficiency of an air unit. When a unit has a low charge, it operates at a higher range than it should. The unit may need to be replaced if it runs on a low charge for a long time. Have a professional check the charge of your unit every year to ensure that it is operating well and in not in any danger. Refrigerant fluid can act as a lubricant for some compressors and loss of the fluid can result in a ruined compressor. Technicians common find fluid leaks while they are recharging air conditioning. A HVAC system that must be refilled several times a year may need to be replaced. Refilling should only have to happen yearly if at all.

You can prevent these and other problems by having your unit checked and serviced each spring. Servicing is essential for air conditioner efficiency. Components can become dirty and the build up is very hard on them. Debris around the outside unit can restrict air flow and reduce system performance. Parts can become run down and need to be repaired or replaced. Having your unit serviced ensures clean and working parts. Refrigerant charge and levels are checked before the unit is subjected to heavy summer use. Spring is slower for service professionals and it is easier for them to service a unit than to repair it.

Carrier Air Conditioning Units Can Also Heat Your Room During Winter

When we talk about air conditioning units, we immediately think of cooling the room to a comfortable temperature. There was a time when the air conditioners job was to lower the temperature, not raise it. Nowadays air conditioning manufacturers have made double purpose units that both cool the room and heat it.

The latest Carrier air conditioning units can raise the temperature in your room during winter aside from cooling it during the summer months. Carrier is a well-known air conditioning brand. Not only is it renown in the Unites States of America, but is also famous all over the world. Millions of people use Carrier air conditioning units because they are known to be reliable. Most, if not all of them are completely satisfied with the product.

Carrier has stepped up and introduced the real air conditioning units, not just air coolers. There was a time when it was unheard of to use your air conditioner during the winter. Now, Carrier has given you a reason to buy and use air conditioners for cold months. This company has always been the leader in the air conditioning industry because of their innovation and setting the standards higher before other brands.

Some of you may have wondered why no one invented air conditioners that are capable of heating the room as well. Carrier air conditioning units can do that now. These units are sometimes called Carrier heat pumps. If you have time to visit their website, you will be able to discover all the info you need about this product. There, you will find details about warranties, prices and tips on how to trouble shoot the products. Their customer support also provides info on how you can get tax credits of up to $1,500 USD when you buy Carrier products.

Aside from saving on taxes, you can also take advantage of rebates of up to a hundred dollars if you trade in your old Carrier unit for a new one. Their websites also explain how the latest state-of the-art technology is integrated into their air conditioners. If you are not well-informed in technological terms and need some help to understand the details, you can simply ask their experts to explain them further. Their consultants can give you tips on how to use their units effectively by conditioning your room to get the best out of your air conditioner.

Carrier cooling and heating systems are energy-efficient and carry the Energy Star to prove it. Their employees can give you more information on how to maximize it further. Positioning the air conditioner in a place where it does not get direct sunlight will make it use less energy to cool your room during the summer. Proper home insulation also helps maintain coolness or heat.

Aside from being able to make you save on your electric bills, their air conditioners are also environment friendly. The cooling refrigerant they use is Ozone friendly. It is indeed the air conditioner of the future. The best part about it is that it will not cost you an exorbitant amount to get Carrier air conditioning units.

Benefits of Choosing Certain Models of Air Conditioning Window Units

I can remember back to the days before people had air conditioning in their homes. It was a miserable time when all you could do is sit around sweating. There was no way to get a good night's sleep, because all you could do is toss and turn. I also remember when my parents got their first air window unit. It was sheer bliss!

We certainly thought we'd come up in the world. Using a little fan, we could even blow some of the cooler air into the bedrooms, or we could sit in the living room around the TV set feeling oh so cool. Although window air units have lost popularity in recent decades due to the invasion of central air, the people who have no choice but to use them are still grateful for the comfort they can deliver.

Although many companies produce window air conditioners, the favorites on the market seem to be Kenmore. You can find a website which does unbiased reviews of a multitude of products, who conducted their thorough testing on 40 different models of air window units. Of the six categories they broke the different units down into, five were Kenmores. Kenmore grabbed the titles of:

* Best no-frills air unit for small bedrooms
* Best low-profile air conditioners (200 sq. feet)
* Best air conditioner for about 400 sq. feet
* Best window AC for 500 sq. feet
* Best larger air unit for about 600 sq. feet

The only title not won by Kenmore, in their estimation, was the award for best air unit for about 200 sq. feet which went to Frigidaire. If their tests are to be believed, Kenmore models are priced better than comparable models, have more features, and receive the highest reviews from consumers.

One quality is very important for you to look for when you buy a window air unit. This is the Energy Star rating. Standards for receiving these ratings are set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy. They will tell you that if every room air conditioner that was sold in America were Energy Star rated, we could eliminate 1.3 billion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions from our atmosphere. This translates to the emissions from 115,000 cars.

Upgrading to a Central Air Conditioner Unit

Many people first start out with individual air conditioners and they find that these work well for them for many years. But as time moves on and the air conditioners start to break down and new ones need purchased, you may feel as though it is time to upgrade to a central air unit. Sure, it is going to cost you about three to five thousand dollars depending on the size of your home, but you will not have to worry about having to purchase window unit after window unit.

Some people are able to purchase and install the central air conditioner on their own. Most people need to have a professional come in to do the job in order to make sure that it is done properly. One thing that you can do to save yourself a little money is to pour your own cement slab. Take a look at other central air units; you will see that they all sit on a cement slab.

This keeps the unit level and out of the dirt. The professional installation service can do this for you but you would save yourself a nice chunk of change if you simply do it yourself. Just make sure that you are pouring a slab that is big enough for the air conditioner and you will be good to go.

Once you have your central air conditioner unit in, you will be able to remove all of the window units and enjoy the new view out your windows. While it can be a costly investment, it is not likely to be one that you are going to regret.

My Air Conditioner is Breaking and Now I Hear a Rattle -Help!

In most cases, it is cheaper and less effort to simply fix a window air conditioner than replace it with a new unit. Did you know that loose parts and a faulty installation are the two most common reasons you're hearing these noises?

But you can repair both of these yourself.

Bad Installation

There's nothing to be emabarassed about if you did it yourself - we're human and prone to error. Typically, a rattling window or window air conditioner unit means the unit isn't sitting right on the window sill or frame. On most air conditioners, there is a notch, or series of notches that are extra wide and designed to work with most sills and windows - even older ones. The manufacturer also places extra padding, foam, insulation, and support around these areas. The reason is because these areas are in contact with the most solid wood, or frame, and thus most of the weight of the unit is placed in that area, or distributed there.

So, if the unit isn't sitting right, the moving parts (fan) and heavy pieces that generate noise (compressor) no longer have the cushion, or support. Thus the unit or entire window will vibrate or rattle.

To fix this, look to make sure you are installing the unit correctly. And use the provided screws to fasten the unit to the window, because this will further brace the window and window unit.

Parts are loose

Almost everyone knows that a/c units having moving parts. Fans and compressors are a few of the more noticeable things that can go wrong and "rattle" if they become loose. The obvious answer to fixing a loose part is to reattach it. Very simple household tools are all that is needed. In other words, you can do it. The most common repair is the fan being loose.

This is by no means an exhaustive list, because so many more things can be causing the problem. You can discover more causes for the rattling by clicking the link to my free energy blog.

What about central A/C units? What can I do there if I hear a rattling?

There's less user-serviceable features about a central air conditioner. Actually, the window unit doesn't strictly have user serviceable features either, but the assembly is easier to get to. Still, the most prominent issue with central a/c noise is debris. Leaves, sticks, twigs, branches, dirt, stones, roofing tiles, screws, nails, tools - you name it, somehow ends up in the unit (at the top) and coming in contact with the fan. This causes the noise.

Simply remove the debris and noise should stop. It should be readily visible. Fortunately, the fan housing is very easy to access. If you can't pull the obstruction out with tweezers or pliers, turn the unit off completely (so the fan doesn't turn on when you're working) and remove the upper housing. Then its just a matter of removing the problem debris.

Aren't you happy? You may have just saved a potentially expensive service call.

Air Conditioning for Today's Lifestyle

In today's comfort-conscious society, it is hard to imagine life without air conditioning. We depend on air conditioning to provide a comfortable environment during hot weather, which in some parts of the country may be year-round. Whether the homeowner depends on window units or a larger central unit for cooling, there are many choices today in types of units and price ranges.

Window units are designed for cooling rooms or small areas. These units usually range from five thousand BTU's, which normally will cool a single room, to larger units of thirty six thousand BTU's or more, which will cool several rooms or possibly the whole home. A window unit is an entire air conditioning system in a square metal box. Inside the unit, there is a compressor, an expansion valve, a chilled coil, and two fans. There is also a hot coil on the outside of the unit. Freon gas is compressed and pumped through the coils. As its heat is dissipated, the freon turns into a liquid. After traveling through the expansion valve, the freon becomes cold. It then goes through coils, where it absorbs heat and helps to cool the air.

For larger areas such as a whole house, a central air conditioning system may be required. This is a type of split system, which means that some of its components are located outside of the building and others are inside. The compressor and condenser coil, which are typically the heaviest and noisiest parts of the central unit, are mounted outside. Inside is the evaporator coil, usually connected to a forced-air furnace. These components are then connected by refrigeration lines and a relay cable.

One central air conditioning option that is relatively new in the United States is the ductless air conditioning system. It has been around for years in Europe and Asia, but only in the past few years has this system begun to be used in the United States. In homes or buildings where ductwork would be a problem to install, one of these ductless systems may be the answer. There are now several companies producing ductless systems for marketing in the United States. In a ductless system, one outside compressor services several evaporator coils that are mounted inside. Each evaporator coil has its own box and blower fan. There are lines which are routed to the outside for condensation and also for refrigeration and electrical needs. Another possible benefit of a ductless system, in addition to not blocking the windows, is that it can also provide heat. These ductless systems are typically more expensive than conventional central systems.

TM44 - Official Guidance For Air Conditioning System Inspections

If you're the owner or manager of a commercial, industrial or public building and you use air conditioning systems within your premises, you must comply with the Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations by having your air conditioning systems assessed in accordance with the guidance document TM44. The assessor who carries our your system inspection and provides your survey report must be accredited to undertake inspections and should do so in line with the guidance provided in TM44.

Air Conditioning Systems and TM44

TM44 is the official benchmark for compliant air conditioning inspections, giving assessors a consistent model for advising building owners on the efficiency, maintenance and management of their air conditioning systems and, in effect, helping them to be aware of, and reduce, their carbon footprint. It is advisable for any property owners and managers to familiarise themselves with the introduction and explanatory sections of TM44, which can be purchased from the CIBSE website.

By preparing themselves ahead of inspections by reading these sections of TM44, those responsible for thesystems in buildings can help to minimise system inspection costs. By providing air conditioning assessors with as much information as possible, the time taken to carry out such inspections will be reduced, often resulting in cost savings.

The need for air conditioning system inspections have a time critical element - the final deadline for inspection passed in early 2011, so if you haven't yet had your systems inspected, you are at risk of having to pay a fine. If you are one of the many building owners or managers who missed this deadline, it is advisable to find a accredited system assessor as soon as possible, before your local authority comes calling to check if you are complying with the laws of the Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations.

Choosing An Accredited Air Conditioning System Assessor

If you have not yet had your systems inspected, you need to find an accredited assessor immediately. There are plenty of companies offering this service, so there really is no excuse for non-compliance. When researching assessors, make sure that they are using TM44 as their guidance document for inspections and reporting. TM44 was created as a result of an official industry working group, combining their in-depth knowledge of systems. All assessors should hold a current accreditation certificate and adhere to the information provided in the TM44 document. If you don't want to purchase your own copy of TM44 ahead of inspection, you can request information from the relevant sections, mentioned above, from your assessor to enable you to collate the necessary details in readiness for their visit to your site.

The law is very clear - you must have a professional inspection and report carried out and this must be repeated after 5 years, without fail. As a building owner or manager, you are fully responsible for complying with regulations regarding your systems - find an assessor who works to TM44 today, before you get caught out.

Air Conditioning Refrigerant - Quick History And Why Refrigerant 410A Dominates Today

When you are in the market for an air conditioner, such as window air conditioner, or central air conditioner, and especially split unit air conditioning systems, you will definitely want to know what kind of air conditioning refrigerant is used in your system. This in part to comply with the state regulations and in part to make sure you are not polluting the environment we all live in. We'll first quickly review the history of air conditioner refrigerant and end by explaining why AC refrigerant 410A is dominating the marketplace today.

The ancient Rome

The ancient history of air conditioning refrigerant takes us to Rome, where elaborate waterways or aqueducts were constructed to bring fresh water to the cities. The Romans have successfully used water as refrigerant in their homes and social places. They led cold water through an elaborate system of water ducts in the walls of their homes, chilling the place down. As you can imagine, only the wealthiest citizens could afford water air conditioning. In part because of the complicated set up and in part because water in itself is not such a great air conditioning refrigerant liquid to begin with. But the Romans didn't know that.

The modern history of air conditioning refrigerant

The modern history of air conditioning is founded on refrigerants other than water.

The quick cool

Remarkably, the modern history of air conditioning refrigerant starts with Benjamin Franklin in 1758 who, together with John Hadley used quick evaporation of alcohol and ether to cool down objects below the freezing temperature of water.

The cooling cycle

Sixty years later, Michael Faraday introduced a cycle of evaporation and compression of the ammonia liquid. Twenty years later, John Gorie used this compressor technology to create ice which was used to cool the air of his patients in a hospital in Apalachicola, Florida.

The first commercial applications

Willis Carrier of Syracuse, New York invented the first modern, electrical air conditioner. It was first designed to improve the humidity and the air temperature in a printing shop so printed material would always come out right no matter what the temperature outside.

The refrigerators that were used in these first commercial air conditioners were ammonia, methyl chloride, and propane, all combustible or toxic when leaked in the air.

The first non-toxic air conditioning refrigerant, Freon

Thomas Midgley, Jr. introduced the first non-toxic chlorofluorocarbon, CFC, gas, Freon. Today, Freon is a trademark of DuPont for any CFC, Hydrogenated CFC, HCFC, or hydrofluorocarbon, HFC blend. Such blends had adopted names such as Refrigerant R-11, Refrigerant R-12, etc. referring to their molecular compositions. The most commonly used of these was a HCFC Refrigerant R-22.

Introducing R-410A, the Puron

While Freon blends were much safer to the humans than the previously used refrigerants, they were claimed in the 1990s to be harmful to the Earth's ozone layer. The sales of new Freon-based air conditioners are stopped as of 2010, and even the recycled Freon is being gradually phased out of use by 2020. In its place, the new blend, Puron, or R-410A is introduced. While the Puron is claimed to be ozone friendly, it certainly is not friendly on the air conditioning equipment. It requires much higher pressures to operate effectively, and thus requires stronger piping in the ducts and coils of the air conditioning equipment.

The Mechanics of Air Conditioning Equipment

The history of conditioners dates back to the summer of 1902, when a printing press hired an electrical engineer named Willis Havilland Carrier to resolve problems in their printing machinery. The printers were getting more moisture because of warm air. The engineer decided to cut down the level of humidity by driving the air inside crossways to chilled pipes. Since that the cool air is unable to carry moisture, the technique worked and the air conditioner was invented.

The concept of conditioners is still the same as conceived in the early years. However, the mechanics of air conditioning equipment come from more scientific advancements and technologies. Evaporation is the quickest technique to cool objects. The idea was practically used by scientists of all eras.

Basically, there are three air conditioning equipment called compressor, evaporator, and condenser. The compressor and condenser are fixed at the outer side and the evaporator in the interiors of the air conditioners.

The basic function of an air conditioner depends on successive heating and cooling of an unstable liquid, for example, Freon. The liquid first enters the compressor and transforms into gas. This procedure helps produce gas and cool liquid. The dissipated heat now extends towards other areas of the air conditioner with the help of a fan.

The liquid enters the condenser to absorb dissipated heat from all parts to convert back into gas. Consequently, the other parts also turn cool. This goes on repeatedly, helping the room turn even cooler.

The air conditioner includes other parts besides compressor, condenser and evaporator. It also has a cooling coil fixed inside to absorb heat, a hot coil to dissipate at the exterior, two fans installed in the exterior as well as interior, and a control circuit to modify temperatures. This is done by modifying the speed of fans using potentiometer.

The most useful and expensive air conditioning equipment is the compressor. Many conditioner companies also offer warranties for compressors. A strong, high-quality compressor is capable of working efficiently for several years.

Compressors can be replaced if they are no more in working condition. They can be easily be installed in the air conditioner. It is much more better to purchase a compressor from the company from which you bought the air conditioner. However, not all conditioner companies manufacture compressors. They purchase compressors from the other companies that manufacture them and install them into the their conditioners.

Central Heating Boiler Installation Tips

There are different types of central heating boiler systems that can be purchased for residential homes. The biggest difference between the various types of central heating boiler systems is the type of fuels they use to operate on. Knowing what type of fuel connections you will need to be ready to make before you begin the installation process will save you time and trips to the hardware supply center.

A central heating boiler system may be a system for heating the water for the home and it may be a system that heats the air in the home. You may also have a system that controls the heat for water and air both. Most of the time, the manufacturer of the product will recommend that you hire a professional installation technician in order for your warranty on your new system to be valid.

If you choose to not hire a professional installation technician when you buy a new central heating boiler then make sure you read the manufacturer guidelines and have the proper tools and equipment to install the device. You want to read the instructions and you want to make certain that you know how to do all of the things required before you begin.

Some systems are hooked up to copper tubing to allow the water to enter the holding tank and exit the holding tank. In order to connect copper tubing you will need a flaring tool and you will need to know how to use the device. Other systems connect PVC pipe with the use of connectors and glue. These systems are slightly easier for the untrained person to install, but they still require that you know what pipe to buy, what fittings to buy, and how to use the cleaner and glue to connect them. Hot water PVC pipe is different from the cold water PVC and you may need to increase or reduce the size of the piping in order to join it to your household piping pieces.

A central heating boiler that heats the air in the house and the water for the house will more than likely have to have thermostats installed in some areas of the house to determine the temperature in the rooms. The connecting of thermostat controls and other electrical elements should really not be done without a licensed electrician present. You may think you are saving money by installing these items for yourself, but there is a big chance that if you do something wrong you will cause a short that could burn down your home. Never take shortcuts where your safety and the safety of your home are concerned.

A central heating boiler that has no storage tank for the water will have the cold water enter the device through the main water limes for the house, and these devices work by heating the water on demand when a faucet is turned on in the house. There is never a shortage of hot water when you have one of these devices.

Carrier Air Conditioner - The Pioneer in Modern Air Conditioning

Carrier Air Conditioners are known worldwide. It is a global brand known for quality, innovative, and environment friendly air conditioners. The Carrier brand is also the pioneer in modern air conditioning.

The brand was established by Willis Haviland Carrier. He is also the inventor of modern air conditioning. The modern air conditioner was invented in 1902. Carrier said that he had the idea while waiting for a train during a foggy night. He was thinking about the problem of temperature and humidity control and by the time that the train arrived, he understood the relationship between temperature, humidity and dew point.

At the beginning, air conditioners were only available for industries. The system ensured that the air was controlled during production and manufacturing. Because of the system, industries flourished because the product they delivered improved.

The system only became available for human comfort in 1924. Shopping malls and movie houses installed their own air conditioning unit which increased business because more people visited the malls and movie houses because of the comfort and coolness that they experienced.

Demands for smaller units that could be used in residential homes increased and in 1928, Carrier introduced smaller units for private home use. The unit was not yet called window air conditioner units. It was first called "weathermaker" because of its ability to change the temperature and remove humidity. The unit sold really well but when World War 2 and the Great Depression started, the demand for the unit slowed down. After the war though, the demand grew and it began selling like pancakes. Currently, air conditioning systems and units are now essentials especially in regions and countries that have warm climates.

Ever since the Carrier corporation started out at 1915, it continues to provide innovative units that continue to grow and improve with the changing times. What was once started off as a huge system which was only available for industries are now available for everyone and is available in a variety of units to suit different corporations and households. Carrier air conditioners, aside from being innovative are also environment friendly. You are not the only one that is taken care of, but also the environment.

Central Air Conditioning: Comfort and Complexity

Central air conditioning is, in a way, the ultimate form of ac, since it can use a central cooling plant to moderate the temperatures throughout an entire building. With a properly sized installation, central ac can cool everything from a small summer cabin with three rooms to massive buildings such as hospitals, military bases, airports, and the like.

When you are considering installation of air conditioning in your home, central ac is the most expensive option, but also the one that offers the best results. You can use the system to cool the whole house, or just portions of it.

Ducts and central air conditioning
The main unit of a central ac unit produces plentiful cool air through the standard methods of condensing and evaporation, but it is obviously necessary to move this cool air away from the conditioner itself and to the place where it needs to go. A simple fan arrangement such as that found in a window air conditioner will not work for a central air conditioner - instead, the air needs to be "piped" to each room of the building through a series of ducts.

Ducts are passages that connect to the air conditioner and extend through the building's structure to "vents", which are the actual openings that debouch into the rooms of your house. Obviously, it is easiest to install these ducts during initial construction, when they can be placed easily into the walls of your home while these are still being built. However, they can be added later as well, though this will naturally involve a degree of remodeling.

A good duct system is absolutely critical to the function of a central air conditioner - central air will not work without it. Therefore, you need to figure the cost of ducts into the overall cost of the system, and not just that of the main conditioning unit.

The features of central air conditioner duct systems
Since warm air must be pulled into the central unit, and cool air distributed outward from it, two duct systems are needed - supply ducts, which push cool air outward to the home, and return ducts, which suck in warm air for processing. The size and configuration of ducts must be mathematically determined according to the distance the air needs to be moved, the volume of the rooms being served by each duct branch, and so on, so professional installation help is almost always needed to create a successful central air conditioning system.

One major advantage that a central air conditioner offers is that if you include duct branches running to the outside air as well, you can keep the air fresher in your home, rather than simply reusing the same stale air over and over again.

Central air conditioners, in short, offer the ultimate comfort, freshness, and thoroughness, which comes at the price of complexity (and higher cost than more limited air conditioning options).

Home Remedy The Best Way For Hair Growth

Every day, all over the world are bombarded with advertisements for products and services to improve their hair. The month of August is celebrated as Hair Loss Awareness Month. For hair growth remedies, avoiding hair loss and hair care is the first step to maintaining beautiful hair for life.

In fact man or woman or teenagers are always focused at their Beautiful stylish, glossy, shining hairs. You may have noticed more and more hair in your hairbrush or on your shoulder; after you brush your hair. This may be the alarming of the hair problem and it needs a home remedy for hair growth immediately. Go for advices of physician for a better home remedy or other self treatment. Most hairs have a life expectancy of three to six years. These hairs will fall out and normally more new hair will grow in its same roots. There are many obstacles like Weight loss, dandruff, low iron or protein can slow down the rate of the new hair growth.

There are many hair loss products on the market proposing that they can cure your hair loss problem. If you want to save money and also want to avoid chemicals found in most hair care products, then you should go for using the natural home remedies for your hair.

Generally hair growth is a universal problem. Hair loss is a miserable condition which reflects the health standard of all mankind. Although it is not dangerous diseases, millions of people are desperately seeking a cure for hair loss. A serious illness or a physical stress, such as childbirth, can trigger dramatic hair loss.

You will need to get the right diet under control. Getting enough protein and iron in your body is important for growth of your hair. You will need to have a proper diet planned. In protein includes, eat fish, chicken, or other lean meats. Proteins are necessary for every cell in the body. These cells also include the ones for making hair. Iron is one of the other most important parts of the body. Iron deficiency can cause anemia and hair loss. Good sources of iron are red meat, clams, dried fruit, cream of wheat and broccoli. These will keep you diet well balanced is key to growth of your hair. Vitamins are a big part of a home remedy for hair loss. You can take B6 as one of these vitamins. You should consult with your doctor to make sure that you will be all right to take the vitamin.

In home remedy for hair loss includes, you have to be gentle with your own hair. It will be harmful to your hair, if you busy in much styling using heat. You should keep in mind grooming wet hair can cause it to stretch and break. Keep Style with comb or brush your hair when it's dry. Use a gently shampoo once a day. A good conditioner is a must for healthy hair. Air-drying your hair is also recommended for a home remedy for hair loss. If you must use a hair dryer, keep it on a low setting. Do not tease your hair. This will only harm your hair and be bad for it in the end.

When you are going for coloring your hair, follow product instructions carefully. The color causes hair to fall out. But when it does incorrectly, it causes hair to break. And when the break is very close to the scalp, it can make you look as though hair has fallen out.

There are also other self-made ideas for a home remedy for hair growth. You can mix different foods and ingredients together to make the best treatment for hair growth. It will take time but in the end you will have a beautiful result.

American Standard Air Conditioning Units - The Importance of Proper Installation by a Professional

American Standard air conditioning units are dependable energy savers that can only be put to good use with accurate installation. Installation requires expertise in home design, positioning, and achieving effective air flow. Attempting to install the unit yourself can be a very bad decision. Only a professional knows the complete ins and outs of air conditioner performance requirements and how to get the most out of your unit. Efficiency is not the only reason why professional installation is so important. Improper set up can result in air quality issues, waste well spent money, and shorten the life expectancy of the unit. American Standard air conditioning units are highly rated, but the qualities they offer may not even be noticeable if they are not installed right.

Reasons Why American Standard Air Conditioners Should Be Put In By a Professional

Homeowners that have their American Standard air conditioners professionally set up are more able to make use of all the features and qualities expressed by the manufacturer. Energy consumption will be correct and much less. Cooling systems can vibrate and be very noisy. Experts use devices that reduce these issues. Bad airflow can contribute to asthma and other conditions. Ductwork accumulates condensation and under the right conditions can be subjected to mold growth. This growth is very harmful to individuals and has been known to contribute to many severe health conditions. A professional takes all of these things into account. Their experience ensures that these things do not happen and that your investment is not compromised. American Standard air conditioners, just as any other brand, have specifications for installation, and an expert will already have a thorough understanding of what needs to be done.

The Commercial HVAC Installation Process

Commercial HVAC installation is more detailed than most people would expect. An enormous amount of things must be considered before putting the unit in place. This is not a do-it-yourself job unless you already have experience in commercial HVAC installation. Ductwork and piping must be laid out and designed correctly to prevent extremely high energy bills. The components that complete the entire system must be understood and match for good operation. This includes the outside unit, inside unit, and ductwork. All work together and making a mistake in one area can reduce efficiency. Electrical work is required. The inside and outside units must be connected to the homes main power supply. Some systems only use an outside unit and if a heat pump will be used, piping is also part of the installation. Planning takes a lot of time and without the right knowledge it is easy to overlook or underestimate specifics in the process. The main power source has to be able to support the cooling system. Ductwork design will have to be contemplated. Unit size must be correct for the cooling load. Installation comes next and requires various expertises as well. With all these factors and considerations, it can be easy for an inexperienced homeowner to make mistakes. Relying on a professional for assistance saves money and guarantees a well installed, functional central air unit.

Starting Your Own HVAC Company

With summer time hitting hard, air conditioning is a necessity in many parts of the country. Individuals residing in southern states such as Arizona, Texas, and Florida simply cannot make it through without a working AC unit. Due to the fact that these devices are extremely expensive to replace, many homeowners choose to seek repair options before deciding to look into a new unit. Thus, the potential customer base for repair men is vast. Such is why having a place within the AC repair field is so desirable. In this article, we will provide a few tips to help you in starting your own HVAC company.

Step 1 - Contact your state board to inquire as to the necessary certifications and licensing that must be obtained in order to engage in HVAC repair. Most areas require certifications in installation and repair techniques for all employees who work in the field. In addition, your company may require a registered contractor's license.

Step 2 - Come up with a business name and register it. You should also hire someone to design an eye-catching logo to put on business cards and flyers.

Step 3 - Purchase the equipment you will require for the business to function. You'll likely need a truck or van in addition to the various tools necessary to performing your jobs. Other items include Freon and Puron refrigerant.

Step 4 - Consider a price list for your services. Some tasks will obviously cost your clients more than others, and it's important to know just what will be required of each job. Likewise, customers will many times be interested in up-front pricing prior to hiring any company.

Step 5 - Advertise in your area. Talk to various property management businesses around town in hopes of becoming a part of their vendor list. Also contact commercial property owners in regard to obtaining contracts with their businesses. Home warranty companies are also prime options to look into. Be sure to post flyers, pass out business cards, and list yourself in the local yellow pages.

Step 6 - As you get your feet wet, start by yourself. Add employees once the workload becomes larger than you can handle and make sure they are properly trained.

Step 7 - Treat your customers like gold. Show up on time, prepared, and well groomed. Word of mouth is effectively the best source of advertisement. Take advantage of this simple aspect, and watch your business flourish.

Starting Up Your AC in the Summer

After the long winter, being too zealous about starting up the AC can actually lead to AC problems. Let me let you in on a secret, as a 5-year Denver HVAC mechanic: Refrigerant is not needed unless there is already serious damage to the central heating system. I get called to recharge refrigerators and air conditioning units every spring, but in reality, the refrigerant is in a closed loop and cannot leak unless there is damage to system components. Modern air conditioning appliances should not require maintenance. Regular checking and filling of refrigerant increases the likelihood of refrigerant contamination and therefore further damage down the line.

So one thing the average consumer can do before calling an expensive Denver HVAC service company is to start up the central air unit themselves, checking for any problems. This will outline air conditioner startup and common warning signs that you have a faulty AC part.

First turn off the breakers to both the furnace and central air unit. They should be on separate breakers. For safety, before disassembling or servicing any type of machine that is plugged in, turn the power off.

Remove the cover of the furnace or compressor and vacuum the whole area, making especially sure that there are not foreign parts in the fan blades. Then replace a filter with the same one your Denver HVACSpin the fan with your hand and listen for any cracks or rumbling which may indicate a failed bearing. If you can correctly identify the problem, it can make it much cheaper for a furnace repair company to fix it. Oil the motor and compressor bearings if they have an oil port.

Bearing problems are cheap and easier to fix than replacing an entire compressor.

With the power still off, clean dust and debris from the outdoor unit's electric wiring. Then spray household cleaner on the coil and rinse it off with a hose. Coils are fragile, but will not work properly if clogged with foreign material.

The compressor in the outside unit is very similar to the furnace blower. Check the outside unit fan the same way, checking for cracks or gaps in the fan and fan housing. Then oil the motor and then you are finished with the outside unit.

Then turn back on the power on a warm day to test the system's pressure. Listen for strange sounds then let the system run for a while.

Then check all the air vents in your home. Air vents should be open to let the system to run ventilation at rated pressure.

Many closed vents may increase pressure in the open ones, but this is bad for the air conditioner. Sometimes cooling problems are a result of the return vent and not the ac vents.

Next is a visual check of the outside unit. The unit should blow warm air and have two lines coming out of it. The small line should be warm or room temperature and the large one should be cool. If you have a outside thermometer you can check the temperature differential between the intake air and the air blown out of the furnace. The temperature difference on a well maintained Denver air conditioning unit should be around 15 degrees Fahrenheit.