Saturday, August 31, 2013

Solar Air Conditioner Pros And Cons


During the summer months, your cooling bills can be outrageously high as you attempt to beat back the heat. A solar air conditioner can offer a few benefits over the standard cooling systems. Prior to making the decision to purchase your new air-conditioning system, it is important that you take the time to do a little bit of research about the pros and cons of a solar system.

Understanding The Sun-Powered System

There are several types of sun-powered technologies currently operating in homes and office buildings throughout the world. The way that they work may vary somewhat, but the end result is the same; they convert the heat from the sun and transform it into energy that is used to operate a chiller device that will then produce the desired cooler air.

The systems that are available can vary in size and output; from a modest-sized window unit to a larger option that will effectively, and efficiently, cool down a sizeable office building. When you select the unit for your cooling needs, it is important that you pick out one that will not be underpowered for the size area it will be used in. At the same time, an overpowered unit is a waste of money and of energy.

A Few Incentive Programs

The cost of installing any type of new central heating or cooling package can take a big toll on anyone's budget. However, when it comes to solar-powered and other green renewable sources of energy, there are very often incentive programs that can help to offset the cost of installation.

There are both Federal and State programs that can help to provide a bit of a tax break for those who invest in energy-efficient technologies for their home. These can vary greatly, depending on where you live and what your plans entail however; be sure that you do extensive research into each available option prior to making a purchasing decision.

Pros, Cons, And Making A Choice

As with any big purchase, it is wise to quickly review a list of pros and cons so that you can be a well-informed consumer.

The Pros

  • As with all forms of renewable energy, the most important benefit in the pros-column is going to be the incredible energy savings that can be seen. Consumers are able to save hundreds of dollars, every year, simply by converting to a sun-powered system

  • With the trend towards going green, solar AC units are a great option because they are a much more environmentally-friendly method of chilling the air in your home. This can be a great selling point should you sell your home in the immediate future

  • While traditional home air-conditioning units are not overly challenging to use, the user-friendly interface offered by solar units can be a great benefit for someone struggling with the idea of something new

The Potential Drawbacks

  • There is a somewhat high initial setup cost for solar air conditioner systems; while energy incentive programs can help to offset some of the costs, homeowners are still looking at a significant amount of money out of pocket initially

  • Being a system that is reliant on the sun for its source of energy, you might find that some days are less than cooperative in terms of producing energy for your home. This results in the need for energy storage systems so that you can have uninterrupted power at night and on days where the weather is less than ideal

  • Panels have come a long way by way of design; however, they can still lean towards being fragile and readily broken. Broken solar panels can be costly to replace and irritating if there is an interruption in energy to your home

Overall, the incredible savings seen on your long-term utility bills cannot be disputed. Within a few very shorts years, these types of green systems will pay for themselves, while also making you feel better about reducing your overall energy footprint.

Continue the trend of being an informed and educated consumer; do extensive research into the type of products you are interested in installing, and be certain that your installers are licensed, insured, and have a proven reputation for excellence.

Some GE Window Air Conditioners Worth Buying


Looking for a GE Window Air Conditioner can be tough as, you'll soon see there are many General Electric products on the market. GE builds room ac units to accommodate the needs of every consumer, whether you need to cool a small room or an entire home.

Since it can be difficult to decide which GE window air conditioning unit to buy, below is a sampling of worthy products that will do their job, not break the bank, and be gentle to the electric bill.

Further analysis of these products, and links to purchase them, can be found at Best-Air-Conditioner-Reviews.

If you don't have much space to cool, definitely consider the GE ASD06LK Window Air Conditioner. Reviews for this window room ac unit are promising, and users admit that it does what it is supposed to do. People are quick to note how quietly effective the air conditioning unit is. With 6000 btu, this GE room ac unit is ideal for small rooms

Another Energy Star rated air conditioner from GE is the AEM08FM window unit. With a BTU 8000, this GE Air Conditioner has an energy saver feature, making it much easier to save on your electric bill. It also comes with an electronic thermostat. This GE air conditioning unit also has strong reviews to back it up. Owners note how this product is also very quiet.

If you have a big room to keep frosty, go with the GE ASQ12AK Window Air Conditioning system. this Energy Star rated appliance does not skimp on quality. Figuring it effectively can keep a big room cool and at the same time be energy efficient, this really is a bargain.

Equipped with remote control and electronic thermostat this is a very comfortable machine to operate and should handle bigger jobs perfectly. It is just another example of a highly rated GE window air conditioner.

A Look at the Top AC Brands


While there isn't an official list of air conditioner brands, there have been many unofficial accounts of the preferred brands for both quality and efficiency. Two brands that consistently rank in the top five air conditioner brands are Trane and Carrier due to their long-standing reputation for excellence.

What sets these two brands apart from their competitors?

Trane: Space-Aged AC

Trane has earned a strong reputation in the air conditioning industry with over one hundred years of excellence in home heating and cooling.

Trane air conditioners are known for:


  • high efficiency in all models

  • established strict requirements for technicians who install Trane equipment

  • recognized for excellence by peers and technicians

  • produced their first air conditioning unit in 1931

  • incorporates the latest technology in their models

  • Trane equipment used in the Apollo 15 Lunar Rover in 1971


Carrier: The inventor of air conditioning

Carrier air conditioners also have a long history of satisfied customers and a strong reputation. Carrier thermostats such as the ComfortZone II are preferred by many customers for their functionality and ease of use.

Other things that Carrier is recognized for include:


  • energy efficiency recognized by Energy Star and the EPA

  • economically responsible research and design

  • impressive cooling abilities

  • Use of "ozone friendly" refrigerants

  • Largest HVAC producer and distributor in the United States

You have many choices when it comes to air conditioner brands to install in your home, and making the right choice now will save you both hassle and time later. Going with a trusted brand is important because you can feel confident that they will stand behind their product. Additionally, a warranty from a company with a strong history and reputation is a warranty that you can rely on for as long as you keep your air conditioner.

Another important thing to consider when evaluating the relative merits of each AC brand is that choosing a good contractor is just as important as installing a good system. Even the best system will not work as efficiently as possible or last for as long if it is not installed and maintained by an experienced and properly trained professional.

Fan and Heat Relays in the Air Handler


The relay between the air handler control unit and the blower motor is called a fan or heat relay. If the thermostat fan setting is "on" then the relays do nothing but keep the fan running. Otherwise, when the air handler controller asks for heating or cooling the relay switches the fan on.

The relay allows the fan a short delay to spool up before it starts heating or cooling. This increases efficiency by allowing th blower to push already conditioned air in the ducts through before additional heating or cooling takes place. Instead of that air being wasted in the handler it is used for cooling your house.

Cool evaporator coils work best, so when the cooling cycle starts you will be operating at maximum efficiency. The cool coils can absorb more heat, according to Denver air conditioning services. Some controls use a fan limit switch to set when the unit turns on or off. The fan limit switch is used on furnaces where the fan control circuit is mounted on the heat exchanger.

The fan limit switch on these gas and oil furnaces energizes the fan when the heat exchanger reaches a certain temperature. For most thermostats, the white wire runs to the fan limit switch. It acts as a safety device, because if the burner gets too hot, the white wire will shut it off and keep the fan running to dissipate heat.

The heating relay is separate from the fan relay. The control board has several safety switches before it goes to the furnace to keep it from overheating. Electrical heaters should have a thermal safety fuse installed by a Denver furnace repair company that will physically melt and break the electrical connection if the furnace gets too hot.

Because furnaces are so dangerous, they have numerous fail safe controls, some of which may be manual reset. This means it will stop your house from burning down, but you may have to call a Denver HVAC technician to come reset the fuses. If the switch was tripped for no apparent reason, ask the technician which switch was tripped so that you will know where the problem is if it happens again. Most fuse and breaker switches can be replaced at a minimum cost.

Geothermal Heat Pumps 101


It seems like about three million of you have asked me to explain how a geothermal system works. Well, maybe not three million, but it's a bunch of you and I'm honored that I have the opportunity to do it. Now you've probably already figured out that I'm not smart enough to be real technical, but I do have some common sense. So I will use a common-sense approach to explain how the most efficient heating and cooling system available today can help you.

Actually you could get the Oct. 25, 1948, issue of Life magazine and get a great explanation. That's correct, 1948. Geothermal units are not new, but it has only been in recent years that they've gained in popularity. It just takes awhile for adults to embrace new ideas, especially if they cost more money. Notice that I said adults. When I show high school students how you can spend $50 more per month on installing a geothermal unit and save $75 per month on your utility bill, they simply say "cool." No discussion or argument. They would take it in a minute.

OK, OK - here's how it works. All energy comes from the sun. Mr. Sunshine has provided a lot of BTUs for a lot of years and Mother Earth has absorbed and stored that energy. A closed-loop geothermal system simply removes those BTUs from Mother Earth in the winter and gives them back in the summer.

At depths of five feet or more, the earth temperature remains close to 57 degrees, as evidenced by a cave's temperature. This temperature varies only slightly across the United States.

There are two basic ways to install a geothermal unit. If digging a trench is difficult or if space is limited, geothermal contractors drill holes into the ground vertically to install small-diameter polyethylene pipe. If digging a horizontal trench is feasible, the pipe is installed in a horizontal trench.

A very small pump then circulates water from the earth to the geothermal unit and back to the ground in the closed-loop pipe. Actually, geothermal is not the best name for this unit. A better name is ground-coupled heat pump or water-to-air heat pump. As you learned in my last newsletter, a heat pump doesn't create heat, it just moves heat from one location to another using a compressor. Example: A window air conditioner blows cool air inside and hot air outside. If you turn the air conditioner around, it will blow hot air inside and cool air outside.

As it circulates 57-degree water in the winter, the geothermal unit, using the compressor to remove heat from the water, provides 105-degree air into the house. As the water goes back to the ground loop, it immediately starts absorbing BTUs from the earth.

In the summer, a reversing valve simply reverses the process and the compressor pumps BTUs into the ground loop.

The water returns to the earth and immediately starts cooling off again. It's all about heat transfer. Here's another example -- a blacksmith heats a horseshoe to red hot. To cool it, he doesn't wave the horseshoe into the air. Instead, he simply dips it in water. It cools off a lot faster and takes a lot less energy.

I have been responsible for the installation of thousands of geothermal units and I have had no disappointed customers. My wife and I have had geothermal heating and cooling for 18 years and we simply would not have any other system.

Geothermal gives good hot air in the winter and really cold air in the summer and uses less energy than any other central heating and cooling system. So don't be a tightwad. Buy the best there is - you, your family, and your house deserve it.

Visit www.philliprye.com for more information on how you can have super low utility bills!

How to Become an HVAC Contractor


An HVAC contractor is a professional who specializes in the installation, repair, and maintenance of cooling, heating, and refrigeration systems in both industrial and residential buildings alike. A career in this field offers a number of benefits, but also requires a large amount of energy and hard work just to obtain certification. In this article, we will outline the necessary steps individuals must take in order to become an HVAC contractor.

Step 1 - To start off, individuals interested in a career in the industry must obtain a high school diploma, or GED. This will help in making you more attractive to potential employers in the field. If you're really interested in first impressions, additional training through a community college or trade school can't hurt either.

Step 2 - Find yourself an internship or entry-level position working with a certified and licensed HVAC installation, repair, and maintenance company in the area in which you wish to start your career. It may take a while before you find someone willing to provide you with an opportunity to prove yourself, but with a little drive and some hard work, you can bet you'll find something. Show your enthusiasm for the job market and prove that you have the skills and knowledge worthy of a position. Be prepared for your starting salary to be on the low end of things, but stay focused and motivated, and you'll have no problems moving up.

Step 3 - Use your internship opportunity to learn all you can about becoming an hvac contractor. The majority of quality technicians got to the place they are by simply working in the field, with minimal classroom training. Take the lessons you accrue on the job and apply them as you move along.

Step 4 - In addition to your day job, you may decide to head into a schooling program that caters to the field in order to further your knowledge base. These courses provide a base for a more specialized education through the delivery of various instruction and real world issues you'll find on the job site. These programs typically take anywhere between a couple semesters to two years to complete.

Step 5 - Find a company who will sponsor formal hvac contractor apprenticeships and are recognized by the ACCA, NAPHCC, or any other nationally recognized association. These apprenticeships combine job-site training alongside classroom instruction and generally take around 3 years to complete.

Step 6 - Apply for certification through the completion of your apprenticeship, or through the fulfillment requirements outlined by the NATE or ACEC. These organization are both recognized throughout the U.S. as the leading institutes in the field.

Step 7 - Once you've become certified, it's time to get to work. Decide whether you'd rather stick with the companies you've been working with, you if you'd rather start your own business. In general, many contractors initially decide to stick with a larger company until a time arrives where they have obtained the means necessary to begin their own company. Find the option that works best for you and do the best that you possibly can.

Friday, August 30, 2013

Where to Find the Best People Carrier Hire


If you are one of those families that likes to travel with everything but the kitchen sink, why not consider a people carrier hire for your holiday in Spain. People carriers come in a variety of shapes and sizes and all have air conditioning as standard in a hot country such as Spain.

People carriers can be fun to drive and if you don't have one at home, do not be put off by thinking they are more difficult to drive. Most people carriers for hire are higher off the road than a normal car, giving you a better all round view. This makes the driving easy and allows you to enjoy more fully the lovely scenery that Spain has to offer.

A people carrier car hire would give the family that extra bit of space, allowing everyone to travel in comfort, with more than sufficient room for all your luggage, plus any other essentials that you need to take with you for your holiday in Spain. The extra internal space that a people carrier can offer will make travelling around the Spanish countryside all the more pleasurable.

You may be going on holiday to Spain with another family or with friends. Instead of hiring 2 smaller cars, why not experience the fun of travelling together in a people carrier hire ? If you are all together in one vehicle, it cuts down on petrol, making a people carrier more economical and reduces the extra stress involved in driving on unfamiliar roads, trying to keep together and read a map at the same time. Why not check the price of a people carrier car hire for your holiday in Spain and see how it compares with hiring a smaller saloon type car?

A lot of the newer people carriers for hire come with automatic gearbox transmission, so if you have preference for automatic or manual gear change please ensure you book this when you arrange your people carrier car hire. The problem will obviously rear its head if you only drive an automatic car, and you turn up to presented with a manual change gearbox. Be sure to order your preference.

If your trip to Spain is to enjoy some of the excellent sporting facilities that the country has to offer, you may like to consider hiring a people carrier to transport all the equipment that you need, such as golf clubs, tennis rackets and surf boards. Spain has an abundance of lovely golf courses and the glorious weather there means that you can enjoy a round of golf all year-round. A people carrier car hire would offer space for you and your friends, plus all their clubs, without having to travel with luggage inside the vehicle, or having to hire a roof rack to fit everything in.

Some people carriers for hire can also be provided with a roof rack, which comes in very handy if you are skiing or have golf clubs or even just a lot of luggage. My experience is that people carriers do not have very large boots or luggage space, so a roof rack would be very useful. Once again it is important that you order your roof rack in advance, it may well be too late to order a roof rack when you arrive at your destination.

To hire a people carrier in Spain is simple, but they are extremely popular so we would recommend early booking, in order to avoid disappointment. Many people leave their car hire until just before they travel and then find that all the people carriers have been reserved already, so dont delay, book your people carrier for your holiday in Spain today.

Longer Lasting Air Conditioners


In the massive world and industry of Heating, Ventilation and Cooling (HVAC) there are probably more than many claims of air conditioning units being durable and long lasting. Although there are trusted and durability award winning brands that have been existing for a long time now such as Friedrich, Daikin and Toshiba air conditioners you can still extend the life of your air conditioners even if you are using unrecognized brands. It may not be able to match with the lasting percentage of famous durable brands but you can still help extend your cooling unit's very own life as well as save a few amounts of money on your monthly electrical bills.

More often than not, many consumers spend more on the upkeep costs or the air conditioning system's maintenance compared to the installation expenses. By increasing the life of your air conditioners, you help yourself save more on the painful carrying-on expenses. I believe this also goes out to all other appliances and home electronics not just air conditioning units.

To make a specific item last longer, in this case - an air conditioner, you have to take care of it properly. Taking good care of your air conditioning unit may vary on the type of system you have in your homes or office spaces. But in general, one important part of the air conditioning system that you need to keep in check regularly is the "condenser". Air Conditioning Unit condensers are frequently found outside the house or the establishment. This part of an air conditioning unit is responsible for keeping liquid in the unit cool using its coils. See to it that the condenser coils are free from debris that may clog up the vents such as leaves, dirt, branches and etc.

It is also important to maintain the internal cleanliness of your units. By cleaning them you are able to free its internal parts from under functioning due to piles of dust and debris inside. This will also help improve your IAQ or Indoor Air Quality better as it aids in eliminating dirt particles from air. If you are doing it yourself, make sure you are doing the cleaning right as there are many different ways of cleaning such apparatus. To know the appropriate cleaning methods, you can scan through the manuals again or check on the internet. Never forget to be extra cautious, check safety precautions to avoid electrocution and other related accidents.

How To Stop Water From Leaking From Your Air Conditioner


Scenario:

My air conditioner is only a year old and it's leaking water badly. It's a window mounted air conditioner and I'm afraid the leaking water is going to cause damage to my exterior walls. Do you guys have any ideas or tips?

Solution:

It sounds like your drain line is clogged. That's what allows your AC to drain off the water. This is a repair that you should be able to do yourself. A drain line should be cleaned out annually. Most drain lines flow with the help of gravity, releasing the condensation that collects in the pan. It overflows as a result of becoming blocked and soon you have a leaking air conditioner. Like I said, regular maintenance is necessary to keep it free flowing.

Because you have a window air conditioner it is probably piped from the outside and this case you should locate the drain line and flush it thoroughly. You could use a garden hose if you're careful or you could also flush it with air.

If your air conditioning unit uses a condensation pump rather than gravity feed than it may need to be replaced. In this case the water is piped from the unit to the pump where it fills until the float reaches the appropriate level. After you turn it on check to see if it may be not running while it's full. If the pump is not operating you might be able to replace it yourself or you may want to call and air conditioning technician. Remember, before you attempt any repair work be sure to unplug the air conditioner.

After you get it fixed remember to clean it annually to keep algae and dirt build up to a minimum.

Eco Friendly Options For Cooling a Home in Summer


Before you know it the sweltering heat of summer will be upon us and both the temperature and your home energy bills will be rising. Conventional HVAC air conditioning systems account for most of a typical home's energy use. There are some alternatives which will dramatically reduce energy consumption and help keep tons of CO2 out of the atmosphere.

Whole House Fans

Whole house fans have been around for decades, even before air conditioning. Modern whole house fans are much quieter and move air in a more efficient manner. Whole house fans work to assist the natural convection of air, moving it up from the lower floors and out the attic. Since outside air is often cooler than inside air they can remove much of the heat inside a home. When air temperature between inside and outside is the same the still offer the cooling effect of a light breeze throughout the home. Whole house fans may draw from 200 to 1500 watts but are still much more energy efficient than using an HVAC unit.

Swamp Coolers

Swamp coolers draw heat out of the air using water. This old fashioned technology has been around since the 1800's. Air is drawn from inside or outside a home and blown through a wet mesh type material using a powerful fan. These type of coolers only work where the humidity is very low. For this reason swamp coolers are only used in desert or arid areas. Even in these areas swamp coolers may cause humidity problems inside the home.

Geothermal or Ground Source Heat Pumps

One of the most efficient means of cooling a modern home is by using geothermal energy. Ground source heat pumps have been installed in all fifty states and every province in Canada. Unlike whole house fans and swamp coolers they can maintain a constant temperature inside the home and both heat and cool.

Geothermal heat pumps require enough yard space for the heat exchange field to be buried or for shallow wells to be drilled. These systems cost about twice to three times the cost of a conventional air conditioning unit but use only about half the energy. Ground source heat pumps require little maintenance and systems can last for years. Government rebates of up to thirty percent are available for homeowners installing these type of systems.

Other Measures

If you cannot afford to replace your HVAC system there are some things you can do to help it work more efficiently. For outside units make sure the heat dissipation fins are clean and free of dirt. Spray water through these to clean them out. Be careful not to use too much water pressure to avoid damage to the delicate aluminum fins.

Solar screens are a great way to help your home stay cool. These reflect UV energy and keep it from heating the window glass. Solar film is another way to keep west facing windows cool and prevent the sun's heat from entering the home. Also, make sure your attic is well ventilated. Attic fans remove heat from your attic and prevent it from radiating down though the ceiling. Other measures include planting trees on the sunny side of your home and using lighter color exterior paint to reflect the sun's rays.

Air Conditioner - Signs Yours Needs Help


When summer hits and you get ready to turn on your air conditioner, you likely wonder whether or not you should have it serviced this year. There are some sure signs you can look for to know that your AC unit needs help. Knowing these will help you seek professional service before a problem gets out of hand and becomes incredibly expensive.

The fact of the matter is there are times you will need help with your AC unit. Some of these times are fairly obvious. For instance, if you turn on your unit and it does not run, you know that you need professional repair help. After all, it should run when you turn it on. This is typically an emergency situation that requires immediate service or you will not have a working unit. However, other times are not so obvious.

One of the first signs you will notice when it is time for your air conditioner to be serviced is a lack of efficiency. You will have to pay attention to notice this, however, because it's not always as obvious as you might think. If you notice that it is running more than normal when the temperature outside hasn't changed significantly, it might be time to give your repair technician a call. Similarly, if it is running a lot and not making much of a different in the temperature in your home, you should call.

If you are unsure about the efficiency of your unit, you can do an experiment. Turn it down past where you normally feel comfortable and let it run for a little while. If you start to feel too cool and then the unit shuts off, your unit is probably working well. If it continues to run but you do not feel the temperature change, it is not running efficiently. You can also purchase a low cost thermometer to place in your home to see what temperature it is achieving. Keep in mind that even the best units are going to struggle on extremely warm days.

Noises are another sight that your air conditioner needs help. Squeals, clunks, and other noises you don't normally hear are a problem. They may not put your family's safety at risk, but these sounds indicate something is going wrong inside the unit, and you should get service as soon as possible, because failure to do so could mean the unit breaks completely and costs even more to repair.

Finally, pay attention to how well the unit cools your entire home. If some areas are not getting cool but others are, you may want to have your system looked at. There could be a block somewhere in your HVAC system that is hurting its efficiency, or you may need a different type of air conditioner for the layout of your home. Asking a professional's opinion is far better than using the unit incorrectly or at a lower level of efficiency. Remember, when it comes to HVAC systems, it is usually better to have the repair done early rather than wait for it to become a real, and expensive, problem.

Thursday, August 29, 2013

Air Handling Units and Its Important Components


Air handling units, or AHU, are essential to heat or cool the atmosphere. All air conditioning systems, heaters and ventilators have AHU to condition and purify the atmosphere. These units have a number of important components which have specific functions. There are various types of air handling units which include the terminal units or the small units, large AHU and packaged units.

Functions of Different AHU Components

Different components are included in the AHU which are essential for the smooth functioning of these units.

Filters: The most important element in the AHU includes the filters which are mainly used to clean and filter the atmosphere. Filters are essential to condition the atmosphere.

Blower: Another important component includes the blower which helps to recycle the air present in the building. Blowers collect the air from the building; it is then conditioned and released back into the building through ducts. It is either cooled or heated according to the different requisites. Large commercial buildings with huge AHU have many blowers for better and efficient performance.

Mixing chambers: The mixing chambers in the AHU absorb air from the outside and exhaust it from the interior of the building with the help of dampers. This helps to condition the atmosphere more quickly and efficiently.

Conditioning elements: Different conditioning elements are present in different types of AHU. Cooling coils are present in the air conditioners and hot coils are used in heating systems. The various conditioning elements include steam, hot water and cold water.

Humidifiers: One of the most essential components present in the AHU includes the humidifiers which help to control the level of humidity in the atmosphere. Constant level of heating can cause the atmosphere to become dry in cold places. This can result in severe discomfort which can be prevented with the use of humidifiers. Different AHU units have different types of humidifiers and vaporizers.

Vibrator isolators: Most of the AHU are prone to vibration and high level of noises while functioning. The vibrator isolator helps to reduce unwanted vibration and noise emancipating from the unit.

Pressure control devices: There are various dust pressure control devices which controls the speed of the blowers.

Other Important Devices

Various other devices are used to augment the performance level of the AHU. Different types of AHU are available for various purposes. It can be installed in large commercial buildings and homes according to the availability of space. These units are available in different sizes. There are packaged units which are available in small compact sizes. It can be moved around easily in rooms. As these units are small, it is less efficient and can be used to heat or cool small areas.

The mini cabinet fan is another variety of the AHU which can be installed on the ceilings of the rooms. Ample amount of space can be saved with the installation of these units. Various air pollution control devices are also available in the online markets at reasonable price rates. All these units can be obtained in different sizes to suit large and small spaces.

Why Does Cold Air Fall and Warm Air Rise?


Cold air falls and warm air rises. Why? Discuss!

Many of us experience the effects of falling cold air and rising warm air on a regular basis. It is happening all the time in the air above and around us and is one of the components in our weather systems. You may notice that when there is no heating or air conditioning operating in your house, the rooms upstairs are slightly warmer than those downstairs. Another example is the hot air balloon that works precisely to this principle. By heating the air inside the balloon, the craft will be lighter than the surrounding air and will rise. This is actually the result of cold air gushing downwards around the balloon at the same time as it is rising.

So why does cold air fall? That is simple: it is heavier than warm air. And why is it heavier? That is slightly less simple, but only slightly. As with any gas, the air (a generic term for the mixture of the gasses in our atmosphere), contains molecules that move (or agitate). This movement (or agitation) is greater as the temperature rises. The molecules move in ever greater orbits, taking up more space. This causes the mass of the air to expand. Although the total mass of a lump of air has not changed, the mass is more spread out and so any given cubic area of it will be lighter. An analogy is found with popcorn. A half pound of popcorn before being popped may fit into a cup. After popping, the same corn would fill a large saucepan. Its total weight will be more or less the same half pound that it always was, but if you filled up the original cup with the popped corn, it would weigh less than the unpopped corn as the rest of it would no longer fit into the cup. Expanding hot air is similar. A cup of cold air would weigh more than a cup of hot air.

As we are playing the why game, let's continue. Why do the molecules move about more when it is warmer? They absorb energy through electro-magnetic waves that smash into the molecules. In short, this is energy transfer by radiation. So we have a collection (several trillion, lets say) of molecules that are very agitated and another collection which are far less agitated. The agitated collection is spread out and thus light. The collection that are less agitated is heavier. The heavier stuff falls downwards, while the light stuff rises.

As well as being the main process behind hot air balloons, the movement of air according to its temperature is a critical factor with the weather. Forecasters must ensure that these movements are factored into their modelling systems in order to produce a decent weather forecast. Air conditioning
designers and must also take these factors into account as must architects. In order to preserve valuable heat, warm air must be prevented from escaping through the top of a building. As well as conserving heat, the movement of colder air downwards must also be considered when designing refrigerators and refrigeration systems.

If you have a few minutes, try this experiment. Firstly make sure nothing has been put into your refrigerator for at least 2 hours. Then, leave a thermometer inside the refrigerator, making sure it is placed at the bottom and then close the door. After 10 minutes, open the door and straight away and note the reading on the thermometer. Then place the thermometer on the top shelf and close the door. After 10 minutes, take the reading as soon as you open the door. You will notice a difference - perhaps as much as 1 to 2 degrees. This may not be such a big issue for us at home most of the time. For commercial kitchens, however, this difference maybe critical when ensuring food is kept at an optimum temperature. Commercial fridges are often fitted with a fan that evens out the colder and warmer air, thus negating the tendency for cold air to fall and warmer air to rise.

If you take large freezer stores - the ones that hold thousands of boxes of stock - the movement of air around the facility is an extremely important factor. The fans that blow frozen air into the store are always situated near to the ceiling, allowing it to diffuse downwards. Eventually, of course, the goods in the freezer store will need to be taken out and moved to another location, typically loaded onto a truck. If frozen goods are loaded onto a frozen truck this is no problem. Occasionally though, only a small quantity of frozen goods may be needed and the use of a large truck whose temperature is set at a frozen temperature would be wasteful if only a few boxes were being dispatched. This is where insulated pallet shrouds or roll cage covers come into play. These enclose the pallet or roll cage, protecting frozen goods for up to 8 hours within an ambient environment (they also protect ambient goods such bakery products and bananas in a chilled or frozen environment). When a roll cage is used, the insulated roll cage cover works at its best when the cage is full of products. When it is half full then - you guessed it - the cold air falls to the bottom. This is fine at first (assuming the goods are in the bottom half), but after a while the warmer air that has risen to the top will start to affect the top layer of goods. This is where a temperature insulated divider must be used to make a seal and protect
the goods in the half full roll cage.

So now you know the whys and hows of cold and warm air and now you also know why your feet get cold in winter!

Take the Steps in Choosing the Best Boiler Heating System


You will find that there are many different boiler systems on the market today and the Internet is a great resource that the consumer can visit in order to review the different types that are out there. They can compare the prices as well so they can choose the boiler heating system that is right for their heating needs. In many households, the energy bill each month in the winter season is a major concern so consumers are always looking for better and more efficient ways of heating their homes. The gas boiler is the most efficient type of heating system that you can get. Their AFUE ratings can exceed well over 95 percent efficient and most of the time be 100 percent efficient.

This efficiency that the boiler heating system gives will not only lower your energy bill but will roll that money you spend right back into the heat of your home. Consumers can use the Internet to compare the various boiler models that are being sold. They can view the Energy Star ratings that each model has and make an informed decision about which one they want. There are several different brands to choose from including Carrier, Peerless, Burnham, Aqua-Therm, Lennox, Trane, and many others that may not be as well known but can give the same performance.

Most of these brand manufacturers will have their own websites where you can get specifications and features of each of their models that they sell. Lennox is one of the more popular names because they are very trusted by consumers due to their track record on the durability and efficiency of their products. A top selling boiler heating system that they have is the #GWB9-IH model. This model is within the Lennox Conservator Series of boilers. It has a cast aluminum heat exchanger. This is a benefit because most are made of cast iron. The cast aluminum helps the unit to heat up at least three times faster than the other ones.

This model of a boiler heating system is also beneficial because it is compact in order to fit into smaller spaces within a home, and it is lightweight. Usually no matter where you have to put your boiler, this model is compact enough that it will fit. You can get the efficiency and reliability that you expect from the models that Lennox has available on the market today.

Options For Heating Your Conservatory


Conservatory heating is a necessary expense if you wish to use your conservatory in the winter months or Autumn/Spring on overcast days or in the evenings. The are many different ways to heat your conservatory and we will look at some of them here, investigating the relative pro's and con's of each method including purchase prices, installation costs and running costs where possible. Below is a summary of some of the methods of heating your conservatory along with approximate costings on the assumption of a 10m2 area. Assumes 2kW heating requirement and average electricity tariff of 12p. Running cost is when on and not annual average.

Conservatory Heating Method

Fan heater


  • Cost - £10
  • Running costs - 24p

Oil Filled Radiator


  • Cost - £30
  • Running cost - 24p

Electric panel heater


  • Cost - £150
  • Running Cost - 24p

Night storage heater - economy 7


  • Cost - £175
  • Running Cost - 9p

Connect to existing home central heating system


  • Cost - £250
  • Running Cost - 9p

Split unit air conditioning system as heater


  • Cost - £500+
  • Running Cost - 24p

Air source heat pump + under tile heating


  • Cost - £2150
  • Running Cost - 6p

Reasons to heat your conservatory?


  • Maybe you use your conservatory as a breakfast room in which case it needs to be warm in morning all year round.
  • If you conservatory is used throughout the day during Winter it is a good idea to have a heating solution that either has a very constant temperature or can be topped up during the day if required.
  • Perhaps you keep sub-tropical or tropical plants in it which could not withstand the freezing temperatures we get in the winter here. Then it must not drop below a certain temperature.
Types of heater fall in to 2 main categories

Electric conservatory heating Pro's


  • No ventilation needed
  • Quickly adjust the temperature
  • Easy to adjust
  • Clean

Con's


  • Running costs can be high

Gas conservatory heating Pro's


  • Low running costs

Con's


  • Ventilation required
Below are some specific ways of heating your conservatory

Domestic central heating system

You could simply connect a new radiator to an existing central heating system. Check with your conservatory supplier or local building officers to make sure this is allowed. If you have an efficient boiler already then this method will have a very low running cost. It is a requirement that the radiator you place in the conservatory has its own thermostatic control and can be turned off. For optimum heat circulation it is suggested to install the radiator near the dwarf wall though this is not always possible nor indeed convenient.

Pro's


  • Cheap to run - estimated 9p per hour for 2kW of heating assuming high efficiency boiler and heat transfer system in house.

Con's


  • Cost of installation ~ £250 including labour for a single radiators
  • Heating during the night

    • Many people turn their central heating off during the night and so this will not help frost protect and plants you have in there.

  • Control of temperature may be an issue depending on how the thermostatic control of heat in the rest of the house is set-up. Your house and conservatory will heat up and cool down at different rates.

Fan heater

Go out to Argos or whoever and buy a fan heater

Pro's


  • Cost ~ £10-20 for a 2kW unit
  • Portable

Con's


  • Noisy
  • Air flow can be irritating
  • High running costs ~ 24p per hour for 2kW of heating.

Electric panel heater

Buy and install a simple low profile electric panel heater.

Pro's


  • Easy to install- plug it in
  • Fairly low cost ~ £150
  • Plenty of heat available - up to 3kW per unit
  • Quick to heat up
  • Slim line

Con's


  • Running costs can be high ~ 24p per hour for 2kW of heating.

Oil filled radiator

These are also available from 'most good retailers'

Pro's


  • Very cheap ~ £30 for 2kW unit

Cons


  • Not slim line
  • Heavy to move
  • High running costs ~ 24p per hour for 2kW of heating.

Night storage heater

Although not as vogue as they once were they are still available widely and now they are much more slim line than the huge brick filled blocks they used to be.

Pro's


  • Can operate of economy 7 ~ 9p per hour for 2kW of heating during the night.
  • Fairly low cost ~ £175 for 2kW unit

Con's


  • Can be expensive to install
  • Not easy to regulate
  • Expensive to 'boost' ~ 24p per hour for 2kW of heating.

Tubular Heating

This is commonly used in outside rooms, sheds and greenhouses where the desire is to prevent the room from going below zero which could damage plants, pipes and other items.

Pro's


  • Frost protection kits available.
  • Designed to operate in damper conditions e.g. glass house or garden shed.
  • Splash proof if conservatory used for lots of plants that need watering.
  • Cost ~ £20-40 including frost thermostat

Con's


  • Low power only really usable for frost protection

Free standing gas fire

A calor gas heater is an example but an be either butane or propane depending on design.

Pro's


  • No installation costs
  • Portable
  • Cost ~ £125

Con's


  • Can be bulky
  • Heavy to move
  • Sometimes smell
  • Cause condensation

Heat Pump

Heat pumps come in two varieties air source and ground source. This defines where they extract the heat from. Heat pumps are commonly used as the source for a under floor heating system due to the low temperature water they produce. Air source heat pumps also use systems with a fan on the interior heat exchanger to blow warm air in. They operate using the refrigeration cycle. The inside of a fridge is cold and the back heat exchanger is warm. In a heat pump the outside world is cooled down and the heat is pumped into the inside. The advantage is that typically for every 1 unit of electricity 4 units of heat can be brought inside.

Pro's


  • Can also be used as a cooling means
  • Can be wall or floor mounted.
  • Low running costs ~ 6p per hour for 2kW of heating assuming 4 to 1 heat gain.

Con's


  • Generally expensive

Ground source heat pump Pro's


  • Able to better extract heat in very cold weather from the environment than air source

Con's


  • Almost certainly too expensive for conservatory cooling unless considered as part of a larger change in central heating system or in a new build construction.

Air source heat pump Pro's


  • Not as expensive as ground source ~ £1500

Con's


  • Still expensive

Conservatory under floor heating

Pipes are run either underneath the tiles or within the floor screed. These pipes carry a working fluid that can be heated thus heating the floor surface.

Pro's


  • Comfortable way of heating a room
  • Invisible
  • Doesn't take up any space
  • Can be powered off central heating, heat pump, gas or electric source
  • Low running cost even with electric as usually find ambient temperature can be lower and still comfortable.

Con's


  • Installation cost ~ £350 for install in 10m2
  • Cost ~ £250-300 for 10m2 kit under tile
  • Cost ~ £200-250 for 10m2 kit in screed

Air conditioning

Either a portable unit with vent to outside world or a split system professionally installed and wall mounted. Air conditioning units are usually selected on their cooling capacity rather than their heating capabilities. Therefore running costs are tricky to calculate.

Pro's


  • Obviously is good for cooling as well

Con's


  • Noise
  • Cost ~ £500+ for split system
  • Cost ~ £250+ for portable system

How much heating do I need?

The amount of heating required depends on


  • Size of conservatory
  • Insulation properties of the glass/frame - U value
  • Required temperature differential - temperature inside to outside
To complicate matters the shape of the conservatory and weather conditions such a wind speed will effect the heat loss but they are not considered here.

Heat loss is modelled using the following equation

Heating required (watts) equals U value * Area * temperature difference

Area is the glass area of the conservatory plus 1/3rd of the area of the connecting wall. It gets more complicated if the conservatory is constructed using different glazing options (e.g. roof) or is angled. So for a conservatory with a 10m2 floor area and 2.4m high walls and slightly sloping roof one would have an area of 37.3m2.

Single glazing has a U value of around 5 or more. Old style double glazing is about 3. Newer low-e coatings are closer to 2 with triple glazed argon filled (read expensive) units as low as 0.4!

Assuming you wish to have a minimum temperature of 18C in the daytime (with say an outside temperature of zero) we can then calculate the required best case heating requirement at about 2kW. With low-e glass it would be about 1.3kW.

Note: A dealer of conservatories or heating unit will be able to input more realistic figures but this is just ballpark. It allows us to compare different methods of heating the conservatory for price on a very typical size conservatory.

It's clear that a good way of heating your conservatory is to stop any heat within the structure escaping in the first place. However, extremely high performance glass (such as tripled glazed argon filled low-e variety) can be very expensive and depending on your conservatory usage you may never recover the investment in reduced heating bills.

Conservatory Heating Conclusions

There are a few different ways of heating your conservatory. Typically the lower upfront cost the higher the running cost. Ultimately its a hard call as to how much to spend on well insulated glass and how much to spend on efficient heating systems. Hopefully this breakdown of methods and costings has given you the information to make a better informed decision.

Kelvinator Air Conditioning Units


Kelvinator has designed air conditioners in basically three different styles being Window/Wall Reverse Cycle, Conventional Split Reverse Cycle and Inverter Split Reverse Cycle.

Window/Wall Reverse Cycle

These are Kelvinator's most popular units because they are reliable and affordable. Regardless of your budget, you are sure to find a Window/Wall Reverse Cycle to accommodate you. They provide reverse air without having to install a split and most of them are light enough to complete installation yourself. While some varieties may not be as powerful or as quiet as others on the market, they do control humidity very well and keep the air in your home clean with their washable dust filter.

The Kelvinator Window/Wall Reverse Cycle product line has different options available such as climate control, sleep mode, remote control, three-speed fans and a dehumidifier. They are also quite compact making them discreet even in a smaller room.

Kelvinator Conventional Split R/C

The one feature that makes these units a fierce competitor in the market is their active carbon/electrostatic filters. These special filters guarantee that you and your family are breathing in the cleanest air possible. They are voted a top-pick with allergy and asthma sufferers because the filters eliminate odors and also neutralize the gases that are expelled by them. Irritants such as smoke, dust particles and pet dander are trapped, leaving the air that you breathe cleaner and healthier.

Kelvinator air conditioners are moderately priced, provide easy climate control and come with a dehumidifier mode and remote control however they are not as quiet as some of their competitors.

Kelvinator Inverter Split R/C

Here is Kelvinators top of the line unit that allows them to be a fierce competitor with other larger corporations. The air that these units provide is so clean that they are a preferred air conditioner in medical facilities. Even on summer's hottest days they keep your home incredibly cool with their DC Inverter Technology.

The Kelvinator Inverter Split Reverse Cycle is the quietest of the product line but also the most expensive. Their clean face design minimizes dust buildup and the easy to use remote control makes programming a breeze. These Kelvinator air conditioning units feature automatic restart, climate control, follow-me command, automatic swing and an active carbon electrostatic filter.

Cut Down on Your Air Conditioning Bills by Learning Self Maintenance


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

Air Conditioning Self Maintenance List

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

The Time for Air Conditioning Service Is Now, Before the Heat Wave Hits


Summertime temperatures are heating up across the country, and that means it's time to make some important household maintenance checks in order to ensure the comfort and quality of your indoor air. As any responsible homeowner knows, a small investment in annual, routine maintenance can help you prevent large, more serious repair problems in the days ahead.

When temperatures and humidity levels begin to rise, the air inside your home can quickly become stale and stifling. Even simple, everyday tasks such as drying your hair or running the vacuum can leave you feeling sweaty and uncomfortable. And if your bedroom is upstairs, where the hottest air tends to settle, it can be almost impossible to get a good night's sleep. Of course, you could turn on your air conditioning unit or central air, but after so many months of not being used, what if you discover it no longer works? You'll be left scrambling to find an air conditioner repair service right at the height of the heat wave, when getting a same-day appointment can be a whole lot harder. So don't wait until the peak of the summer season to make certain you'll have cool air. Contact your local heating and cooling specialist today for timely preventative air conditioning service. With the recent weather fluctuations all around the country, you never know when extreme temperatures will strike. This way, you'll be prepared to keep the air inside your home cool and comfortable, whatever Mother Nature sends your way.

To maximize the efficiency of your home's central air conditioning, as well as safeguard the quality of the air you're breathing, why not enhance your routine maintenance check to include an air duct cleaning? Without regular, thorough duct cleaning services, you could be blowing bacteria, pollen, dust, and other allergens into your household air every time the air conditioner kicks on. Using a professional-grade Roto Brush, your local heating and cooling contractor can make a clean sweep of your home's forced air cooling system, from the supply and return air ducts to the registers and grilles to the coils, diffusers, and housings. A comprehensive air duct cleaning is especially helpful for anyone who suffers from respiratory ailments or seasonal allergies.

So pick up the phone today to protect the quality and comfort of the air inside your home, just in time for the rising temperatures ahead. Your hometown HVAC specialist can help you ensure your home stays comfortably cool with air conditioner repair and maintenance services.

Brief Account on Air Conditioning in Dallas


Dallas, one of the fastest growing metropolitan cities is in Texas a southern state of the US. Like other southern cities, this city too experience a hot and humid summers otherwise it's one of the best place to live in. In summer, temperature can reach an average high of 91簞F and low of 73簞F making the city uncomfortable. People normally resort to air conditioning to pass out summers in Dallas.

Speaking about AC in Dallas, it is one indispensable appliance in every household. Therefore, air conditioning service in Dallas is one growing need of the people. The busy and fast pace world of today makes our life concentrated only to our profession and household duties like AC maintenance are by and large neglected. Due to that, appliances like AC are prone to early breakdown. It is at those times when ac companies come to the rescue. There are many AC service providers in Dallas whose services range from air conditioning installation to complex air conditioning problem fixing. The following are some AC repair and air conditioning services provided by major air conditioning service providers in Dallas:

1. Duct Cleaning
2. Grill cleaning
3. Full system repair
4. HVAC system tune up
5. HVAC system cleaning
6. Emergency air conditioning services
7. Commercial energy savings plan
8. Routine maintenance plan
9. New UV system installation
10. Freon leakage detection

In order to cut AC repair costs we can switch on to routine AC Repair Dallas which can be done by ourselves and can be availed from air conditioning service providers if we are unable to spare time for that. Here are some tips on how to maintain AC in Dallas:

1. Operating your AC for a few minutes frequently even when you don't need will be helpful. If you wait until the first hot day to discover that it isn't working, you'll find yourself among other people of Dallas standing in line, sometimes sweltering for days before an air conditioning service technician comes and fix it.
2. Air filters should be regularly changed. As dirty filters restrict air flow, reducing efficiency and even worse, can cause the evaporator to ice up.
3. Disposable fiberglass filters should be replaced in time.
4. Electrostatic or electronic filters need to be washed regularly.
5. Ensure all access panels are secure, with all the screws in place.
6. Obstructions such as newspaper, leaves, etc. from around the outside of the unit should be removed.

These are some brief account on AC services in Dallas. The AC maintenance tips maybe brief but they are helpful and the services provided by various ac repair service providers in Dallas as mentioned maybe not adequate as only the basic services are mentioned. Apart from these, if there is any more misleading information in the piece, I really apologize for the same.

How to Choose an Inverter Air Conditioner


Inverter air conditioners are more energy efficient, quieter and cost less to run than traditional air conditioners. The compressor inside an inverter unit adjusts itself according to the temperature outside, meaning that when you turn on your machine, it's not running at maximum capacity, whirring and humming. Inverters are quiet machines that will have you spending less money on your power bill and will pay for themselves in saving in just a few years.

If you've recently learnt of the benefits of inverter air conditioners over traditional units, you may be considering buying one of these fantastic machines for yourself. But where do you start looking and how do you know you've got the best for your needs? Here's a few ideas of what to look for:

  • Researching about them will have you in the know when you go looking for one. Dodgy salespeople do exist, and might try and confuse an unlikely consumer with jargon just to make the sale on a more expensive unit that's half as efficient. Know what you're looking for in an inverter will have you knowing where to shop exactly what you want. Online perusal of products is your best option.

  • Knowing which brand to go for is important in choosing any product. Inverter units are not made by every company, and out of those that do only a few may produce one that fits your needs. Read up on websites about brands with good reputations such as Fujitsu or Mitsubishi and compare their stats. You may find that you can narrow down what you need quite quickly.

  • Room size is important in finding the right air conditioning unit, inverter or not. A large room will not be adequately cooled (or heated) by a tiny air conditioner, and a tiny room will soon become unbearable with a unit that's too large for it. Inverter air conditioners are extremely efficient, true, but this in only in the right circumstances. Measure the room or rooms that you expect the air conditioner to affect and work out the total area of air that's to be circulated. Just a rough idea is fine, as long it's not way out. Alternately, if you have several room your want to be affected by the unit, you can opt for a centralised cooling system.

  • Climate. Many air conditioners will come with a range of features for different climates. If you live in a damp area, then a dehumidifier will keep your home dry and comfortable.

Like choosing any product, knowing which inverter air conditioner to go for can be daunting when faced with the wall of options available. But considering your needs carefully will have you not only narrowing down your search, but ensuring that when you do make a purchase, you're choosing an inverter that's perfect for your needs.

Goodman Air Conditioners - A Quick Overview


If affordability is the first word that comes into your mind when debating whether or not to purchase an air cooling unit, then it may be a good choice to be purchasing from one of the many Goodman air conditioners available in the market. This brand has been around for some time and has continually proved to be able to provide quality products while taking into consideration the money consumers will be spending. With this in mind, let us then have a quick review of what their products can do, other than be affordable.

First, let's have a quick run through of their line of air conditioning devices for residential use. Known for a sleek black finish, Goodman air conditioners do not only appeal to the aesthetics but also function all too well according to their purpose. Take in the DXSC Series that boasts of its regard for high energy efficiency which is both beneficial to the customer and to the environment. The units in this model are designed to make the decision of where to place a unit easier for you. It does so while addressing a more important concern that involves you and your monthly electric bills.

In this light, the SSX Series is known to also pave way for optimum cooling while saving as much energy as possible. This is surely an answer to the problem of consuming too much energy and effort, way back when ice cubes were still used to produce cool air. Not only are we moving away for the simple concept of functionality 'only'. Companies of the present are continually striving to consider consumer needs in all their efforts to produce more efficient product lines.

While these might be features that may get you buying one now, you must also know that there are the Pressure Control and Sound Control features to help make your decision much firmer than necessary. By having control over these factors that affect the comfort made available to you by your air conditioning unit, you are able to address your own concerns and adjust things according to your tastes.

As for commercial purposes, Goodman Air Conditioners surely do not lag behind among other brands. Focusing on the basic but equally important product characteristic of durability, Goodman is truly one of the leaders in the air conditioning industry. It has Split Systems, which consists of the GSX11 and GSX13 models. It also has Packaged Units and Air Handlers, the former much more suitable for installations in the ground-floor level or the rooftop and the latter having a device that checks on flow rate expansion.

A more specific list of the different units is available in stores and online. Make sure you browse yourself before hastily making a decision. It is always best that you know first what you need in an air-conditioning system before you go to a store and bombard the salesman of irrelevant questions. Nonetheless, the decision of purchasing one of those Goodman Air Conditioners is in your hands.

What Is A Condenser?


What is a condenser? Many people have air conditioners but are not aware of how or what makes them work. A condenser is simply one component of an air conditioner. Whether you have an outdoor air conditioner or a window unit air conditioner your air conditioner contains a condenser.

Condensers are used in outdoor air conditioning systems as well as heat pump systems. Condensers in an air conditioning unit have very few controls. They will have an on and off switch. Occasionally these air conditioners will also have a brown out option. This option shuts down the compressor when the electrical current is low.

A condenser is simply a heat exchanger. It compresses refrigerants into a hot gas to then condense them into a liquid. A condenser is a major component in a air conditioning or heat pump unit. It moves air across the coils to facilitate the transfer of heat.

In a heat pump unit the condenser has a few more features. It will have a reverse valve that allows the unit to switch back and forth between air conditioning and heating. Even when the unit is heating, it uses the condenser for defrosting the coils. If the coils become layered with frost it will effect the units effectiveness this is defrosted when the reverse valve switches to air conditioning mode to move the hot gases through the coils melting the built up ice. It will automatically switch back to heating mode once the ice is cleared to once again heat the home.

It is very important no matter what type of unit you have to prevent the blockage of the condenser. If the condenser becomes block it can effect the units efficiency or even cause the until to completely fail. For this reason it is one of the most important components of a cooling or heating system. A condenser allows the maximum airflow to the unit.

To keep your unit in good operating condition it is vital to keep the area around the condenser clear of all debris as well as keeping the filter clear of dust and dirt. A clean machine makes a happy machine. A happy machine will keep you cool during the summer months and warm during the cold months. It is suggested to change the units filters when they become dirty, depending on your area and conditions near your home this may be as often as once a month or as seldom as every 3 to 6 months. You will have to pay close attention to your units needs to decide the right time to change or clean your units filters.

Keeping you condenser in good running condition will not only prolong the life of your heat or cooling system but also provide you with the most efficient heat and cooling system saving you money on heat and cooling.

What is Inside of a Limousine?


More and more different car models are used to build a limousine. In different countries you can find their locally built cars. Some of these vehicles look exotic , and all of them are stretched. Yes they are really stretched (at least more than twice). Not every turn at every road can this car overcome at first.

So, you probably already have questions. Then we have the answers. How do the passengers feel? What does the driver feels when driving around in this car? What do the owners of these vehicles feel?

We have just learned about this. And have not been able to hide this from you. Bucket of black caviar, golden toilet, a suitcase of dollars. Dimensionless limousines in the Association will look at a number of rare harmony. "Honey, I will send a limousine for you" does not it sound great?

However, a limo can boast its own very few people. it is not even a high price and usefulness of these vehicles. Which vehicle can be called a limo? Extended sedan - the limousine, car with a partition between driver and passengers again a limousine.

Even ordinary six windows sedan - also sometimes called the limousine! In fact, according to generally accepted classification, the limo should be understood as a passenger vehicle with four or six doors with a bulkhead to the front seat row.

Well, turns out, Chevrolet Suburban, which is depicted in our photos in various poses - not a limousine? Formally No. Nevertheless, any passerby noticed this car in the street will comment about the "limo"! Then the game becomes a concept - above a word "stretch". Make any car "stretch" - and you will get people's "limo."

The most expensive limousines, are usually made of high-class European automobile manufacturers themselves. A typical example - Mercedes-Benz S600 Pullman. Such vehicles do not affect the appearance of the imagination, but quite capable stun with the price. And in the armored version of the price just kills to death: half a million dollars is not the limit. By the way, these cars give a ride to presidents of many countries. Other kinds of limousines are often used as a taxi or corporate purposes is based on not the most expensive cars and can have up to six doors. It is easy to meet these cars on the street now days, In Seattle, such cars sometimes occur: these may be a Chrysler, Lincoln, or a Mercedes-Benz.

And more... Stretch, super stretch, ultra stretch, ultra super stretch - the creators of these fantasy vehicles inexhaustible. Sometimes it seems that the limousine is not to perform any task, but only as a means of expression. 10 seats, 20 seats, 30 seats, TV, DVD-players, bar, restaurant, pool, a heliport, a golf course, Aquarium of the current model of the aircraft carrier in full size.Even if you do not think of what would have such a wish, in the limo it will be.

Of course, five axle stretch with a swimming pool instead of luggage - that's very exotic, demonstration of the company, a kind of Limo-concept. But the four wheels drive SUV in length more than fifteen meters, able to contain a football team, along with spare bench players - it is as you see the reality. Anyone can touch this limousine! And if you want or need, you can become king for a day - from $300 per hour and sometimes even cheaper.

The most Classic limousine, usually based on the Lincoln Town Car. The fundamental point here - the presence of frame: create a stretch of the car with the supporting body - the task much more troublesome and expensive. And it's simple: the body of serial machines is cut exactly the middle, and between the front and rear doors they need to insert the box with windows - the so-called insertion. The length of insert and defines a class of limousine. Town cars, as a rule, extend to 60-120 in. (1524-3048 mm) and can grow off, and 200 inches, while other times they are longer.

Production of limousines in the United States alone are perplexed about fifty firms. Of those that are well known - Tiffany Coachworks, Dream Coachworks, Crystal Enterprises and others. Together, they create wonderful things. For example, in the model number of a Dream six axle Lincoln Navigator, and Crystal could portray such a wonderful creature, a Hummer H2 with eight doors!

In principle, a standard fillings, which have American cars is enough to stretch: the engine and transmission remain intact. But suspension and braking systems can be enhanced - all the same total weight of the car becomes much heavier. Again, it is necessary to refine the system exhaust, causing it to conform with the new length of the vehicle.

Limousine is considered complete when performing even some procedures. Have you guessed? Right: in the list of electrical equipment is an additional generator and battery, a heating and air conditioning equipment is more productive - as required by a huge passenger compartment.

The interior space and decor - this is what built limousines. All - for the good of man! And no one - but for the whole company! Our GMC is designed for 14 persons, in full possession of which mirrored bar with illumination. At the bar - with crystal decanters, wine glasses for the champagne bucket. Immediately - aquarium with artificial fish: water bubbles and changing colors, animals rollicking and things that please the eye.

At the mirror ceiling shimmers stars - multicolored LEDs depict romantic sky. In the case of enclosures, located in the ends of the cabin, mounted LCD TVs, and two displays located at side racks. The signal to them is either a DVD-player, or VCR - these devices are located at the floor under the seats. Over the most VIP seats located control panel for all devices and next to it the remote control - head unit hi-fi audio system with two 12-inch Subwoofer.

You can arrange a party right in the car, highlighting the intimate semidarkness stroboscope flashes and filled the cabin space of artificial smoke and laser beams. And you can turn off all of the above at once, or to ask about the driver - the same panel is in the cabin. In the same cabin, though, there are a few things. For example, a walkie-talkie to communicate with the controller, or police and many other devices which are essential driver.

Is it difficult to drive a limo? According to limo driver's words, you can get used to everything. Of course, for stretch limos there are a lot of restrictions. Thus, for example, pre-crosses Route: Stretch Limos cannot make a sharp turn the first time. While it is generally we be able to drive everywhere in the city, in some places is not without problems. Surprisingly, the degrees of rotation - is not the most important characteristic of the street.

What is important is how wide the street is! However, for the professional there is a little or no problems with the maneuver. You can see how skillfully drivers at huge track drive back? by the mirror. In this sense, driving a limousine, even easier: do not exist at all desire.

Do limo drivers violate traffic rules? Only when this is due to extreme industrial necessity. The most common violation - it is right to exit into the oncoming traffic or turn in the wrong place. State Patrol, being enchanted by the greatness of the stretch and the highest professionalism, its driver, refer to some trespasses leniently.

All in all. Everybody respects the limousine. In an attempt to turn in the crowded traffic conditions (for a car length more than hundred feet, almost every turn in the city is fraught with well-known complications) stretch limo may block the street and make a big traffic, but few drivers will start convulsively honking at a slow giant. Who knows who or what may be inside of this car. May be people, who are going to a wedding. No reason to spoil their good mood.

But speed is respected everywhere. Even in rush - the company prohibits a driver to exceed a speed of 60 mph.

Actually, there are no any special problems with the operation of a limousine in the city. But there are interesting features. Take, for example, maintenance and repair. Almost every big limo companies have specially trained people who check technical condition of limo.

They also make some repairs. However, it is certainly not omnipotence: does a modern car require the professional service. Can you imagine how to lift a limousine? No, because there are no lifts, which could perch 200 inches of the limousine. In general, the problem is, but it can be solved. Only the savvy needed.

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Fuse and Wiring Education For Your Air Conditioner Or Heat Pump


All H.V.A.C. equipment is meant to be protected with fuses and or circuit breakers that are sized to handle the "amp" draw of a normally operating piece of equipment. The fuse and wiring sizing is spelt out by all manufacturers in their installation instructions and many times on the equipment itself. An improperly sized wiring job and or fuses or breakers can lead to equipment failure at the least and a worst case of serious fire danger! In this article we will be discussing a split system air conditioning condenser as would be found on a typical home. You will usually find a disconnect box near your outdoor condenser (air Conditioner) or Heat Pump.

They are also used at Electric Furnaces or Air Handlers. Their purpose is to shut the main power (usually 240 Volts ) off between your main electrical panel and the HVAC equipment. Disconnect boxes that have fuses in them are called fused disconnect boxes, while boxes that are simply a disconnect don't have fuses. There are many different types and colors of these boxes. Some of them have a circuit breaker in them instead of fuses. Which type you have, will most likely be decided by your City or County Codes. Which ever type you have, you should not change to a different type before checking with your City or County Official! Also, NEVER substitute a different size fuse or circuit breaker than what you have (assuming what you have was sized correctly ). Some times people buy a home and un be known to them, the seller of the home may have changed the fuse or breaker to the wrong size out of ignorance. Also NEVER assume that just because you pull the disconnect out, that the power to the equipment is REALLY off! We have seen MANY disconnect boxes that have been jumped out rather than being replaced! Remember, you are working with 230-240 Volts here! If unsure of what you may have, please use a Volt meter to be sure the power is actually off to the equipment. If unsure of YOURSELF please call a HVAC Technician or Electrician to do this work! Shown is a fused disconnect box in the closed position.

The aluminum lugs will be marked Line (main power into the box) and Load (power into the equipment from the box). Removing the white disconnect "Breaks" the power going to the equipment (if it hasn't been jumped out!) It is a good idea to use a fuse puller to remove and replace these fuses and even better, to shut the main power off at the main panel!

Fuses range from 15 amps to 60 amps. There are always two per box on residential equipment. Most people will want to keep an extra (2) on hand.

While lightning accounts for some of the blown fuses we see, there are also situations such as aluminum wiring (should be removed for safety), loose connections, tight compressors, or other mal functions. Make sure the fuse or breaker is sized correctly per your equipment documentation and that you are using Time Delay Fuses and not the usual hardware store One Time Fuse! Time delay fuses can take a higher amount of amp draw for a brief period that one time fuses can not withstand.

Portable Air Conditioners For Small Rooms - What Are the Benefits?


If you don't have a central air conditioning system at your home, it doesn't mean you have to suffer from summer heat. You can use mobile portable air conditioner instead. There are many advantages to using a portable cooling system, especially if your room is small.

Advantages of mobile air conditioner

Portable units are great for people who work from home. Even if you have a central cooling system, it will not be energy efficient to switch it on, if you spend most of the day in your home office. A window unit would work there, of course, but if you don't have one yet consider the cost of installation. Mobile air conditioning unit cost pretty much the same as a window one, but there are no installation fees.

Also as the name suggests the portable cooling system could be moved around, which means that you can use it in the study during the day and in the bedroom at night. And while cooking dinner, it can be easily moved to the kitchen.

Another advantage is that since a portable unit doesn't need to be installed by a professional you can buy it and use it as soon as it is delivered.

And the biggest benefit of a portable air conditioner is its energy efficiency, it can really save you a lot. When compared to split systems or central units, it might seem that portable cooling systems are less efficient. But because of its mobility, you can move your unit closer to where you sit, instead of cooling the whole house. And that gives you great savings.

Disadvantages of portable air cooling systems

The biggest draw back is the noise. Compare to split and central systems portable machines a bit noisy. When looking for a particular model, check its noise rating, as some units are quieter than others. If the noise is an issue for you, visit a couple appliances stores and try it for yourself. They often have some units on display that are connected.

Another thing is that even though a portable unit doesn't need any installation it has to stand not too far from the door or window because it has an exhaust house to go outside.

Cooling capacity of portable air conditioners

As already mentioned mobile air conditioners are best for small rooms, however different models have different capacities. For a 16 square meters room an 8000 BTU unit is enough, if your room is bigger go for a 1000 BTU one. It also makes sense to invest into a machine with slightly bigger capacity than you need just in case. Then you can simply use it on lower settings.

There are may brands of portable and mobile air conditioners such as Carrier, Mannix, Daikin, Hitachi and LG. Before you settle for a particular brand and model, read reviews for this unit online.

A mobile air conditioning system could be great if you spend your day working at home or simply do not have a central system in your place. It is inexpensive, convenient and energy efficient.

Just Add Air Conditioning Refrigerant - Why It's Not Always Cool


Adding refrigerant to a car's air conditioning system is a quick easy way to make your car blow cold air again right? Well although this practice is very common - people are many times adding freon without any idea of what the pressure readings are and this can be dangerous. And many times the problem won't even be low refrigerant, but if ac gauges are not used how is one you know? Blindly putting 134A into a cars air conditioning system without knowing the capacity, how much is in the system already or even knowing what the low and high side readings are, is not recommended. Using an inexpensive single hose, no gauge A/C charging kit like the ones sold at parts stores can cause damage to the cars AC system. Overcharging can ruin a compressor and adding stop leak included in many of the DIY 134A charging kits can restrict flow in key components. 

Using an air conditioning A/C manifold gauge set and seeing BOTH high and low side readings only makes sense. It's the way professional auto technicians check an A/C system. You need to know gauge readings to look for. Normal readings, high readings, low readings all tell a story. On a 134A system the high and low side service ports are different sizes and cannot be reversed. Only charge through the low side, this is the blue color coded side. So when a system is determined to be low, the refrigerant will be hooked up to the yellow hose and the blue knob on the A/C gauge set will be opened to allow refrigerant to flow into the system. Once the proper readings Are obtained and cold air is blowing again the job is done. It's common for systems to have a very slow loss of freon over time. But if the system loses it's charge quickly, the leak needs to be diagnosed and repaired. 

Most Common Tools Needed For AC Repair


  1. A/C Gauge Set 

  2. Thermometer

  3. Electronic Leak Detector

  4. Vacuum Pump

Don't Wait for Air Conditioning Repair


Throughout the greater Atlanta area there is a constant need for cool air to be brought into the houses and businesses that endure the southern humidity and hot temperatures of the log summer months. Even though the region cools off in the winter the need for quality air conditioning repair in Alpharetta and Marietta has some people thinking ahead to the spring when they will need the climate controlled air to be circulated efficiently throughout their homes and places of business. Through the services of professional air conditioning repair Marietta and Alpharetta residents can have their systems inspected and checked for any damage that might slow down their air conditioning unit.

Calling on skilled repair technicians to service the hard working units that provide the cool refreshing air that is circulated throughout a house, residents to the Atlanta outskirts can depend on their air conditioning systems to provide the cooled air that they need. Even before the spring thaw brings the need to start up the air conditioner some people are having their heating and cooling systems checked out so that they are ready for the long humid summer of the coming year. Knowing that the demand for service will take much longer once the weather begins to warm up some people are taking the opportunity during the cooler months to service their air conditioner and make sure that their vents and air ducts are cleaned out and ready for action. Taking their responsibility to service their air conditioner seriously the residents of Alpharetta and Marietta are preparing to stay cool when the Georgia sun begins to beat down on them.

On the Road With Your Ferret


Most of your ferret's life will most likely be spent either in his cage or in a room you have ferret-proofed. There will be times when out of desire or necessity you will want to travel with your furry friend. This can be a good experience if you plan carefully and bring the right gear along to make his temporary home safe and comfortable.

Local trips in the car

Traveling with your ferret on short car trips is reasonably easy. It is important that your furry friend stays in a travel carrier and is not allowed to roam freely in the car. It is just too easy for him to get under foot and possibly cause an automobile accident or escape through an undetected opening. As always, make sure that he is not too hot and has sufficient food and water. You can hang a water bottle in the carrier but put a bowl under it to catch wayward water.

Longer car trips

Plan your trip so you can stop and give your ferret a break from being cooped up in his carrier. This would be a good time to use a specially designed ferret harness. Know the laws related to ferrets in each town you travel through. Having your ferret in a harness and on a leash, you can keep him under control while giving him some freedom to stretch his legs and expend some of his pent-up energy. If you are traveling in hot weather, make sure your car's air conditioner is working properly so your ferret does not get overheated.

Trains, buses and planes

The key to commercial transportation is to phone ahead and check the regulations and company policies. Be sure to conform to whatever the transportation company requires. After having a conversation with the airline, bus or train company, have them send you an email confirming your conversation and what they will allow. Carry a copy of that correspondence with you when you travel to avoid misunderstandings. Consider carefully whether or not you are alright with your ferret traveling in a luggage compartment.

Where you stay when you arrive

Hotels, motels and campgrounds vary in their attitude toward traveling pets. Some cities allow ferrets, others don't. Call ahead to make sure it is legal for your ferret to stay with you. Failure to do so could result in fines, confiscation and even the euthanizing of your pet. Also, be very careful that your ferret does not bite anyone. There is a lot of misunderstanding about ferrets and a complaint to the authorities regarding a bite could be legally complex and expensive.

What to bring on your trip

Start with a pet carrier that is large enough so that the litter box, food and sleeping areas can be separate. Think light and compact. If your ferret is on a special diet or takes medication be sure you have an ample supply for the trip. Documentation to assure authorities that your ferret is healthy is an absolute must. A health certificate signed by a veterinarian within the last 10 days is a start. Carry a copy of your ferret's medical records to show that his vaccinations are up to date as well.

You and your ferret can make wonderful travel companions. If you hold up your end of the bargain and plan carefully, your ferret will hold up his end and see the trip as a fun adventure.

Where to Turn for Furnace Repairs


Like all other things, furnaces need to be repaired and maintained. You do not want wait to be cold in the house and try to figure out where to turn for furnace repairs. Caring for your furnace before the winter season begins is paramount to having a steady heat supply from your furnace.

Failure to notice the first signs of a furnace problems can be disastrous. You might wait too long resulting in irreversible damage to your system. This can cost you a great deal of cash if you have to replace the whole system.

Identifying whether it is the thermostat, ignitor, distribution fan system, air ducts or wiring is the first step in repairing of a damaged furnace system. The system might not need a full revamp. Instead, the replacing of one key component that is faulty might be the solution.

How to know if you need furnace repairs:

The furnace begins making weird noises. Even a new furnace will have some sound coming out of it, but there is a huge difference between operating sounds and "bad sounds." Distinguishing between the two can help you detect whether your furnace is in urgent need of some repair. Banging, scrapping, and whining sounds are indicators that you might have a faulty system.

The furnace does not provide the same heating temperatures it used to. When your furnace was new, all you had to do was turn the dial up a little and instantly you would feel the effects. Due to neglect, wear and tear, you now have to suffer very low temperature remittance from your radiator.

You might have to turn the dial all the way up to get half of the temperature you used to when the furnace was new. If this is the case, it might be time to ask where to turn for furnace repairs.

Escalating cost of energy bills. A faulty system will have an impact on your energy bills. This impact will be negative. If you notice your bills slowly getting to unheard of proportions, there is definitely something wrong with the furnace heating system.

The Air filters may be blocked. There could be leakage or other such like damages that result in the loss of heat. This in turn gives you low temperature and mind-boggling energy bills.

You experience an inability to start the furnace fast or run it for long stretches of time. Wiring, clogging of ignition system will lead to the furnace being unable to perform over long stints of time. Your way out is to hire a professional furnace repair expert to tell you where the problem lies.

The furnace Light is not blue. A bright orange flame in your furnace characterizes carbon monoxide build up. This is dangerous. You should take immediate steps to repair the system. Carbon monoxide is harmful to your health.

The faster you repair the damaged part of the furnace the faster you stop further damage to the system. Procrastination, when it comes to furnace repair, is very bad. You need professional, fast responding services of furnace repair experts.

Professional furnace repair companies are where to turn for furnace repairs. Their services are easily available. They will ensure your furnace is congestion free and in tiptop condition.

Monday, August 26, 2013

14 Things You Should Know About Air Conditioning


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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