A Guide to Air Conditioning Prices

During summer, the intense heat may make you start to consider buying an air conditioning unit. Investing in this cooling device may be a good idea if you live in a place that suffers from extensive heat. If you are worried about air conditioning prices, then this guide can help you choose the right type of air conditioning and has affordable prices. Learn how to single out the best unit that's right for you and your home. You might have a tough time picking out the right unit for you due to the wide variety of type, size, brand, features and of course, the prices.

The most important factor in buying an air conditioner is to consider the space that you plan on cooling and the size or capacity of the unit. It is important to determine the type of air conditioning you want for your home. You will need to consider the climate where you live in and the size of the room you want to have cooled. Air conditioning prices sometime depend on the size of the unit; you don't want to get a big one and have to pay high electricity bills because of wrong estimation on air con sizes. You might learn along the way that what you need is a smaller one.

For a small room that is about 20 square meters, you can buy a portable system. These units have the cheapest prices. The machine system is convenient and flexible and you can cool any small room by just moving it into that room and plugging it in when needed. The most recent portable units are designed to extract moisture in the air so that the air you breathe will be fresher. These units are useful for guest rooms that are rarely used.

For rooms the average an area of 50 square meters, you can get a fixed unit. You can choose from either window or wall units. Unlike portable ones, fixed systems cannot be moved or transferred to another room. As expected air conditioning prices for fixed system are higher than the portables.

If you plan on cooling your entire home, then the most suitable is the central air conditioning system. This, by far, cost more than any other units.

You need to buy an air conditioning system that has the right capacity and size for your room, coupled with the right price. Buying something powerful and big for a small room will only make you feel damp, not refreshing and cool. Likewise, buying something small for a big room might be a saving on your part, but it will not give you the cooling effect you will need.

Air Conditioning - History and Resources

In 1820, a British scientist revealed that when ammonia was compressed and liquefied at the same time would result in cool air being generated when the liquefied ammonia dispersed. In America during the year 1842, John Gorrie used compressor technology in an amazing new way and created ice. He used this ice to cool the room air for his hospital patients.

He desired to eventually utilise his machine to control the temperature of structures. He even dreamt of creating entire cities with a system of centralised air conditioning. Even though the original prototype was a machine that leaked and produced shabby results at best, it was still granted a patent in the year 1851.

Early industrial use of air conditioning was to cool air for the needs of industrial products as opposed to personal comfort. In the year, 1902, Willis Haviland Carrier in the state of New York invented the pioneering modern electrical air conditioning system. This system was designed in order to facilitate manufacturing process control in a printing plant.

This version of the air conditioning system invented by him could manipulate temperature as well as humidity. As a result of the cooling air, the printing machines were able to achieve higher levels of efficiency and achieve unprecedented levels of economies of scale. It was only after this industrial application of air conditioning systems, that air conditioning units began to find their way into homes, offices, and eventually, automobiles.

QERV Technology Set to Slash Heating & Air Conditioning Costs

Now that the Green Energy movement has caught the attention of the businesses and governments, amazing technologies like the exciting Air QERV are emerging.

Air QERV is the name of a particular technology that offers a quantum leap forward in using energy in an ultra efficient manner. QERV technology will be applied to a host of applications in the near future, but to start with it is focusing on home Heating & Air Conditioning systems.

Although that's not especially exciting stuff on the surface - once you learn about the very significant money people can save on their monthly utility bills you'll likely get excited quickly.

For Example:

Imagine turning on five hundred(500) 100 watt light bulbs at the same time. That's the approximate amount of energy a traditional Heating & Cooling system uses per hour.

Now imagine turning just three (3) 100 light bulbs. That's the amount of energy used by the Air QERV system to either heat or cool the same sized house!

Needless to say, there is no comparison; and since a large chunk of your monthly utility bill is due to the energy costs associated with heating or cooling your home - we're talking about saving of hundreds of dollars a month for many millions of homeowners.

Are you excited about Green Energy now? I thought you might be!

As far as Green Energy is concerned; the Air QERV is not just an improvement, it is a true quantum leap forward!

When people reduce the energy they need to heat or cool their homes by 90-95% it also means the various resources used to create that energy can now being conserved in a big way!

The resources currently used by homeowners to power their traditional HVAC systems include: Electricity, Natural Gas/Propane, Home Heating Oil, Nuclear, Coal, and Wood.

All of those resources are becoming more and more scarce. Add to that the cost associated with developing new refineries, power plants, oil wells, etc.; and they are also becoming more and more difficult to start and expensive to run.

We all know that the use of these fuels comes at a cost to our environment; and frankly, the earth just can't keep up with the damage we are causing.

We have accepted these sins against nature because we insist on living in comfort - and I'm no different...

The good news is that new technology can help use slash our energy consumption while we maintain our standard of living.

The bad new about the QERV is that it's a new endeavor and hasn't even really been introduced to the general public yet in a big way.

A nationwide road tour is scheduled so that both HVAC professionals and everyday people will have the opportunity to see the technology for themselves. If fact, they are being encouraged to bring their own measuring devices because the Air QERV's performance seems just too good to be true unless you've seen it for yourself!

The interesting thing is that there are also a whole host of other benefits associated with this particular technology over 'traditional' systems. They include lower cost, zero maintenance costs, better quality of air, and safer homes.

Stay tuned for breaking news about the Air QERV technology and their upcoming tour.

Feel free to contact us and we'll add you to the other people who are VERY excited about this quantum leap forward in Green Energy.

Central Air Purifiers

We have all heard of central heating and most of us have heard of central air conditioning, but how about central air purifying? Indeed, is there such a thing? When you go to the mall or general department stores, you tend to see local air purifiers, that is air purifiers that clear the air in one room only. They are portable systems, so that you can watch TV with it on and then take it into your bedroom at night.

This is all right as far as it goes, but rooms are interconnected and the 'dirty' air soon comes in and mingles with your nice clean air. What you really need to do is clean all the air in the whole house, in every room simultaneously. This would be on the same principal as central air conditioning. In fact most central air conditioning systems incorporate an air purifying system. Admittedly, they are usually pretty basic on older conditioners, but they can be very sophisticated too, if you are willing to get a more expensive new conditioner.

The middle ground if you do not want to upgrade your central air conditioner or even if you do not want to air conditioning, is to fit a central or 'whole house' air purification system. This is most easily and most economically carried out if you already have ducting in your house for central heating or air conditioning. The central air purification unit is then simply put in line with your existing ducting.

The whole house air purifying apparatus is installed into a home's central HVAC (heat, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) system, just upstream from the air handler (the furnace or the air conditioner), similar to a central humidifier. This type of central installation enables CAP (Central Air Purification) systems to continuously remove allergens, pollutants and other irritants from the air being supplied to the entire occupied living space of the home, rather than just one room. installing the CAP unit like also keeps it completely out of sight and out of the way.

CAP systems can be fitted into virtually any type and configuration of forced air HVAC system, regardless of age, and are a common sense add-on or upgrade. Many of these systems incorporate a powerful ultraviolet light for added purification. This is called photo catalytic oxidation.

Photo catalytic oxidation has been proved to be highly effective at clearing airborne biological and chemical contamination (206% more powerful than chlorine and 157% more powerful than hydrogen peroxide. The energy field in the photo-catalytic chamber is roughly 10,000 times more powerful than natural sunlight).

These modern whole house or central air purifiers are extremely efficient and can give a new lease of life to sufferers of airborne allergies such as pollen. The system is relatively inexpensive, if you already have ducting in place, otherwise that could cost you an extra $3,000 - 4,000. The actual air purification units themselves are a lot cheaper, costing between $300 and $1,000 and the installer can fit them in minutes with common tools.

Top Signs You Need Home Appliance Repairs

Noticing when you need repairs for your appliances can help you save money. Fixing a broken appliance at the start can often prevent the need for a costly replacement appliance.

Paying attention to how well your appliances are performing is a good idea if you want to make sure that you don't end up footing bills that are higher than they'd have to be. Keeping a look out for the signs that you need repairs can help you to ensure that you get the most out of your appliances and keep your wallet protected.

Obvious Signs You Need Repairs

There are quite a few obvious signs that you may need appliance repairs in your home. For one thing, some of your appliances may stop working altogether. For example, if your dishwasher won't turn on, then you know it's time to opt for appliance repairs. While you may think that putting off dishwasher repairs and washing your dishes by hand will save you a bit of money, the truth is that you may end up paying more on your water bills by doing things this way, since dishwashers are more efficient than hand washing. If it's obvious that your appliance is broken, then you need to secure dishwasher repairs right away. Having your dishwasher up and running again will be more energy efficient and cut down on water usage, and you won't have to spend a large amount on a replacement unit.

Sometimes, the signs that you need repairs for your home appliances are not so obvious. Many appliances will still turn on but will not function in the appropriate way, and this could cause you serious inconvenience as well as increase your household bills. As such, you should look for signs that your appliances are not working to the best of their ability. For example, if it's taking twice as long to cook your favorite recipes, then you may need oven repair. If you let these problems go unattended for even a few months, you could cost yourself hundreds of dollars when you end up having to buy a brand-new appliance. Instead, you should find an oven repair expert and deal with them right away.

Increased Energy Bills

One of the major signs that you need appliance repair can actually be found in your energy bills. While you may not have noticed that it takes your dryer a lot longer to get your clothes dry, you will definitely notice a rise in the costs of your electricity bills if cycles are taking longer. When you first start to notice that your costs are rising, it's a good idea to begin looking around your home to see if your appliances are performing in top condition. If your AC is working too hard, then this might be causing your bills to increase, and you may need to consider air conditioner repair. If you don't take the initiative to hire appliance repair professionals right away to secure expert air conditioner repair, then you could stand to lose a lot of money in the long run.

Get Help Right Away

The best way to make sure that your finances are protected is to get repairs as soon as you can. While you may think that you can save some money by putting off refrigerator repair, the truth is that waiting usually ends up costing you more. Appliance problems can go from bad to worse in no time at all, so it's best if you don't take any chances. You should either find a way to perform refrigerator repair on your own at home, or you should contact a professional repair service to help you get your home appliances running in good condition once more.

Penny Jones is a home improvement guru and an Internet marketer for Prospect Genius, a leading provider of affordable marketing solutions for small businesses.

Boost Office Productivity With Fixed Air Conditioning Systems

Now's the chance for you to quit ignoring that whiny employee complaining about how hot it is in the office. It seems that that employee has reason to complain. An award-winning research from Singapore revealed the office workers work less without air-con. Dr. Henry Cahyadi Willem of National University of Singapore said that room temperature and ventilation can affect how office workers perform. A cool room makes office workers more alert. It also encourages concentration. People working on tasks that require numerical skills, proofreading, and creative thinking also need to work in ideal working temperatures. According to the study, office workers prefer a cooler temperature while wearing light clothing.

Recent studies similar to Dr. Willem's groundbreaking study have concluded that the ideal temperature for working places is around 20簞C. If temperature rises by 4簞C results, a drop in productivity can result by as much as 15%. Accidents also increase by 25%. So, if you're concerned with the high energy costs of air-conditioning the office space, think about the productivity increase that results from creating comfortable working conditions. You may also need to invest in installing air-conditioning units. However, office workers will be motivated to work in improved office conditions. This offsets the initial costs in buying air conditioning units.

Business owners have several options in installing efficient air conditioning in the office. You can choose from a wide variety of fixed air conditioning units to enhance workers' comfort. These fixed air-conditioning units are built with efficiency in mind while working to keep energy bills down. Business owners should think about their business's unique needs when choosing the right air conditioning units. The following are the types of air conditioners that are perfect for working environments.

Window Air Conditioners

Window air-conditioners are commonly used for single-room offices. All the parts of an air conditioner is contained in a box. This unit can site on a window sill or is fitted into a space carved in a room's wall. This is the most economical choice for small businesses. This type of air-conditioner is ideal for offices that are above ground level because you don't need to install a heavy condenser outside. The only downside for window air conditioners is the noise that they make

Split Air Conditioners

The split air conditioner has two major parts: one outdoor unit and the indoor unit. The outdoor unit is fitted outside the room. The indoor unit is installed inside the room or office space. Refrigerant piping connects the outdoor and indoor units. The beauty of split air-conditioners is that you don't need to destroy a wall to accommodate an air conditioning unit. Split air conditioners can cool one or two rooms. It also emits less noise than a window air-conditioner. Fixed air conditioning units are cost-effective options to create an ideal temperature in the workplace. They do not need professional installation, so you can cut back on the costs. For affordable fixed air conditioning units, try http://www.heaters-airconditioning.co.uk/fixed-systems.html which offer a variety of fixed air conditioners that suit your work place needs.

Have a Few Questions About Portable Air Conditioning?

Individuals who have purchased a portable air con don't know how they every lived without one. Not to mention, now spaces without windows can enjoy air conditioning as well! These units have the ability to bring cooling and comfort virtually anywhere.

The crazy for portable air conditioners began with a simple need. Large industrial spaces were looking for a way to keep their workers more comfortable so they would be more productive without paying the outrageous cost of installing and running central air conditioning. Portable units were invented to cool off areas where employees were working and they could be easily moved when needed to a different station. This is far more economical than cooling a large space, especially if only half of it is being used which is often seen in factories.

Technology Advances

While these units are still fairly new and were first designed to vent out through any size window, technology has gone even one step further now. Today, it is no longer necessary to have a window or a plug. There have been units invented that run on a 12-volt converter and are so incredibly compact that they are easily used in boats, cars and motor homes. You do have to keep their reservoir full but now individuals without air conditioning in their cars do not have to be sweaty and hot before they even get to work.

Popular Choices

NewAir Portable Air Conditioner AC-12000F - This 12,000 BTU unit is the smallest one in its class that is available today. It is equipped with automatic evaporative technology so you experience less condensation with improved cooling efficiency. This is a great unit if you are on a budget and it does do a pretty good job cooling your home. However, if the temperatures reach over 90 degrees, it will struggle so your home may not be quite a cool as you would like.

Whynter Portable Air Conditioner ARC-125 - These are stylish 12,000 BTU units that wear a fashionable platinum shell. They are equipped with lead-free compliant components, automatic drain technology and use only Eco-friendly refrigerant. The Whynter Portable Air Conditioner ARC-125 can cool of a 400 square feet room extremely fast due to its dual hose operation. This portable air conditioning unit also comes with a washable filter, plastic window installation kit and casters to make it easier to move around.

About The Vanagon Weekender

The Vanagon Weekender is the most convenient, spacey and well configured camper van ever used. The 1983-1991 Vanagon Weekenders have water-cooled horizontally opposed engine with Digifant electronic fuel injection and 90HP at 4800RPM that are 1.9 liter (1983-1985) and a 2.1 liter (1986-1991). Vanagon Weekender camper van attributes a 4-speed manual transmission or an automatic transmission with electronic ignition, dynamic oil pressure system, and a thermostatically controlled 2-speed electric radiator fan. The towing capacity of the van is hampered due to the size of its engine but the van can prove a greater efficient in towing small trailers if equipped with brakes. Particularly, the van is even more resourceful as it does not have the extra load of the full Camper.

How would you like a little extra space for your luggage? With cargo capacity of nearly 100 cubic feet, the van stands out as the most preferable camper vans, which is pretty exciting. More over the van has roof-top luggage carrier with tie-down bars for extra storage. And if you still need some room, then you have some space under the rear bench and a wardrobe closet with sliding door. With a seating capacity of 7, the Vanagon Weekender will be a perfect choice for a comfy trip with your family and friends.

The van has forward-facing center bench that converts into a 3-person bed and 2 rear-facing seats that can be detached to increase cargo space if needed. It has two Front seats that swivel 360 degrees and have adjustable armrests. Three point belts for the captain seats, Height adjustable head restrains for each seat, Side impact beams in front doors and slide side doors are the special feature that enhances the safety of the van. On the other hand, the storage capacity of LP and water is also more in the van. 15.9-gallon capacity gasoline tank, 5.9-gallon LP gas tank and 12-gallon capacity fresh water tank are excessively useful for a long and safe trip.

Almost all these vans come usually with power windows, rear-blowing air conditioning, electronic locks, cruise control, cassette stereo, rear wiper, Rear-blowing air conditioning, and power mirrors. Additional to these, the Vanagon Weekender vans comes-up with pop-up roof that has 2-person bed, window curtains, an second deep-cycle marine battery (optional) and many more exiting add-ons. AC/DC/LP gas refrigerator of 2 cubic feet, two-burner LP gas stove with stainless steel splatter shield, Dining cum utility tables, AC-to DC power converter with coach battery charger, Fluorescent lights over gallery and lower bed, pleated curtains for side windows that acts as room darkeners, Privacy curtains to separate the front cab and rear hatch windows are the other additional luxuries.

Vanagon Weekender is not just a tour vehicle that can keep you at ease during your travel, but it can also serve as the best means of transport for your other everyday usage.

Portable Air Conditioning Units Combat Sweltering Heat

A portable air conditioning unit is a smart option when cooling a non air conditioned space is desired. The garage is a great location to cool during the hot summer months and keep comfortable while making repairs on small items, working on lawn equipment and maintaining autos. Working in uncomfortably hot spaces reduces productivity and many home based jobs are run from the extra space available in home garages. A portable unit can be placed in a window or customized to fit in a wall space that is cut to a specific size.

A hot attic is another spot that can be cooled with an inexpensive and efficient portable cooling unit. Many homes are afforded hardwood flooring in attics that make perfect areas for craft and art work and home office units. A cool attic also helps to maintain a comfortable temperature in the living space within the home. While storing items and organizing this upper level space, more work can be accomplished when not battling hot temperatures. Many households cannot afford whole house central cooling systems and opt for several portable units that can be used only when the rooms are occupied. This is a great money saving tactic when electing to cool only the rooms in the home that are being used.

Vacation homes from the mountains to the shore are in need of indoor cooling from time to time. During the summer months, the cool mountain nights lend to high temperatures at day break and the offshore breezes give way to the stillness of sweltering heat waves. A portable air conditioning unit is the smart choice for these occasional periods to relieve a summer day's heat. One unit can accommodate an entire house when purchased to cool the square footage of the intended space for cooling.

When building a new home, a central air conditioning system may be too expensive and several portable units can be purchased for a fraction of the price of a central system, while producing the same desired cooling effect. The size of any structure can be matched with one or multiple portable air conditioning units for comfortable indoor temperatures. These units have made huge advancements with minimal noise while running and adjustable extensions to ensure a snug fit to keep cool temperatures in and hot temperatures out. Many households rely on one or more portable air conditioning units as back ups when Freon is exhausted in the middle of the summer and maintenance calls take days.

How Does Central Air Conditioning Work?

I'm sure you are aware that air conditioning comes in many forms, and what we are looking at here is just another method, but just how does central air conditioning work?

All air conditioning systems tend to work on similar principals and central air conditioners are purpose built to cool the entire home and makes use of ducts to disperse and recycle cooled air throughout rooms on a continual basis. Some models may also move chilled water via pipes and heat exchangers.

Most frequently you will find a split system where the condenser and compressor are located outdoors and connected by refrigerant lines to a coil (or evaporator) in the in the air handler unit. Such a unit basically resembles a metal box that may comprise of a blower, filters, heating/cooling elements, mixing chamber, humidifier, controls and vibration isolators. In contrast, with a 'packaged' system, everything is normally located in a single outdoor unit.

Heat from the home is transferred to the outside using a compressor cycle that works similarly to a refrigerator. A refrigerant fluid is passed through an expansion device which changes from liquid to gas when it absorbs heat and is then released outdoors at high pressure as vapour before changing back from gas to liquid. The fluid will then return to the expansion device and the process repeated.

The air in the home is cooled as it travels over the evaporator; the moisture removed from the air and disposed of by the unit via the household drainage system.

Central air conditioning has a few benefits over other systems as the air is drawn through a filter from parts of the building. This filter extracts any dust and lint particles cleaning the air as well as cooling it. Additionally, specialist filters can also remove microscopic pollutants which can affect health. A further benefit is that noise is reduced as the unit is external to the building.

Central air conditioning is an efficient system but you do need to try and get the highest SEER rating you can afford (the range is 10 to 17). (SEER refers to the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio.) If the unit carries the Energy Star label, it will have a SEER of at least 13 for a split system and 12 for a single unit. A unit with a lower SEER will be uneconomical so if you are considering buying anything second-hand, do watch out for this as the newer units are mostly over 12.

The Benefits of Self Installing Air Conditioning

Many people today are finding that during the summer months keeping a bedroom cool at night is beneficial to their sleep. Today as more and more home are being built with air conditioning installed the cost for purchasing the equipment to install in one's home has come down. In fact many people are finding how beneficial self install air conditioning can be to them.

When it comes to installing air conditioning systems in one's home there are many different types to choose from. However, the ones which are proving to be the most popular today with a great many homeowners are the split unit systems.

With these particular self install air conditioning systems one part of it is located in the home, whilst the other part is located on an exterior wall. Because of the way these systems have been designed you will find that they offer a number of benefits over the other kinds available for installation in a home. Below we take a look at just what these benefits are.

1. The levels of noise that these create in your home are far less than other forms of air conditioning systems as they condenser is located on the exterior wall of your home. This means that what noise the compressor does make will not carry into your home as all that is inside is the duct which pushes clean cool air into the room.

2. As these types of air conditioning units use pipes to connect the two parts together the refrigerant used to help cool the air can easily travel between them. So what you will find is that the split unit system has a much greater cooling capacity compared to other forms of air conditioning units.

3. These particular systems come in a variety of sizes and capacities so finding one that will more than adequately cool your home shouldn't prove too much of a problem. In fact even the smaller units which cost far less will provide adequate cool air for say your bedroom.

Above we have shown you the benefits to installing this type of system in your home. However, before you make your purchase there are certain things which need to be taken into consideration beforehand. Below we list just a few of these and by keeping them in mind when looking for self install air conditioning systems will ensure that you purchase the right one.

First off you need to take into consideration how easy the system will be to maintain. Ideally look for those where the removal and replacement of the filters within can done quickly and easily. Why save money installing your own system when you then need to pay someone to come in and maintain it.

Secondly, you need to look closely at the thermal unit rating of each system. This is important as you need to choose one that will be suitable for the size of room you intend to use it in. The higher the rating on the self install air conditioning unit the more heat in a room it will be able to remove.

Commonly Requested Items for Soldiers' Care Package

Daily I receive emails and requests regarding ideas for care package content to send to soldiers. Many just simply don't know what to send. The best advice I can offer is to ask the soldier what his/her needs are and follow their guidelines as to what to send. However, some are sending packages without a specific need in mind, and simply want to donate items to our warriors. Below you will find some commonly requested items for care packages during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Most items are general and will apply to any area of deployment. For specific area needs please consult Unit Command.

• Toiletries


• Aromatherapy Oils


• Hand Lotion


• Deodorant


• Body Powder


• Foot Powder


• Toothbrush


• Toothpaste


• Lip Balm


• Baby Wipes


• Face Moisturizer


• Loofah


• Makeup


• Blush


• Powder


• Mascara


• Body Wash


• Soap


• Manicure Kit


• Eyeglass Cleaner


• Toilet Paper


• Mouthwash


• Shampoo


• Conditioner


• Hair Color


• Tampons


• Pads


• Foot Spa


• Insoles


• Razors


• Handwarmers


• Eye Drops


• Q-tips


• Sunblock



• Food


• Salsa


• Chips


• Tuna


• Slim Jims


• Beef Jerky


• Pretzels


• Applesauce


• Pudding


• PopTarts


• Dinty Moore Soups


• Lunchables (non-refrigerated)


• Jelly Beans


• Altoids


• Rice Krispie Treats


• Snack Mixes


• Sunflower Seeds


• Chewing Gun


• Nuts


• Snack Cakes


• Coffee


• Gatorade


• Kool-Aid


• Crystal Light


• Jaw Breakers


• Cookies


• Canned Foods


• Peanut Butter


• Spices, Salt, Pepper


• Squeeze Butter


• Pringles


• Licorice


• Popcorn


• Ramen Noodles


• Macaroni & Cheese


• Cereal Bars


• Granola Bars


• Microwave Pasta


• Hot Cocoa mix


• Soup Mix


• M&Ms



• Entertainment


• CDs


• DVDs


• Disposable Camera


• Phone Card


• Poker Game


• Playing Cards


• Dice


• Newspapers


• Magazines (esp. Gossip, Entertainment)


• Handheld Electronic Games


• Board Games


• Books


• Taped Television Shows


• Game Cartridges


• Books on Tape


• Foam Footballs


• Silly String


• Frisbee


• Hacky Sack


• Dominoes


• MP3 Player


• Web Cam


• Headphones


• Silly Putty


• Squirt Guns


• Crossword Puzzles


• Word Searches


• Stationery (no stamps, soldiers' mail free)


• Blank Cards


• Journal



• Miscellaneous


• School Supplies


• Stuffed Animals


• Ink Pens


• Vitamins


• Inflatable Chairs or Pillows


• Shoe Laces


• Canned Air (for blowing dust out of electronics)


• Cleaning Supplies (wipes are best)


• Air Fresheners


• Candles


• Small Flashlight


• Posters


• Flag


• Holiday Decorations


• Stick-Ups


• Febreeze


• Stress Ball


• Sewing Kit


• AA Batteries


• D Batteries


• Baby Food Jars With Dirt From Yard


• Decorated Pillow Case


• Balloons


• Can Opener


• Dryer Sheets


• Dixie Cups


• Fan


• Koozies


• Microwaveable Plates or Bowls


• Paper Plates


• Napkins



• Linens & Things


• Handmade or Small Blanket


• Sheets


• Fluffy Towel


• Socks


• Underwear


• Tshirts

Disclaimer: This is not an all -inclusive list and some items may not be permitted by Command. Please use common sense when packaging and mailing items. For additional information consult Tara Crooks' article on Themed Care Packages as well as What Not To Send In Your Care Package, and How To Send Your Care Package. Army Wife Talk Radio is in no way affiliated with the Department of Defense (DoD) or any branch of the Armed Services and inclusion in this article does not reflect endorsement by the DoD, any local government or their agencies.

© 2006 Army Wife Talk Radio

Publishing Guidelines: Thank you for publishing this article in its entirety, including the resource box. Please make all links clickable within the text. Please notify me of publication by sending either a website link or a copy of the syndication upon publication via email info@armywifetalkradio.com.

Heat Pumps - What Radiators Should I Go for?

Heat pumps work most efficiently when the water for heating is between 35 degrees Celsius and 45 degrees Celsius. Whilst this is great for underfloor heating, it is on the low side for radiators as a conventional radiator based central heating system typically needs water at around a nominal 65 degrees Celsius.

When running a central heating system at these lower temperatures, radiators will produce around 25% of their stated central heating output. A 1000 watt radiator (at delta t 60 degrees Celsius) will produce 256 watts output: Hence the need for larger than normal radiators. In reality, if your property is insulated to current standards your radiators will be smaller when compared to older less well-insulated properties.

Taking into consideration the need for larger radiators, the best radiators to use are those with high heat outputs, which will also help to minimise the radiator size required.

Popular radiators for use with heat pumps are aluminium radiators which have rapidly become the radiators of choice for many architects, developers and home owners alike due to their high performance capabilities, keen prices and eco-friendly properties. Aluminium radiators are efficient as they have a rapid reaction time, heating up three times faster than ordinary steel panel radiators. The rapid heat, precisely when needed, not only provides a more even temperature and greater comfort, but leads to significant saving in energy.

When considering a heat pump, we cannot recommend highly enough that you employ the services of a consultant design heating engineer to spec every aspect of your project. The cost savings projected by many heat pump designers are fairly impressive, but full system design is imperative if the full benefits are to be enjoyed.

How to Distribute Heat From a Corn Stove

Installing a corn stove to heat your house is a great idea - you will save money on fuel and make a great contribution towards saving the planet. However, using a corn stove can be tricky and a special care should be taken to plan its position and heat distribution.

If done incorrectly, some parts of your home will be too hot while some rooms will stay cold. One common mistake is to place the burner down in the basement. It will never give the maximum possible output because a big portion of heat will stay in the basement. Ideally, the corn stove should be placed in a central location on the ground floor. It can be a living room or a special room allocated for the stove. Now you have to think about ways how to distribute heat from a corn stove.

Natural Circulation

The most obvious way is to use the laws of physics and allow the heat to circulate naturally. Hot air always flows upwards because it is lighter than cool air that consequently sinks towards the floor and is naturally drawn towards the heat source. This natural air flow method is rather ineffective because it takes time to distribute hot air and it takes some craftiness in providing holes so that the air can circulate.

If the house is not big, you can use this method. Air passages are made into the ceiling above he stove and into the walls partitioning the main room and other rooms. The holes are usually created as high on the walls as possible. Then we need to let the cool air come back to the heat source, that's why we introduce another set of passages closer to the floor. The passages are usually covered with a metal grille to make the whole thing look better.

Forced Air Distribution Method

When it comes to optimal cost and effectiveness ratio, forced air distribution system is probably the best for a corn stove. It uses air ducts made of metal and an electricity driven fan, also known as a blower, to distribute air across the house. If your dwelling if substantially sized, you'll have to devise a sophisticated network of ducts and possibly use more than one blower.

Majority of houses do well with just one. However, the ducts will have to go to every room you wish to heat. Don't worry about using electricity for the blower. It doesn't need to have a high output and you can always choose to install a small wind turbine to power your heating system.

Radiant Heating Method

There are stove models available that can be integrated into an existing central heating system or coupled with a water tank making it a good hot water boiler. The heat is then distributed with the water as its carrier. If you are building a house from scratch, you can have hot water pipes laid into concrete. An effective hot water distribution system will use a pump to move the water in the pipes.

There are natural radiant systems too - stay away from them as they are ineffective. Water pipes integrated in floors and driven by a pump is a great idea - as it is distributed evenly, you need less BTUs to heat the same area compared with hot air systems. This is the right thing if you've been dreaming about floor heating. Besides, used with a biomass burner, it is much cheaper than electric floor heating.

It is important to plan the way how to distribute heat from a corn stove before you make a purchase. The layout of your house will dictate the choice of equipment, length of ducts and output of a blower.

Air Conditioner Trouble Shooting Tips

If your AC unit has ever failed on a hot summer's day then you will know just what a problem this can be. In many cities without access to a cool air flow life becomes unbearable. Most new units will come with a warranty for maintenance but if yours has just broken down and the service documents have expired then you will want to know what the most common air conditioner trouble shooting tips are otherwise you will have to hire an expensive repair person.

To begin with you should turn off all power going to the unit. If possible unplug it from the wall. In many cases when an AC malfunctions it is because the filters are full of dust and dirt. Our cities are full of airborne particles that will clog up the filters. This can often remedy the problem immediately.

Sometimes the problem can be a simple one. If you use a remote control to operate the air conditioning then try replacing the batteries. Often we forget that these will wear down each year. Also, maybe you are using the control in the wrong way. Perhaps you have set the unit to switch on at a particular time of the day.

Have you noticed that many of our electrical gadgets will start to work correctly again after we switch the power on and off? This also holds true for air conditioners. Sometimes by resetting the power they will magically spring back to life.

An air conditioner will use a compressor. If this fails then the unit will not function. Check to see if there are any signs of burning or ice around the compressor. If there is a problem then this part will need to be replaced. If all these tips fail then the problem may be more serious and it could be worth considering a new model as repairs can be costly.

Who Invented the Air Conditioning Unit?

The need to cool the air in summer has existed for thousands of years, and many methods have been devised to achieve it. However the first modern air conditioners as we know them emerged in the early 1900's.

The concept of controlling the temperature of a room through programmed machines might be new but cooling buildings is a practice which has its roots in the ancient times. Different societies had adopted different techniques for cooling buildings.

The Romans used to do it by circulating aqueduct water though the walls of their houses while the Chinese inventor Ding Huan of the Han Dynasty invented the Rotary Fan for the purpose of cooling. Similarly, buildings in medieval Persia had cisterns and wind towers for cooling purposes while ventilators were invented in Medieval Egypt for the purpose of causing air ventilation and cooling the environment.

However, the very first modern electrical air-conditioning unit was created by the New York based Willis Haviland Carrier way back in 1902. After graduating from Cornell University, Carrier was given a job at a forging company in Buffalo and was put in charge of designing a machine that would improve the process control of manufacturing in a printing plant.

The creation by Carrier wasn't restricted to just temperature control but it also controlled humidity. Carrier used the concept of heating through the use of steam and also turned that process inside out to create a cooling effect. To do this he pioneered the idea of sending air through refrigerated coils to cool it and control the moisture content of the air.

This allowed him not only to cool a room, but also control the humidity level. For printing purposes this was a great breakthrough because paper absorbs a great deal of water, and affects the ink alignment significantly, so controlling the temperature and humidity of a room mean far more efficient printing.

Elements of a Great Rental Property Maintenance Program

As owners, investors, and managers, we can easily jump to the conclusion that a great maintenance program is about fixing the broking stuff. This falls far short of the great maintenance program that should be our objective. A great maintenance program delivers great customer service, increases the project asset value, reduces ongoing maintenance cost through improved systems, and enhances the marketability and leaseability of a rental property or multifamily community.

How do we achieve these themes with our maintenance plan? What characteristics should our maintenance staff have?

First, let's consider the skill requirements. The maintenance team ideally will have:

• Some experience managing bids and bid selection;


• Proven project management skills;


• Some proven contractor oversight skill;


• Subsystem maintenance skills such as carpentry, pool operations, appliance repair, painting, landscaping, air conditioning, and plumbing, electrical; and


• Certifications for pool operation and maintenance, air conditioning, and lead paint management.

The next consideration is the level and type of these skills relative to the rental management they support. A very large property of over 300 units may have as part of the staff an electrician or a plumber. And, your maintenance plan should call for more of these qualifications the larger your property or portfolio. Properties over 100 units should always hire at least one maintenance technician with air conditioning certification.

If the portfolio is large and growing, the maintenance plan should include plans to continually improve the certifications and skills of the management team.

Next, let's consider service level performance. For a property of over 200 units, having maintenance staff living on site can substantially improve customer service. Additionally, properties should have a plan to provide emergency maintenance around the clock. Larger portfolios should have a running standby list for coverage 365 days per year. The standby maintenance staff should provide response at the issue location within 30 minutes for larger properties. This level of service improves rentability and strengthens your property reputation.

Third on our list, a well planned property maintenance plan includes preventive maintenance. The staff should develop plans, inventory, and seek information and education to extend and improve the lifecycle performance of all property subsystems as a means of decreased maintenance effort and reduced capital cost.

Finally, a well conceived plan will focus on continual study, education, and research identifying new materials, new equipment, replacement subsystems to increase the life of the property, reduce replacement cost for materials, reduce replacement and maintenance support time. As an example, recently, a new 7 year odor absorbing carpet was introduced to the market. This product in most rental homes will reduce maintenance cost as much as $100 per year per unit for an incremental one-time increased material cost of $75 based on 1,000 square feet. Pursuing these type of improvements has long term positive impact on property operations.

A cycle of planning focusing on the items outlined will improve customer service, property condition, and reduce operating costs.

Home Cooling Systems For The DIY Expert

Heating and cooling a house is a concern for all homeowners, especially for those people that pride themselves on being do-it-yourselfers. Which cooling systems are the most effective while offering a low energy cost over the life of the unit? Luckily, technology has provided a number of different system types to keep everyone warm and cool as the seasons change.

One basic way to cool a home is to use ventilation techniques through strategic fan placement. Homes can be outfitted with rooftop fan ventilators that will pull heated air from the top of the home, like in the attic, so that it escapes into the atmosphere. The air that replaces the escaped heated air within the space will generally be cooler. Other cooling systems include permanently installed ceiling fans and removable window fans. These are commonly operated in spaces that have a lot of use, like living rooms and bedrooms. Alternatively, some DIYers take advantage of a home's duct system; a fan system can be installed to move air throughout a home that has ducts entering each main room area. Regardless of the fan ventilation choice, the main benefit to this home cooling system is its inexpensive operation over the years; it only takes a minimal amount of electricity to run the fans.

Homeowners may also use the same ducts for heating that they use for cooling systems. A boiler or furnace can be attached to this duct system to provide warm air during the colder months. As a result, the entire home is kept at a comfortable temperature while retaining a low energy bill at the end of the month.

These same ducts for fans and heat systems can also be equipped with an air conditioning system. These cooling systems are highly effective for cooling a home, especially if the outside temperatures are extremely dry and hot. However, a DIYer should note that the air conditioning installation can be relatively difficult, along with increasing the home's electrical bill.

Alternatively, some homeowners in dry climates use evaporative coolers as another inexpensive strategy for cooling a house. Much like air conditioners, the cooler chills hot, incoming air. But, the cooler adds moisture to the incoming hot air to cool it off. This use of evaporation cools the interior of the home while hot air escapes through a cracked window. These coolers are also referred to as swamp coolers.

Some DIY homeowners install radiant heating and cooling systems within their floors for warming and cooling the building. As suggested by the name, radiant heating sends out warmth from its installed piping within the floor; many installations use hot water flows from a heated boiler to warm the home's interior. Alternatively, radiant cooling helps retain a comfortable temperature within the home during the warm months. Operating in the opposite direction, radiant cooling absorbs heat through the floor and into the piping to pull hot air from a specific area.

Every DIY homeowner should research the best heating and cooling system for the particular climate the home resides within. Each system has its benefits and drawbacks, based on the humidity or dryness of a region.

Air Conditioning Calculator

It is always important and vital to know about the size and shape of the air conditioning unit so it can fit and adequately cool the whole house. There are several online air conditioning calculators that can help you compute the BTU you need for your house.

BTU is the commonly wide measurement of air conditioning power whether for home or industrial uses. BTU stands for the British Thermal Units indicating the amount of air, in cubic feet. This could alter its one degree in one hour.

For instance, an air conditioner with 5,000 BTU is supposed to be able to decrease the temperature of 5,000 cubic feet of air by one degree in one hour. The air conditioning calculator shows that the air conditioner could be used in a room with between 200 to 300 square feet.

The amount and quality of room insulation is also as important and a play vital role in the type of air conditioner you need. The kitchen also can increase the room temperature of the whole house and that should be taken in consideration as well.

In order to determine the correct and proper size of air conditioner, you should always ask the manufacturer to calculate the BTU required for your home or download an online calculator and do it yourself.

You should also give some room for consideration. For example, if your air conditioning calculator advises to buy a 10,000 BTU unit, then you should buy a home air conditioner around 10,000 to 12,000.

This also won't push it too hard and would also produce cool air and keep the proper room temperature. Since it will not work much harder and for longer periods of time, it can lower your electricity bills.

Some air conditioner calculators can also determine the estimated monthly and annual electricity bills you will incurred.

The LG Ductless Air Conditioner Review

LG ductless air conditioners offer customers a choice in beauty that also combines functionality. These systems are not your typical unsightly systems as they can simply become "wall art". With your choice of covers, the customer can choose their favorite that can help make this system not only pleasing to the eye but also cool the air providing for a comfortable and relaxing space.

The LG ductless A/C units are considered "green" as they use the R-410A refrigerant that is better for the ozone than the old refrigerant that many manufacturers used. This choice of refrigerant also makes this ductless air conditioner system a great choice for energy efficiency and cost effectiveness.

With functionality in mind, these systems are sure to please the customer in a variety of different ways. To begin with, these systems can operate off of remote for both settings and temperature control, which helps to provide personalized comfort and even reduced energy consumption. Other features for the LG ductless models include air purification through natural air flow (and at no extra cost) and even auto operation modes, plus more. This ductless air conditioner is one of the quietest air conditioners that one can purchase on the market today. It is manufactured with an ultra quiet fan motor which helps to reduce noise pollution of the indoor ductless air conditioner unit. Actually, these systems are typically 80% quieter than other air conditioning units. We're talking about 21 dba noise levels, which is some of the lowest offered by any air conditioning manufacturer in the industry today. As a matter of fact, your fan, whether ceiling or portable, will probably produce more noise than the LG ductless air conditioners.

If that is not enough, then how about operation that will only cost about $0.07 an hour? Everyone knows how expensive operating any type of air conditioner can be; however, now there is no need to worry about those rising energy costs because one can receive one hour of cooling for only $0.07! This makes the LG offerings some of the best, if not the best, energy saving and cost effective air conditioning units available on the market today. The LG ductless air conditioners have an SEER rating of 13.0, one can see why these systems are highly cost effective. So now, one does not have to worry about the setting that the system is on; just simply use the remote, dial in a comfort setting, and then walk away, having no worries about high energy costs and consumption. (These costs are based on a nationwide average of $0.10 per Kilowatt of energy usage.)

The inside unit offers a very unique aspect in terms of decorative design. The cover of the unit has a "bordered frame" with a white matt underneath to where one can customize the d矇cor of the unit by using photographs or even artwork. These items can be changed easily and allows the owner of the unit to showcase their favorite pictures or even a child's drawings. This completely customizable option can be highly appealing as compared to other ductless air conditioners that only offer unsightly inside units that can harm the d矇cor of any room. The LG ductless air conditioners can and will blend in to any space and d矇cor and will not become an eye sore.

LG ductless air conditioners come in several different variety and cooling capacities, as well as price ranges. From as low as 9,000 BTUs up to around 30,000 BTUs, a person can find the right size of ductless air conditioners to fit the space required and that will cool that space with no problems at all.

LG also offers a warranty on all of their products. To learn about the complete warranty on the LG ductless air conditioners you will want to talk with a sales representative or the manufacturer and do keep in mind that the warranty may differ from one model of the ductless units to another. But, overall, you can expect to receive a 2 year warranty on both the outside and inside units and a 5 year warranty on the compressor. Do remember that labor is not covered in the manufacturer's warranty and also that some models of the ductless A/C units are not approved for use in a mobile home. Also, one will want to check on the requirements that the manufacturer has set into place to make sure that the warranty would be valid; in some cases, the installation has to be done by a professional and the professional has to sign off on the warranty for it to be valid.

Energy Star Qualified HVAC Equipment and Green HVAC Units

It is quite interesting to know that almost half of the energy of your home needs goes for the heating and air conditioning requirements. In fact, these two needs are considered to be crucial as far as the home budget is considered. Thus, you need to be sensible and have a close look at specification of heating and cooling appliances, before buying them, in order to optimize your utility bills.

When talking about air conditioning appliances, green air conditioning is one of the latest technologies that have been incorporated in the market. Its advanced air flow cooling system improves and enhances the environment of home. With its dual compressor, the green air conditioning system is termed as the quickest and also an economical cooling system that you may get in the market.

It is always advisable to tune up your HVAC system for both cooling and heating purpose at least once in a year. Whereas the filter needs to be checked every month and replacement would be done once in a three months time span. These little checks and maintenance work will surely boost up the performance of your HVAC equipment.

It is often a worrisome issue for most of the HVAC users that the HVAC system in not working to its potential. This is a very critical problem as far as the home cooling and heating system is concerned. According to the sources from California Energy Commission, an HVAC system is supposed to be in proper size in order to provide the internal atmosphere of home with correct air flow.

It should be in accordance to the room-by-room calculations of heat along with cooling loads. A part from the improper installation of the HVAC systems at commercial as well as domestic areas, the maintenance of the HVAC systems is also an important concern that greatly affects the performance of HVAC systems. Regular changing of the refrigerant along with correct burner operation is important aspects that need to be taken in account while carrying out the maintenance of the HVAC systems. This will obviously ensure best quality heating and cooling along with the extension of the life of HVAC system.

Energy Star is a US based air conditioning system that is being sponsored by the US government in order to save energy and thus to help the environment. The Energy Start qualified HVAC equipment is not only meant for the residential users but also a perfect and reliable air conditioning system for the commercial users. Thus, if someone wants to have both reliability and efficiency at the same time, then Energy Start HVAC is suddenly the right choice for him.

It is believed that the Green Star HVAC systems consume 7-10% less energy as compared to other similar air conditioning systems. If you are still using the services of old air conditioning system that shoots your bill to the maximum every month, it's time to change your brand and select the Energy Start air conditioning system which is almost 14% efficient than its counter systems. You can do all this by having the services of suitable HVAC contractor. The best contractor will guide you towards the optimum energy solution for air conditioning needs.

If you want to have a perfect solution for all of your home or commercial air conditioning system, you can definitely visit our website Hava Tech Inc. We at Hava Tech Inc. in Fairfax Virginia carry some latest branded equipment which includes Lennox, Bryant, Trane, Carrier and York. We also deal in Green air conditioning which will surely serve your requirements as far as the latest standards are concerned.

Installing a Portable Air Conditioner in 8 Easy Steps

If you're looking for information on installing a portable air conditioner then pull up a chair and buckle down, because this is the article you've been searching for.

Portable air conditioners are an excellent solution to the summer's heat. You may find yourself in a situation where installing a window AC unit or central air conditioner is impractical, not possible, or too costly. In these types of situations portable air conditioners come in handy. There is no need for permanent installation, breaking through walls, or breaking the bank. In this article we're going to break down how to install a portable air conditioner in 8 easy steps. After reading this article, you'll see just how simple installing a portable air conditioner really is.

Step 1: When you get your portable AC to its destination, unpack all the contents and allow the portable AC to stand upright for at least 1-2 hours. When your AC is shipped, the refrigerant inside gets stirred up, allow the appliance to sit will help the refrigerant to settle down.

Step 2: Go over the installation guide to make sure you have all of your parts. In the rare event that you find a part missing, contact the company via website or phone and they will ship you the missing part.

Step 3: Locate the exhaust hose and its connectors. Connect the exhaust hose connectors to the exhaust hose. On most models it will twist into place. Check to make sure that the connection is air tight.

Step 4: Locate the window slider. Connect the window slider to the window fixture. Most models come with small screws to use for attachment.

Step 5: Lift your window and place the window kit inside, it may go in horizontally or vertically, dependent upon how your window opens. Adjust the length of the window kit to fit your window. Close the window until the window kit fits snuggly. Some models come with screws to make sure your window kit stays in place.

Step 6: Take the exhaust hose from step 3 and attach it to one end of your portable air conditioner. Dependent upon the model, it may twist or snap into place.

Step 7: Bring you portable AC unit about 2-3 feet from your window. Extend the exhaust hose from step 6 with a slight pull. Take the unconnected side and attach it to the designated spot on you window kit. Depending on the model, it may snap, twist, or lock into place.

Step 8: Grab the power cord and plug it in. If your model has a reset button on the plug, press it now. Locate the power button on the control panel and turn it on. Look through the setting on your control panel to see what options you have. Set the desired temperature and you should feel air blowing out. If not refer to the trouble shooting section of you installation guide. It's going to take a few minutes for the air to get cool.

What Types of Maintenance Does Your Car Need?

There are different services and inspections that your car requires in order to continue to run properly. As a responsible car owner, you must know what these various services are. After all, not only does the health of your car depend on it, but also the safety of yourself and others you encounter on the road. Some services are considered to be just regular maintenance, while others are performed to optimize the performance of the car and lengthen the car's life.

Some services that are considered as regular maintenance are 30/60/90K Scheduled Maintenance, Tune-Up Service, Full Service Oil and Lube and Tire Rotation and Balance. Each service focuses on different parts of the car that needs to be maintained frequently. 30/60/90K Scheduled Maintenance takes place every 30,60, and 90 thousand miles that are consumed by the car. When this service is performed, the engine oil will be drained and replaced. The filter will also be replaced. Additional parts that may be inspected and addressed during this particular maintenance service will be the PCV valve (if they find the PCV Valve damaged, they will perform a PCV Valve Service), air and fuel filters, and spark plugs. The service could also include a fuel injection flush, transmission flush and break fluid flush.

Tune-Up Services, on the other hand, occur every two years. During those two years, some parts of the car tend to wear out and need repair or replacement in order to prevent more loss of performance. Sometimes it is just a matter of adjusting certain systems of the car in order to assure continual proper operation.

A Full Service Oil and Lube is as important as a regular Tune-Up, if not more so. In full service oil and lubes, your old oil will be changed out and replaced with up to 5 quarts of new oil. They also include Wiper Blade Replacement, and visible battery checks. If it looks like something may be wrong with your battery, such as corroded battery connections, then the full service center where you are having your oil and lube performed may recommend that you also have Battery Maintenance done. Just as a full service oil and lube is important in order to make sure the oil in the car that lubricates your engine continues to remain clean, Fuel Injection Services and Fuel Filter services are also an important part of your regular maintenance, in which your entire fuel system is kept clean from damaging deposits.

Tire Rotation and Balance addresses an entirely different part of your car. While the full service oil and lube and the fuel injection services both help to ensure the engine operates correctly and has full power, the tire rotation and balance make sure that the tires of your car operate properly. You depend on your tires daily to safely carry your car, and you by default, to your destination. They receive a lot of wear and tear and need to be inspected frequently to make sure they are wearing out evenly and are well balanced. Otherwise, one tire could receive much more wear than the others and unexpectedly blow out. A reliable car service center will examine your tires to check for abnormal wearing patterns and visible damage.

Your car's cooling system, which is also known as the Air Conditioning System, is another essential part of your car, especially if you happen to live in areas with very hot summers, such as Dallas, TX, where a reliable air conditioner is a must have. When the temperature is over one hundred degrees for weeks on end, then you cannot afford to have your air conditioner break down in your car. Otherwise, in just a short 5 minute drive to work, you will be covered in sweat. Heat exhaustion and even heat strokes are not unheard of in such extreme conditions. Don't wait until your AC breaks. Do yourself a favor and have regular Air Conditioning Services performed. Your car care center will also provide an Air Filter Service as part of the air conditioning service. They will replace the air filter to ensure the cabin air inside your car is healthy and clean.

Other important services that your car will need include: Brake Service, Brake Flush Service, Timing Belt/Chain Service, Serpentine Belt Service, Engine Diagnostic Service, and State Inspection Service, Differential Service, Light Bulb Replacement, Power Steering Service, Radiator Flush Service, Shocks & Struts, and Transmission Service.

Some services focus on particular systems of your car, other services focus on the different car fluids that are necessary to maintain, and others focus on seemingly small parts of your car, such as bulbs, wiper blades, and belts. Little or big, every single part of your car is essential to its performance and, by default, your safety. Find a car service center who is equipped and experienced in caring for ALL of your car maintenance, repair, and inspection services and offers great prices and service specials.

Air Conditioner Condenser Coil Cleaner - What Do You Use to Clean Your Coil?

A Clean Air Conditioner Condenser Coil is probably the most important thing to have your air conditioner running at top efficiency. So, what do you use to clean the coil?

There are a number of different things that can be used to clean your condenser coil. It does not matter whether you are cleaning a central air conditioning unit or a window air conditioning unit. What does matter is the type and location of the coil and the amount of dirt that is in the coil.

When looking at the type of coil cleaner to be used, make sure that the chemical being used is compatible with the type of metal that the coil is made out of. Some chemicals and certain metals do not get along well and should be avoided.

Also, if you condenser coil is severely plugged then a foaming type coil cleaner is a must have item. If the condenser coil just needs to be washed down and is not completely plugged then a mild detergent may be just the tool needed to do the job.

For many units that have regular cleanings, a good quality detergent similar to what you use to wash your car, will work just fine. The main object of the cleaning is to remove the dust, dirt, and grime from the coil to promote better air flow through the coil. If the coil is just plugged with grass or dandelion seeds them a simple hosing off with the water hose may do the trick.

If a foaming cleaner is need to clean a neglected or very dirty coil then look up your local heating and air conditioning supply house and purchase a coil cleaner specifically for cleaning condenser coils. Most of these products are for professional use only and care is needed when using and handling these products.

Condenser coil cleaning can be done by the homeowner if proper care is taken and it will keep you air conditioning unit running great whether it is a central air conditioning unit or a window air conditioning unit. Once you know what to do and how to do it you may find that you will be cleaning your condenser coil a number of times a year to insure top performance from your unit.

Pay Now For Air Conditioning Service Or Pay More Later

With hot weather just around the corner, it's a good time to have your car's air conditioning checked by a reputable professional. This will prevent problems at the height of the summer when there will be a much longer wait for such a repair.

If your air conditioning system isn't in good shape, chances are it will cost a lot more than a sweaty ride. Many people ignore the signs of an AC system that needs service in hope of delaying an auto repair bill. In reality, this simply increases out of pocket costs and risks causing even more costly repairs.

As cars get more complicated, resources available for struggling components are less available. Manufacturers now plan for vehicles to be well maintained. This is in part due to longer warranties and also because of added electronics needed to meet tougher emissions standards. So the days of saving money by putting off repairs are pretty much gone. That is at least for cars manufactured in this millennium.

Any issue that causes the air conditioning system to work harder, such as driving with the windows down, can be measured easily in additional gas station stops. One should bear in mind that that the extra power draw from an overworked or failing AC compressor accelerates wear on other components, such as the alternator.

In addition, the fuel costs can very quickly add up to an amount that is more than the AC repair. Most car owners are unaware that ignoring that AC problem throughout the winter, costs just as much as in the summer because the AC compressor kicks on whenever the defroster is on. This is to prevent interior condensation and clear windows more quickly.

Obviously, if the AC is on and nothing blows out, your car needs immediate service, but there are other signs of an AC problem that shouldn't be ignored. If the air conditioning blows warm or doesn't get as cold as it should, the system could be leaking coolant, have a system vent issue or a vent blockage. In cars equipped with climate control, this means the AC runs continuously and drags down gas mileage.

If the AC randomly blows colder than expected, the compressor may be failing or there could be serious electrical issues. And finally, if there are loud noises when the compressor kicks in or cycles, an inspection at an auto repair shop is needed to rule out any other problems other than a noisy compressor.

Although diagnosing and repairing your own car may seem a good and money saving idea, it's generally better to have a certified specialist perform AC repairs. The prevalence of proprietary electronics in the newer systems can make diagnosis difficult for the home mechanic. The coolant and specialized tools needed to perform a repair equal to an air conditioning shop are costly and may be difficult work with or obtain.

Not to mention, an improper repair may create new issues that mask the original problem so the car eventually ends up in the repair shop but with a much larger bill. So, consider taking your car in for an air conditioning tune up, as catching issues early can save a lot of inconvenience, time and money.

Maintaining Your Furnace to Improve Central Heating

Effective and efficient home heating is important for the comfort and healthy functioning of a household, and a good furnace is part of that package.  Just as important is finding someone who can maintain any brand of system.  For instance, Carrier furnaces are one of the leading brands in the industry, and their authorized service people are well trained and will contribute to the functionality of any system, but flexibility is important.

There are a wide range of products from Carrier and other companies to enhance the temperature and indoor air quality of any given home.  There are geothermal furnaces, which offer up some of the most energy efficient systems out there, and ductless installations, which are excellent for reducing the impact on a home where significant alterations cannot be made or would be prohibitively expensive.

By the same token, there are options for repairing an existing system or increasing its efficiency. Where possible, central heating can significantly improve household comfort and energy efficiency, as depending on the structure, heating the entire house may be the only way to go.

In a building where it is possible and more efficient to heat room-by-room, there are options for unit heating to keep costs down.  The choice of heating system must be what works for the individual homeowner and is determined to be the best fit for any given situation.

Another simple step that can be taken to improve energy efficiency and home comfort is that of installing a new thermostat.  When our home heating system seems to be working inefficiently or erratically, many of us will consider every possibility except one, often even going so far as to call in a repair person to examine it at a fairly high cost.

Sometimes the problem is not with the furnace or boiler, rather it is in the thermostat itself.  If the system has been examined fairly recently, or the thermostat is over ten years old or of a cheaper make, it is well worth the time and effort to invest in a replacement.   Most good brands can be purchased for within the $100 range and can be installed by anyone who can read directions.

While thermostat replacement may be the simplest solution, it is not always the best or only one.  It is also crucial that whatever system is chosen, be it central heating, room to room, or another option, it must be kept in good repair.  This means making sure it is installed and maintained by a trained and reputable HVAC contractor.  It is important that a homeowner do appropriate research to make sure they are using a product and company with a vetted background.

Finding the best furnace and the most qualified HVAC contractor can be more expensive in the short run, but will ultimately save money as it is the best way to guarantee the efficiency and life of the installed system.  Act at the outset to ensure that the installation is solid and see to it that you get good maintenance of all aspects and parts of the system (be it a Carrier furnace or any other), and the longer it will last and the more efficacious the end results will be.

Central Air Conditioning's Unique Features

As the sizzling summer months are upon us many of us find ourselves wondering should we just tough out the stifling heat a couple more months or is this the year to break down and find a better way to deal with the oppressing heat that permeates our homes? A good place to find knowledge and experience when making your choice regarding this is Provo cooling and air. Here are a few of the unique features central air conditioning has to offer you.

Many of us enjoy the fact that with central air you can feel cool wherever you are in your home. The temperature is regulated for you. All rooms can be the same temperature and we don't have to sit in one place to feel cool.

How many times have you walked into an office building on a hot day and felt that instant relief as you were greeted by a wall of cool air. You too can have that feeling in your own home everyday with central air. Whether your coming home from a hectic day at work, running to and from endless activities or busy around your yard. The result is always the same: ahhhh.

An oscillating ventilation system allows this to take place. These help your home maintain that same comforting climate wherever you may be and are much more efficient. This also helps to rotate the air throughout your house.

Most air conditioners are programmable. This allows you to set what temperature you want and when you want it. Thus you can always maintain a comfortable temperature in your home.

Proper ventilation is another important asset of an air conditioning system. This prevents that stuffy feeling that is often comes from running an air conditioning unit all day. By removing exhaust properly from your home and bringing fresh air from outside you can breath easier at home. For more benefits and information regarding this talk to your Provo cooling and air specialist.

An energy-saver switch that will turn the fans off at the same time as the compressor, which will allow for greater energy efficiency. A check filter light is another wonderful feature. This helps to remind you when it is time to change the filter on your air conditioning unit, which those at Provo cooling and air will testify is one of the most neglected and yet simple things to do in order to maintain a good working unit.

With so many unique and convenient options central air conditioning really makes life more enjoyable. As the temperatures are starting to rise why not do yourself a favor and talk to a Provo cooling and air professional near you to decide if now is the year to make home more of a heaven on earth. Quit the debate and see how enjoyable and easy being cool can be.

How to Select an Air Conditioning System

How do you decide what to choose when you need a new air conditioning system? What are the best brands? Which have the lowest operating costs. It is actually more important to have the right buying process, instead of worrying so much about getting the right brand.

Surprisingly, the government model is actually the best way to buy a system. You want to set up a bidding process where you get 4-6 heating and air conditioning companies to quote on the job. The Better Business Bureau is a great place to look for suitable companies. They should have at least 10 years experience.

Any half-way decent company will give you a free estimate. Let them know they will be bidding against other companies. Make sure you do not tell them what the other companies bid amounts are. You can explain that you are going to award the job to the highest value bidder - which means the most for the least. If they are intent on selling you a particular system, have them explain why it is the best.

The truth is that the well known name systems out there are somewhat comparable in quality. No system will run forever, though. Plan on future maintenance by getting a system that has standardized parts. If it has specialized parts, it is going to be more difficult and more costly to repair. Also, your future repairman may have limited experience with specialized parts. You want him working with the same thing he is used to every day.

Trane and Rheem are thought to be top of the line. Well designed, Rheem units are reliable and simple for most technicians. You can expect top quality workmanship. Trane, too, is a wonderful system. Unfortunately, it typically carries a premium price. This may be reduced with the bidding system in place. If you really want a Trane, then ask all the companies to quote Trane.

The ICP Group (United Technologies) makes Carrier units. These same people also make ComfortMaker, Day&Night, Bryant and Payne. You can expect Paine to be the lowest priced unit. It is considered a builders grade. All of the systems from this manufacturer are more or less reliable, though make sure that the unit you buy has standard parts.

It will make all the difference down the road.

Amana has taken over the production of Goodman Air Conditioners. Because of a less than perfect record in the past, Goodman has a great price and now there units are very solid.

You may also consider Lennox, Nordyne and York. These brands are fine.

Your real concern, however, should be who will install your unit and how will they do it. Even the top-of-the-line unit will not operate properly if it is not installed correctly. Once you have narrowed your bidders down to 2, make sure you find out how qualified the actual installers are. What is their training? What is their experience? For the money you are about to spend, it is more than fair for you to ask these questions.

Units must be installed correctly. It is easy and convenient to cut corners. A few shortcuts will cost you dearly in the long run, so make sure you are comfortable with the people who will actually do the work.

You can expect to pay around $5000 for a system to heat and cool a typical American 3 bedroom home. A real money-saving secret is to allow the use of a "scratch and dent" unit - as long as the complete warranty will still be valid. Let the contractors who are bidding know that you would be OK with this.

So here is the plan: Get qualified bidders, tell them the specifics of what you would accept, get their quotes and narrow down to 2 for the final decision. Make your final decision based on the quality of the installers. You will be on your way to having a great unit installed at the right price.

Air Conditioning Units For Homes - A Buyer's Guide

Buyers often fall in a dilemma when they buy air conditioning units for their home. A perfect decision needs to be made to benefit from the investment you make on the a/c unit. Our aim is to guide you and thus simplify the buying procedure.

Choose between the short and long-term costs of the units. You should opt for a high efficiency unit that decreases the amount of expenses in the long term by consuming less power. The low efficiency units may attract you due to the lower costs, but they charge you every time with your power bills. Check the SEER of the units, as you are required to buy the 13 SEER or better units. It is the indicator of efficiency level of the units. SEER between 15- 17 is of moderate efficiency where above 17 indicates high efficiency.

Always buy the latest A/C units. Even the low efficiency units are better than the old units are. The technology advances at much higher rate than you can imagine. Lowest efficiency units of latest technology have much better efficiency than those of 20 years old units.

You should buy a split A/C if you do not have A/C ducts at your home. A split system implies that the blower and evaporator are in the house whereas the compressor is placed outside the house. The cost of split A/Cs may be higher, but they are installed at cheaper rates in many cases. An advantage allows the user to manipulate the temperature level of the different rooms in the house.

You should buy the portable units if you live in a small or rented house. They are the ideal option in case the property owner denies any installations in the house.

Select the right size for the units you want to install. Some people have a notion that the bigger the better, but this is not true in all cases. Air conditioning units are not only required to make the room cool but an air-dehumidifying feature also is important. The units shut themselves off before they could change to dehumidifying option, if they are too big. The size of AC units must be based on the BTUs. Consider the BTU chart before selecting the size of AC you require for your house.

Select the type of motor you want in the AC units. The inverter motors allows the variable speed of AC units, which implies they are more efficient in terms of energy. However, the fixed speed motors are less energy efficient but more money saving. You have to prioritize the factors.

Select the type of coolant for the AC. R22 was the coolant traditionally used in most of the AC systems. The latest are R407c and R401a. Both of them are equally efficient. You can choose either of them.

There is a summary of all the advantages and disadvantages of various options. You can successfully buy the appropriate units with help of these points. Prioritize your requirements and select the best Air conditioning units for your home.

Positive Pressure Ventilation Improves Air Quality

The air in your home or office can make you sick. Ventilation removes air, heat and gases from the room and replaces it with cooler air. Positive pressure ventilation obtains a cleaner supply of air from outside the home, filters and dries it and then gently distributes it this air throughout the house. It is can be referred to as 'forced air ventilation'. The drier air can be drawn into the house from the space above the roof or from outside the home. When the fresh air in introduced, by the positive pressure ventilation, it replaces stale air that can often contain impurities. The term is applied when the supply of air that is drawn in exceeds, the amount that is pushed out.

Poor quality of indoor is recognized for contributing to severe health concerns such as nose throat or eye irritations, dry or itchy skin, fatigue, dizziness, lack of energy and sensitivity to odours. The condition is often unexplained or undiagnosed, but relief only appears when the patients are removed from the premises. The sick building syndrome, as the condition is called, can often be found to be localized in a particular area or zone of the building or in extreme cases, it may be spread throughout the entire building. A related condition that appears when symptoms are diagnosed and identified as being caused by airborne contaminants is known as `Building Related Illness.

Positive pressure ventilation systems can be a cost effective solution to both Sick Building Syndrome and Building Related Illness as it relies on the clean incoming air to push the stale contaminated air out of the home through doors and windows. This type of system can suit almost all homes and budgets. The performance of ventilation systems will depend on a number of factors, that can include the type and age of the home, the type of system and quality of the installation, and the climate.

Positive pressure ventilation can also be used in heat recovery, as they often include heat controls to adjust the temperatures of the incoming air before it is distributed. An alternative method involves using the Air Handler Unit in the heating and cooling system. The volume of air that is transported through the ventilation ducts depend on the size and formation of the duct work, and how the dampers are set. The guidelines are usually set by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers.

The most important component of the system is the fan, which can be in various sizes. The size chosen may also depend on the size of the home. Other factors that can be critically important to the performance of the system include how and where the air vents are distributed in the building and how tightly the build is sealed from air transport.

The air entering the home is normally filtered with high quality filters, that should be cleaned periodically. Most systems will be equipped with pilot's lights or indicators that show when the filters should be replaced.

Heating and Air Conditioning - A Must For Comfortable Living

At places where winters and summers are extreme, heating and air conditioning systems have to be of good quality and carefully maintained. To live comfortably in the warm months of summer and chilling cold days and nights of winter, you need adequate preparation - simply having blankets and fans won't protect you from frostbite and heat stroke.

Central heating and conditioning equipment not only keeps home or office temperature to a comfort level, but also enhances air quality through filtering and cleaning process. Heating or cooling systems employ ductwork to connect different rooms in a home or areas in an office or larger places. Ducting enables creation of consistent and uniform temperature in any place. For shielding yourself and family against infrequent extreme temperatures, installation of heating and air conditioning equipment, central or local, is very crucial to comfort and health.

The traditional Romans, who created duct system, are credited with the invention of central heating and cooling system. Duct system, called 'hypocausts', were used for private homes and public baths and were considered most convenient and cleanliness friendly. In duct system, the floor was rested on the pillars to keep it above the ground, leaving empty spaces in the wall to be filled in with steam from fuel. This helped in heating the surfaces without pollution of air in the rooms. Although an effective way, it was impractical at times.

In modern days, HVAC heating and air conditioning equipment is the best source for heating and ventilation. A typical HVAC central air conditioner, placed outside the home or office building, hooks directly into air ducts which are installed throughout the place which is supposed to be air conditioned. Heated or cooled air is pushed through these ducts to create desired temperature effect in the rooms. Air conditioner absorbs the air and heats/chills it and the fan units push this heated/cooled air into every room of the home or office.

Continuous or frequent use of air conditioner makes air ducts dirty. Dust and dead bugs build up in duct over time. This causes formation of mold and mildew in the ducts of heating and air conditioning system. Air duct cleaning is crucial for smooth running of this conditioning equipment. There are air duct cleaning service providers who use state of the art air duct cleaning equipment to clear ducts of dirt, dust and mold. Duct cleaning done once in a year keeps the equipment energy efficient and provides good quality air free from hazardous germs and pollutants.

Autumn Hair and Scalp Woes

The three most common questions that I am asked about hair and scalp problems when the weather grows cold are:

Question: More hair fall in the Fall?

Answer: I suggest you ask yourself the following question should you notice more fall in the Fall: "Do I have extra hair loss at this time of the year every year?". If the answer is yes, then you probably have what is known as 'seasonal hair loss' and it could be normal for you; however, if the answer is no, or the hair loss is more excessive than usual, then it may be due to other reasons (see my "7 H's of Hair Loss©"). If you think your hair loss is excessive then see a hair loss specialist for a consultation.

Question: More dandruff falling on your shoulders in the Fall?

Answer: This is a very common problem and is often due to weather changes. During the fall the temperature and humidity decrease causing the scalp to lose moisture. This can lead to an increase in scalp flaking and irritation. Sometimes there is also a little flaking and redness long the hair line and in the eyebrows. People with an oily scalp are actually more likely to have this problem. I suggest washing your hair everyday to remove the dandruff build up and to keep the scalp clean, and also to turn your humidifier on at home, especially at night, to help put more moisture in the air.

Question: Limper hair, falling from its curl in the Fall?

Answer: During the summer the hair absorbs moisture from the air and, if it is naturally curly to begin with, will become wavy and have more body (unfortunately, it can also go frizzy and become dull!). When the fall comes, the humidity drops and so less moisture is available causing the hair to go limper. This problem often occurs if your hair is damaged or too dry. I suggest using a conditioner every time you wash your hair and also use a deep conditioning treatment, on a regular basis to trap the correct level of moisture into your hair and so give it more sheen and body throughout the year.

Air Conditioning Throughout History

It's hard to imagine a modern world without air conditioning. There would be no refrigerators to store food, so grocery shopping almost every day would become necessary. An icebox would only keep food good for 2-3 days, so there would always be a higher risk of food poisoning. Skyscrapers would certainly not be very comfortable places in which to work. Many people living in hotter climates like Phoenix, Arizona would not be able to stand the 100-degree heat and probably would have to move up north, at least during the summer months. People with asthma and migraines would have a hard time living in Washington DC, where they need clean indoor air quality to escape the airborne impurities.

There hasn't always been air conditioning available, especially not to those who were less than wealthy. How was air conditioning ever invented? Was there any way to cool a home before electric air conditioning? There is a rich history behind the evolution of air conditioning and it spans more than just the last century, making the modern comforts we enjoy today possible.

Cooling as Done By the Ancients

Using machinery to cool the air has been a recent technology, but cooling homes has been done throughout history. During the time when the Roman Empire dominated Western culture, wealthier Romans enjoyed cooled homes in the summer months. They used aqueducts, or channels, that moved water from one part of the house to another. Full-scale aqueducts would send drinking water to all parts of the city, but used within a home, these aqueducts evaporated air as it moved and could cool the rooms.

The Romans weren't the only ones in the world working on the development of cooling technology. The Chinese were inventing rotary fans powered by water to provide air movement within a building. The Persians would dig large cisterns, or pools, in their courtyards. When this water evaporated, it cooled the surrounding area. These may seem like rudimentary methods now, but they were effective means for providing relief during seasons of intense heat.

The Beginning of Air Conditioning as We Know It

Michael Faraday, a British chemist and physicist, discovered how to use machinery to provide air conditioning in 1820. By compressing and liquefying ammonia, the air that evaporated from the liquid would be cooler than the normal air temperature. These principles were used early on to produce ice in large quantities. In the 1830s, a physician named John Gorrie adapted this principle and used a fan to blow over a bucket of ice, producing cooler air for those confined to the hospital.

In order to cool printing plants, which were made extremely hot by the intense machinery and equipment, the first electric air conditioner was made in 1902 by Willis Haviland Carrier. By lowering the temperature in the factory, this cooling system saved paper from being warped as it was being printed on. He called it, "The Apparatus for Treating Air." Stuart Cramer patented the term "air conditioning" in 1906 when he used Carrier's cooling system to condition yarn as it was being used in the textile plants.

From the beginning, electric air conditioners could be quite dangerous because of the chemicals they utilized. The initial designs for electric air conditioners used ammonia and propane. In 1928, scientists began using Freon as a refrigerant because the chemical was found to be much less dangerous to people. With these modifications, people were using air conditioning systems in their cars by the 1940s.

Continuing Advances in Air Conditioning Technology

As time went on, it became more and more apparent that Freon, though not as dangerous to people as ammonia, was quite harmful to the environment. In 1987, the United Nations issued the Montreal Protocol to make known the harmful qualities of chlorofluorocarbons. The US abandoned the use of CFCs entirely in 1995 after finding alternative chemicals that did not emit CFCs. New technologies are being developed all the time to save the environment, improve the efficiency of the equipment, and improve air quality all at the same time.

Today, technicians can go to school to develop their education around HVAC technologies and take courses to see how the designs have changed throughout history. Air conditioning diplomas are useful tools for a career in the thriving HVAC industry.

Don't forget, the space suits that Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin wore as they walked on the moon utilized principles of air conditioning in order to cool them. Many great achievements in the last century have been made possible with the advancement of air conditioning and refrigeration technologies. Imagine where we will be in another hundred years.

Air Conditioning Inspections and Energy Use

Air conditioning inspections are a vital part of business planning for building owners or managers. Air conditioning inspections aren't just a legal requirement, but they are also an important element of your ethical responsibilities.

We all know that the environment is suffering from the impact that humans have made - by having a TM44 report carried out on your systems, not only will you keep trading standards at bay, but, more importantly, these reports can also help you to keep a check on the energy performance of your air con systems. This makes this type of inspections crucial if you want to reduce your carbon emissions and, in turn, do your bit for the environment.

TM44 reports are the only way to check how your air con systems are performing from an efficiency point of view. Without a report, you will have no idea if your systems are eating their way through a disproportionate amount of energy. Every unnecessary unit of energy that your air conditioning systems are using is a unit of energy that is wasted and ultimately has a detrimental effect on the world around us.

Air Conditioning Inspections and Your Corporate and Social Responsibility

With the potential environmental crisis featuring more regularly in the news with every passing week, the need for these inspections becomes ever more apparent. Every single one of us has a vested interest in reducing our carbon footprint, and for businesses, this interest is magnified - it is important that you can demonstrate to both your staff and your customers that you are taking your corporate and social responsibility seriously and air conditioning inspections are one way to evidence this.

Corporate social responsibility is becoming more and more important to businesses - while your corporate social responsibilities cover many different factors, carbon emissions and the fight to save the environment should fall somewhere near the top of the list. The need to reduce carbon emissions applies more strongly to businesses than individuals - what one person can save energy-wise with a little bit of planning and effort can be multiplied several fold for big businesses and companies - while every company is bound by the same laws regarding these inspections, the bigger your business premises, the more energy use, your TM44 inspections can help you save.

How Air Conditioning Inspections Can Help

These reports must be carried out by a qualified assessor, according to TM44 guidelines. They will help to identify any areas for improvement and to make sure that your systems are running at their most efficient. These reports will show your energy use and provide recommendations for improved efficiency.

As well helping you to stay on the right side of the law and meet your corporate social responsibilities, these inspections can save you money in two ways. By having a report carried out, you ensure that you are not at risk of a fine for non-compliance and, as air conditioning inspections and reports show you how you can reduce your energy use, you will be able to save money by not using energy unnecessarily.