Carrier Furnace Parts - The Best Way To Locate Them

When speaking about heating systems one of the most recognizable names that come to mind is Carrier. But for those who are fortunate enough to have one of these home heating systems set up in their homes there is the possibility of eventually needing maintenance work performed on it. That is why it is wise to have a reliable source for Carrier furnace parts at your disposal.

Buying replacement parts for any system can be tedious if the right amount of research isn't performed. That's because there can be such a wide array of pricing between distributors. You also have to consider the fact that many companies will not even sell some heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) parts to the general public.

The guidelines of these systems are that the distributors are not supposed to sell certain parts to anyone who does not have a valid HVAC license which can make sense if you think about how important having a properly working furnace system is to the safety of your loved ones. Just think about the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning.

However, for some parts it is okay that they be supplied to consumers. The best way to determine if you are allowed to purchase items is to contact some of the heating systems companies in the local area and describe what you need. They will be able to help determine if you will be allowed to buy what you need from them.

Since this company has been providing quality products for over a hundred years it is a safe bet that you are investing in a reliable system. But you also have to make sure that the parts are genuine Carrier furnace parts from this manufacturer, Carrier, and not reproductions.

Replacing items on your system with pieces that are not genuine to the name could negate the warranty. And in this case you don't want to let the price of the supposedly cheaper parts overwhelm your good sense. It might not really be cheaper in the long run. Also, you may find you have actually paid full price for non authentic parts which is why you need to know about the distributor.

Carrier furnace parts are available online or from companies in your area. Depending on what you need this will determine if it is feasible to have the item shipped or if it is best to pick it up. No matter what distributor you go with take the time to research their history to ensure that you are getting what you need and what you are actually paying for. Above all, if you are not comfortable replacing the piece then it is always a good idea to hire an expert to perform the work.

Air Conditioning Units - Why Install Them at Home?

When we hear the words "air conditioning", we often think of an appliance that may have little to no practical use in our homes. But let's admit it - it's hard to get a good night's sleep when the weather outside is too hot or cold. If you are one of the many homeowners who aren't completely sold on air conditioning, here are the key benefits explained briefly.

Effective temperature control is the primary benefit of having an AC unit in your home. Other cooling or heating devices can only do so much. And remember that today's air conditioners are now capable of providing much-needed heat in the winter months as they are capable of cooling down a hot summer day.

Air conditioning can reduce the humidity in your home, particularly in the summer months. Humidity leads to discomfort, and a lot of modern air conditioners can reduce humidity in your home simply by hitting a button. Yes, it's that convenient to ensure the comfort of everyone in your home.

If you think air conditioners are noisy and won't be able to give you a good night's rest, think again. Air conditioning systems these days are designed to run quietly so as not to disturb your sleep. Compare them to other temperature regulating devices such as fans and heaters, many of which are known for causing enough noise to make you toss and turn at night.

Speaking of sleep, you will likely agree that you wouldn't have to count too many sheep before dozing off if you aren't drenched in sweat due to the heat or chattering from the winter chill. Air conditioning will make sure you don't suffer too many sleepless nights due to seasonal weather quirks.

There are also health benefits to owning AC units. Air filtration systems are now an integral part of the air conditioner, as these can effectively remove dust and other common allergy-causing substance from the air you and your family breathe. If you have allergies or have a family member who does, then you certainly would want a newer air conditioning unit with such function.

We have just enumerated a few of the key benefits of air conditioners, but there are many more if you come to think of it. A lot of these units are inexpensive for the average household, so don't hesitate if you have plans of buying one. It will keep everyone in your home comfortable and healthy regardless of when and where you use it.

Common Air Conditioning Mistakes

We rely on our air conditioning systems to keep us cool and comfortable in our homes when the climate outside is too hot to bear. However, due to our dependency on our air conditioners, we often forget that they aren't self-sufficient. We plug them in and turn them on without even a second thought on whether they are functioning well or if we are using them properly.

Because of this neglect, we end up paying more than we should on our electric bill and causing our units to breakdown prematurely. Listed below are the most common mistakes with regards to these so that homeowners can be made aware of what they can do to correct their bad habits.

• Buying an Improperly Sized Air Conditioner - Some owners are under the impression that buying a larger AC is better because this results in a room cooling faster. In reality, having an AC that's too large will only result in inconsistent room temperatures and an unnecessarily high electricity bill. On the other hand, an air conditioner that's too small will have to exert more effort to cool a room, resulting not only in a large electricity bill, but also in damages to the unit due to overwork.

• Leaving the Air Conditioner Turned On the Whole Day - Many homeowners find it unnecessary to turn off their units when they are well aware that it will be hot the entire day. However, leaving it running the whole day will make your unit overworked and your energy consumption increased. Use a timer instead to shut it off when it gets too cold or turn it on a few minutes before you get home. That way, not only are you still enjoying cool comfort, you're also cutting down on your electricity costs.

• Putting the Unit in a Hot Spot - It may make sense to put your AC in the hottest part of the home in order for it to cool that area, however such placement will only make it work harder. Place it on a well shaded spot where it gets the least amount of sunlight and can easily cool the room without overexertion.

• Hiding the Air Conditioner - You may feel like your air conditioner ruins the aesthetic of your home, but since it is more important to have it functioning properly, don't opt to hide it with tall plants or shrubs. This will only result in improper ventilation and clogged condenser coils that will cause your air conditioner to malfunction.

Top 7 Reasons to Purchase an Air Cooler

1. Health Benefits.

Some types of air coolers, provide comfort to people with allergies and respiratory problems, as well as elderly people and children. Some swamp coolers are ideal for people allergies and other respiratory conditions. These such coolers draw exterior air into the building. Once inside, the air is cooled by evaporation and then circulated. This activity provides a constant supply of filtered, fresh air. This process is different from air conditioning units, which recirculate old air. Air coolers draw moisture into dry indoor air, increasing humidity while lowering the air temperature.

2. Environmentally Friendly.

Powered by the natural process of evaporation, evaporative coolers do not rely on extremely large amounts of electricity and chemical-based coolants, like Freon. Swamp cooler can provide energy savings and environmental benefits that can potentially lower your indoor air temperature by as much as 30 degrees Fahrenheit. Swamp coolers use about a quater of the energy used by an air conditioner or central air unit. Even the most complex residential swamp cooler system will uses significantly less energy than an air conditioning unit.

3. Save Money on Your Cooling Bill.

If your goal is to save money on your utility bills and reduce your cooling costs, then an evaporative cooler or swamp cooler may be for you. An evaporative cooler, such as the Schaefer Waycool 1/3 HP Oscillating Cooler uses only a quarter of the energy used by refrigerated air conditioners. the cost to operate an evaporative air cooler or swamp cooler is relatively cheaper than other cooling methods.

4. Affordable.

An air cooler costs only a fraction of the cost of a central air unit, ranging from $100 for a portable unit to $3,000 for a large industrial unit. Additionally,the low cost of installation, is about half the cost of installing a central air unit.

5. Easy to Install.

Because of its simple design, it is fairly easy and inexpensive to install an evaporative cooler.

6. It's Also a Humidifier.

Evaporative air coolers also have the ability to humidify dry air, as wet pads are used to cool the air. With this, you will be glad to know that your furniture and fabrics will be kept well moisturized too. This will definitely help maintain the durability and lifespan of your furniture.

7. Easy Maintenance.

Easy maintenance is one of the best reasons for getting an evaporative cooler. All coolers come with refillable water tanks which are easily accessible. A full tank lasts about 10 hours. If you require a longer operational period, consider an cooler with a hose connection which continuously supplies fresh water to the cooler. All air cooler filters can be removed and rinsed.

Evaporative Cooling Units, the Cost Efficient Alternate to Air Conditioning

The days are getting longer, frosts are getting shorter and we can just about see summer on the horizon. Long hot lazy days and evenings sat in the beer garden of your local pub with friends are beckoning, unfortunately most of us are still going to have to turn up for work throughout the summer months. Working through the heat of the day in a hot workshop or factory can make us dread the hot weather, especially if installing an expensive air conditioning unit is not a financial priority.

Air conditioning units are not going to be practical in many commercial environments for several reasons. The first is going to be cost, especially for SME's. Not only are air conditioner units expensive in themselves, running them can cause unjustifiably high costs, they use up an excessive amount of energy and therefore produce high bills. They are also impractical for factories and warehouses which require large doors or shutters to be left open as this allows the cool air being pumped into the building to escape. If air conditioning filters aren't cleaned regularly they can have health implications. Any germs in the air tend to end up being pumped round the building.

One alternate to air conditioning units is evaporative cooling systems, they require 80% less energy than conventional air conditioning units which not only makes them more cost effective, but it also makes them more environmentally friendly too. They work by drawing air through pads which are kept constantly moist, as the moisture is evaporated into the air, the temperature is reduced.

As well as being more energy and cost efficient, evaporative cooling systems have several other advantages over air conditioning units. The first being that because they lower the temperature of their environment rather just blowing cold air into it, doors and windows can be left open without jeopardising the overall efficiency. They require no structural alterations to buildings as they can simply be mounted to a roof, window or wall. They do not require any chemicals to filter the air as it's taken naturally from outside the building. This not only makes it better for the environment, it's healthier for those in the building as they're still breathing in the fresh air from outside. Bacteria cannot form because the temperature of the water in the cooler is too low.

Although evaporative cooling systems are still cheaper than conventional air conditioning units, times are hard in today's economic climate especially for SME's. The Carbon Trust is a Government funded company whose aim is to reduce carbon emissions by helping the UK become a low carbon economy through the development of low carbon technologies. They are currently operating an interest free loan scheme for SME's to help finance low carbon projects. As long as the project is helping lower carbon emissions in can be used for new equipment, to replace or repair old equipment, it can be used to pay for the equipment itself and the installation.

Do You Need a New Air Conditioning System?

Sitting out on the front porch sipping ice tea with lemon can be a little slice of heaven. But not everyone feels as heavenly about it if night after night, that's where they are instead of in their cool, air conditioned home. Summer is the time that air conditioners break down regularly. No one wants to make that call to the A/C repair person when they are dripping with sweat. Here are a few tips to help you find a solution to your air conditioner problem.

Many times, A/C companies will try to get consumers to buy a brand new central air conditioning unit. Not only is this unnecessary, it is also very expensive and time consuming. So, how do you know if you really do need a new air conditioner or if repairing the one you currently have is the answer to your heat-soaked prayers.

Check out the filters. When your filters are dirty, things like dust and dirt get trapped in the filters and prevent air from flowing freely. An easy fix is to check your filters, use the actual vacuum hose on them, or replace them on a regular basis. It's one of the main air conditioner parts that is easy to access. That way, you'll keep your A/C running lean and clean.

Find out if you have any leaks. This is a very difficult situation. Repairing leaks is a major expense and can cost you lots of dollars in energy bills. However, you do not need a new system if the problem is a leak in the current system. Make sure you explore every avenue of finding and repairing the leak before you look into getting an entirely new system.

Have a qualified technician come out and do a check up. Many times, we don't even know what kind of parts are in our system when we first purchase a new home. Having a technician come out and do a tune-up; much like you would on a car, can help find any damaged or poorly made parts. Then, you're in the position of merely replacing a part; not an entire unit or central air system. You may also want to shop around a little bit checking out reconditioned parts or getting a second opinion from a qualified A/C repair technician. Don't jump at the very first offer!

As with any type of mechanical repair work, don't attempt to do it yourself, unless you really, really know what you are doing. Simply getting into an air conditioning system and banging around or tightening or tweaking things may cause more harm than you know. Always check with a qualified professional technician before you start trying the DIY approach. After all, the DIY approach may end up costing you more time, effort, energy, and stress.

Green Sustainable Architecture - Heating and Cooling

What does "Sustainable" mean - it means that you are using far less energy produced from fossil fuels that have to be yielded from the earth by drilling, or mining for them. And if you have to use materials that you have to mine and refine that those materials remain preserved and can be re-used at the end of life so that they do not have to be mined again. For example most of the world's aluminium need can be satisfied with aluminium re-processed from scrap. Low load bearing foundations and walls can use crushed concrete for ballast when available. There are many crushing and concrete re-cycling services available today which can easily be found when searching for "recycled crushed concrete". You can also use Recycled Asphalt Pavement and Crushed Concrete as backfill for Mechanically Stabilized Earth Retaining Walls.

In the context of "Green Sustainable Architecture" this can mean correct positioning of a building versus the prevailing wind direction, run-off water management on the property, wall and roof insulation and avoiding roof penetrations. Those are some of the passive measures that can be taken at the design stage of a new building to make it more sustainable.

In the context of "Heating and Cooling" there are slightly different requirements on a sustainable Heating and Cooling Systems depending on the climate-region. There are also significantly different Systems that can be deployed which will have significantly different requirements for the infrastructure the building has to provide.

The most significant factors for both heating and cooling are loss of heat or cool through walls, windows and ceilings. This has to be addressed architecturally by designing with good or very good insulation materials and the really good ones may not be from re-cycled materials but are end of life recyclable as ballast. In preference of performance; Aerogel, Styrene and Two Component Esther Foams. In preference of price; Foams, Styrene, Aerogel.

The plenum between floors should be well insulated to the outside walls and contain the infrastructure for water-loops rather than air ducts (or both) as well as a 48V-DC electrical distribution system which allows the use of 48V-DC based heat pumps and 48V-DC based lighting equipment.

The reason for using DC based systems is that:

• LED lighting running of DC can run with an efficiency of 98% while


• AC based LED lighting systems run with an efficiency of 85%.


• Any Watt in heat generated requires a Watt to pump it out of the building, in the case where the air space needs to be cooled. The energy wasted by lighting has a direct and significant impact on the energy required to cool a building that is well insulated.


• The same applies to the heat exchanger when the heat pump itself is located in the building.


• DC based systems can use Solar and Wind Generators to charge Batteries for storage,


• the Grid or a Generator can supplement the batteries.

The highest loss of efficiency of conventional air conditioning systems for heat or cool is in the air duct. Therefore for highest efficiency and sustainability heat exchangers should be in each room. The heat exchangers may include heat pumps which for noise reasons may use solid state heat pumps which require little or no maintenance other than air-filter maintenance. This is the most efficient way to cool or heat the air in the room.

Any air-cooling system will have condensate at one time or another. This requires the use of heat-exchange / heat-pump systems with built-in condensate pumps or gravity-fed condensate removal and cater for condensate disposal pipes within each floor level of heat-pumps. The disposal pipes should have the usual grade for gravity-fed pipes. The condensate should be guided to one location where it can be re-used by re-introducing it into the environment via the chiller or may be collected in a cistern for other uses.

The in-house water loop can and should be water based as it is the most efficient energy carrying and storage medium on the planet. The only challenge is that you must not allow the water to freeze so the lines carrying the water have to be well insulated where they leave the building to the outside heat exchanger, underground tank or chiller. A heater of some sort has to be introduced into the water transport loop for locations where temperatures can fall below freezing. This can be hidden in a closet integrated into the structure of the building but accessible from the outside so that heating equipment can be maintained and replaced without affecting the living or working space.

I am often asked why not use anti-freeze in the loop? Well it would have to be non-toxic anti freeze which is expensive and not easy to replenish in case of a leak or a repair. If toxic anti-freeze is used, which is cheaper, the piping needs to run inside a bigger pipe that is drained into an outside tank that can take the whole system's anti-freeze without contaminating the environment. So de-ionized or de-mineralized water and measures to keep it from freezing are more attractive and in case a pipe leaks definitely more friendly to the environment.

The most effective way to create heat at the lowest cost is using natural gas or propane or from bio-mass when and where available. So for all winter applications except in near equatorial regions, a gas heater is most appropriate. This is based on the assumption that the time of the year that heat is needed there is insufficient sun or reliable wind to produce sufficient energy for heating when temperatures fall below freezing. Of course an electric heater could be used driven from the electric grid but that would be the least sustainable way of doing things.

There is one additional way to be even more energy-efficient and that is using a generator that is natural gas and/or propane driven where the cooling loop of the generator can be selectively heating the air-conditioning loop in the winter and the generator charging the batteries at the same time, basically using all the energy (in the winter) the generator produces, electricity and heat. In the summer the generator has to be automatically de-coupled and have its independent chiller when operated.

Another aspect is fresh air, where new structures should accommodate the delivery of fresh air to living and working spaces via a selective and controlled system that uses CO2 sensors to determine the level of human activity and O2 use. This means air ducts that can deliver fresh air from the outside selectively. Such systems should have pollen filters that are easily maintainable and have the ability to email or warn the parties responsible for building maintenance to replace or clean the filters.

Different climate regions require different approaches, in equatorial regions (+/- 10簞 off the Equator) insulation, positive pressure and dehumidification of fresh air are the key factors for climate control. There are no heating requirements and all cooling can be mostly supplied by solar and wind energy.

In the regions between 20簞 and 40簞 North and South, where ambient temperatures can fall below or rise above human comfort, heating and cooling are key requirements. Here, significant efficiencies can be achieved by exchanging air in the plenum of the structure with outside air depending on the outside ambient temperature.

In the regions above 45簞 heating and occasional cooling as well as controlled heating of the fresh air brought into the building are the key requirements. Underground or above ground tanks can greatly assist in balancing during most of the year except in the winter season.

In the region above 60簞 insulation and heating are the only requirements for both the area to be heated and the fresh air brought into the building.

For the regions of 20簞 to 55簞, during the transition times of the year, the sun can heat the roof space yet the outside air can be cold. If for cost or other reasons the roof fabric can not be insulated sufficiently, at least the building infrastructure should offer a set of fans that can replace the roof plenum air with outside air. The intake should be on the North side of the building and the outlet(s) on the South side or on both east and west side. Intake fans should also have pollen filters that are accessible and can warn that they need changing.

Water heating systems can consist of solar heated vacuum tubes as well as a propane, natural gas, bio methane or other combustible materials or liquids as a backup for prolonged periods of no sun or at night.

Underground or above ground closed system storage tanks that require sufficient insulation above ground to not freeze in cold environments and if below ground are just below the freezing line of the region. Deep underground tanks are not recommended as the surroundings in hot climates will just make them get hotter and hotter, the system should be able to relieve heat to the environment by being in surface proximity but below the freezing line.

Coconut Oil - Nature's Perfect Skin Care Remedy

What you put on your skin really does matter

It is becoming more apparent that coconut oil is very beneficial for use in cooking, but did you know that the super versatile oil makes for the ideal substance to use for moisturizing and restoring your skin? Whether it's recovering from a day in the sun at the beach or going through the cool, dry air of winter, many people are looking for solutions take care of their skin. To the casual consumer does it really matter what kind of lotion we use? The labels of most skin moisturizers and lotions reveal that one of the main ingredients found in these products is water. When these lotions and creams are applied to the body, their moisture is rapidly absorbed into the skin. As the water absorbs into the skin, it expands the tissues, similar to filling up a balloon with water, so that any wrinkles briefly fade away and also causing the skin to take on a smoother feel. However, as soon as the moisture in the lotion or cream evaporates or is whisked away by the blood stream, the skin nearly always returns to it's dry, wrinkled condition. Our skin is made up of connective tissues that make it strong and elastic with strong connective fibers causing our skin to be youthful in appearance, supple and strong, much like the skin of most youths. Unfortunately, as we become older and these fibers are constantly exposed to free-radicals, they tend to break down, resulting in connective tissues that become more hardened as they slowly lose their strength and elastic qualities. When the skin is no longer able to hold itself together it begins to develop wrinkles, and often takes on a dry, leathery, and even "droopy" appearance.

Even though we may be very diligent with our skin care routine, we will never really be able to permanently conquer dry, wrinkled skin with commercial skin care products. In addition to containing water as a primary ingredient, most lotions have some type of heavily refined vegetable oil that lacks the natural protective antioxidants which makes them highly likely to cause free-radical development on the inside and outside of the body. This is just one reason why taking in processed vegetable oils can lead to a deficit in vitamin E and other antioxidants, which are used up in battling free radicals that cause permanent damage to connective tissue. As we consider this, we should be more discerning about the types of substances we use on our skin. Using products that contain a refined oil has the potential to cause skin to age more rapidly. Although moisturizers and skin creams can provide us with what seems to be temporary improvement, they are actually speeding up aging of the skin and even encouraging more serious damage due to the free radicals that are readily developed from the refined vegetable oil.

After free-radical reaction is initiated it often gathers momentum causing a domino effect which causes additional development of free radicals, which ends up damaging large numbers of molecules in the skin. The human body utilizes antioxidants to fight these damage causing free-radicals. The chain reaction of free radical development is hindered when they come into contact with antioxidants which which the body uses as a defense against these damage causing cells. The amount of antioxidants contained in our tissues is mostly affected by the nutrients in our daily diet, which leads us to........

Coconut Oil as Nature's perfect skin care remedy

Raw, virgin coconut oil is perhaps the best natural ingredient for skin care available as it softens the skin and safeguards it from damage, encourages healing, resulting in a more healthy appearance. Coconut oil provides protection against damaging free radicals and even offers the added benefit of keeping the skin from forming liver spots and other blemishes that are brought on by aging and over exposure to sunlight, which are signs of free-radical deterioration of the lipids in the skin. Dr. Ray Peat, a biochemist who has written about the antioxidant properties of coconut oil, has stated, "It is well established that dietary coconut oil reduces our need for vitamin E, but I think its antioxidant role is more general than that, and that it has both direct and indirect antioxidant activities."

In addition to providing protection from free radical damage, coconut oil also assists with maintaining strong, supple connective tissue, preventing the skin from having a wrinkly and sagging appearance. In some cases it might also heal and even restore skin that has been previously damaged. As the oil is absorbed into the skin, it penetrates beyond the surface going into the deeper layers of the skin, strengthening the underlying tissues, resulting in limiting the damage caused by over exposure to the sun. Unlike many common moisturizing lotions and skin care products that usually have only temporary benefits, coconut oil will have lasting effects that can help return the back to a more healthy, smooth appearance. One reason why this happens is because the coconut oil aids in the removal of the outer layer of dead skin cells, which results in the skin feeling and appearing smoother with a healthy glow. Coconut oil will also help to decrease chronic skin inflammation within days and also serve as a soothing and healing treatment for skin ailment such as minor wounds, blisters, and rashes. It is an excellent ingredient to use in healing ointments and has even proven to be very beneficial as a hair conditioner. With so many versatile and positive qualities, extra virgin coconut oil deserves a place as a regular part of out diet.

Is the Do It Yourselfer Putting Air Conditioning Repair Co Out of Business?

Air conditioning contractors across the western states report record low earnings at the close of summer 2012. Though it is still too early to say for sure but some companies speculate that their earnings will be down more than 20% by yearend.

Jeff Delgado a 13 year AC contractor that employs 9 technicians, down from 19 last year, said that he sees 3 causes for the decrease. The number of foreclosure is pretty high right now so those systems don't get repaired. With the economy so tight we are seeing more and more people that will pay us to diagnose the unit then will repair the air conditioner problem themselves. The last reason is there are a lot more parts houses today that sell direct to homeowners. In the past this was next to impossible to find. Any part that you need to fix your own air conditioner can be bought online. That makes it very hard for some contractors to stay competitive.

Jeff's reasoning seems to hold true to most areas throughout the US. Homeowners seem to be searching for ways to save a few bucks and learning to repair your own air conditioner or heater is on that list.

A central air conditioner is made up of 22 basic components that have a specific job when cooling or heating your home. 18 of those AC components can be replaced using the kind of tools you would find in a common toolbox. The remaining components involve the refrigerant lines and a closed gas system. Fortunately these are the least likely parts to break on an air conditioner. For this reason it seems that Do It Yourself types are flocking to the internet to read and watch videos on how to repair your own air conditioner and heating.

Some online air conditioning parts stores also offer help with deciding what you need to make the repair. They might also make suggestions on what to do for preventative maintenance. The key to dealing with them is terminology. So if you do not understand what they are talking about ask for a description.

Like any electric appliance, there are a number of precautions to take as you fix your own air conditioner.To spite the fact this is an electrical devise with 230 volts, it can be remarkably safe to fix if you just follow a few simple steps. The most important is to cut the power, and then discharge the capacitor. Follow these steps to ensure your safety when you repair your own air conditioner and furnace.

Top 7 Don'ts For Front Lace Wigs

Combing and brushing the front lace wig is a part of the maintenance process. Quality front lace wigs don't come cheap, so I am sure you don't want them all torn and fuzzy. In order to keep your wig smooth, clean and in place, you need patience, kindness, and few basic tools.

Oh, don't get me wrong, you don't need an entire hair salon to do the job, all you need is a wide tooth comb. Why not a hairbrush? Simple, in time, hairbrushes can lead to knot weakening, slippage and visible balding areas on the unit.

My recommendation would be to use a wide tooth comb for daily maintenance. You can find those items in any beauty store or you can order them online from various retailers.

Regarding the proper combing and brushing of your unit, you can find countless resources on the Internet, especially videos that depict systematically the way you should take care of the unit in order to enjoy it for a longer period of time. I would like to present you top 7 don'ts when brushing and combing your unit. This way, you can stay away from any mistakes that will damage your front lace wig:

1. Never use hot water while washing your unit
2. don't brush excessively a certain area of the unit, especially when it comes to short -styled wigs;
3. Do not use greasy hair care products; they will make the maintenance even more difficult.
4. Don't comb the wig by working your way down. First, detangle the tips then work your way up gently. Just when you get to the top of the hair strands, you can start brushing the strand from top to bottom, but not excessively.
5. Front lace wigs are very delicate, and you have to avoid being rough while combing or brushing it.
6. Don't wash or comb the unit unless you have completely removed the adhesive. This is important if you want the unit to last a while.
7. Does not ever use the hair dryer on your unit, always let it air dry after shampooing and conditioning your unit.

Remember, patience and care are the two special ingredients of quality front lace wig maintenance!

Adding Central Heat and Air to an Existing Home

Many older homes were built pre-central heat and air. This is a luxury that many of us have to enjoy and when moving into an older we find that this luxury is also a necessity. We tend to lose tolerance for heat as we grow older and those old window air conditioning units just look tacky. However, the whole idea of having to add ducts to a home can sound difficult and expensive, but it is easier than you might think.

Central heat and air uses a primary heating appliance such as a furnace that is often located in an area such as a small closet, basement or garage. These systems deliver heat throughout the house through pumped warm air through a system of air ducts or by sending hot water or steam through pipes to room radiators. In newer homes, the system is usually built in with the home. The duct system may be set up with an air conditioner, heat pump, or furnace. There are also two types of systems including a forced air system and a gravity system. Gravity systems, however, do not provide air conditioning and can only provide heat. If your system includes an air conditioner, then the system is a forced-air system.

Air conditioners and heat pumps are forced air systems that share ductwork. The air conditioner runs on electricity and removes heat from air through refrigeration. The heat pump is capable of providing both heating and cooling. In the winter, the heat pump extracts the heat from outside air and delivers it into the home. In the summer it does the opposite. It extracts the cool air and pumps it into the home. These systems tend to be very economical and use only one duct system.

Many central air conditioners are split systems with a condenser outside and the fan and coil unit mounted in the attic. This means that the ducts will originate in the attics. The challenge here is if the home is two stories. It can be difficult to get the supply and return ducts to the first floor. The second floor will generally have ducts that run through the attic floor, while the first floor will need to have ducts run through closets. This takes up less space than some may think and the mess can be minimal. The contractor will need to cut holes in the first and second floor ceilings and some second floor closets will need to be used for running ducts.

This work will be well worth it in the long run when your home is kept cool in the summer and warm in the winter. If you have an older home, especially one with two stories, it can be difficult to spend anytime upstairs during the summer. The upstairs rooms will hold a large amount of heat and will definitely benefit from central heat and air. In the winter it is often difficult to keep first floors warm because the heat rises. Central heat will make your first floor rooms much more comfortable.

Does Air Conditioning Harm the Environment? Find Out the Truth Now

Air conditioners have drawn a great deal of criticism of late for their major use of electricity and impact on the environment. Here we take a look at whether that is true, and how to limit the environmental impact of your AC.

There has been a sharp increase in the sales of air conditioning systems in recent years due to global warming which has lead to the debate whether air conditioners are harming our environment or not. The continually increasing use of cooling systems in homes and offices is leading to consumption of large amounts of electricity and as a result, the planet is being further polluted.

Basing his research on the data released by the government, Stan Cox from the Land Institute in Kansas, has revealed that more than 1500 kg of carbon dioxide is emitted each year from air conditioning the average US home.

The impact of this is much worse during the night. In the past, outdoor air used to cool at night in most areas, providing people with a chance to recover from the heat of the day and get a good night sleep. These days, the air cools significantly less at night which is one reason why heat stress is affecting more and more people, says Stan Cox.

While air conditioning is not the only cause of global warming, it is one of the factors that have led to the worsening of the situation. There is an agreement among the experts at present that new housing plans need to take into account climate change when houses are being designed.

To help avoid the harmful effects of electrical air conditioning, there are ways of achieving air conditioning that don't use energy at all. This includes the use of geothermal pumps in which the coolness of the ground is used as a battery. These kind of pumps make use of the the heat from the ground to warm the house during the winter and then in summer time, the pump sends heat from the building into the ground. These geothermal pumps serve two functions with minimal energy consumption and without causing harm to the environment.

Vacation Proof Your Home

Six Months before

Call travel clinic for any vaccinations you may need if travelling abroad (Hepatitis A and B is a 6 month process, so start early!)

One Month before

Create a vacation folder and research activities you would like to do while there. Also put hotel and travel information in here.

Consider having a home security system installed.

Research kennels for pets or get sedation pills from your vet.

Get a house/plant/pet-sitter.

Two weeks before

Write down everything that needs to be done before you leave. Delegate things to other family members. Set deadlines for completion.

Arrange kennel for pets.

One Week Before

Pay bills that will be due while you are away.

Ask neighbour to pick up your mail and newspapers while you are away or have the post office hold your mail and paper carrier to hold your subscription.

Gather supplies for your pets including carrying cages.

Gather suitcases and start tossing in things you would like to take that you don't need now.

Type up a packing list that you can use again for your next trip. Print out a copy and put it in your suitcase. Check items off as you put them in.

Find out what amenities and supplies your hotel offers (blow dryer, robes, laundry)

Two days Before

Let a relative or neighbour know when you'll be back and how to reach you in the case of an emergency.

Ask a neighbour to park in your driveway while you are away or park your car in the driveway.

Ask your neighbour to put out your trash on garbage day.

Day before

Discard perishable food.

Turn fridge temperature to a moderate setting (not the coldest) to save on energy use and prevent other food from freezing due to lack of opening and closing of door.

Set lamps on timers to switch on and off.

Day of Departure

Adjust curtains and blinds so that the house looks occupied but so that people cannot see in.

Lock all doors including the garage door.

Lock all windows.

Turn down the volume on your telephone and answering machine. (So burglars can't hear that no one is home)

Turn heat or air conditioning to 10 degrees less than the temperature outside.

Unplug appliances and electronics.

Turn off water and gas.

Empty trash cans.

Follow this timeline for a stress-free preparation for your trip and a worry-free vacation. Remember, the key is starting early, so as soon as you know you will be going away start making a list of things to start doing to prepare.

Air Conditioning - Routine Maintenance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to Choose a Cheap Portable Air Conditioner

There are many reasons why people decide to purchase a cheap portable air conditioner. These are typically used to cool areas of homes and offices that do not seem to get cool enough with a central air conditioning unit. For example, some houses have additions that were made, but there may not be a ventilation system in the additional rooms. This means that the central air conditioning unit will not work in these areas. This is when you will have to use another way to cool down these areas because you will not be able to use your central air conditioning unit to cool these rooms properly.

You should think a few different factors about when you are choosing a cheap portable air conditioner. One step that you should take before you even start looking for one of these items is to decide on a budget. You should have an idea of how much money you are able to spend on a portable cooling unit. Of course, if you do not have a lot of money to spend on one of these items, then you will have to take the time to find one that is within your budget. You can easily do some comparison-shopping if you search for your portable cooling unit on the Internet. You will be able to narrow down many of the choices that are available to you by choosing those that are within your price range.

Once you have a list of portable cooling units that you can afford, you will then have to start looking at the different features that you would like your cheap portable air conditioner to have. You should know that these items are available in many different sizes. You should have an idea of the size of the area that you would like to cool. You do not want to purchase a cheap portable air conditioner that will not be large enough to cool the area that you would like it to. You also do not want to purchase one that is too powerful to cool a small area. Of course, you can be sure that it will be able to cool the area that you would like it to, but you do not want it to use more energy than it has to. If you take the time to learn about the many different features that are available on these items, you can be sure that you are making the right decision when you make your purchase.

Heat and Cool Capacity Test, Real Time EER Measurement

Heat Cool Systems can be tested to measure real time BTU Capacity and EER. It is common to find a 3 ton, 13 SEER, Heat Cool System only producing 2 tons and 8 SEER. We have found new installations with this problem.

If the system is over 12 years old it may have lost significant capacity and efficiency.

About 70% of your heat and cool air conditioner unit capacity is used to lower the temperature of the air. The remaining 30% capacity is used to remove humidity or moisture from the air. As an example a 3 ton unit should have a total capacity of 12000 btu's per ton or 36000 btu's. Of the 36000 btu's, 24000 btu's would lower the temperature of the air and 12000 btu's would remove moisture from the air. In order to measure total capacity, we will need to measure both.

A normal thermometer will measure the air temperature entering the return of your AC and the temperature of the colder air can be measured at the first supply vent. If you multiply the difference in temperature by 1.08 btu for each cubic foot of air flow produced by the Heat Cool System, you have the capacity measure that lowers the temperature. This measure is called sensible heat.

Another thermometer called a psychrometer or hygrometer is needed to measure the humidity that is removed by the air conditioner. A psychrometer is a normal thermometer with a wet cotton sock over the bulb. The temperature reading called wet bulb temperature can be converted to a value indicating the temperature and grains of moisture in the air. This value is called latent heat and enthalpy. You can purchase or make a wet bulb thermometer. A very accurate digital hygrometer that measures % relative humidity can be purchased for around $100. Using an enthalpy chart or enthalpy calculator available online, you can convert your measurements to btu's. It is very important to measure wet bulb temperature within one tenth of a degree F.

The more difficult measure to obtain is the amount of air flow in cubic feet per minute (CFM). An instrument called a vane anemometer can be used as can an instrument to measure static pressure. Instruction videos for measuring air flow in CFM can be found on www.youtube.com

The Formula

Calculating total Btu's involves measuring airflow and wet bulb air temperatures in and into a conditioned space. Total Btu's are calculated using the formula:

Total Btu = 4.5 X CFM X Enthalpy Change

The 4.5 factor represents the weight of 1 cubic foot/minute (CFM) of standard air per hour.

CFM is the total supply airflow entering the building from the system.

Enthalpy change is measured using a hygrometer and converting the readings to Enthalpy.

Latent eat = Total Heat - Sensible Heat

Notes:

Air and heat can leak into the system between your temperature readings and the indoor cooling coil. If this happens, your calculation will indicate the cooling delivered to the space and not the cooling produced by the AC unit.

You can also determine equipment airflow by carefully measuring fan static pressure, then plotting the fan CFM based on the manufacturer's fan data

An enthalpy change of about 6 is normal.

Airflow has a major effect on system performance. It must be measured accurately with top quality instruments and procedures.

A humidity level of 90% plus from the supply side of the system is common. As the air is cooled is can hold less moisture.

Normal sensible/latent ratio is 70/30. A significant return air duct leak from a hot attic, produce a 55/45 sensible/latent BTU ratio.

Trouble Shooting Air Conditioners

Before you call a air conditioning service repair man to check your air conditioner that's not cooling you may want to check some of these possible causes. First and most obvious is to be sure your system air filter is not restricted. In many cases this will cause your evaporator or indoor coil to freeze up. If the system has a fan v-belt make sure it is not cracked broke or slipping. If the evaporator coil is froze up you may notice condensate leaking in and around the furnace, air handler or window type A/C unit. Another more apparent sign would be actually seeing ice build up on the coil or refrigeration lines connecting the evaporator and condenser.

Another cause for your system freezing up could be closed or blocked supply registers. In some cases people will close registers to unoccupied areas of their home for energy savings but closing to many can cause more problems than it's worth. System freeze ups can also be related to a lose of refrigerant with in your air conditioner. If your system is low on refrigerant you will have to have a qualified air conditioning repair technician locate and repair the leak as well as properly recharge the system. Any time your air conditioner system is froze up you should place the thermostats fan switch to the on position and the cool system switch to off for a long enough time to allow the coils to completely thaw. After checking some or all of the potential problems you can try to run the air conditioner again. If you have air blowing out of your supply registers but it's not cool you will want to check the condenser or out door unit to be sure it is running. If you do not hear anything running check the breaker or disconnect switch at the condenser. Their may also be bad fuses in the disconnect box. Tripped breakers or blow fused are typically caused by problems that need to be addressed by a technician . It is possible that a power surge or electrical storm could also cause a breaker to trip and once you reset it the system will be fine. Another common cause for the condenser not functioning is a broken or shorted low voltage wire. Mice and other rodents will tend to chew though these wires. The low voltage wire is typically a small two conductor wire that runs along side the refrigerant lines. If the condenser is running but not cooling you may want to clean it. This can be done by turning off power to it, then wet it down with a garden hose. Apply a air conditioning coil cleaning solvent to the coil surface. Convenient aerosol spray cans or mixable powder form can be purchased online at HVAC Maintenance & Supplies.

(www.mainsupplies.com) Allow the coil to soak for 3-5 minutes then flush out with a garden hose. Be sure the water pressure is not so high that it damages the coil fins. A coil fin tool, also available online at HVAC Maintenance & Supplies can be used to straighten the fins. Repeat this process until the water starts to flush out relatively clear. Safety glasses and rubber gloves should be worn when using coil cleaning chemicals. If your air conditioner is a portable window type you can carefully remove the units outer casing, apply coil cleaner to both evaporator and condenser coils then flush with water. Most dirt will build up on the inside of the condenser coil that can not be seen with out removing the units outer casing. These tips may not resolve all your air conditioning problems but I can tell you that as a service technician myself these are some of the most common problems I have encountered.

Air Conditioning Started in Roman Times

Cooling the home with different forms of air conditioning has ancient roots going back to the Roman Empire. The term air conditioning refers to the process of removing humidity and heat from the air in a room or building, therefore making it drier and cooler. Ancient Romans had pipes full of circulating cool water in their homes to cool the air. However, the modern version of air conditioning arose from the chemical discoveries of Benjamin Franklin and Micheal Faraday.

Benjamin Franklin, along with his research partner John Hadley, discovered that quickly evaporating liquids such as alcohol could rapidly cool an object. They managed to cool the bulb of a thermometer, using just alcohol and a bellows to speed up the evaporation process, to 7 degrees Fahrenheit while the rest of the room remained at 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Micheal Faraday furthered this idea when he found that by compressing ammonia until it was a liquid, then allowing it to evaporate, it's possible to chill air.

The first version of what we use in our homes and businesses today as an air conditioner was created by Willis Haviland Carrier while he was employed at a printing company. The presses would malfunction and print the colored inks incorrectly whenever the humidity level was too high. So Carrier invented a machine that could not only cool the air in the factory, but also remove unwanted humidity. His device used fans to move air over tubes full of cooled water, therefore cooling the air.

Cool air holds less moisture than warm air, therefore lowering humidity levels. Air conditioners today do far more than simply keep moisture levels low. They help people live in extreme climates where life might otherwise be impossible or at least unbearable. The 100+ degree temperatures that regularly occur in the South and Southwestern United States can cause heat stroke and even death, especially since temperatures can rise higher in cities that are full of blacktop and asphalt.

Air conditioning also makes larger buildings possible. Combined with air ducts, an air conditioner helps to pump fresh air into the middle of a deep building. Otherwise there would be no way of getting ventilation into the core. If this was not possible, buildings would have to be built much thinner, so all rooms could have windows for ventilation.

Although the first air conditioning units were relatively simple, modern units are technological wonders and require the knowledge of a air conditioning contractor to fix. An HVAC contractor, which stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, must undergo rigorous training to repair and install these systems. When residential air conditioning first became a regular occurrence rather than a luxury in the 1950's, it created many jobs in air conditioning repair. Cooling air for comfort, rather than industrial uses, was first started in 1924.

These machines were first installed in a department store. However, soon they caught on and spread to movie theaters, restaurants, and anywhere that might be stuffy and uncomfortable in the summer heat. After World War 2 ended, the economic boom encouraged many homeowners to invest in the now indispensable air conditioner. Nowadays, the hum of air conditioners is one of the sounds of summer.

Functions of An Air Handling Unit And Its Components

Heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems installed at commercial and industrial establishments have air handling unit or AHU as an important device. These units, as their name suggests, are important to handle and condition the air according to the desired needs.

However, the overall functionality of these units can't be explained in a single sentence. These units are made up of many components, each performing a different function. If you deal in AHUs, you must have knowledge about their functioning to inform it to your customers. The following sections discuss the functionality of AHU components in detail.

Function of Blower

An important component of every unit is the blower which performs the function of recycling the air present in the building. The air collected by the blower is conditioned (heated or cooled) and then released into the building. Air handler components at commercial buildings may have multiple blowers or fans for better functionality.

Function of Conditioning Elements

The second important components of an air handler are the elements that help in heating or cooling the air. For heating systems, there are heating coils used for this purpose. Cooling coils are used to cool the oil in the air-conditioning systems. Hot water, steam and cold water are among other conditioning elements used for this purpose.

Function of Filters

One of the most important components of AHUs is the filter. Apart from conditioning the air, it is extremely important to clean the air present in a building. Air handling units are fitted with filters that perform the function of removing dust and other undesirable components of air to make it clean and fresh. Remember that filters function to increase the overall life of an air handling unit.

Function of Humidifier

Humidifiers present in the air handling units perform the function of maintaining the quality of air in cold climate areas. In the absence of these components, the air may become extremely dry due to constant heating. Different types of humidifiers, including vaporizers and ultrasonic humidifiers are present in different units.

Function of Dampers and Mixing Chambers

Dampers are installed inside the mixing chamber of an air handling unit and they perform another important function. This whole arrangement is used to mix air from the outside of the building and exhaust air from the inside of the building in order to condition the air more easily and quickly.

Other Components and Their Functions

Different types of heat recovery devices are used that function to improve energy efficiency of the air handlers. Sound attenuators and vibration isolators are other important components that control the noise and vibrations produced by an air handling unit. Smoke detectors are also fitted into these units to detect smoke and prevent fire accidents. Duct pressure control devices function to control the speed of the blower. Sensors and controllers are other components that regulate different functions of these devices.

Remember that air handling units come in different sizes, shapes and installation types. The basic functionality of these units remains same, but the components inside them may vary.

Split Unit Air Conditioner - It May Be the Energy-Efficient Answer for Cooling Your Home

Are you considering a split unit air conditioner?

If so, this article will explain some of the advantages to using a mini split system to cool - and/or heat - your home.

Split Unit Air Conditioners Are a Great Alternative to Traditional Cooling

Many people live in climates where the outdoor temperatures can be uncomfortable in warm weather.

The common answers to these hot temperatures have been central air conditioning, window air conditioners and evaporative coolers (sometimes known as "swamp" coolers).

However, central air conditioning requires a lot of energy which can be very expensive, and requires the installation of ducts (if not already installed in the home).

Window units are ugly, and most people don't want to give up the view out their windows to a large noisy box. Window air conditioners can also be very expensive to operate.

Swamp coolers provide some cooling effect and can be much less expensive to operate. However, an evaporative cooler requires a large hole to be punched in a wall, its cooling effect can feel very damp, and if your climate is humid, the cooler cannot work properly to cool the home since it requires water to evaporate in order to cool. Consider: how well does water evaporate when the weather is humid?

Split Unit Air Conditioners Use Today's Energy-Efficient Technology

A split unit system may be the answer you're looking for.

Split unit air conditioners use state-of-the-art heat pump technology, which is very similar to the way your home refrigerator works.

Your refrigerator operates by taking the heat out of the fridge and releasing it out into the kitchen. Of course, you don't notice any heat in the refrigerator, right? You notice that the fridge is cool inside, but on top of it or behind it you can feel warm air being released.

Split unit air conditioners work in the same manner. They take the heat out of a room and release it outside, thus leaving cool air inside.

What Does a Split Unit Air Conditioner Include?

There are two components needed for a split unit system. The first is the outdoor unit, which provides the condenser. The indoor unit provides the evaporator and blower.

The outdoor component looks like a small conventional air conditioning unit. It will need to be located within 50 feet of the indoor unit for optimum energy-efficient operation.

The indoor unit looks like a smaller conventional baseboard heater. It is typically mounted on a wall or in a drop ceiling. Manufacturers recommend that the indoor unit be installed on an outside wall.

When installing a split unit system, most manufacturers suggest that the indoor unit be placed on an outside wall, with the outdoor condenser unit placed in the landscaping on the other side of the wall.

Split unit air conditioners can actually provide a cooling system only, or for slightly more expense, they can include both heating and cooling functions.

The cooling action and heating action are the same state-of-the-art heat pump technology, with the heat or cool being removed from the enclosed space indoors and then released outside.

Split Unit Air Conditioners Can Cool a Single Room or the Entire House

These split unit systems can be a "single zone" or a "multi zone" combination. This means that you can choose to heat or cool only a single room or area of your home, or you can choose several zones to heat or cool your entire house.

For example, a single zone split unit air conditioner may be just what you need to cool or heat your living room. With a multi zone system, you can have one or two condenser units outside but have 2 to 4 indoor evaporator/blower units inside.

The zone system allows you to heat or cool only the rooms you want to. Most mini split systems include remote control units so that you can quickly direct which rooms to cool or heat. This is a particular advantage if you tend to close off the guest room or attic in the summer or winter.

Advantages to a Split Unit Air Conditioning System

There are several advantages to a mini split system.

Since the technology is much more energy-efficient, most people start to see savings on their electric bills immediately. Most split unit air conditioner manufacturers state that you can save about 30% of your current heating and cooling costs with a mini split system.

Another advantage is that there are no ducts required. This is a particular benefit if you have an older home with hot water radiating heat, or if you're considering a room addition.

Just as an aside, studies have shown that 30% of heat blown through forced air duct work never reaches your rooms.

Split unit air conditioners are extremely quiet. The unit that makes the most noise is outside, camouflaged in your landscaping. The indoor unit makes as much noise as a typical fan.

Installation is much quicker and easier. You will need to make a small hole in the wall to run some wires through, but typically the hole need not be larger than 3 inches in diameter.

If you're looking for a quiet, energy-efficient way to cool your home, you'll want to take a serious look at the split unit air conditioner.

How To Make Your Hair Healthy Naturally?

Beautiful hair is the definition of beauty not only for girls but also for boys. If we see a girl with long and beautiful hair from back, we desire to see her from the front too. Many fairy tales and songs are also based on the beauty of long hair. It is an attractive part of human body. It is everybody's dream to have good, attractive, strong and healthy hair. The industry based on hair products is earning millions of dollars. Everyone is ready to spend money to beautify his/her hair.

In today's time of hurries and worries, the loss of hair has become a common problem. The fear of baldness horrifies many people. Beautiful hair is the gift of nature and we can prevent the loss of this beauty with the use of natural cure methods in the comfort of our home itself. By using herbal cure we can prevent not only the loss of hair but also give good health to our hair.

Many hair experts prescribe massage with herb oil for healthy and strong hair. Bhringraj (Eclipta Alba) is a herb mostly found in India, which is known as a nature's gift for hair. Applying bhrigraj oil on the scalp with light massage regularly, is the best natural therapy to cure damaged skin and hair. It is scientifically proved that it helps to grow new hair and protects from falling if applied regularly for long time.

Experts suggest giving massage to hair as well as to our ears and feet. By applying some cozy oil to scalp in a gentle motion with fingertips can do magic. It also helps to decrease tension. Message with herb oil also helps in curing headache.

Henna (Myrtle) is a good conditioner for hair. By applying Heena with a little amount of turmeric and oil mixture on a weekly basis, you can cure hair loss. Honey, Amla, Shikakai, Kanhunni etc. are good for healthy hair. These help hair growth and give silky look and touch to hair. With the constant use of these herbs, you can maintain the natural black color of your hair even in and after the age of 50 years.

Appropriate care of hair in essential and it's a fact that with the change of habits we can prevent hair loss. Include healthy products based on these herbs without bothering for the cost factor. Wash hair regularly but avoid washing them daily. There should be an interval of at least two days between washings. Before washing your head, massage it with a good herb oil. Prefer to dry hair in natural air and avoid the use of dryer. Don't comb wet air. Comb hair gently when they are dry.

Along with natural remedies for hair loss, healthy diet also does much help to prevent. Add green vegetables and lots of water in your diet for beautiful and flawless hair. A good deal of vitamins and minerals should also be added in diet. Yoga is also prescribed for such a purpose especially under the guidance of a guru.

Information On Split AC Units

If you are sick and tired of feeling hot, sweaty and bothered all the time, then there is a simple way you can get yourself calmed down and feeling relatively normal again. Using split AC units will help you achieve a nice and pleasant ambient temperature inside your home no matter what the outside temperature is. If you spend most of the day at home then you will really appreciate the benefits of using them. They can also be used to provide very effective heating.

A split AC unit comes in 2 sections. The first section is mounted outside the home and is called the compressor and it takes care of feeding the air into the home. The section that is on the inside of the home is called the blower and is responsible for distributing the cold compressed air around the various rooms you want to have cooled.

There is nothing finer than coming home from a day at work when you have gotten hot and sweaty, dying to rip off your clothes and collapse in a heap on the bed than to simply walk in your home, smile and feel the cool calming air upon you as it hits like a wave of peacefulness that transforms you to an entirely different place, almost as though you never had to suffer the effects of the heat outside. Why bother letting life get you stressed? Simply install one of the many highly rated split AC units in your home and let life become fun once again.

Air conditioning units can be purchased either as portable units that can be moved around a home, or fixed units. You can find window mounted AC units, portable AC units and then the split AC units. It all boils down to personal choice. With a portable version you can put them anywhere they are needed without having to install ductwork and piping, but they do need to be physically hauled around everywhere.

Window mounted units provide both cooling and heating in one compact unit but they do block out window space and light. They may be used in conservatories to good effect however. For the best results use a fixed unit, and ideally split AC units as they make life effortless. Once installed you only have to adjust the temperature to suit, and you can get hot or cold according to your taste and needs.

Ductless Air Conditioners: The Central Air Alternative

Ductless air conditioners are air conditioning systems that are designed to circulate air through your house without the use of ducts. Many people chose these as an alternative to central air conditioning. This is especially true if they own a home that does not have any existing duct work. Having ducts run through a home can be expensive, so purchasing this kind of system can really cut down on costs. Many people who buy and restore older homes will often choose this method as well.

Ductless air conditioners are basically a small form of split unit. The parts of the air conditioner are separated into two separate portions. The first part is inside the house and attaches to the wall and vents cool air into the room. The other portion is located outside the home. The two are connected by the tubing that transports the coolant between them and a small power cord.

There are many benefits to choosing ductless air conditioners for your home. The first is that they are easy to install. Ductless air conditioning systems can be installed same day, whereas having the ductwork run for a central unit could take weeks. They are also superior to window units because their thermostat control can keep the room at a constant temperature. You also don't have to worry about someone removing your window unit to break into your home.

Another benefit is that they are easy to operate. They often have a remote control available with them. This means that you don't have to get up and walk to the thermostat every time you want to adjust the temperature. Plus their small size and thin profile helps them to stay out of the way and blend in with your decor. Last but definitely not least, ductless air conditioners run quietly and efficiently. Since the loudest parts of ductless air conditioners are contained outside the home, they make very little noise. This is definitely preferable over the sound of a loud window unit in your ear as you are trying to watch TV or entertain guests.

If you are looking for a cost efficient way to cool your home without the need for expensive duct work to be run, the ductless air conditioners are the best choice for you. Plus, they are a great way to cool older homes. They offer advantages over both central air and window units. To find out more information about how a ductless system can benefit you, contact your local HVAC professional to find solutions that are going to work for you.

Commercial Air Conditioner Parts and Functions

Commercial air conditioner and other home conditioning systems distribute a compressed gas refrigerant in a closed "split" system to cool and condition air. The air from the outside is the medium most often used for the refrigerant to be cooled and condensed. The "split" system simply means that parts are divided into inside and outside components where they are not located or housed in a single unit or package.

In a modified air system, an installed blower inside the unit circulates the conditioned air through ducts. It is then distributed to the rooms where the cool temperature is needed. You can find the air ducts below the ceiling or inside the room, or in the attic. An installed fan pulls air from the outside of the unit and draws it back to the system to cool and condense the refrigerant. The refrigerants, more commonly known by the trademark "Freon" helps cool and dehumidify the air inside in a closed environment. "Freon" is a registered trademark of the DuPont Company for refrigerants.

The major parts and functions in a split commercial air conditioner include:

1. Compressor (outdoors)

There is more than one type of Compressors. The studies of Consumer reports show that a reciprocating compressor is more prone to trouble than the scroll type compressors. In terms of pricing, the later proves to be more expensive but higher in efficiency and runs a quiet motor. Therefore it is cost effective than reciprocating compressors. However, manufacturer offer both types of compressors in the market.

2. Fan (outdoors)

The outdoor fan draws air through the condenser coil for heat dispersal.

3. Evaporators (indoors)

Evaporators are composed of network of tubes. These tubes are filled with refrigerant. When the refrigerant evaporates into gas, it removes heat and moisture from the air.

4. Air handling unit (indoors)

Air handling unit is the blower and other associated parts in the central air conditioning system. It moves the air through the duct that is later distributed into different areas of the house.

5. Air filters (Indoors)

The air conditioner's health and performance is partly accountable to the air filters. Air filter has elements that trap dust, pollen, and other airborne particles as air moves through the commercial air conditioning unit.

6. Drainage system and pan

Air conditioner accumulates large amounts of water as a by-product of the normal condensation process. In a central A/C system, there is a primary system of pipes, often made of PVC, that carry this condensate water to the outside of the building.

Your service company should conduct a scheduled annual system tune up. You should have some kind of emergency drain pan installed inside your A/C system to catch condensed water in case the primary drain lines incur some problems. Preventive maintenance of commercial air conditioner units is necessary to promote safety and to avoid other damages around it.

How to Get Your Air Conditioner Ready for Summer!

It's such a wonderful feeling when spring rolls around and you can finally stop pumping up the home heating. But the temperature never remains perfect for long! After a few weeks, you start sweating and the food starts melting, and you know that it's time to turn on the air conditioner. So you go to turn it on for the first time since last summer-about 6 months-and lo and behold, it doesn't work. This is unacceptable of course because it will be 90 degrees out tomorrow, so you call up your air conditioning repair company. Its then that you get the worst news. It is either, the unit needs some major repairs which will cost you hundreds of dollars, or-worse-the AC unit is completely shot and you need to buy a new one for over one thousand dollars. And also, you need to suffer in the heat until you have an up and running air conditioner. The good news is, of course, that this situation is purely hypothetical at the moment. It should be comforting to know that there are plenty of steps you can take to avoid these situations and get your air conditioner ready for summer.

There are some things that you can do yourself. For example, you should always change out the filter in you air conditioning unit before the summer season starts. Ideally the unit should be replaced every 3 months or so, though in many cases- if you have pets for example-it should be done more often. There are plenty of do-it-yourself sites that can walk you through this simple process. Another thing you can do is clean off the AC unit. If you live in a sandy area or you think that pollen or other growth has found its way into your air conditioner, you can use a hose to clean off the fins of the unit. Be sure to turn your air conditioner to off first, of course, and let it dry before using it.

If you have an older air conditioner, however, or are feeling unsure of your maintenance skills, it may be in your best interest to call an AC repair and service company. Most heating and cooling companies have special deals before summer which allow homeowners to have their AC serviced for a lower cost. This normally includes cleaning dirty coils and changing filters in order to keep the unit running smoothly.

Whether you do it yourself or call a professional HVAC company, it is in your best interest to take preventive action with your air conditioning unit. It often takes less than an hour to clean you AC and filters are inexpensive. On the other hand, air conditioner repairs can be costly and a new unit can be even more expensive. Check out web pages such as the Do It Yourself network for tips and advice, or call your local air conditioner repair and service company for professional assistance. And hey, stay cool this summer!

Carrier Heat Pumps Can Deliver Maximum Energy Savings

Buying Carrier pumps is like purchasing a bit of history, since the company's founder Willis Carrier is credited with inventing the modern air conditioner in 1902. As a result of this discovery, Carrier went on to found the Carrier Engineering Corporation, the forerunner of the Carrier Corporation. At present, Carrier is the world's leading manufacturer of heating and air conditioning systems.

Its line of Carrier pumps have high SEER ratings of between 13 to 19 depending on the model, and HSPF ratings of 8 to 9.5, to ensure maximum energy savings. SEER is a measure of cooling efficiency while HSPF measures heating efficiency. In addition, all of the models have high Energy Efficiency Ratings ranging from 11 to 14. Thus, it should not be surprising that the majority of the company's heat pump models have an Energy Star certification. Carrier heaters are also supported by a limited warranty on parts running for either five or ten years depending on the model purchased.

You can also supplement the heat pumps with a Carrier gas furnace to create a dual fuel system for maximum energy savings. Under this system, when outside temperatures drop too low for your heat pump to function efficiently, the system switches to the backup heating system. The system could also save energy in the summer months if your pump is combined with a centralized air conditioner. The automatic control will determine the best time to switch from electricity-powered heating to a furnace, and it can be customized to adjust to changing utility rates in your area.

Regular Coil Cleaning Keeps Your Air Conditioner Working Efficiently

Keeping an air conditioning unit well maintained increases the life and efficiency of the unit. The most important components to clean within an air conditioner are the evaporator coil and the condenser coil. For maximum AC unit functioning, homeowners should have a heating and cooling professional perform preventative maintenance on the AC coils in their home at least once a year.

The coils in a air conditioner are usually made of copper tubes or aluminum fins. There are two of these coils in each unit. The evaporator coil provides indoor cooling by absorbing the heat from the ambient air inside the home. The condenser coil then sends this heat off into the outside space.

As this process continues, air is constantly moving across both of these coils, exposing the coils to various contaminants, such as dirt, pollen, dust and even moisture. These contaminants begin to cling to the coil, making it dirty, and lowering the efficiency of the heat exchanges.

When the coils become contaminated in this way, the coils have to work harder, taking in more energy, to accomplish the required heat transfer. An air conditioning unit with dirty coils can use from 30 to 37 percent more energy than a unit with clean coils. Furthermore, the unit's ability to cool at all can be reduced by up to 30 percent, resulting in an inability to properly cool your home.

In addition to being less efficient, dirty coils force the entire unit to work harder. This means that without proper preventative maintenance, including regular coil cleaning, dirty coils can deteriorate. This can lead to expensive coil replacement, and even the breakdown of other components in the air conditioning unit.

Not only do the coils becoming coated with contamination, but the pan beneath the condenser coil also becomes dirty with moisture, pollen and dirt. This eventually turns into bacteria, mold or mildew, which can impact the quality of the indoor air.

The best preventative maintenance for an air conditioner is to clean both coils regularly, preferably beginning the cleaning regime when the coils are still new and clean. Cleaning the coils once a year is usually effective, though units that receive a lot of use could benefit from semi-annual cleaning.

Coil cleaning involves compressed air being blown, at low pressure, across the aluminum fins or copper coils, to remove dirt. Sometimes, a soft bristle brush is used to wipe the coils, though for dirtier coils, a mild solution of detergent and water may be needed. In severe cases, more aggressive cleaning solutions may be called for.

Coil cleaning should be done by an experienced professional, at least once a year. Keeping the coils on your air conditioning unit clean will help your unit cool better, use energy more efficiently, and last a long time.

Common Air Conditioning Problems and Possible Solutions

What do you do when your air conditioning simply quits working during the sweltering heat of summer? Granted, we've all experienced those rare days when it's simply too hot for the AC to bring the temperature down to a comfortable level no matter how hard it works, but that ought to be an unusual situation. So, you're sitting in a hot house trying to decide what's wrong and if there's anything you can do to fix it right away instead of waiting for an HVAC experts call.

The AC Is Running But Not Producing Cool Air

Sometimes an AC unit just needs a thorough cleaning, which is something you can do on your own by following these simple steps:

• Turn the power off. You can usually find a power switch outdoors next to the compressor. Cut the power at the main electrical panel too.


• Use a rake to remove leaves, branches, and other debris that may have collected around the outdoor condenser. You may also need to trim some branches off bushes if they appear to block the air flow.


• Take off the protective grills and use a soft brush to clear any dirt or stray leaves that have made their way inside. You can also vacuum the inside of the compressor with a brush attachment.


• Replace the grills, reconnect power, and try to run the air conditioning unit. You'll soon know if this fixed the issue!

The AC Simply Will Not Run

There are several items to check before you assume you're unit needs repair or replacement:

• Double check to see if your thermostat is set to cool. Set the temperature well below the typical temperature of your home and see if the AC kicks on in a couple minutes.


• Check the main electrical panel and any secondary panels for blown fuses or tripped breakers. Perhaps too many electrical appliances were running at once causing a breaker to shut down.


• Also check the outdoor power switch located near the outdoor compressor. The furnace power switch should also be on in order for the air conditioning unit to work properly.


• Finally, check your thermostat. It may be measuring the temperature, but failing to communicate with the unit as to when the cool air should come on.

Common Thermostat Issues

If your room temperature varies by about three degrees between the times your AC switches off and then comes back on again, your pump probably isn't cycling efficiently. And if you're experiencing a cooler temperature than the one you've set on the thermostat, you probably need to have it recalibrated. It's also possible that the thermostat was installed in an unusually warm or cold area of the house, so it measures that temperature as opposed to the temperature through the rest of the house.

So, if cleaning your air conditioning unit proves futile, you can't find any blown fuses or tripped breakers, and your thermostat just doesn't seem accurate, it's definitely time to call a professional.

Quickly Repair A Laptop AC Adapter Now

If your laptop stops working one day, you need to follow some appropriate troubleshooting steps. The power failure is the most common malady among a great variety of reasons. The mobile computer is usually powered by a laptop battery or an AC adapter. Of course, when you use an AC adapter, you need to connect it to a wall outlet to back your portable computer. If your laptop can work normally by a laptop battery, you then need to check out your adapter. If your AC adapter becomes broken, it may have some broken internal components. Find out the right problem, and then you can repair the adapter quickly.

You should firstly check out the adapter' wire. You will find a plug at one end of the adapter and another lead connecting to itself at the other end. Make certain that whether these connections are tight or not. And you also need to check the pins in the socket. If it is damaged, you need to choose for a brand-new one. Besides the wire, you can find out the right malady be the LED adapter light. Most of LED light will illuminate the adapter is working. If you find out that the light isn't working, you need to take it apart to see its internal structure. In addition, you can test an AC adapter with a DMM device. And then you can easily see how much current is flowing through the unit.

If the wire of the adapter is broken, you need to find out breaks or frayed areas on the wire. Unplug the laptop in advance, and then you can cut the broken or frayed wire and reconnect it with solder. When you have finished soldering, you need to tape up the cable carefully. Proper insulation is very important, or you will get electric shock at some time. Moreover, you need to choose the solder with the matching color with your adapter's wire.

If you have not found any breakage on the external wire, you can check out the internal wire. If your adapters are assembled by screws, you can simply open it by removing screws. And some adapters are glued together; you need to take it apart with some special tools. It is up to you to open the adapter or not, but you need to do this carefully. You can get high quality laptop adapters at cheap price online, so you can absolutely change the existing adapter for a brand-new one.

Criteria For Choosing the Best Air Conditioning Systems

If you're in the market for a new air conditioner, then you're probably aware of roughly how much you'll spend for a central air conditioning unit, which means that you want to purchase a unit that offers that greatest cost/benefit ratio. For many people, replacing a central air conditioning unit represents the second highest replacement cost of their lives, with the first being the replacement of an automobile. To ensure that you get the most for your money, there are three critical criteria to consider before making your decision, beginning with a brand's reputation among professional and consumer product reviewers.

Professional and Consumer Reviews

If you have a habit of reading professional reviews before you make a purchase, then you know that, if you only purchased products that didn't receive negative reviews, you wouldn't purchasing anything. But while companies may hire professional writers to plant stilted reviews, consumers don't have much to gain by telling the truth about a bad product, and they almost never speak with an air of expertise about what their discussing. Instead, they communicate their frustration in a way that everyone who owns a lemon of an air conditioner can relate to. While it's fine to trust the experts for technical advice, consumers are usually the ones who will tell you just how well and air-conditioning unit performs in real life.

The Advantage of Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is more than just a buzz term used by proponents of the green movement; it's a concept that, when applied to central air conditioning units, can dramatically reduce your electric bills during the summer. In most cases, pre-built homes contain air conditioners that have an average energy efficiency rating. But if you've come to the point of replacing your home's original air conditioning unit, opting for high-energy efficiency is probably a good idea, especially if you live in a warm climate. In most cases, highly energy efficient air conditioning units cost more than lower efficiency units. But they save you more money in lower electric bills than you would save by purchasing a less efficient unit. In terms of cost benefit/analysis and environmental friendliness, reputable energy efficient units always rank among the best air conditioning systems.

Choosing the Right Heating and Cooling Company

While saving money on the purchase price of an air conditioner might be your first consideration toward arriving at the best air conditioning systems, your should also consider how much a heating and cooling company charges for installation. Homeowners often decide to go with a heating and cooling company that they already have a relationship with, such as a company that has performed air conditioning repair for them over the years. But if you want to minimize your costs as much as possible, you have to shop around. In addition to offering free advice on what kind of air conditioning unit you need, a good heating and cooling company will also be willing to beat the competition, as well as offer you low interest financing if you qualify.

What is the Difference Between an Air Cooler and an Air Conditioner?

Laymen tend to confuse the different types of equipment used for cooling homes. Many people do not know which one to buy that will suit their budget and cooling requirements at the same time. There is a world of difference between an air-conditioner and an evaporative cooler (EC), although both are used for cooling purposes. They are designed to cater for different requirements.

Here is a summary of the major differences between these two types of cooling machines.

An evaporative cooler employs hot air and water to cool your room. The hotter and dryer it is outside, the better an evaporative cooler works. Apart from cooling the room, the evaporative cooler also adds moisture to the air. So there are uses of this machine in the winter season too as it works as a humidifier.

The EC is much less costly when it comes to the electricity bills. Basically it works in a more natural way of cooling the room but will not usually be able to achieve the same level of cooling as an AC, and is of minimal benefit in humid climates. The EC does not use hazardous gases that damage the environment unlike the air conditioner.

The air-conditioner works more like a refrigerator, employing a compressor to generate the cooling process.

The air-conditioner functions smoothly in all weather conditions and can maintain a constant level of cooling. The technology used in the AC gives a homogenous level of cooling throughout the room, unlike the EC. The AC has to have an outdoor unit, as it throws the hot air outside, but evaporative coolers come in different shapes and sizes apart from the window EC. The AC performs the sole function of cooling and is of no benefit in the winter season.

How To Troubleshoot Air Conditioning Units?

Air-conditioning has become an essential in all offices, shopping malls, cars, as well as most of the households. As air-conditioning units are machines after all, they will definitely break down some times. Therefore it will be beneficial for you if you know some information on how you can troubleshoot air-conditioning units.

Let us just discuss some of the most frequently asked questions about air-conditioning units:

1. Why is your air-con unit leaking? There are 2 main reasons why your air-con unit is leaking. The drainage pipe could be choked with dirty particles so the water cannot be drained out, causing leaking from the unit. Another reason could be due to poor installation by the contractor whereby there is no proper gradient of the drainage pipe.

2. Why is your air-con unit not cold? The blower and air filters may be dirty and clogged with dust. Or it can also be the thermostat is being set too high and the unit is undersize.

3. Why is your air-con unit producing foul smells? This could be due to the smell of cigarettes, odours or other air pollutants being sucked into your air-con unit.

4. What will happen if you do not service my air-con units? The air-con unit will gradually be unable to produce cold air, and water leakage may occur.

5. How often should I service my air-con units? For households, it is advisable to service your air-con units once every 2 months. For air-con units in offices, it should be serviced every month.

6. Why is it necessary to dismantle the fan coil unit for chemical wash? It is necessary as the dirt at the cooling coil can be washed and cleaned thoroughly.

7. How should I choose the right type of air-con unit for my home or office? There are 3 steps to take note of over here. The first step is to identify the areas that you require air-conditioning. The second step is to determine which type of air-conditioning units that you want, for e.g. brands, power and savings. The last step is to choose a professional contractor help you choose the right types that suit your needs.

8. How to choose the right contractor? Always check the types of guarantees that the contractors offer and make sure that the contractors have registered offices for
accountability.

Weather has become so warm that air-conditioning units are essentials almost for everybody. Hope that these frequently asked questions can help you to gain more insights about how you can troubleshoot your air-con units.

Aromatherapy - Make Your Own in Minutes For Pennies

Perhaps the best thing about aromatherapy is that it is so easy and pleasurable to engage in; both for the creator of the concoction and most assuredly for the client. Few people will complain about receiving a prescription to bathe with scented oils or apply a fragrant body oil; two of the most popular aromatherapy techniques.

If you are considering starting an aromatherapy business for yourself--before you get started in this astonishing world of scent, it is important that you find out what practicing aromatherapists are doing so you can find that perfect niche for yourself.

Today many herbalists, body workers, cosmetologists, chiropractors and other holistic healers are discovering how multifaceted and versatile the healing art of aromatherapy is. To this end they are able to enrich their practices by introducing these pure essential oils for a compendium of maladies like: the altering of moods, stirring memories, arousing sexual desire and generally improving the quality of life. Many others concentrate on enhancing their client's beauty and longevity by offering them a wide variety of healing beauty products.

The majority of our nation today is influenced by the economy--finding most people today going both 'green' and back-to-basics. However, as natural as they wish they could be, the majority live in a stressful world and are constantly on the lookout for natural alternatives for health challenges like depression, anxiety, fear, grief, loneliness, mental fatigue, mind fog, insomnia, PMS symptoms and so many more. The peace and tranquility that should manifest themselves as normal attributes are often weighed down by environmental factors such as stress in the workplace or--even worse--unemployment. Many others suffer from social isolation, poverty, chemicals and toxins or even poor diet and countless more conditions.

Aromatherapy is BIG business today and at the end of this article you can be assured that we keep our promise that you will never have to pay mega-bucks again! This article is more than an overview of this ancient 3000+ year old art. As you stroll down Lavender Lane's aromatic healing path with us you will discover how--for more than a quarter-of-a-century we have been teaching and sharing how you can create a compendium of natural and therapeutic aromatherapy concoctions in mere 'minutes for pennies'. Plus, should you desire to retail your products at craft fairs or onto store shelves or in spas or even mail order like us; we will happily show you how. We will also share with you one of the most important phases of your marketing--how to package your concoctions--making you appear as professional as is your creation.

First, here is a 'crash course' on aromatherapy that the 'newbie' should at least have some concept of. Each essential oil contains numberless chemical components. To best illustrate a comparison, take an apple for instance. FACT: One, whole, clean, fresh apple contains over 10,000 nutrients in combinations of antioxidants, phytochemicals (plant vitamins) enzymes and more. Yet science so far has only recognized a fraction of them, and until more are discovered; they haven't got a clue what the rest of them are or what they do--and apples have been around since the beginning. Aromatherapy (the art of implementing an essential oil to this end or that) has been around since people have. Nevertheless, each type of essential oil is composed of many different aromatic molecules of which more than 30,000 have been identified and named, and it is common for a single essential oil to contain one hundred different aromatic molecules. One can only fathom their countless true complexities and their inconceivable properties or restorative benefits.

Exactly how aromatherapy works is still unclear. What we do know is that merely smelling a fragrance can influence us physically and emotionally by altering hormone production, brain chemistry, stress levels and general metabolism..

An 'essential oil'---or the 'soul' of the plant if you will, is 50 times more concentrated than that of the herb or flower it was carefully extracted from. Essential oils give plants their characteristic odors, enabling us to take deep drafts of a fragrant rose bloom or drink in the perfume of lilacs and lavender. It is because essential oils are by their very nature aromatic, that the therapy involving their use has been christened "Aromatherapy." And whether a person is looking to enhance their beauty, relieve pain, increase energy, reduce stress, grow hair, promote sleep, heal wounds, evoke special emotions, or even kill fleas--there is an essential oil for all these and countless other conditions.

BEAUTY SECRETS? Billions of dollars a year are spent every year by consumers who are trying to slow down the aging process--or at least cling to as youthful an appearance as they can for as long as they can. The face is usually the most exposed part of the body--bombarded by heat, cold, drying, sweating, wrinkling, dirt, smoke and a world of other invisible toxins. Today especially, stress is on the increase, having a huge impact on most people's lives. And as such, takes a great toll on the body which is very much mirrored in the face. If the consumer is looking to enhance their beauty they must take special care of it and there is a compendium of products that can be incorporated into their regime--each of which contains the right essential oil(s) to meet their purpose.

These products are found in the forms of cleansers, steams, exfoliants, masques, toners, floral waters, moisturizers, bath oils, massage oils, and more. When these pure essential oils are added into these mediums (carrier oils, waxes, sea salt, lotions, floral waters, butters, soaps, etc.) the essential oils penetrate to the dermal layer of the skin where new cells are developing. And depending upon which essential oil is used in which application, their varied attributes will either stimulate and regenerate skin cells, reduce bacterial and fungal infections such as acne and other related skin problems, soothe delicate, sensitive, inflamed skin, promote the release and removal of metabolic waste products, and produce healthy skin cells quickly following sun damage, burns, wrinkles or healing of wounds. Additionally, these essential oils contain plant "hormones" that help balance and alleviate hormonally related skin problems. When incorporated into a bath or massage, or through inhalation, these essential oils may be of aid in the relief of muscle pain, menstruation, lung congestion, insomnia, fever, headaches, infections, indigestion, constipation, etc.

Scent and the psyche too is nothing new. The manipulating of fragrance to affect the emotions dates back to the ancients and today is no different. According to a 1992 issue of the British Journal of Occupational Therapy, it describes the potential of aromatherapy to "promote health and well-being". In hospital environments, patients receive aid through massage, inhalation, baths, compresses, creams and lotions. According to the journal's extensive list of potential uses, aromatherapy can diminish stress, sedate, relieve depression, invigorate, promote activity and alertness, stimulate sensory awareness, facilitate interaction and communication, treat certain medical problems and provide pain relief.

Scent is an integral part of society. From the time we get up we are accustomed to bathing or showering with a scented body soap or gel, a fragranced shampoo and/or conditioner, followed by a scented deodorant and then perhaps by a scented after-shave, perfume or cologne. Our cleaning supplies are laden with scent to make our clothes, our dishes and our houses smell fresh and clean. We buy scented candles, incense, oil lamps and potpourris that we may be surrounded by aromas. Yet---these are probably ALL synthetic in nature.

"Pure" essential oils are extracted right from the plant, wherein any allergies usually associated with fragrance are almost non-existent. It is the "synthetic" fragrances that create many problems. With the rise of synthetic chemicals, and the increased strength of these fragrances, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration estimates that 4,000 different chemicals are currently used in fragrances--most of which are in perfumes and colognes and is on the increase. The problem is that through the inhalation of "synthetics"---many suffer a wide range of physical difficulties from sinus pain to anaphylactic shock and seizures. This fact alone should be reason enough to educate people toward the incorporation of "pure essential oils" over synthetics--especially if they could make their own sweet scented body and skin care products as well as their own therapeutic concoctions.

NOTE: Please be assured that there is MUCH ADULTERATION out there due to a general lack of education coupled with greed as to essential oils versus the synthetic fragrance oils--and that is why it is doubly important that YOU, John & Jane-Q-Public become educated of these important differences.

So that the beginner will not be overwhelmed or confused as to how aromatherapy works--here is an easy to visualize, easy to understand example of how these pure healing oils get into the blood-stream--do their thing--and get out. We all know how good garlic is for the body--curing a compendium of ills. Take a clove of garlic, cut it in half and rub the soles of your feet a couple of times. Put your socks and shoes on and go about your business. In about 3 hours you can taste it. That's it. When you bathe, your body's pores open to receive these healing oils, as does your body react accordingly through massage or through inhalation. Studies with brain wave frequency has shown that smelling Lavender increases the alpha waves in the back of the head, which are associated with relaxation. The fragrance of Jasmine increases beta waves in the front of the head, which is associated with a more alert state.

Aromatherapy is sweeping the world like wildfire and as we journey through this enlightening article; if the reader believes that this healing skill is something that they would like to incorporate into their lives as well as that of others; we highly recommend you consider this avenue.

There has been a good deal of information passed on to you so far and before you view the essential oil list, the intention of this article is to share with its readers that they or their families or friends may seek aromatherapy to allay their respective problems, and that they absolutely can--and never need pay mega-bucks again for these therapeutic and exotic preparations.

The following is but a smattering of the most commonly used essential oils and some of their numerous uses. Note: These oils are recommended for external use only.

• LAVENDER for stress, muscle pain, headaches, prevents scarring, stretch marks and has a reputation for slowing wrinkles, etc.

• ORANGE for high blood pressure, treating flu, colds, congestion and for killing fleas...

• ROSE GERANIUM for reducing inflammation, infection, eczema, acne, burn injuries, scarring, stretch marks, regulation blood pressure, etc.

• PEPPERMINT for headaches, muscle spasms, inflammation, indigestion, nausea, congestion, etc.

• ROSEMARY for memory, poor circulation, low blood pressure, sore muscles, rheumatism, cellulite, etc. (And-balding. However, you have to have a little life left up there.)

• EUCALYPTUS for sinus & throat infection, fever, flu, herpes, acne, boils, insect bites, lice, herpes, vapor rubs, aftershaves, colognes, etc.

• LEMON oil for viral & bacterial infections, hypertension, water retention, weight gain, bruises, increasing general well-being, etc.

• TEA TREE oil for insect bites, cuts, sunburn, shingles, candida, diaper rash, earaches, acne, paper cuts, head lice, abrasions, scalds, herpes lesions, ringworm, athlete's foot, boils, eczema, and much, much more.

SAFETY: Overexposure to essential oils, either through the skin or by nose, can result in nausea, headache, skin irritation, emotional unease, or an overall "spaced out" feeling. Getting some fresh air will help you to overcome these symptoms.

Just to show you how easy recipes can be--here are some examples:

For thousands of years the ancients established elaborate rituals that combine hot and cold baths, ointments and aromatic massages.

THERAPEUTIC BATH SALTS
1 cup Dead Sea Salt (course or fine grind).

Add 25-35 drops of essential oil or oils depending upon what therapeutic oils you have chosen for what malady. If you have chosen a blend you need to consider that each oil has a high-note, middle-note or base note which is the evaporation time; so the end scent may change from what you smell during preparation.

1 tablespoon 'Turkey Red' oil which is water-soluble. Almost all oils float, but not this one. Instead it will marry with the bath water and soothe and moisturize your body.

If you choose to color your salts use a few drops of food-safe food coloring until the desired color is attained.

If you choose to make a fine grind all you need to do is put the salts in your blender and blend. It won't hurt your blender a bit and I prefer to grind before I add the other ingredients.

Mix everything well and package. Be sure to use a pretty, wide-mouthed container and then package accordingly. Remember--presentation is as important as is the creation itself.

Depending how much water is in the tub--add 1/2 to 1 cup per bath. Once mixed in the bath, the salt will melt, the color will dissipate, the 'Turkey Red' oil will soothe and moisturize, and the essential oils will penetrate your body within minutes. Additionally, by the very inhalation of the chosen oil(s) and the fragrance, it will either relax your or invigorate you. This application is wonderful because your skin is the largest organ of your body.

SALT SCRUB:

For those who prefer showers, these are great exfoliants. (Do not use on the face).

To 1 cup of fine Dead Sea salt add 25-35 drops of essential(s) and enough carrier oil (Safflower, Grapeseed, Olive, Turkey Red, etc.) to totally moisten the salt. You don't want it too dry and you don't want it too runny. Rub on to loosen all those dead cells and invigorate the new ones, then wash off.

SUGAR SCRUB:

Using the above recipe, instead of salt use raw sugar. We use turbinado.

HEALING MASSAGE AND BATH OIL:

To 16 ounces of carrier oil (Turkey Red, Sweet Almond, Grapeseed, etc.) add approximately 160 to 200 drops (total) of essential oil or oils. This equates to 16-20 drops per ounce. Shake well and let the oils marry overnight. For a bath oil use approximately 1/4 cup of oil. The carrier oils may be mixed and matched.

NEVER PAY MEGA-BUCKS AGAIN!

As we hope you have discovered, most of these natural, healing and therapeutic creations are very simple to make for you and your family and friends--and they make awesome gifts too.