Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Portable Air Conditioning Can Improve Your Health


Portable air conditioning can improve indoor air quality by cooling or heating the air, in addition to filtering and dehumidifying it. If you have particular health issues, such as asthma or allergies, a portable air conditioner can can help improve indoor air quality and help you feel better.


Older people often need to live in a temperature-controlled environment, particularly if they live in the Southern United States or other areas where it gets very hot during the summer months. The elderly are more prone to heat-related stress. A portable air conditioner with cooling, heating, and filtering mechanisms can reduce airborne pollutants and maintain a steady, comfortable temperature - no matter the weather outside.Portable room air conditioners range in sizes from 3,000 BTUs up to 14,000 BTUs. The greater the number of BTUs, the more powerful the unit and the greater the capacity to cool a large area. Check with your doctor before purchasing any expensive equipment.Allergies can cause itchy and watery eyes, a runny nose, inflamed sinuses and a sore throat. Air conditioners with special filters to trap allergens, such as HEPA air filters, can help remove pollen and other allergens from the air. In addition, they can also capture particles such as dust mites, mold spores and smoke. A properly functioning air conditioner will generally maintain a healthy humidity level between 20 to 50%, which can help reduce mold growth in a room.Some air conditioner models today also even have the ability to monitor, detect, and collect airborne dirt, even if unit is not in operation. Other types of portable air conditioners provide ionizers and UV lights that kill bacteria on contact. They can also improve air circulation in poorly ventilated rooms.

To keep the health effectiveness of any air conditioner, it should be maintained according to the manufacturer's instructions. Used properly, portable air conditioners can dramatically help improve indoor air quality and help you feel your best.




Author: Wolfe Plumbing


Allergy Season Alert: How To Avoid Seasonal Allergy Triggers


(NC)-While there is unfortunately no cure for allergies, you may be able to prevent the onset of allergic symptoms by avoiding the things that can set off an allergic reaction.


  • When traveling by car, keep the windows closed and use the air conditioner. It's important to have the air conditioner checked and cleaned.While a Reverse Osmosis system does effectively clean water, it does not disinfect it. The membrane that is used for filtration can and will remove biological contaminants, but it should not be relied upon solely to treat contaminated water for human consumption. If you are concerned about biological contaminants, you could always add an ultraviolet light to your water system. Intense ultraviolet light systems will destroy biological contaminants before they reach your RO system, therefore ensuring only the best possible drinking water.
  • Keep your home as allergy free as possible so it provides a haven in which to recover.
  • If you enjoy gardening or doing yard work consider using a filter mask.Seasonal allergy "triggers" include pollen and sometimes mold spores. Airborne pollen, which is responsible for seasonal allergy symptoms in the millions of Canadians who suffer from "hay fever", is very hard to avoid. That's because pollen from many sources is prominent at various times of the year.
  • Rely on air conditioners for clean air, and change the filter regularly.Here are some helpful tips on avoiding these allergy triggers from the experts at Claritin:
      Mold spores take to the air both indoors and outdoors, wherever mold may be growing. Rotting vegetation may be the source, or mold can develop in damp, dark places, such as attics, basements, garbage containers, or refrigerators. In Canada, outdoor molds send their spores airborne after the spring thaw and through October.With these eventualities in mind, it is essential to verify that RV air conditioners remain in good repair. Any time you take your RV in for repair or maintenance, you should also have the mechanic check out your air conditioning system; this will guarantee that your RV travels are both safe and fun.Pollen levels rise during the spring as trees and flowers begin to bloom causing sneezing, runny nose, itchy watery eyes and nasal congestion. It is so light that it turns up miles from where it originated, including high in the atmosphere and far out to sea.For more information on how to control allergies this season call 1-800-665-1507 or visit www.claritin.ca.Reverse Osmosis uses a semi-permeable membrane that allows the water to pass through it, while ensuring that contaminants do not. Reverse Osmosis systems have come a long way in recent years, and many people have installed them in their homes to ensure that their family is drinking clean, pure, healthy water.

      For more information on how to control allergies this season call 1-800-665-1507 or visit www.claritin.ca.




      Author: News Canada


  • Forward Thinking With Reverse Osmosis


    Reverse Osmosis is a system of filtration that is highly effective at removing even the smallest particles from a liquid. It is also known as Hyperfiltration. The Reverse Osmosis process can remove particles as small as a dissolved individual ion. The most popular use for this process is in the purification of water for human consumption.


  • Outside the home, seek out air-conditioned environments for your leisure activities when condition are ripe for high pollen count (low humidity, windy days).Many families are rightly concerned about the quality of water they are consuming. As evidenced by various stories in the press, people cannot always be sure that their tap water is clean and free from contaminants. One of the best ways to ensure that your family has clean drinking water is to take matters into your own hands and invest in a Reverse Osmosis system. There is no other commercial system available that is as effective as Reverse Osmosis.
  • If you already have pets wash them regularly and never allow them in the bedroom.

    Reverse Osmosis systems effectively remove dozens of contaminants from water, including chlorine, benzene, chloroform, barium, and countless others. These systems essentially strip water down to its most basic form. We installed one in our home a few years ago. A manufacturing plant on the edge of town contaminated the local water supply and, although we were not affected, it served as a much needed wake-up call. Within days, we had a Reverse Osmosis water treatment system installed. We added the UV light system a month later, when we learned some more about it. Clean water is essential for health and survival. Contaminated water can kill you. Do you really have a choice in the matter? Think smart. Plan ahead.




    Author: Christopher King


  • Maintaining Your RV Air Conditioner Properly


    There is nothing like a nice comfortable drive around the country in a recreational vehicle to view the beautiful sights around America. Experienced RV owners know that they must check to be sure that their RV air conditioning is in proper working condition for the summer. Even the most comfortable RV can become extremely unpleasant if the cooling unit isn't functioning as it should.


    RV air conditioners, which are different from the cooling systems found in houses and public buildings, are more exposed to intense weather conditions. Most of the time, the unit is placed on the exterior of the vehicle; not only having to withstand a variety of different weather conditions, but also having the effects of these conditions intensified due to how fast the RV is traveling.RVs are an amazing way to travel having all of the comforts of home; but if the air conditioning malfunctions, your dream vacation can become a deadly nightmare. Regardless of your location or type of RV, these vehicles can become unbearably hot during the summer. Too much heat is a big potential health problem, particularly for the elderly who are less able to deal with the heat.Regular upkeep is essential for RV air conditioners because malfunction of a single part, of which there are many, can cause the whole unit to crash. These components include motors, fans, compressors, and other parts.

    With these eventualities in mind, it is essential to verify that RV air conditioners remain in good repair. Any time you take your RV in for repair or maintenance, you should also have the mechanic check out your air conditioning system; this will guarantee that your RV travels are both safe and fun.




    Author: Darrin Hitchington


    Air Conditioner Buying Tips


    Most new homes today have air conditioning units. It is more unusual to see homes without central air then to see ones with it nowadays. Air conditioning can be a necessity in warmer climates for the comfort of the family. Most air conditioner units will range from three to six thousand dollars, including installation. This is not a minor investment but one necessary for comfort. If you need a new air conditioner, there are several things to consider prior to purchasing.


    Use several drops of 20-weight non-detergent motor oil on oil ports once a month.--Capacity: Air conditioners are definitely not one-size-fits-all. Too large an appliance for your square footage will result in the system cycling on and off way too often, wasting energy. If the air conditioner is too small, it will not be able to cool all areas of your home effectively.The first thing you should do before attempting to clean, maintain or repair your air conditioner is to make sure that the power has been turned off. Check your panel of switches and then unplug the unit. If the plug is not accessible, it would be safer to shut off the power to the entire house while you are working on the unit.The best time to buy an air conditioner is during the spring or fall months since technicians tend to be less busy during these times and will be able to give you prompter service. Like any machine, your new air conditioner will require ongoing maintenance in order to operate at peak condition; many contractors offer cost-effective maintenance service agreements that help prevent little problems from getting bigger and costing a bundle.

    Always get a contract before starting work with any contractor. Make sure all the costs are clearly spelled out. This should include both the cost of the unit and installation. It should also detail payment policies and warranties. Warranties generally cover the compressor and additional parts. Do not choose a unit that has anything less than a five year warranty on the compressor, but a ten year warranty is better. Additional parts may be warranted anywhere from one to five years and are usually separate.




    Author: Gray Rollins


    Air Conditioning Repair and Maintenance Advice in Tampa FL


    Because the weather can get extremely hot very often, air conditioners are considered among the basic needs of people who reside in Tampa, Odessa, Lutz, Land O' Lakes, Wesley Chapel, New Tampa, Westchase, Carrollwood, Town & Country, Crosscreek, Meadow Brook, Brandon, Riverview, and Valrico FL. Air conditioners are notorious for breaking down often, though, and air conditioning repair is another basic necessity for any brand you choose. Unfortunately, frequent AC repair expenses can pile up quickly to a huge sum. Of course, you would still want to hire the services of professional heating, ventilation and air conditioning repair service providers who provide AC repair and furnace repair. To lessen your need for frequent air-conditioning repair, you should observe proper maintenance procedures for your unit. There are also some easy troubleshooting procedures that can be done first before resorting to professional air conditioning repair in Tampa FL.


    Vacuum your unit�s evaporator and condenser coils monthly. Use a fin comb to straighten the fins. Find and unclog all drain ports with wire every month.Air conditioning units should be installed by a contractor who is experienced with this type of work. Depending on existing ducts and the type of unit purchased, the price may vary greatly. Get several estimates from qualified contractors before deciding on the unit and installer. Ensure the contractor has experience and works well with you. Get references and check them thoroughly.If you go to a reliable heating, ventilation and air conditioning repair service provider that offers AC repair and furnace repair in Tampa FL, the best brands would most probably be carried and serviced by this shop, such as Carrier, Trane, Amana, Goodman, Rheem, Frigidaire, American Standard, Bryant, Janitrol, York, Ruud, Weatherking, Tempstar, Payne, Comfortmaker, Gibson, Heil, Intertherm, Lennox, Luxaire and Tappan.Always get a contract before starting work with any contractor. Make sure all the costs are clearly spelled out. This should include both the cost of the unit and installation. It should also detail payment policies and warranties. Warranties generally cover the compressor and additional parts. Do not choose a unit that has anything less than a five year warranty on the compressor, but a ten year warranty is better. Additional parts may be warranted anywhere from one to five years and are usually separate.--Choose a quality contractor: The best contractors don't just sell you an appliance; they are valuable resources for selecting the right one for your home and getting it at an affordable price that will fit your budget. Most of us haven't a clue how to install an air conditioner ourselves, so make sure you really trust the company you go with and that they are licensed and insured.The second thing you should always check is the power cord. It should not be left frayed and worn. That would mean it has to be replaced immediately. You should also regularly check your unit�s plug prongs with a volt-ohm-milliammeter (VOM). The meter should read zero when the VOM is set to the RX1 scale. A higher reading means you need to replace the cord. You should also replace the selector switch terminals if they have burn marks.Air conditioner units use electricity to run. If the unit is used often this can increase energy costs significantly. This is especially true in warmer climates where it is a necessity to cool the home. To help combat these costs, it is advisable to look at the efficiency of the unit. This may mean a larger initial investment, but should save money in the long run.--Price: Most heating and air contractors keep their pricing within the same general range; however, some of the more experienced contractors may have special long-standing relationships with manufacturers and be able to offer reduced prices on the products themselves. Make sure you get a bid from several contractors in order to make comparisons regarding labor costs, since these tend to vary greatly from contractor to contractor.

    If you go to a reliable heating, ventilation and air conditioning repair service provider that offers AC repair and furnace repair in Tampa FL, the best brands would most probably be carried and serviced by this shop, such as Carrier, Trane, Amana, Goodman, Rheem, Frigidaire, American Standard, Bryant, Janitrol, York, Ruud, Weatherking, Tempstar, Payne, Comfortmaker, Gibson, Heil, Intertherm, Lennox, Luxaire and Tappan.




    Author: Chris Lontok


    How To Buy Central Air Conditioning


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


    You will need to determine the appropriate size of the unit needed for your house. This is an important step because units that are too small will have to work harder to cool the home. Units that are too large are simply wasteful and unnecessary. A qualified air conditioner contractor will be able to analyze the size of your home and make recommendations on the size needed.The efficiency rating is required to be on all air conditioners. Compare units carefully to determine the cost for each type of efficiency. The more efficient a unit is, the more money you will save on energy bills. A more efficient air conditioner will take less energy to run and cool the entire house.If the air conditioner does not function or is noisy, clean it with a vacuum cleaner and a soft cloth. Tighten the fan blades, setscrew, motor shaft fan and fan housing bolts with the appropriate screwdrivers or wrenches. If this does not solve the problem, get professional help.Disposable filters should be changed monthly. Permanent filters should be cleaned with soap and water and thoroughly dried before reinstallation.

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




    Author: Carolyn Ethington