Your Guide to Bathroom Design and Remodeling: 10/1/07

Which Is The Best Bathroom Fixtures For Your Bathroom?

For a simple yet very effective way to change the look of your bathroom, consider your bathroom fixtures. There are many ways to update the look of your bathroom with this simple accessory. It can actually be a fun experience for you to update the look of the bathroom with the bathroom fixtures that you use or the accessories that you dress it up with.

What Goes Into The Purchasing Process?

Finding the right bathroom fixtures may be difficult. Often some looks are similar to others. Dealers are a good source of information. Ask them which features belong to the look that you are after. For many, this means looking for the fixture that fits within the style of bathroom you are after. For a modern bathroom, look for fixtures that offer a minimal look or a high tech edge to them. If you are after a bathroom fixture that is more traditional, then look towards antiques, or even classy looks. When you pay attention to the details of the features, you will appreciate the finished look.

Down To The Smallest Detail

If you are after a traditional bathroom, then consider the details that make it traditional, such as looking towards the feet of the bathtub. A classic look in the bathtub often happens with these small details. If you want something much more ornate and antique looking, look for a Roman style sunken tub. There are many great looks for any type of feature that is important to you. For a modern look, then look for a type of tub that shows that design.

Look towards your bathroom vanity and sink. The bathroom features here are just as important as those that are found elsewhere. For a modern look, consider a pedestal sink. You may be after a more traditional look. In that case, look for marble sinks or even faux marble. With so many great choices on the market, you are sure to find the type of bathroom fixtures for your personalized room.

Other areas to start looking for the details that can make the bathroom complete including the shower and the toilet. For example, your shower door can have a type of design that mimics the look you are interested in. Stained glass is an amazing choice for those that want an antique looking room. For toilets, the size and shape all are specific to various characteristics of the design you are after.

On the other hand, you may want the bathroom fixtures in the room to help you to create a very simple and plain style. That is easy to do as well. The bathroom fixtures can be just as plain and simple as you would like them to be. Using neutral colors in the room can help to make this happen. No matter what the look you are after, you can create it with the bathroom fixtures you use.

Adam Peters is the author of many articles on subjects like decorating and published at http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com . Find more publications about bathroom mirrors at his website.

Bathroom Faucets - Choosing The Right Option

Bathroom faucets come in various colors, styles and shapes. There is something out there for everyone. You may be interested in the stainless steel, most traditional look. But, do not over look the other options out there too such as the brass and brushed nickel versions. Even chrome is a good choice for a faucet in some homes. To find the right one for your home, consider the benefits of choosing one over the other. There are many things that can help persuade you one way or the other.

Using Stainless Steel Faucets

The most traditional and probably the most common bathroom faucet is that of stainless steel. These are long lasting products that will provide you with a blend of materials, namely steel alloys and chromium. These are the least expensive of products and offer a wide range of looks as well. The benefits of this product are simple. They will last a long time because they do not rust. They are easy to clean. They match virtually any décor that you put them into. You never really need to do any updating of the metal. On the other hand, there are some negatives to think about too. For example, bathroom faucets made from stainless steel are often the most likely to show fingerprints on them. They can be scratch, which can lead to rusting in those locations. They can become dull in appearance, too.

Using Chrome Faucets

Another option for faucets that you have is chrome. Chrome is actually created over solid brass fixtures that have a process called electroplating done to them. The coloring of chrome is the same silver from your stainless steel, mostly. They are affordable options and you will find that some of the more high end, fancy versions are expensive. There are many benefits of investing in chrome for your faucets. For example, they do not scratch and therefore do not rust. They also are going to last you a long time without showing too many signs of aging. Chrome will show water spots but they can easily be cleaned off. If you over clean the chrome or use abrasive chemicals on it, it can become dull over time because of chrome finish will wear off.

Using Brass Faucets

Another option in bath rooms is brass. While not as commonly found they are a great option for those looking for something more unique. And, they are some of the oldest types of faucets to be found in bathrooms of yesteryear. Brass is a solid metal which means unlike chrome and steel, there are no metal blends and not plating found in brass faucets. The downfall of brass is in the price, since it is a higher cost and there are fewer options because the demand for them is less. Brass does require more attention on your part. Since they must be sealed, if they are used without proper sealing they can and will rust. More so, brass does tarnish which means a unique cleaning process that is more labor intensive. Brass can easily be scratched, which can lead to rust.

Using Brushed Nickel

Yet another option for faucets is brushed nickel. This is one of the newest products out there and is made by electroplating which is done over the top of solid brass. There are many options to consider in styles because they are so popular. What's more, there is a range of pricing including affordable products. The benefits of this product are that they do not show scratches and fingerprints are easily hidden. They do not tarnish over time. The downfall that they have is that the plating can wear away over a long period of time.

Choosing the best bathroom faucets means to consider all of these options carefully.

Adam Peters is a journalist who writes newsletters on bathroom faucets for http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com You can find more information and resources on bathroom accessories at his website.

Prevent Falls with Stair Treads for Your Carpet

Millions of people are injured each year from falls in the home, but you can help prevent them in your home by using carpet stair treads. Protect your family from dangerous falls and slip related injuries. Stair treads are one easy and inexpensive way to keep your family safe.

Stair treads should be a must in your home if you have children or elderly adults living with you, as these two groups have the greatest risk for fall related injuries. For older adults, a fall can have devastating consequences if it breaks a hip bone or creates another injury. Of fall injuries, a significant number happen on a home's stairs and a study on insurance costs found that only car accidents created more insurance costs than fall injuries.

Many people overlook their stairs when they are making their homes safer. They install alarms and locks, buy mats for their bathtub, and put in smoke detectors. While these safety features are all important, protecting your family from falls is also important. We often take for granted that hand railing will keep everyone safe on the stairs, but this just isn't the case.

Stair tread should provide a non-slippery surface on your stairs. Whether your stairs are concrete, wood, or carpet, you can add additional protection to them. You can find stair treads made out of rubber, metal, or braided materials. You can also use carpet treads on wood floors to stop people from slipping on them.

You'll find that buying carpet stair treads is cheaper than installing full carpet on your stairs. The treads will also look attractive next to wood flooring. Look for treads that will not only look great but will also allow you to see the depth and width of the steps. This will also help individuals walk up and down safely.

In addition to the stair treads, encourage your family to turn on the lights when they need to go up or down the stairs. Many people try to navigate in the dark and either slip or they trip on items that have been left on the stairs. Using the lights will help you see any obstacles and help you see where you need to place your feet to safely make it up or down.

Installing carpet stair treads will help you keep your family and guests safe from unintentional falls. They are easy to install and will cost you less than fully carpeting your stairs. Don't forget to make your stairs safer as you add safety items to other parts of your home.

The Worst Places To Install Carpet

Carpet is a great choice in flooring. It is relatively inexpensive, comfortable and attractive. There are some places in your home where carpet just does not do well. Read this article and learn about the worst places to have carpet in your home.

One bad place to install carpeting is a kitchen. As a carpet cleaner I do not see this much but it is out there. Usually people install it in a kitchen because they want to prevent slipping or they like the warmth of carpet over tile. Even if you choose a commercial carpet it will never last long in a kitchen though. Kitchens are just subject to too much moisture, grease and food spills. So do not even think about installing carpet in a kitchen.

Another bad place for carpet is a bathroom. You normally see this in new homes where the builder has found it cheaper to just put carpet in the baths instead of tile or vinyl. Like kitchens, baths are subject to way too much moisture. Also most bathroom cleaners will bleach a carpet meaning that you have to be very careful when cleaning your bathroom. Carpet in baths never lasts long and should also be avoided.

The last place I will discuss is carpet on stairs. Unfortunately this might be a necessary evil. Carpet makes stairs safer by preventing the chance of slipping and is much cheaper than installing hard surfaces on them. Wood for example is very expensive to install on stairs because of all the necessary trim pieces. Carpet will have a short life on stairs because of the concentrated foot traffic causing wear. To improve its life vacuum it often and have it professionally cleaned often.

Overall carpet is a great flooring choice but you must remember to use it where it is appropriate.

Window Styles

Before choosing windows for a new home or windows to replace your current units, you should be aware of your alternatives. Depending on the manufacturer, each of these styles is available in wood, plastic, aluminum, and combinations of those materials.

This article will discuss the different styles without regard to the material, hardware, or the windowpane.

Hung Window:

A hung window is a vertical slider, whereby the inner window unit slides up and down in the frame. It gets its name because the window that moves is connected to weights via a rope. This is the most common window in older homes. Because of the way the window is designed there must be some clearance, even if it is small, to allow the window to slide in the vertical channels. Because of this necessary clearance, this window is the worst when it comes to air ingress.

Double Hung Window:

Very similar to the hung window with the exception that the upper window in the frame has the ability to move down. This allows for the escape of hot air through the upper window, while cool air enters the room. Because the top window must have clearance to slide in the window frame channels as well as the lower window, air ingress is worse than a hung window. If you are purchasing a double hung window, make sure that it is actually double hung and will open from bottom to top and top to bottom. Many retailers will call a simple hung window a double hung window.

Slider Window:

A slider window moves horizontally within a frame. In some cases, both windows will slide in opposite directions. These windows have become very common for low-end housing, as they are inexpensive to manufacturer. However, because clearance is required between the window and the frame in order for the window to be able to slide there is always some air ingress.

Casement Window:

A casement widow is usually hinged on one side and opens in the same manner as a door. Most casement windows use a crank mechanism of opening and closing which holds the window in almost any open position. Some casement windows use a pivot instead of a hinge and the window opens from a point approximately 25 % of the width of the window. Because of the mechanical cranking mechanism, the window can be closed very tightly against the elements. A well designed, casement window is the best defense against air ingress if you require a window that opens. The negative for casement windows is that screens must be placed on the inside of the window frame.

Awning Window:

An awning window is a casement window that has been turned on its side with the hinges at the top. The advantage to this design is that the window can remain open during periods of light rainfall.

Hopper Window:

Definitely not as common as the awning window, this is a casement window that has been turned on its side with the hinges on the bottom. Its only advantage is that small pets cannot exit the window as easily as they can with a regular casement window or awning window.

Fixed or Picture Window:

These windows are fixed and do not open. They are usually part of a larger window arrangement that includes windows that open on the side or bottom of the fixed window.

Skylight:

A skylight is a window that may or may not open that is mounted on a flat or sloped roof.

For additional information on windows for your home or other renovation projects, including landscaping, visit Renovation Headquarters.

Antique Authentic Tiffany Stained Glass

When you think of the most beautiful and luxurious stained glass in the world, you should think antique authentic tiffany stained glass. Their stained glass has been gracing glorious churches and the most lavish homes for over 30 years. With a reputation like that, everyone who wants to experience the good life wants a piece of the most famous stained glass in the world. Here is how to get some for yourself.

If you can afford it, hiring tiffany experts to install antique authentic tiffany stained glass in your home is the best way to experience it. They can create gorgeous window panels, brilliant beveled sky lights, elegant picture windows, and even entire ceilings out of the beautiful stained glass. Imagine having blue stained glass above your indoor pool, a magnificent beveled sky light in your bathroom, or ornate picture windows lined in stained glass throughout your master bedroom!

Another great way to have antique authentic tiffany stained glass in your home is to purchase one of their famed tiffany lamps. These lamps have been adored for years by brides, antique collectors and families. They have been lovingly handed down to new generations. With so many designs to choose from these handcrafted lamps are the perfect addition to any home and will match any decorating scheme.

One place to purchase antique authentic tiffany stained glass lamps is through a certified authentic tiffany dealer. It is very important to find someone you can trust when you are purchasing authentic tiffany lamps. You should look for a quality shop; there are many available in all major cities. Or head to your local mall. Many high-end department stores are qualified to sell tiffany lamps. If you are unsure of your dealer, you should check with tiffany headquarters before buying anything.

Another option when it comes to tiffany lamps is to purchase copies. These knock-offs can be almost as beautiful as antique authentic tiffany stained glass lamps is you find one that is good quality. You can find these imitation lamps on ebay.com and in pawn shops and antique stores. Some department stores might also sell replicated tiffany stained glass lamps. Just be sure you know what you are getting. If you are shopping in person you should thoroughly inspect the lamp for quality. If you are shopping online, make sure the seller offers a good return policy.

Stained glass window panels and antique window restoration information, reviews and resources - Stained Glass Window Panels is your source for authentic Tiffany stained glass & stained glass window hangings reviews, FAQs and informative articles. Spun glass is a wonderful art form and a great way to decorate your home. If you are looking for design tips, spun glass decoration, and information on art glass supplies and antique stained glass or spun glass decor and gifts we can help by providing information, FAQs and reviews.

Window Manufacturers

Beautiful eyes are said to be windows into a beautiful soul. Windows do occupy one of the most important positions of building requirements, as they function as the "eyes" of a house. Most architects and designers would agree with the fact that the strategic positioning of windows in a house along with the right choice of the type of window makes a house what it is. Whether it is skylight high up on the ceiling, French windows or a glass paneled wall, a window defines the look of a building from outside and the comfort that it promises within.

With the infiltration of newer and newer technology in the market, windows are no longer, what they used to be. Window is no longer an opening that was fitted into the walls of rooms to let fresh air and bright sunlight in. In fact, they are now a fashion statement. The manufacturers of windows too are therefore, waking up to the new demands of the market. The consumers can now either go for the thousands of varieties of windows already available in the market or get customized windows tailored to meet their needs.

Some of the varieties of windows, which almost all manufacturers produce, are casement windows, double hung windows, awning windows, gliding windows, picture and transom windows, specialty windows, bay and bow windows and skylight and rooftop windows. These too are not watertight categories, as within them to there can be different kinds of glasses, wood paneling, and handles used to give them a distinct look and customize them to the requirements of your house and room.

There are a number of web directories available listing the various window manufacturers in the country. These directories will give you all the required information not just about their contact details but also about the various products that they keep stock of. The product details are also provided on most of the websites. The internet makes it extremely convenient to look for the perfect window manufacturer who can suit your needs.

Have You Thought About Hurricane Windows?

When Hurricane Andrew his southern Florida in August, 1992, so many houses and business were devestated that manufacturers started thinking about a window that could protect homes from strong winds and flying objects.

They are available in new construction, but if a home is already built and it is in a hurricane zone, hurricane windows can be added as a remodeling project. The cost is not much greater than other windows without the added protection offered by hurricane windows.

The most important benefit of hurricane windows is to protect your home from the high winds and water associated with hurricanes. It has been found that most of the damage done to homes by hurricanes is a result of broken windows. The debris blown around by the high winds breaks the windows, causing the air pressure from the wind to enter the home.

This air pressure can blow out the other windows, even the ones that are not on the windward side of the house, and it can even blow off the roof. People have used shutters in the past to protect their windows, or board up their home every year when a big hurrican threatens. These solutions are both expensive and take a lot of labor. Once you have put the hurricane windows in your home, they are always there, doing what they are supposed to do, protect your home from strong winds. Even those who use plywood as protection have to be careful because storm tracks change quickly so you may be hit when you are not ready, or you may put up plywood and never get hit. With the right kind of windows, you are always ready, but you are not putting in extra work if you don't need to. Shutters have to be put up and taken down, and sometimes that is a burden on a homeowner who is not in good shape. In addition to these benefits, hurricane windows add other protection to your home. Because of their construction that can take the pressure of heavy winds, they cannot be easily broken. This prevents thefts and accidents. The entire construction design makes the window more difficult to break in to, so many insurance companies are offering a discount to homeowner who have them. You should see if you insurance company can offer you such a discount; it may pay for the windows over time. An additional benefit is that ther is a film in the inner part of the window that protects the home from UV rays.

These rays can cause considerable damage over the years, such as fading carpets, curtains and furniture. The heavy nature of hurricane windows also helps them to serve as sound absorbers. How do hurricane windows work? These windows are made of two separate layers of laminated glass. Between these layers, there is a film of strong plastic. If the window does shatter, which is difficult because of the two layers, the plastic layer stays in place, giving protection to the interior of the home from wind damage and the driving rain. Hurricane windows undergo very thorough testing to make sure they will withstand a storm. Impact tests involve small and large objects being hurled at the window, simulating the debris that may be flying around during a hurricane. These windows are built to endure a wind speed and flying debris of 130 miles an hour. The same glass available for hurricane window is available for skylights, patio doors and other types of glass that may shatter in a major storm. In order to get the most protection from hurricane windows, you must make sure they are properly installed. No window can protect your home if the installation is faulty. In addition, the installation wil be different for each window, depending on the materials of the window frame, etc.

It is best to have a professional install these windows to make sure it is done right. You may even risk not being covered under warranty if you do not have a professional do it.

Peter J. Mason regularly publishes web pages on problems relating to interior design and decorating. You can learn about his abstracts on hurricane windows and decorating over at his site and different sources for interior design tips.

Make Your Windows be The Eyes of Your Home

This is an old saying that "The windows are the eyes of a home." And the adage does ring true. From the inside of your home, you look out upon the world just as your eyes do.

From the outside, windows project a pretty light in the front of the house, just as your eyes do on your face. And if the eyes are the windows of the soul, another old adage, the eyes can work the same way and give the viewer a glimpse of the character of the house.

Windows give natural light to a room, but there is a great deal more that they do as well. They add character and can give a certain measure of beauty, if they are chosen correctly. That is why it is important to pick the right windows if you are replacing them. Replacement windows can update the beauty of your home, but they can also save you money in the long run by saving on energy costs. New windows have been shown to add significantly to the resale value of homes. There are so many types of replacement windows, at least one type to match each kind of home architecture. The following are just a few of them.

Casement windows. These types of windows open from the side by rotating a crank. They can be either one or two-paned. Usually they open just enough to let in a little light and air.

Sliding windows. This is a window where the panels are set into tracks and slide over one another. They are like mini sliding glass doors.

Double hung windows. These are the most traditional types, where two sashes lift over one another. The upper is slid down, leaving the top of the window open, or the lower is slid up, leaving the bottom open.

Bay windows. These are three sided windows that bow out from the front of the house. They are usually in more formal areas such as the living room, and create a small platform area that can be used for seating or to put plants on.

Bow windows. Similar to bay windows, they stick out from the house, but they have a series of sashes set at an angle. The sashes are at an slight angle to give the window a rounded look, in contrast to bay windows that have three sharp turns.

Garden windows. These are very popular for kitchen windows, since a little garden of herbs can be planted in the space which has good sun exposure. They resemble bay or bow windows in that they protrude from the house, but they are much smaller. They give a light of light to a small room such as a kitchen.

Skylights. These are in the roof of a house to provide additional natural lighting. They don't open as a rule, so as to guarantee a better seal. You can change the total look of your home as well as add additional useful features through the use of new windows.

Be careful about door to door salesmen or telemarketers who try to peddle replacement windows. In general, they are selling inferior quality and inferior installation at an inflated price. There is no need to rely on such a source when there are so many reliable sources for replacement windows.

You can take your time to judge all the sources after you have decided on your particular needs in terms or lighting, appearance and ventilation. You may even consider hiring a professional to help you with this decision. This very valuable addition to your home may be well worth it.

Johnathan Bakers works especially for http://www.replacement-windows-tips.com, a web publication covering information on home building, construction and other problems. You can have a look at his abstracts on replacement windows at http://www.replacement-windows-tips.com

Problems and Solutions Concerning Vertical Blinds

Some of us love the look of vertical blinds while others prefer a different look. However, the problem still exists of how to control sunlight in your home. Certain types of windows can prove difficult for vertical blinds and shades. Where vertical blinds are always possible, they may not always be practical. In this article we will look at certain types of window problems and present a solution for light control. Some may involve vertical blinds while others may suggest an alternative.

Sliding glass doors are a window that can prove difficult. They are large and at time the light just pours in. Vertical blinds do fit quite nicely in sliding glass doors however; their size makes vertical blinds a bit of an unpopular option. Some things that you can try are; splitting the window shade into the number of glass panels that you have. A sliding glass door will have one panel that can be moved while one will remain stationary. A two on one configuration will work best. Especially if you have lots of traffic in and out of that particular door or have summertime get together. This provides a good solution for those that would rather not use vertical blinds on such a large window.

French doors can present a problem. Vertical blinds look great on them, but sometimes the handle of the door interferes with the mechanics of the vertical blind. There are several options open in this case. Any product with a low profile head rail will do the trick. You also need something that allows the veins of the vertical blind or other material to stay close to the door. This will help to minimize the interference of the door handle.

Bathroom windows can present some interesting challenges for vertical blinds. Bathrooms tend to be very moist and damp places. You need ventilation to keep mildew from building up however you also want a significant amount of privacy while in your bathroom. The moisture in the bathroom can cause some vertical blinds to warp and crack in time. You obviously need vertical blinds that can stand up to these conditions.

The pleasure and charm of an old Victorian house is second to none. These homes offer so much in elegance and are a wonderful reminder of an era long past. Victorian houses are known for a vertical blind nightmare that is the bay window. Bay windows can prove rather difficult to fit because like finger prints no two seem to be alike. Vertical blinds can be fitted but you will likely have to have them specially made. However, this option although slightly more expensive will add to the charm of your bay window as well as help keep the light under control.

Today many of our homes have skylights. They are quite popular for natural light and heat. However, they can let in too much at times causing homes to over heat and become too bright. Due to the position of skylights, fitting vertical blinds can be a challenge however it can be done. Several companies offer options that can be controlled mechanically. Sky rise skylight systems are one such place. They offer blinds and shades that can be controlled manually or by motor. These will help control the light so you can get the best use of your skylight.

Some of us have large windows with magnificent views. Blocking the sun sometimes means compromising this scenery. A good solution to this problem is to purchase vertical blinds that have a great deal of width between the slats. This will help to filter out the sun and stop you loosing that wonderful view that you’re so proud of.

Finally some of have archways and odd shapes above our doorways that allow the sun to come pouring in however, seem impossible to fit vertical blinds to. Sometimes vertical blinds need to be cut down to size while other companies will make them specific to your needs. You can get them so they are controlled by a pole rather than the traditional cords. This helps you get access to some areas that may be hard to reach.

Vertical blinds can fit nearly every window however; many of us may prefer something else. However, when it comes to treating windows and sky lights, there is no problem too big for vertical blinds. They can be made to fit just about anywhere.

You can learn more about Judith at http://BlindsFactoryDirect.com vertical blinds, roller shades, plantation shutters, wood blinds and more.

Roof Windows And Dormer Windows

Let´s say you do not like the petty skylights. You want some nice, large windows to let the most possible sunshine under your roof. In that case you can choose from the roof windows or the dormer windows. Which ones are the best? It depends.

The roof windows vs skylights

The roof window is something like large skylight. Actually there is no substantial difference between skylights and roof windows, nevertheless skylights usually refer to smaller surface. Both skylights and roof windows are installed aslant, to the surface of the sloped roof.

The roof windows advantages

The roof window offers better (and longer) illumination compared to the vertical, dormer window. In certain areas the difference can be as much as 40%.

As the slant roof windows are installed directly to the roof surface, no special frameworks are necessary and installation of the roof window is cheaper than the dormer window installation (less material, less work).

The roof windows disadvantages

The roof windows do not add any space to your loft or ceiling as they only copy the roof.

Also the view from the roof window is little limited compared to the dormer window view.

The dormer windows

The dormer windows refer to the vertically installed windows projecting out, from the sloped roof surface.

The dormer windows advantages
Dormer windows increase the space of your loft or ceiling.

The vertical viewing (dormer) window also offers better view as you are closer to the viewed object.

Last but not least, the dormer windows, as they lift the sloped part of the roof higher, improve the safety conditions of your ceiling or loft (means you will not hit your head when looking out of the dormer window, of course, if you comply with all standard recommendations for the dormer window placement and dimensions.

The dormer windows disadvantages

Unlike the slant roof window, the dormer window faces the direct daylight with smaller surface, therefor it lets less light in.

Also the dormer windows installation is usually more expensive and demanding on planning and sources than the slant roof window installation.

Solar Cooling - Air Conditioning From the Sun

At first glance, solar cooling looks like an oxymoron. However, the same energy that can provide heat in the wintertime can also provide cooling during the summer.

Several passive cooling systems have been developed and tested. At their simplest, they rely on a coolant that absorbs and dissipates heat from the house. This could be a pool of water on the rooftop which absorbs seat from the inside of the house as it evaporates on exposure to the sun.

More sophisticated passive solar cooling systems have a solar collector which is shaded during the daytime. A storage medium collects heat during the day and dissipates it at night by exposing the solar collector to the cool night air.

Since the solar collector must be shaded, a retractable awning or overhang extension can be installed. Since the system can be reversed in the winter months, it is important that the solar collector can be exposed to sunshine if needed.

Solar panels can also be used to operate traditional air conditioners. As it happens, the periods of intense heat correspond to the periods of peak electricity production from photovoltaic cells. As long as you have solar panels which generate sufficient to electricity, you can operate air conditioners at no cost.

Solar cooling that does not take advantage of high technology is another possibility. The Romans used a system of running water to cool down exterior walls of their houses. The heat of the sun causes the water to evaporate and dissipate the heat within the house. This kind of system can be used on walls or on rooftops.

Heating and cooling are two of the biggest expenses for most households. Using solar energy to reduce this expense makes sense financially as well as ecologically. The less dependent we are on fossil fuels for heating and cooling the cleaner the environment will be.

Hans is author at http://www.alternative-energy-guide.com the energy site for "non techies"

Meet an AdSense publisher: Tim Carter

How To Purchase Champion Sunroom Kits

Selecting the right kit is essential to the sunroom of your dreams. Make sure that the size fits in all the furniture that you plan to place inside it. The size of the sunroom kits should be such that it compliments with the other rooms of the house. Moreover, it should not look as if it is an extra part of your house protruding outside, but it should appear as an integral part of the room beside which it is placed. The sunroom kit includes a number of items with the help of which even you can build your sunroom yourself. But, before purchasing sunroom kits, there are a few factors that you should consider.

Factors To Consider

One of the chief factors that you should keep at the back of your mind is the foundation of the sunroom. It should compile with the codes of the local building. Consider the climatic condition of your area. If in winter your area freezes, you need a foundation that goes around four feet deep below the frost line. This will ensure that the foundation of the sunroom does not contract and expand with the ground depending on the weather. If the area where you want to build the sunroom is a level land, it is best to place slabs to achieve concrete block foundation sunroom. If you can not do so, you will have to place a framed foundation and top it with footings that are concrete. The walls of the peripheral foundation should be of cement block or concrete.

The second factor to consider is the roof. Other than the roof of the prefabricated and all glass sunroom, the other ones generally have roofs that are framed with the aid of joists of varying spacing, sizes and insulation. You can also give skylight opening on the roofs. Make sure that the glass used in the sunroom complies with the safety codes of local buildings. Usually the windows of the roof and the set skylights meet the requirements of safety system.

The third factor to consider while purchasing the do it yourself sunroom kit is the type of wall that you will need. There are mainly three types – PVC, wood and aluminum. The PVC walls have good insulation and require very little maintenance. They are extremely economical and are available in varying colors. The walls of wood will lend an authentic look to the room and requires frequent maintenance. They are costlier than the PVC ones and can be easily painted or stained. The aluminum sunrooms are almost like the PVC ones but it does not have good insulation capability. They are less expensive than wood and more than the PVC ones.

Contents Of The Sunroom Kit

Some of the common contents of the sunroom kit include the foundation material, the wall material, the doors and windows, the roofs, nuts and bolts, ball bearing wheels, panels and more. They include roof glazing, wall glazing, selection of single or double pane types, doors that can be easily fit into any place, aluminum frames with hollow tubes in white and bronze color. They are provided with clear wall glazing to allow maximum amount of light transmission. The panels also have solar guard glazing for reducing heat by the maximum amount. The frames can be purchased according to the design that will suit your house best. The frames in white and bronze can give you a finish of baked enamel. They are available in various sizes. You can opt for the Cathedral type with vaulted ceilings and slanting roofs. The Conservatory style uses numerous glasses in the roof that merge into a single beam. You can give a classic touch to your room by styling it in Victorian and Georgian models. They can also be styled in Straight and Curved forms. The Insulation Factor

A sunroom is built with the aim of providing round the year comfort. But to indulge in daily work or enjoy nature sitting in your sunroom, you need to make the glass enclosed area well insulated. In order to maximize insulation, you need to opt for an insulation material with a higher grade. As far as the studs are concerned, it is best to install larger size studs measuring 2X6 for enhanced insulation. Glazing is an important factor that controls the amount of heat and light in and out of your room. It is best to select a high performance material for glazing which can collect the natural light, block the rays of the sun and retain heat if you need it. Thus, make sure that before you purchase the sunroom kit, you have properly chalked out your requirements according to your budget on the size, style, color, walls, panels, and overall appearance of your sunroom. This simple task will provide you with an all season sunroom that will not only keep your comfortable and cozy, but will also enhance the overall appearance of your house.

Andrew Caxton is a reliable journalist who has published more articles on this issue for http://www.allsunrooms.com If you would like more information on this topic please checkout his website at Champion sunrooms

Skylight Window Blinds - Control When The Light Comes In

Do you have skylights in your home that helps to light your home with natural light? Skylights are a wonderful type of window to have in your home, but there are times that you would like to keep some of the light out. That is where skylight window blinds come in.

Skylight window blinds are custom window blinds that are made specifically for covering a skylight. Since there is no standard size or shape for a skylight, custom window blinds that are made on a case by case basis are very popular for covering this type of window.

So you may be wondering, how do you raise or lower a skylight window blind? Many of these custom window blinds for skylights are remote control. After they are installed, to raise or lower the blind, all you have to do is push a button. It is as simple as that. Of course, for skylights that are within reach, manually operated skylight blinds are available as well.

Skylight window blinds come in different materials for different purposes. Some of these custom window blinds made of thick blackout material are used to darken a room, the most obvious reason for installing any type of blind. But there are other purposes as well. Some skylight window blinds are actually made of energy efficient material to save money on heating and cooling costs. Energy efficiency skylight window blinds help a room stay warm in the cold months of winter by blocking heat from leaving the home, and they help a room stay cooler in the hot summer months by keeping it cooler.

Click on the link to learn more about skylight window blinds. They come in a variety of sizes and shapes. They can be made to fit in just about any skylight and can be purchased online. Click on the link to get all the facts and info at http://www.window-shutters-and-blinds.com

Velux Blinds - Cover Your Loft Window or Skylight in Style with Velux Blinds

Skylights and loft windows are great for letting light in, but has there ever been a time that you don’t want that light to shine through? That’s where velux blinds come in.

Velux blinds are window blinds that are specially made to cover skylights and loft windows. Since these windows are at an angle rather than completely vertical, a special type of window covering is needed to cover the skylight or loft window properly. If you try to attach a regular window blind instead of velux blinds to a skylight, it will not cover the window at all, and it will actually hang as if the window is vertical. This looks very silly, and serves absolutely no purpose.

Velux blinds are made to fit on these windows properly to keep light out at certain times. So you may be wondering, how do you reach a velux blind to raise or lower it since it is on a skylight? Do you have to get a ladder every time you want to make an adjustment? This is certainly not the case. Most velux blinds are actually electronically operated by a switch or by remote control.

The one drawback to velux blinds is that they can be expensive. This is due to the special design of the blind, the electronic operation mechanism, and the few manufacturers that make this style of blind. But if you have a skylight or loft window that you would like to limit the light that comes in a certain times of day, the best way to do this is with velux blinds. You won’t be disappointed with the quality and capabilities of your velux blinds.

Create the perfect indoor living area with velux blinds. Learn more about velux blinds including information about cheap window blinds, window shutters, and more. Click on the link to get all the facts and info today at http://www.window-shutters-and-blinds.com

Cooling Off In Apartments or Rentals

You sit in your favorite recliner, the sweat running down your back as you fan yourself with the newspaper. "Blast this 100-degree heat and humidity," you think to yourself. "If only I had some air conditioning, this wouldn't be so bad." This is the plight of anyone who lives in an apartment or a rental home during the height of summer. Who wants to invest money in a permanent air conditioner that you will need to leave behind when you move out? Well, there is finally a great solution to this dilemma: get a portable air conditioner. You will be able to cool off in your apartment or rental home, and then when you are ready to leave, your handy portable air conditioner can come with you, too.

One of the nice features of portable air conditioners is that you can find them in several sizes, so you can get just the right one to meet your cooling needs. If you have a small place, there are portable air conditioners that can beautifully cool 200 square feet. For larger areas, you can find great portable units that will maintain a comfortable temperature in 500 square feet, and any range in between. As the name implies, these air conditioners can move because they have coasters on the bottom that allow them to roll effortlessly from place to place. If you want to cool the bedroom at night, and an office area in the morning, you can do it all with a portable air conditioner.

If you have allergies, then air quality is a huge issue for you. Many portable air conditioners can actually improve the air circulation in rooms with poor ventilation, and can use ionizers and filters to trap impurities from the air. Dehumidifiers are also available in some units.

Some of the portable air conditioners are very small, and run very quietly, which is a plus if you have it in the bedroom and you are trying to sleep. They come in manual and remote control varieties.

A permanent air conditioner can be a big power waster. In contrast, you will enjoy cost savings due to the efficient manner in which portable air conditioners function. Many recycle the moisture captured in the room, and use that water to cool the cooling coils. This helps the unit to run more economically, because it is not over-taxed by the demands placed on it.

Probably the best part of having a portable air conditioner is the fact that when you decide to move out of your apartment or rental home, the air conditioner will be going with you. No more money down the drain--now your super-functional portable air conditioner is yours to keep.

Susan Slobac has been a home improvement and appliance professional for many years. She is featured in many publications as being an expert in appliaces such as air conditioners, portable air conditioners and home appliances

Home Air Conditioning Repairs Basics For You

Home air conditioning repair is one of those few difficult tasks you must repair with care. For repairing the air conditioner of your sweet house, you need to first know how an air conditioner works.

Model Partition of an air conditioner

Generally, an air-conditioner has two different working parts on which it actually functions. These are the evaporator and the condenser. While the condenser of an air-conditioner is placed outside the room or the location it is used for, the evaporator is placed inside the main cabinet of the air-conditioner.

Most people connect their air conditioners to the air distribution system and so, and they have a common motor, ductwork and blower for heating as well as throwing cold air outside. Home air conditioning repairs is not a one time activity as you would need perform it all throughout the life of the air conditioner so knowing the technical operations of a air conditioner is of utmost important.

When you switch on the air conditioner, the hot air present in the room is sucked and channeled to the furnace from with help of return duct. The hot air then moves to the evaporator coils present in plenum which direct it towards the cooling house. Plenums are special coils for air circulation and ventilation. All the working of an air conditioner depends on the set of plenum which facilitates the air channel. So, if your air conditioner is not cooling the room, it is likely to have a problem in its air distribution channel or plenums.

While do-it-yourself repair service is doable for small or minor faults in an air conditioner, for specific faults or breakdowns, you should call a technician for serious home air conditioning repairs. Cleaning of the evaporator and other menial tasks may be performed by you but make sure you do not try your hands at something you are adept at.

Ricky runs an air conditioning filters site. Visit his site today for more tips and guides on home air conditioning repair.

Air Conditioner Thermostats

A thermostat is an apparatus for maintaining the temperature of a system within a particular range by directly or indirectly controlling the flow of heat energy into or out of the system. All air conditioners have thermostats that can be manually operated or automatically preprogrammed to work at regulating the room temperature. There are many ways in which you can use an air conditioner thermostat effectively.

One of the most successful yet economical ways to reduce your air conditioning costs is to adjust the thermostat setting on the air conditioner. The savings are more noteworthy when you set your thermostat at 78 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. For each degree you raise the thermostat setting, you reduce seasonal cooling costs by 7 percent to 10 percent. In doing so, you can use ceiling fans in addition to the air conditioner and thus, save a lot of money.

Most centrally located air conditioner thermostats are equipped with two fan settings, 'on' and 'auto'. When the thermostat setting is set to 'on' the fan runs constantly and when it is set to 'auto' the fan runs only during cooling cycles when the air conditioner compressor is in use. When the air conditioner is in use all day, the cooling compressor only operates about 50 percent of the time, that is, for about 12 hours. The extra fan operating time that occurs when the thermostat is set to 'on' can add roughly $25 to monthly air conditioning bills. Using the 'auto' setting, alternatively, saves energy and money because the fan operates fewer hours. Besides achieving energy and cost savings, the 'auto' setting also promotes more comfort by offering better humidity control as moisture removed during the cooling cycle is re-circulated back into the home while the compressor is off.

Thus, thermostats play an important role in the cost and function of an AC.

Air Conditioner Rentals provides detailed information on air conditioner rentals, portable air conditioner rentals, window air conditionar rentals, RV air conditioner rentals and more. Air Conditioner Rentals is affiliated with Window Air Conditioners.

Beat The Heat - Which Air Conditioner Is For You?

On a hot and humid summer's day, there's nothing quit like stepping into an air conditioned room to beat the heat. We hole up in living rooms, or head to the movies or mall just to drench ourselves in the cool air! Got you thinking of installing your own air conditioner? With so many options on the market, how do you choose which is best for you? We've got tips to make shopping for a new air conditioner painless.

Window Air Conditioners - Window air conditioners fit directly into a window and usually cool off one or two rooms. This type of unit will save you both energy and money! Easy to install, window units take only a few minutes to install. They are available for single-and double-hung windows, as well as for horizontal sliding windows and casement windows.

Through-the-wall unit - Like a window unit, they're perfect for cooling one or two rooms, but save you the window space. Through-the-wall air conditioners fit through a hole in the wall. They do however require a little more work then a window unit. You will need to cut a hole in the wall and then using a sleeve, insert the unit.

Room Air Conditioners - Unlike a window unit, room air conditioners conveniently install right into the wall. They too are great for cooling just one room or a small space.

PTAC - Package terminal air conditioners (PTAC) are self-contained units ideal for businesses, hospitals, offices, apartments and other similar environments. Great for cooling larger area's than window air conditioners, PTAC's also convert to heaters, so you're getting two-for-one with your unit. They also come with owner controls and heat and freeze protection, so you can control the settings.

Portable Air Conditioners - Portable air conditioners give you control over what room you want cooled. Whether it's the living room, family room, kitchen or bedroom, simply wheel the unit to its ideal location. Easy to install, the portable units come with a tube to exhaust heat out a window or through an opening in the wall. Additionally, it also gives you duel heat and air conditioning for year around comfort.

Ductless Splits - Like central air conditioning, these units have a split design but use air ducts, making the units easier and less expensive to install than central air conditioning. The system has at least one unit that sits inside and is the air handler. The compressor sits outside the house. Some models come with multiple air handlers that will use one compressor. You'll need to consider the number of air handles that you need - normally one air handler per room is best, if your home has open areas you may be able to cool multiple rooms with one handler.

Be sure to purchase the unit that will work best for your environment. With special features the latest sleek-looking room air conditioners sport digital displays, timers, automatic fan settings and remote controls. They're also quieter, more energy-efficient and easier to install and maintain. Buying the correct size until for the area you wish to cool is important, too. As a general rule, for a 200 square foot room, a 7,000 BTU unit is recommended. Whatever you do, relax comfortably and beat the heat this season with a new air conditioning unit!

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Air Conditioner Reviews

Air Conditioner Reviews usually take BTU and EER numbers into account. BTU stands for British Thermal Units, and these numbers can range from 5,000 to 18,000. The higher the BTU of an air conditioner, the more powerful it is at cooling. But it also increases the cost of the air conditioner. Normally, the BTU of an air conditioner required for cooling a room is calculated by multiplying the square foot area of the room by 35.

EER stands for Energy Efficiency Ratio. These numbers indicate the amount of energy they consume. An air conditioner with a higher EER will use less energy and hence will save money on electricity bills. EER numbers range from 8.2 to 10.5.

The brand leaders in the air conditioner market are Carrier, Kenmore, Whirlpool, Samsung, LG, Sharp, Panasonic and Friedrich. All are available in a wide range of BTU and EER ratings. Carrier air conditioners are by far the best. They are known for their extreme noiseless function, quick cooling and long lives of compressor and condenser. Carrier air conditioners are also the most expensive air conditioners in the market. Some of the newer Carrier models have replaced the environmentally harmful Freon-22 with Puron, a less polluting liquid.

Kenmore air conditioners also have excellent reviews in the air conditioner market. They are known for their high cooling capacities and extremely well advanced EERs, which cut electricity costs. Also their designs are quite sleek and contemporary, giving them the added edge over other air conditioners.

Whirlpool and LG also have good reputations, but they do better business in Asia. They are both reliable, trusted brands with good quality air conditioners at a comparatively lower price.

Due to the tremendous competition in the market of air conditioners, each brand spends millions of dollars in researching and perfecting new features every summer. Friedrich air conditioners have devised a money-saver feature, which saves electricity bills by making the fan move in synchronization with the cycle of the air conditioner itself. Most companies now use dehumidifiers and fragrances in their air conditioning ducts to lend them an added appeal.

Air Conditioner Rentals provides detailed information about air conditioner rentals, portable air conditioner rentals, window air conditionar rentals, RV air conditioner rentals and more. Air Conditioner Rentals is the sister site of Electric Generators.

Air Conditioner Repair

Most problems that people face with air conditioners can be solved by simple maintenance and cleaning. A regular cleaning of the air conditioner grille and filter helps to increase its longevity and make it more efficient at cooling. Sometimes particle aggregation inside the air filter chokes the ducts and makes the air conditioner ineffective. This can be solved by a simple cleaning of the air filter.

The common problems with air conditioners are faulty cooling, collection of water pools below the air conditioner, rattling sounds when the unit is shutting down, dysfunctional temperature control, etc. Some of these problems can be repaired by the owners themselves without calling for technical help. The air conditioner manual carries solutions to minor problems which can be easily implemented.

Before attempting Air Conditioner Repairs, it is most important to turn the power off. Removing the grille is an easy task, but care should be taken if the fan is attached to the grille as in some central cooling systems. Also, no wires should come loose while removing the grille and disconnecting the fan. If there are any wires connecting the fan to the main board, their sequence should be remembered so that they can be reconnected later.

Sometimes the air conditioner may not turn on at all due to a tripped or a broken fuse. The fuse is simple enough to be replaced by anyone. Instructions to replace fuses are mentioned in the manual. Hence, before calling a technician, it is advisable to check if there is a fuse problem.

Another common problem is the accumulation of water under the front portion of the air conditioner. This may be due to leakage of one of the ducts. Simple replacement solves the problem and instructions are mentioned in the manual.

Problems with thermostats are trickier to solve. Thermostat problems cause the air conditioner to cool the room unexpectedly. Even the heat pump may cause unexpected temperature swings if it is broken down. Thermostats and heat pumps should only be repaired by skilled technicians from the companies themselves.

Air Conditioner Repair is not a very difficult task, but people who are not confident with electrical appliances may contact the company to send their technicians. Technicians from the same company should be preferred over other repairmen.

Air Conditioner Rentals provides detailed information about air conditioner rentals, portable air conditioner rentals, window air conditionar rentals, RV air conditioner rentals and more. Air Conditioner Rentals is the sister site of Electric Generators.

Choosing An Air Conditioner - Part I

Air conditioning has become the norm in hot and humid climates. Almost all offices and many middle class homes have starting installing air conditioning in their homes. Air conditioners are essential to improve working conditions. This in turns helps to improve productivity of office workers. Many industries, factories, laboratories etc. too need air conditioning for comfort or because the process needs it.

Depending on the size of the room and total area needing air conditioning, some decisions have to be made for the air conditioner to be installed. The usual choice for a home may be window or split air conditioning. Central air conditioning may be choice for very large homes, offices and factories.

Cost can be one big factor we need to consider when making a choice. But it would also be handy to know some technical information like tonnage of the air conditioning, power consumption and other mechanical features as well.

Let's examine some of the technical data we ought to acquire to get your money's worth, when buying an air conditioner.

First and foremost you need to your budget. Secondly you should know the size of the room or area of the house or office if you wish to cool part or whole area. This helps to ascertain the tonnage of the air conditioner you require. The price of the air conditioner increases with the increase in tonnage. Normally for window or split tonnage of air conditioners available are from 0.60, 0.75, 1, 1.5 and 2 tons. One question the store will ask you which brand or manufacturer you prefer. Depending on the brand, your price will vary. Sometimes there are even assembled air conditioners available from the local maintenance workshop, which may turn out to be cheaper though not entirely reliable.

It is no secret that the cooling capacity varies in direct proportion to the air conditioner tonnage. So how do you measure cooling capacity? Cooling capacity is measured in KCal/hour or BTU/hour and the greater the number, the more powerful is the unit. Cooling capacity of an air conditioner of one ton is 3000 KCal/hour or 12000 BTU/hour. Guidelines given by manufacturers indicate that area and tonnage of machine. A 0.75-ton machine is suitable for 35 sq. ft. area, one-ton machine for 90 to 110 sq. ft. area, 1.25-ton machine for 115 to 140 sq. ft. area, 1.50-ton machine for 150 to 170 sq. ft. area, 1.75-ton machine for 180 to 220 sq. ft. and so on. A better way is to divide the square feet of your room by 600 to get the correct tonnage.

It would be helpful to your dealer if you give some details. Other than room size, you could tell him the number and size of windows, the direction the room faces, how much shade your room gets, the thickness of walls and type of roof, type of insulation the room has and the number of appliances in the room like computers. Such details will enable your dealer to advise about the best type, tonnage and number of air conditioners to be installed.

You need to be guard that you do not select a lower tonnage simply to save on cost. Lower tonnage can reflect in higher bills, which will eventually hurt your pocket in the long term.

It is important to ensure that the power supply in your home is sufficient to run the machine. Your authorised electrician can advise you on the power supply angle. You should also get him to check the wiring. If required, separate wiring and heavy-duty electric plug connection should be provided to install the air conditioner.

The efficiency of your machine can be measured with the help of Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER). EER helps you to determine how much it costs of run each unit. Units with higher EER are more expensive, but consume less power and turn out cheaper in the long run.

How Does Air Conditioning Work?

How often do you drive past a home or other building and notice the air conditioner? Probably never, unless it is a window air conditioner that looks like it doesn’t belong there. True air conditioning means not only controlling the temperature, but reducing the humidity and purifying the air. Air-cooling is simply forcing cool or cold air into a room, space or building. For the purpose of this article, the terms will be interchangeable. The simplest way to describe it works is the same way your refrigerator keeps food cold.

That would be a fair enough explanation, if you know how a refrigerator keeps things cool. You do know that almost everyone has a refrigerator. You know they make a very quiet noise every few minutes. You know things stay cold and fresh longer. The refrigerator isn’t that complex. It circulates a refrigerant through a system of coils. The noise you hear is a compressor. The compressor compresses the gas refrigerant into a liquid. The liquid then moves through the coils and absorbs heat. We will go into greater detail shortly.

Many homes have air conditioner units in the back or side yard. Some have the window air conditioner, which is effective for cooling a smaller area. Office buildings and other larger buildings have the units on the roof or in large metal structures containing a system.

No matter what the size or the shape, most all air conditioners function the same way. As we said, it works essentially the same as your refrigerator. The principal is evaporation. Both the refrigerator and the air conditioner unit use a refrigerant that, in its normal state, is a gas. The gas may be one of several types or composition, but it is commonly referred to as Freon. The process of cooling the inside of a refrigerator, or for an air conditioner to cool a building space, is a cycle.

The first piece of the air conditioning system is the compressor. The compressor does just that, it compresses the refrigerant gas. The process makes the refrigerant become hot and, of course, under pressure. The now hot gas circulates through coils on the outside of the refrigerator or building and dissipates the heat. The heat dissipating cools the refrigerant gas back into a liquid. After the refrigerant becomes a liquid it goes through another piece of the system called an expansion valve. Running through the expansion valve produces evaporation and the refrigerant becomes cold and at low pressure. The cold gas continues through the interior of the refrigerator or building via coils. The cold, low-pressure refrigerant attracts and absorbs heat inside a refrigerator. In an air conditioner, a fan propels the cold air throughout the area or building. The cycle starts then all over again.

There is little doubt that most people look at air conditioning and air cooling as a welcome miracle. It is a simple process of converting a refrigerant gas to a hot liquid under pressure, then changing it to a low pressure-cooling agent to absorb heat; keeping us and our food cool.

How A Room Air Conditioner Works

The most common and cost efficient cooling device is the room air conditioner. This consists of indoor and outdoor portions. An air filter, a fan and a cooling coil are parts of the indoor portion. The warm, humid air is drawn through the filter and into the fan then blown over the cooling coil. The cooling coil then cools and humidifies the air before it is blown into the room. The cooling coil contains a refrigerant fluid, which changes its physical property from liquid to gas because heat from the warm air passing over the coil causes its evaporation. Heat from the warm and humid room air is taken through this process. The outdoor portion of the unit consists of a compressor, a fan and a condenser. The cooling coil gives off low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant gas to the compressor. The compressor on the other hand delivers high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas to the condenser. The fan blows outdoor air over the condenser. Inside the condenser the high temperature, high pressure refrigerant gas is converted to refrigerant liquid. Heat from the hotter refrigerant gas is taken by the cooler outdoor air passing over the condenser.

This process causes the refrigerant gas to change to the liquid state. The refrigerant fluid circulates through the closed path leading through the cooling coil, the compressor and the condenser in a constant motion. The relatively cool outdoor air is sucked by the fan for cooling the condenser and then blows the hotter air back outdoors. In a room air conditioner, electric motors drive the compressor and the two fans. 110-volt lines are used for smaller room air conditioning units while for larger units 220 volt line supplies are used. An entire small residence can be cooled by some room air conditioners with sufficient capacity.

Although a room air conditioner is the lowest-cost cooling device, it has its own disadvantages which include the following:

1. Most room units can provide only widely irregular room air temperature.
2. Most room air conditioners operate with noise.
3. It is difficult to obtain an even distribution of cool air.

Because of the known disadvantages of a room air conditioner many people prefer to use the more expensive central cooling system.

A central cooling system is commonly divided into two units: An indoor and an outdoor unit. A filter, a fan and a cooling coil constitute the indoor unit. The outdoor unit on the other hand consists of a compressor that is motor-driven, a fan for the condenser and a condenser. A cabinet mounted outdoors houses these components. Most home cooling systems provide humidity reduction but offer only very limited humidity control. The length of the compressor operation determines the moisture content reduction. For example, a low indoor humidity value of 40 percent is reached when the compressor operates continuously for several hours during a hot summer day, but as night time approaches and the compressor stops operating, the water drops on the cooling coil tend to evaporate and a jump in the indoor humidity occurs. This variable humidity and its limited control however, are acceptable to home owners who are using the central cooling system.

Air Purifier - How To Tell If YOURS Is Any Good

These days it seems that everyone is gung ho about air purification systems. People with allergies, people with asthma and people who are just cleanliness freaks. It doesn't matter how often you dust the furniture, mop the floors, vacuum the rugs or change the bed sheets, your home just isn't really clean unless you have an air purification system.

But just how effective are these systems and are they all the same?

The answer may or may not surprise you. The truth is, not all air purification systems are the same. Some work well, some not so well, so the problem that most consumers face is how to tell if the air purification system they want to buy is the best one or for that matter, any good at all. Well, there are two ways to go about doing this.

The first way, and probably the most accurate is to first get yourself an in-home allergen tester. You can buy one of these things in just about any Sears store. Basically, the way these gadgets work is by measuring the levels of the eight most common allergens in your home. The process though isn't as simple as it sounds. Most require you to hook up the device to a vacuum cleaner which collects the allergens. After that you then have to mail the bag to the lab for them to test. You would do this before buying your air purifier. Then the next step in determining if the air purifier you want to get is doing a substantial job is by buying one on the condition that if you're not satisfied, you can return it. Most places will give you 30 days to try one out. You then take the purifier home, run it for the amount of time it says is required to make a difference and then rerun the allergen test. Send the next sample to the lab for testing and they will then be able to tell you the effectiveness of the unit you purchased. You can then decide if you want to keep the unit.

Sounds like a lot of work, doesn't it? Well, there is an easier way. Fortunately, there are independent companies that run tests on these air purifiers. You can easily find one on the Internet. While this does require you to take THEIR word for the findings, it certainly is a lot easier and quicker than going through the procedure above.

If you should go to one of these sites, what you will normally find is a chart with the following pieces of information. You'll see the lab where the test was done, the air purifier that the tests were performed on, the country where it was tested, the type of allergen tests that were done, and most importantly, the percentage of reduction. This is basically the bottom line. If you read these results you will notice that none are more than 99% reduction. This is because we don't live in a bubble and it just isn't physically possible to get rid of all the allergens, but 99% is very good.

Of course that all depends on whether or not you believe these results. Unfortunately, only your nose will know.

Buying Air Purifiers - What To Look For

With so many different types of air purifiers on the market these days, it may be difficult to figure out which one will best meet your needs. No matter which model or style you choose, just be sure to take the following under consideration when choosing your next air purifier:

Area Coverage:
Always be sure that the square footage listed for a particular model is slightly greater than the square footage of the area in which it will be sued.

Air Changes per Hour (ACH):
How many times per hour the unit can change the air in the room can be very important, especially if you suffer from severe allergies or asthma. The most effective unit will sport a ACH rating of 4, 6, or preferably 8.

Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR):
Tells you how much air the unit is capable of actually purifying. The higher the rating, the more effective the air purifier is against battling indoor air pollution.

Filter Replacements:
All filter systems need to have their filters replaced on a regular basis, which can become costly. Be sure to take replacement costs into consideration when choosing a model. Also, watch for systems that offer duel filter technology, since these filters usually need to be replaced at separate intervals that may be a hassle for some consumers.

Noise Level:
Be sure to test the unit you are considering since some models can be very noisy while others are extremely quiet.

Energy Usage:
Like all appliances, air cleaners use different amounts of electricity. Also consider whether or not your unit will be run on low, medium or high for most of the day to determine the correct energy usage and cost.

Air Pollution:
Believe it or not, some air purifiers (especially various ionic models) may actually emit enough ozone into the room to rival the air in one of the smoggiest cities in the nation – Los Angeles. Make sure that your model isn't one of them!

Extra Features:
Like any appliance, air purifiers come in basic standard models, and those that contain a myriad of bells and whistles. Remember, you pay for those extras, so be sure you really need them before agreeing to purchase them.

Price:
It doesn't matter whether you have $50 to spend or $5,000 t spend on your new air purifier, there's a model out there to meet every consumer's need and budget, so don't let an anxious salesperson convince you otherwise.

Warranty and reputation:
With so many different manufacture's and models of air purifiers on the market, it isn't easy to know who's are the best. Be sure to ask friends and neighbors what they like and don't like about the system they use before buying your own. Check the Internet for customer reviews, and make sure that the manufactures you choose offers a good service agreements and/or warranty on all the products they sell.

Air - How Clean is Air Inside Your Home?

Pollution is one of the invisible factors that have been affecting our health more and more each day. It is no wonder therefore, that we take special efforts when it comes to keeping polluted air out of home and allowing fresh air inside of home.

It is no wonder therefore, that we ensure that the air inside of home is cleaner and better to breathe. It is not an easy task, for all those who have their homes near to the roads or highways, can find fine dust and pollutants like carbon and carbon-dioxide filtering into the home. These not only make the house look dirty, these pollutants are most likely to cause health problems.

You will find that the pollutants not only enter the home from outside, there can be enough pollutants affecting you and all those staying in the home. There are other factors like the mold and fungus that come with seepage and moisture accumulating on several floors of home.

Again with the dust and pollutants, there are dust mites and bacteria. All these factors meaning carbon-dioxide, bacteria, fungus and mites can cause problems related to overall health. Presence of fungus means, you can get skin problems like rashes, fungal infection, skin irritations, boils and even a little bit irritating like ringworms of the skin, in a home with small children presence of fungus can be devastating.

With dust, air pollutants and the mites, there can be serious breathing problems like the asthma and bronchitis. It becomes very difficult for people suffering from these conditions to live in a polluted environment. dust mites do not just stay inside the dust, these generally make their homes inside your bedding, sofa covers, curtains, every place they can find around your home.

The best solution for this would be to vacuum your home very regularly and frequently. There is another solution whereby you can ensure that your home stays free of bacteria and fungi floating in the air. Other than the vacuum cleaner, you can use another gadget that has proven quite useful for cleaning air inside home are the air cleaners.

As the name suggests, main function of air cleaners is cleaning air, you can buy combinations like the humidifiers, heaters in case it is winter, etc. The first picture that comes to the mind when we think of air cleaners is a gadget that would look very out of place and spoil the look of your home.

New technology and renewed outlook towards new gadgets ensures that these have been designed beautifully and may not end up looking groggy thing inside your living room. People staying near polluted areas can try these gadgets that ensure cleaner air free of pollutants all the suspended particles inside of home.

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The Dangers of Ionic Air Purifiers

Think you already know what this subject is all about? Chances are that you don't, but by the end of this article you will!

An ionic air launderer is an air filtration means that uses voltage to rush molecules in the air. Ionize means to thrilling ally rush. Most of the air launderers for commercial use have been planned to yield negatively rushed molecules. What this means is that the air molecules now have an spare electron making them negatively rushed. The purification procedure is designed to take place via an thrilling ally rushed plate inside the air ionizer that is positively rushed. In this way, ionic air launderers depend on the old adage, opposites invite. The positively rushed plate is designed to invite the negatively rushed air particles, therefore laundering the air. The puzzle with this procedure is that it yields ozone as a offshoot. The thrilling fields that are worn to build ions (charging the particles in the air so that they are invited to the plate and pulled out of the oxygen that you breathe) engender ozone.

What is ozone?

Ground rank ozone is an oxygen molecule that is well unstable and poisonous. Ozone reacts with other gases in the air merely. It is perilous and perilous. Ozone is the core section in haze. Ground rank ozone should not be conforming to stratospheric ozone. Stratospheric ozone is the layer of ozone that exists high up in the atmosphere. This beneficial layer of ozone filters out and blocks some of the ultraviolet light that is attempting to pierce our atmosphere. While stratospheric ozone is awfully caring to us, ground rank ozone is a nuisance that a diversity of community governments as well as central governments has been battling to shrinkage and organizes for living.

In the beginning of this article, we went over the basics. Now, we will look at this topic a little more in-depth.

What can ozone expodefinite reason?

The things of ozone expodefinite fluctuate depending on how long you were exposed to the ozone and at what concentration. The affects of ozone expodefinite can contain a combination of the next to unstable degrees:

* Coughing

* panting

* Irritation and inflammation of the lining of the respiratory method.

* Chest tautness or drag.

* Impaired breathing/ briefness of breath.

* Irritation of throat.

* Irritation of lung bandanna.

* Dull perceive of smell.

* Lasting lung harm.

* Compromise the body's ability to clash off respiratory infections.

It is important to write that expodefinite to ozone can also exacerbate the symptoms of those of you anguish from asthma and allergies. What is so surprising and disturbing about this detail is that the huge margin of people who goods an ionic air launderer do so be reason of an already untaken post. That is, most of the people who get an air ionizer do so be reason superstar in the home is presently anguishing from asthma or reaction connected symptoms. Additionally, surveys have revealed that clients who goods an ionic air launderer for air purification run it frequently. Ionic air launderers are goods crooked on and left on for most of the day as well as for most of the year. Given that these tackle are left operation for long periods of time uninterrupted, an air ionizer has the likely to discharge an incredible total of ozone into the air in your home. It is likely that the ionic air launderer that you have goods to help alleviate your symptoms is, in detail, aggravating them added! Ozone hurts your body instead of ration it. If you have an ionic air launderer that emits ozone as a effect of the purification method, you are decline the interior pollution in your home by your pains to help slash it. This counter effectual post is one of the core reasons why both Consumer rumor and the American Lung Association have condemned ionizers and ionic air launderers as being perilous and ineffectual.

Do ionic air launderers launder the air?

What is even more astounding is the judgment that an ionic air launderer is ineffectual at removing impurities from the air. Latest studies have found that air ionizer means weathered poorly in their ability to amputate particulates from the air such as pollen, dust and smoke. Customers goods an ionic air launderer with the optimism that the means will filter out these particulates, making the home a improved breathing environment for loved ones. Many clients anguish from allergies or asthma or both have goods an air ionizer under the different impression that it would launder the air and help to relieve their nastiest symptoms. As it turns out, ionic air launderers are not only perilous be reason they discharge the impurity ozone as a offshoot of their "purification" procedure, but they also work poorly at the very chore that they are planned to accomplish. An ozone producing ionic air launderer does not adequately address the puzzle of interior air pollution. They do not vindicate the air of dust, type, pollen, smoke, or chemicals which are all customary symptom triggers for clients who goods them.

What are the alternatives?

If you are looking to goods an air launderer for you or your family and you want to make definite that it is both effectual and harmless, you want to make definite that it has a valid checkup Grade HEPA filter. The HEPA filter technology has been worn in hospitals around the world for living. HEPA technology is trusted in seats where air purification is not just something that people strive for, but something that they insist. HEPA filters are a usual way to sanitize your air. Both the Austin Air and I Air launderer outline use health grade HEPA technology to launder the air that you breathe, departure it absolute and harmless for you as well as your loved ones. This incredibly effectual and proven technology filters out 99.97% of all particulates from the air down to 0.3 microns in diameter. The HEPA filter sets to work and grass the air that you breathe nearly allergen liberated. You will catnap better and experience more energy throughout your day merely by increasing the worth of the air that you breathe. All of the purification means in these outline are ozone liberated so you can be at help intended that the most costly usual source that you have, your breathing air, is in the hands of long trusted professionals.

This article is the perfect way to gain the information that you need to fully appreciate the complexity of this subject.

Mickey Mars writes for http://www.purifyairph.com where you can find out more about Air Purifier and other topics.

Can An Air Purifier Help Your Allergies or Asthma Symptoms?

Did You Know?

Asthma and other allergic diseases have become increasingly prevalent, affecting over 50 million people, or more than 20 percent of the population.

Asthma is a chronic illness that affects over 22 million Americans. Asthmatics suffer from constricted, sore, and inflamed airways that are highly sensitive. As a result of this sensitivity, exposure to irritants and allergens result in strong reactions in the airways which prevent the lungs from taking in more air. Especially bad episodes of this constriction and inflammation in the respiratory system are called "asthma attacks." These episodes can be triggered by a number of environmental stimulants such as pollen, dander, dust, warm air, cold air, and dust.

Subsequently, asthma suffers experience symptoms such as coughing, difficulty breathing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest pain and/or tightness, etc. In extreme episodes of asthma attacks, death can occur when an asthmatic loses consciousness and dies from lack of oxygen.

While many people with asthma also suffer from allergies, allergy suffers do not always necessarily have asthma. Nonetheless, allergy sufferers experience similar symptoms as asthmatics. An allergy is defined as "an abnormal sensitivity to a given substance, including pollen, drugs, or numerous environmental triggers." Allergy symptoms can be as benign as a runny nose or wheezing, or as life threatening as shock and death. Unfortunately, while asthma can be somewhat controlled, airborne allergens are some of the biggest triggers of allergy symptoms. In addition, allergy triggers exist everywhere - from food, to organic dander, to plants, and to the air we breathe. For asthma and allergy sufferers, HEPA (high efficiency particulate air filter) air purifiers are extremely effective in controlling allergens such as dust, dander, and pollen in your home. Composed of a mat of fibers, true HEPA filters must be able to filter out 99.97% of airborne particulates 0.3 microns or larger.

Therefore, for asthma and allergy sufferers, HEPA (high efficiency particulate air filter) air purification systems are great for controlling allergens such as dust, dander, and pollen in your home. Because air purifiers with HEPA filters do not emit any chemicals, they are great for people with sensitive lungs. Similarly, air cleaners with Activated Carbon (charcoal that has been treated with oxygen to trap particulates, gases, and odors) also do not utilize chemical filtration such as ozone. Many air purifiers utilize a combination of these two filtration methods, and these make excellent choices for asthmatics, allergy suffers, and those suffering from other respiratory conditions.

Unfortunately, it is estimated that over 5,000 Americans die from asthma each year, and 1 in 4 urban children suffer from the illness. As a result, billions of dollars are spent every year for asthma treatment, which consist of either quick relief medicines such as bronchodilators, or long-term asthma control medications which have to be taken on a daily basis. For allergy sufferers, the cost of regular injections, medications, or tests is also significant, and is on the rise. With this growing cost in asthma and allergy treatment, a quality air purifier is a sound investment.

While an air cleaner cannot replace the need for asthma and allergy medication, by removing pollutants from the air, symptoms resulting from these disorders can be significantly reduced.

The Three Most Common Oversights People Make When Purchasing An Air Purifier

More and more people are developing allergies due to the decline in the quality of the indoor air their breathing in their own homes. Did you know that the indoor air you’re breathing in your own home may be more harmful and full of pollutants than the air outside? The reason is due to a number of factors such as pet dander, dust, pollen and mold to name just a few. In this article I will be discussing the three most common oversights people make when purchasing an air purifier.

The First Oversight.

The first oversight is lack of research. Once a consumer has come to the conclusion that they need to purchase an air purifier they immediately head down to their local department store and purchase the cheapest air purifier they can find. Do your due diligence and research exactly what the best bang for your buck is.

The Second Oversight

The second oversight is assuming that all air purifiers are created equally. Once again this will be resolved upon conducting the proper research however, common sense should dictate that an air purifier that cost $39.95 and an air purifier that cost $369.00 are definitely going to have some differences. While buying the cheapest might sound like a rock solid idea financially, you must take a couple of factors into consideration such as:

• the cost of replacement filters

• the frequency in which those filters will need to be cleaned or replaced

• the actual cost to run the unit (power consumption)

• the functionality of the unit.

What I mean by functionality is just what exactly will the air purifier purify? What contaminants will the air purifier remove from your indoor air and up to what %, and the size of the area the air purifier will cover to name just a few.

The Third Oversight

The third oversight I would like to discuss is technology. There is quite a variety of air purifiers on the market today and while all these companies are claiming that their unit is the best, the process in which the unit cleans and purifies your indoor air may actually be causing more harm than good to your health. Some units use a process which involves the use of ozone to purify the air inside your home. Studies conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency have shown that units using ozone to purify your indoor air may not only be ineffective but dangerous to your health. If you would like more information regarding the use of ozone in air purifiers a simple search in Google will give you all kinds of information. I will simply suggest that you once again perform your due diligence when it comes to air purifiers which use ozone to purify your indoor air and educate yourself of all possible side effects of using an air purifier which purifies the air in your own with Ozone.

With the decline of the air we’re breathing indoors it is no wonder that more and more people are now purchasing an air purifier to clean and purify the indoor air their breathing. Before you decide to purchase an air purifier keep the insights I’ve mentioned in this article in the front of your mind and make your decision based on research and due diligence. In conclusion, remember the old adage…you get what you pay for…so don’t purchase a cheap air purifier and expect it to perform like an expensive model. Justify the more expensive model as an investment in your future

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