Selecting The Perfect Room Air Purifier

Author: Jack Blacksmith -
Source: articledashboard.com

No need to hold your breath when you have an effective room air purifier. There has been a lot of study and technology applied to the way room air purifiers work and how they help keep people healthy. Here are some of the findings of the work done to investigate if you really do need to have an air purifier in order to breathe more safely.

What the EPA Has to Say

The California Environmental Protection Agency has looked into the effectiveness of home air purifiers to determine if there is really a need for these systems and if they really to what they claim to do. In a nutshell, the agency reports that they have found no air filter can remove every particle from the environment, and should not claim to do so. This is especially true of particles that quickly settle on surfaces.

One of the most effective ways to remove large particles is through your whole house systems. Your furnace for example has a filter that should be changed annually. Your stove needs to be properly ventilated too.

After taking care of the systems within the home, the EPA has recommended a room air purifier that uses a HEPA filter to help clean the air. These range in price from around $100 to over $2,000 depending on size. A room air purifier that is placed in a central location, such as the kitchen can effectively remove smaller particles, but don’t always work to remove gasses and odours. As a warning, it is important to not rely on air purifiers to remove carbon monoxide or radon. These are dangerous gasses than can build up in an unventilated home and cause serious illness and even death.

The Dissenters

There are a relatively small number of studies that seem to indicate that room air purifiers are neither necessary nor effective. This is small minority, but there is some merit to their research which really only leads to the need for more research to substantiate their findings.

Some research has raised the concern about ionic air purifiers because of the ozone these systems release into the air. Others claim the ionic system of trapping air particles using negative ions is ineffective. The truth is there is more evidence that ionic and HEPA filter systems do capture a substantial amount of even the smallest particles down to 0.3 micron. The impact of the amount of ozone released as a bi-product still warrants more research.

What You Can Do For Cleaner Air At Home

You can do a great deal to ensure your family is breathing the cleanest air possible. Follow these guidelines:

1. Replace whole house system filters at least annually. These are very inexpensive and easy to replace.

2. Keep your home well ventilated. Open windows and “replace” the air in your home. If you are in a high pollution area, then opening windows and blowing air out with a fan will remove pollution that enters the house.

3. Taking smoking outside. Never allow anyone to smoke in your home.

4. Use a room air purifier to trap particles in the air that are not removed from ventilation. Using central air conditioning during the allergy season will help filter air entering the house.

Do You Like Using Air Fresheners?

Author: Kyle Greatbatch -
Source: articledashboard.com

Air fresheners can be found in many shapes, sizes and uses. For starters, there are certain air fresheners that are Spray Can types. You can use these to spray around your house or office with the purpose of purifying the air.

No matter what the ad says, there is hardly ever any actual purification taking place when you do this. It mostly only just gives the place a feeling of inhaling fresh air. That is why such basic air fresheners seem to come in scents that are tantalizing, such as Lavender mystique, Citrus blook and similar others.

Of course, there are other air fresheners that are slightly more advanced. Generally, the advanced air fresheners, when used, mix with your home or small office electrically engineered air purifying systems.

While this purifying system does its work of purifying the air via series of processes like pollen filters, charcoal filters, etc, the air fresheners work as ad on tool for the purpose of removing bad odors.

They also help to provide a kind of fresh and clean scent. As much as the Spray Can type of air fresheners have varieties, you have the choice of selecting a variety of scents that you like.

I don’t know about you, but in our home, this is the air freshener type that we use. What we are now faced with is what scent to use with it. My wife prefers air freshener that is somewhat citric in nature.

In this vain, she buys pine and lavender scented kind of air freshener. As for me, I always prefer the scents that has manly musk. When used, our home would always have a variety of air freshener scents.

Different rooms having different scents. For example, the air freshener in my study provides a strong smell of musk and wood, while my wife says the bedroom smells of lavender. The kids are not left out. They can have any air freshener to keep the stench of week old pizzas and other kinds of debris at bay.

The industries are not left out. There are industrial variety of air freshener used specifically in industries, restaurants, shopping malls, hotels, and other such places termed “industries”.

They are used in such places to freshen their air and purify it some more. Horticulturists are not left out in the use of fresheners. They use fresheners in the promotion of speedy growth in certain types of plants.

Majority of offices that have centralized air conditioning system or plant make it a habit to use such industrial varieties of air fresheners for the primary aim of purifying and cleaning the air.

From the studies that have been conducted on air fresheners, opinions are not the same. Many experts insist that air fresheners are nothing more than forerunners of doom.

Such experts have conducted research which indicate that air fresheners, particularly those which come in cans that are pressurized, with CFC content can end up having carcinogenic results.

Others say this isn’t completely true. This second school of thought say, if air fresheners are used moderately, they would reduce the harmful effects of bacteria, dust and other types of irritants, instead of causing harm to humans.

As for me, I have used air fresheners for almost a decade now without any problems. I am still hale, hearty and very healthy. That means nothing will stop me from continuing my use of air fresheners!

Seven Smart Strategies To Dust-proof Your Home

Author: Ned Gonzalez
Source: articledashboard.com

It’s a common complaint. Just a few days after a thorough house cleaning, that unsightly dust is back, settling on every surface in your house. Dust can also contribute to respiratory allergy suffering. Although the visible dust is most obvious, health scientists now say it is the very small invisible particulates and noxious gases we should be most worried about. What’s the answer? Here are seven proven ways to greatly reduce dust and breathe easier in your home.

Identify and Seal Air Leaks That Let In Dirty Air

A good deal of the dust in our homes comes from internal sources such as skin flakes and fabric fibers. However, new research has found that in many homes a significant amount of the dust actually originates from outside the living space. The hot or cold outside air that leaks in through gaps and cracks often brings a lot of dust along with it. The air from outside always contains airborne particles such as mold spores, pollen, soot, tire rubber and agricultural dust.

Building scientists have recently discovered that in the typical home, most of the incoming air first passes through dirty areas such as the attached garage, outside walls, crawlspace, basement, attic or even from underground. This incoming air is often contaminated with pollutants such as mold spores, carbon monoxide, automobile exhaust, carcinogenic radon gas, insulation fibers, pesticides and volatile organic chemicals.

Contact your HVAC contractor and ask for an Infiltrometer blower door test to pinpoint where the bad air leaks are. Many leaks can be easily repaired by homeowners as weekend projects. Others such as leaks in your air ducts, or through recessed can lights are better left to professionals.

Finding and fixing the leaks that let in bad air will make your home healthier, more comfortable and less dusty. Your home will also have more controllable indoor humidity levels. Fixing these air leaks will even pay for itself through lower heating and cooling bills. In fact, duct leakage alone has been found to waste 20 percent to 40 percent of most systems’ heating or air conditioning. For more information on Infiltrometer testing and duct leakage, go to www.comfortinstitute.org.

Fix Negative Air Pressure

Many homes operate under what is called “negative air pressure,” created unintentionally by the mechanical systems. The air pressure becomes lower in the home than outside. This accelerates the inward flow of potentially dusty outdoor air, and can even back up furnace and water heater chimneys, allowing poisonous carbon monoxide gas into the home. Ask your HVAC contractor to test your home for negative air pressure and proper venting of gas and oil appliances. For a free report on how to identify a good HVAC contractor, go to www.comfortinstitute.org.

Create Positive Pressure with Ventilation Air

While negative air pressure is bad, a slight positive pressure is good. A house at an intentional positive pressure has much less dust. Ask your HVAC contractor for information on how to create positive air pressure. The first step is an Infiltrometer blower door test to determine how leaky your house is, so that the right amount of pressurization airflow can be determined.

Upgrade Your Central Air Filter

Typical throw away furnace filters do not even adequately protect your equipment from getting fouled up, let alone protect you from invisible respirable particles. Ask your HVAC contractor for recommendations on installing a new high efficiency filter at the equipment. One of the best are pleated media filters, typically four to six inches thick, that only need to be changed once a year. Have your HVAC contractor first test the duct system static pressure to ensure your system can handle the increased pressure created by a good filter. On larger 4 and 5 ton AC systems it is often necessary to split the airflow in two and have two filters.

Install a Whole House Central Vacuum Cleaner

Vacuuming helps control dust, but most vacuum cleaners simply don’t catch the very small particles. The majority pass right through the filter bag. Although a new vacuum with a “HEPA” filter is good, the best solution is a central vacuum cleaner that exhausts the small particles directly to outside.

Run Your Furnace Fan When Vacuuming

Even the best vacuum cleaner agitates some dust into the air. If your forced-air system is equipped with a good filter, you can filter out some of that dust before it settles by switching your thermostat to “fan on” while vacuuming.

Get Your Duct System Cleaned

Many duct systems contain large amounts of dust and debris. If you get your ducts cleaned, be sure the contractor thoroughly cleans the furnace/air handler and cooling coil as well. Note that if you have dirt accumulating on the supply air vents, the cause is most likely duct leaks in the vicinity, not dirt from inside the ducts. A good sealed duct system, with filtration at the inlets, rarely if ever needs cleaning.

The Essentials Of Making Your Home Energy Efficient

Author: Tim Lapkovski -
Source: articledashboard.com

If you are looking for a more inexpensive way to cool your home, you are not alone. The advice you find within this guide an aid you to manage your home and keep it nice and cool during the summer months.

1. Do A Home Checkup

If your monthly bills for air conditioning your home are starting to rack up, consider beefing up your windows and doors to even out the situation. Keep cold air in and hot air out during the summer.

2. Keep Your Cool

- Get your air conditioner checked once a year
- Install a programmable thermostat
- Clean out all air ducts
- Apply solar panels to your roof to help heat your outdoor pool

3. Home Cooling Systems

In general, it’s not wise to skimp on your home cooling system. You may think it’s a hefty investment, but consider how this will affect the resale value of your home. Check how old your furnace and central air conditioning systems are. Installing a system that is less than years old can lower your energy bills by up to percent.

4. Cooling Does Not Cost A Lot

The vast majority of homes are energy-guzzling powerhomes. No matter how hip and trendy having numerous amounts of technology can be, they can overheat easily in a home that is not properly insulated. Protect your computer and other electronic valuables by checking your walls for proper insulation. You can also double pane your windows or use blinds or drapes to significantly make your energy bill better.

5. What Is Energy Star?

ENERGY STAR is a United States government program to promote energy efficient consumer products. It is well known for its logo appearing on many computer products and peripherals, though on many European-targeted products, a combined energy usage and ergonomics rating from the Swedish Confederation of Professional Employees (TCO) is used instead.

How To Get The Most Out Of Your Air Conditioner

Author: Tim Lapkovski -
Source: articledashboard.com

Your basic air conditioner continually takes air from outside, cools it, and then returns it to one or more rooms within your house. A properly installed air conditioner can cool up to fifty cubic tonnes of air each year. Read on to learn more about these remarkable machines and how they can add value to your home.

1. Choosing Your Air Conditioner

The back yard is the most common place to find a central air conditioning unit. One reason to choose a free standing unit over the more poweful central air system is that it can be brought with you when you move.

During the cooling season, clean the filter on a room air conditioner every 30 days. This lets more cool airflow into the room and reduces airborne dirt, lint and pollen. Keep your air conditioner out of direct sunlight and seal the window to reduce air leakage.

2. Both Units Can Benefit From A Cover

A solid investment is a cover for your central air system. Not only will it keep debris like snow and leaves out, but it will significantly extend the life of your unit. Some covers are also designed to minimize noise.

Don’t set your thermostat to a cooler temperature setting than normal when you first turn on your air conditioner. Your home will cool no faster and you will end up wasting energy.

3. The Importance Of Changing Your Filter

Even if you don’t need an air conditioner for feeling cool in the summer, you can still put one to good use. Conditioners will filter the air through, well, a filter, and this can be a great boon to anyone that has a baby, has asthma, or suffers from allergies. Dust slowly collects inside the filter that must be changed once every six months. If you do not change the filter regularly it can cause your air conditioner to not work anymore. In addition, you and your family might not be breathing clean air.

Choosing The Perfect Window Evaporative Coolers

Author: Matthew Anderson -
Source: articledashboard.com

Window evaporative coolers are cost-effective coolers that should be placed near the doors and windows. This will ensure proper flow of fresh air through the window. The stale air that will be released by the air cooler can also move out of the window easily. This will ensure proper flow of fresh and clean air in the surrounding all the time.

With its sophisticated look and classic working system, window evaporative coolers is a class apart from the typical other air coolers. Installed in a window or through-the-wall mounted with powerful double blowers, the evaporative coolers can cool the rooms up to 350-500 square feet. Ranging from small mobile units that can cool one room at a time to large units that can cool an entire home, window evaporative coolers are simply awesome.
Outstanding Features Of Window Evaporative Coolers

Whether it’s the alpha-sat technology that ensures highest cooling by simply increasing the saturation level, or wide angle blowers that aid in expansion of air throw or aerodynamic front grill fins, each of the features are designed for minimizing enhanced noise level. All of these outstanding features also ensure a high comfort level to all. Following are the other outstanding features of window evaporative coolers:

Cooling pads – these air coolers use natural aspen pads that provide cooling effects to a huge space.
Slide-in-pad frames – helps in easy access
Motor – helps in easy functioning of the coolers
Open grille design – aids in greater air flow
Bleed-off kit – ensures consistent performance by minimizing scale build-up
Louvers – individually adjusted horizontal and vertical structures for precise air control

The trim profile of the evaporative coolers embraces the entire home, making them the perfect choice wherever space is limited – for your home and garage.

Advantages Of Window Evaporative Coolers

The window evaporative coolers are the low-cost alternatives to the otherwise expensive refrigerated air conditioning system. They are basically based on the natural process of evaporation for its working system. There are optional evaporative coolers that come in package with optional filters that help in driving out dust, pollen and other dirt from the entire home. These air coolers work efficiently by sucking the air from the exterior of your home through the window and pull the air across pads saturated in water. As the cooled air enters the home, sinking and pushing the rising hot air out of the home and spreading cool air throughout the space.

Other Unique Details Of Window Evaporative Coolers

The contemporary design and superlative performance of the evaporative coolers can make it the world’s largest selling models. The capacity of an evaporative air cooler is measured in CFM [cubic feet per minute]. The key to efficient evaporative cooling system lies with the design of the cooler pads and relative humidity of the ambient air. You can use synthetic fiber materials in these cooler pads because they cost much less and last much longer. The pads are also effective because they are biodegradable and help in cooling of the room much better than natural pads. The evaporative air coolers are truly energy-efficient and are easily serviceable by any of the homeowners who have minimum knowledge of screwdrivers and mechanics. To make your evaporative air cooler work properly you should take the help of the professional service technicians.

Air Cooler For Commercial Purposes

Author: Mr.Andrew Caxton -
Source: articledashboard.com

It is the norm for businesses to strive for low costs in order to maximize profits. In line with this objective. reducing energy costs would be one of the areas worth exploring. Thus. when it comes to air cooling. the installation of a commercial evaporative air cooling system in replacement of an air conditioning system would help to reduce energy costs significantly.

In this article. you will be discover why an evaporative air cooler for commercial purposes would be the ideal cooling system for your factory. warehouse or even office.

Get a commercial evaporative cooler to lower your costs. cool and clean the air at the same time!

As evaporative air coolers operate on single-phase power supply. their energy consumption is much lower as compared to air conditioners. In fact. surveys have revealed the energy consumption of an evaporative air cooler is about 75 % lower than that of air conditioners.

Apart from that. evaporative air coolers for commercial purposes possess large cooling capacities and ranges. and therefore reducing the cooling cost per square foot. Indeed. evaporative air coolers are capable of cooling air within an area size of up to 3500 sq feet and up to 60 feet away.

Evaporative air coolers can be installed in the existing duct system in the roof area. Other than the lower installation fees. maintenance of the evaporative cooling system is also an easy task that does not require much expertise.

Apart from cooling air. evaporative air coolers for commercial purposes are also ideal for food industry. When the air goes through the cooler. the air is filtered to eliminate germs and bacteria. On the other hand. evaporation brings in cool air and pushes away the hot air therefore bringing along the smoke. Unlike air conditioners that refrigerate the air trapped in the building. air coolers allow air circulation every 3 minutes.

Highly absorbent pads and strong blowers enable a large coverage area

Evaporative air coolers for commercial purposes are fitted with additional pads for more evaporation over a shorter period of time. Spray bars in the coolers are stainless steel so there are no worries about oxidation or frequent replacement. Most evaporative cooler for commercial purposes are built with distribution cassettes at the top of each vertical bank. This enables even water distribution through the water pads. which are specially designed to facilitate high water absorption rates.

Commercial evaporative air coolers are usually equipped with a 2-speed blower capable of blowing cool at great lengths. Therefore. installing an evaporative air cooler at the entry of the building will ensure that the entire area will be cooled.

The evaporative air cooler will make any business person an environmentalist as the machine does not need any ozone-damaging refrigerants such as Freon in addition to the low noise levels of the blower used in these coolers.

Cooling Off In Apartments Or Rentals

Author: Susan Slobac
Source: articledashboard.com

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.

Portable Air Conditioners Work Well To Cool Rooms

Author: Susan Slobac
Source: articledashboard.com

If you live in an apartment or work in an office situation, then you know how unpleasant it can be in the summer when everything gets so hot and sticky. Wouldn’t it be nice to have some cooling air conditioning that you could bring with you and put it where it is most needed? Well, now you can with a portable air conditioner. Portable air conditioners work well to cool rooms, and the best part is you can take them with you when you move or change offices.

You can obtain a portable air conditioner to fit the area you wish to cool. It can be as small as 200 square feet or as large as 500 square feet. Many of these portable air conditioners are multi-functional units, and some offer heat as well. You can find a unit to meet your specific needs, in the size you need as well.

Breathing fresh air is always an issue, especially in a home or office situation where germs are present. Several different types of portable air conditioners offer ionizers and UV lights that are used to kill bacteria on contact. They also work to improve air circulation in rooms that are poorly ventilated, and they do so in such a way as to maximize energy savings.

Permanently installed air conditioners can have the problem of running too hot, and breaking down as a result. This is certainly possible during long periods of hot weather when the system is continuously in use. With a portable air conditioner, on the other hand, you will not have this problem. These units are designed to take moisture from the air into the unit where it is used to cool the cooling coils, thereby recycling the water and making the entire air conditioner run at maximum performance levels.

The rooms that you choose to cool (or heat, for that matter) with these magnificent portable air conditioners can be indoor rooms, such as those found in your home, office or an apartment. They are also very effective when used in covered outdoor rooms as well. Consider all the smoldering and sweaty days you spent working on a project in your garage in the heat of summer. Now picture yourself working away in utter comfort, because you are using your portable air conditioner to keep the room at a comfortable temperature. Another great application for portable air conditioners is in your summer cabin. A spot used infrequently, but when you are ready to enjoy it you want it comfortable. A portable air conditioner can make all the difference in a pleasant vacation and an overheated miserable one. See for yourself why portable air conditioners are a take-away solution for temperature comfort.

Air Conditioners Make The South Livable

Author: Susan Slobac
Source: articledashboard.com

Living in the Southern United States can be lovely. Consider the live oaks, flowering magnolias and dogwoods. These are able to thrive in the south due to the favorable climate, with mild wet winters, and long, hot and humid summers. These summer weather patterns might be suitable for plants, but they can wreak havoc on people’s comfort levels. Give yourself the gift of enjoyment no matter what the weather dishes up by obtaining a portable air conditioner.

One benefit you will receive from a portable air conditioner is that you can move it from room to room in your home. Rolling casters on the bottom help you smoothly move it, and in this way you can have cooling air anywhere you need it. Have a nice, cool kitchen or dining room to have your morning coffee, then move it to your home office to get your work done in comfort, and finish by placing it in your bedroom for an air-cooled night of restful sleep. A portable air conditioner can also be used in covered outdoor situations as well. Now you can enjoy a screened-in porch in August in pleasure, or an afternoon working in the garage in satisfaction, with soothing cool air wafting about you.

Another advantage given to you by the use of a portable air conditioner is that it freshens the air wherever you place it. Many portable air conditioners come with filters that help remove particles like pollen, dust and pet dander from the air.

People living in the South know how uncomfortable high humidity days can be. You get up and take a shower, and in a few minutes you are drenched and feel like you need to take another shower, all due to the excessive humidity. These unpleasant side effects of high humidity are a thing of the past if you own a portable air conditioner. These units also offer dehumidifying features, some of which need only infrequent emptying of the reservoirs. This helps take the water out of the air in your room of choice, and it helps you to stay dry, cool and comfortable.

Unlike some older window-mounted permanent air conditioners, portable air conditioners run in a very quiet manner. This is important if you are using it in an area where you are trying to get work done or sleep.

It is also important to consider the energy usage of an air conditioner. Some units take the water extracted from the air and use it to cool the air conditioning unit, which helps it run more mechanically and cost efficiently.
A portable air conditioner can be a summer saver if you live in the South, so invest in your comfort today.