Central air conditioners are the standard solutions for cooling used in most American homes. Sometimes they seem like they are hurting more than helping, though. They use large amounts of electricity, deplete the ozone with their refrigerants and produce a bunch of noise with their condensers. What if there was another way?

Split air conditioners are the new way to cool your home without the gripes of a central air conditioner. They only produce 1/20th of the noise because of the improvements in fan blade shape and compressor technology. The new R410A refrigerant is free of chlorine (which eats away at the ozone layer). They also use way less energy at only 1,710 watts per hour of electricity to cool an average home.

A split air (or ductless) air conditioner have an indoor air handling unit and an outdoor compressor/condenser. A small hole is drilled through the wall of the building it is cooling to connect the two components with a conduit housing the power cable, refrigerant tubing, suction tubing and condensate drain. This closed loop between the evaporator and condenser/compressor circulates refrigerant. Heat is captured from the building being cooled and carried outside to a fan that blows it away.

One important factor to consider when purchasing a split air conditioner is the seasonal energy-efficiency ratio (SEER). The higher this ratio is, the better the system efficiency and the lower your electricity bills. The minimum SEER by law is ten, but it will be thirteen by next year. You should also look for units with a low decibel rating. The quieter units have a rating of 68 dB. A great feature is a diagnostics port that helps a technician quickly find problems electronically.

A two-stage compressor is also useful on a split air conditioner. This kind of compressor only uses full power when it's needed on the hottest days. The rest of the time the refrigerant isn't compressed and cooled as much. This means the air handler is on for a longer amount of time and it has enough to take the humidity out of the air.

The size of the condenser is also an important consideration. Picking the right size gives you the maximum comfort and minimum energy expense. Consider these things when picking the condenser size:

-Your home's layout

-The insulation levels

-Air leakage

-Sun exposure

-General climate

You may need to call on a professional to help you choose the correct unit. If the condenser is undersized, it will overwork and clog with frost. This means the system will shut down without having properly cooled your home. If the condenser is oversized, your home will be cooled down too quickly. This doesn't seem like much of a problem, but it will once you realize that the thermostat has shut down the air handler before it has had a chance to circulate and dehumidify the air completely, leaving your home cold and clammy.

Some last suggestions when choosing a split air conditioner are to make sure you are saving more than you are spending. Also, don't mix new and old components because if one breaks down you will be left without a solution for beating the heat.

Some people would be lost without air conditioning. They'd certainly be a lot hotter after a hard day's work without it. In order to make sure you always have air conditioning when you need it, you'll need to know these six crucial things about your air conditioning, whether it is central or portable.

1. Change the Filter

Filters are so important. They improve the efficiency when they are clean so you should be sure to install a new one or wash a reusable one every month during the cooling season. An important value to look for regarding filters is the minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV). This number will range from 1-12 and a higher number means better filtration is being provided. Higher numbers also mean that more energy is being used to pull the air through the filter so the energy cost may increase as well.

2. Use a Timer

The energy conscious consumer knows that there is no need to have air conditioning on at full blast when no one is home. A smart move is to install a programmable thermostat that allows you to set higher temperatures when you are gone and lower ones when you are at home. For portable air conditioners, a timer and adjustable thermostat might already be built in. Just set your ideal temperature and the amount of time you want your unit to operate and the comfort begins.

3. Keep Blinds/Shades Down During the Day

Direct sunlight is not your friend when you are trying to cool a room. In fact, direct sunlight can raise the temperature of a room by ten to twenty degrees. So, be sure to cover the windows with curtains or drapes. Exterior shading is also very effective such as trees and bushes from outside.

4. Run Your Air Conditioner And Ceiling Fan Together

Doing this creates more air movement which can result in a four degree drop in the overall temperature of the area you are trying to cool. Also, ceiling fans cost about as much to run as a standard light bulb so your energy bill won't go up.

5. Insulation is Key

Any air leaks in your home waste your money because you will have to shell out more money for cooling because cold air is escaping. Caulking and weather stripping is always a good idea. You should also ensure that your fireplace is closed and insulate your home if financially feasible. For portable air conditioners, it is important to make sure the window kit is set up correctly. No leaks means better cooling efficiency.

6. M for Maintenance

For central air conditioners, either the dealer who installed your unit, or someone you find yourself should be checking up on your unit yearly. This checkup should include cleaning and inspecting coils, cleaning or replacing filters, adjusting and replacing fan belts, lubricating motors and bearings, cleaning and checking blowers and fans, inspecting controls and safeties, checking refrigerant and pressures and verifying operating temps.

For portable air conditioners, maintenance can be summed up best in four easy parts.

-Venting: You must vented the condensed hot air out of the room via a venting kit.

-Draining: Portable air conditioners remove water from the air. Some of the water is used to cool the air conditioner which increases the cooling efficiency. The rest of the water has to be released from the machine somehow. Sometimes it is collected in a bucket that needs to be emptied. Sometimes the air conditioner has self-evaporating technology so that most of the water is released with the condensed hot air by the venting kit. You may still have to empty a small container with these units. Continuous draining is available on some machines and some have condensate pumps that deliver the water outside or ro a drain pump located indoors.

-Cleaning: Every few weeks or so, the exterior of your portable air conditioner should be cleaned. You can use a soft, damp cloth to clean it while the unit is turned off. Be sure not no use abrasive chemicals or detergents.

Storing: At the end of the cooling season, you may need to store your unit. This promotes the efficiency and prolongs the life of your portable air conditioner. Turn your unit off, unplug it and drain all of the water out. Then plug it back in and turn on the fan mode. Let it dry out for a few hours. Make sure the filter is clean, wrap up the cord and pack the unit in the original packaging if at all possible. Store in a dry location.

With the addition of federal tax incentives, you may want to have a more energy efficient home. What should people who are suddenly propelled into "being green" do? Hire an Energy Auditor!

Hiring an energy auditor can save many resources. Also the government may give you a tax break on the purchase of:

-energy efficient windows

-a new boiler

-solar panels

Trying to update your home to be greener without consulting with an energy auditor is like investing in your company's 401K plan without researching it first. Don't make that mistake!

Some Reasons why Using an Energy Auditor is Beneficial:

1. Auditors are not expensive, only costing about three hundred dollars depending on the size of your home.

2. They zero in on the problem areas and offer solutions. For instance, you might be worried about the windows when the real problem is your vents or holes in the insulation.

3. Professional auditors use special equipment like infrared cameras, large fans and electronics to diagnose your areas of improvement accurately.

4. A detailed report will be given to you that outlines the problem areas in your home, solutions to the problems, and an estimate of the cost of the upgrades and what the return on your investment will be.

All you have to do is choose the right auditor and you can be on your way to a greener home in no time. But how do you choose the right one? You can get recommendations from friends and neighbors. You should also call your local utility company or the State Environment Protection Agency. These agencies can give you recommended contractor and also might even give you the names of contractors to avoid. You should also be aware that some auditors work for the companies that are selling the services and goods they are recommending to you. You should always ask auditors for references, the industry associations they belong to, and their training certificates. You should look at the required licenses and you it's always recommended to go on the state attorney general's website and the Better Business Bureau to look for clues about past problems.

Competent Auditors Will:

1. Do a Blower-Door Test- During this test, a huge fan is put inside of an exterior door. Super-sensitive measuring equipment is used to analyze the airflow and identify leaks.

2. Spot Cold Joints- They do this with an infrared camera. Cold joints are where air passes through insulation.

3. Test for Duct Leaks- This is done with a test similar to the blower-door test. Also determines air duct tightness.

4. Evaluate Energy Bills- A year's worth to be exact. They will give you easy lifestyle changes that will lower your costs.

5. Inspect Appliances- This includes air conditioners. They determine whether any of your appliances need to be replaced.

Audits typically save 12-20 percent in home heating and cooling costs. Remember, you can always improve the efficiency of your home; you just need to know where to look. That's where an Energy Auditor comes in!

Humidity: on a hot day it can cause you major discomfort. It can stop you from sleeping well at night. An excess of humidity can have long term effects as well. The dust mite population in your home can increase which can be a hindrance to the health of allergy sufferers. If there is condensation on the windows, water pipes and walls can cause paint to blister and wall paper to peel. Moisture also makes metals rust and wood warp which can cause doors and drawers to stick. If there is condensation in electric items, irreparable damage may be the result. This can also be very dangerous. Musty odors and eventually mold, mildew and fungus can appear as well which are also dangerous to your health. A dehumidifier not only helps you ward against these effects of excess moisture, it can keep you comfortable as well. The recommended indoor humidity level is 40-50% and a dehumidifier can help you keep your humidity in that range.

The NewAir ADS-500 Mini Dehumidifier is an appliance that can help you control excess humidity. There are certain features you should look for in a dehumidifier. One is that it automatically shuts off when the water storage tray is full. The NewAir ADS-500 Mini Dehumidifier has this feature so that when the spill-proof tank is full it will shut off by itself. Another thing to look for on a dehumidifier is a visual indicator that the water tray is full. The ADS-500 has a red indicator light to alert you when the tray is full.

An on/off switch is important so that you don't need access to the main socket (which can be inconvenient). The NewAir ADS-500 Has a large on/off switch for easy control. There are indicator lights to tell you whether the unit is on or off as well.

An air filter can be useful to allergy sufferers. The ADS-500 has a built-in ionizer to get rid of particulates in the air. The anionic function discharges negative ions to freshen while eliminating mildews and odors. It also has an activated carbon filter to adsorb odors and pollutants. There are also thermo-electric peltiers instead of a compressor. This means that this unit is whisper quiet and can be used in bedrooms, nurseries, small offices and other small areas. In fact, on the low setting, the noise level of the NewAir ADS-500 is only 41 decibels.

There are certain things to consider when you are buying a dehumidifier. Dehumidifiers help prevent the growth of mold in your home. Excess, visible mold in your home looks bad and has an unpleasant odor. It can also cause health problems if you are allergic to mold or have asthma.

The first thing to think about is the size. An improperly sized unit can be useless in preventing mold even if it is running unless the humidity in the room is brought below the proper level. You must get to 50% humidity or less because mold cannot grow at humidity levels below 50%. Going down to 40% is a waste of electricity. 45-50% is a good range to shoot for. The NewAir AD-40A Dehumidifier can help you rid your home of excess humidity. It will remove forty pints of water from the air in twenty four hours in ideal conditions (86 degrees Fahrenheit/80% humidity). This dehumidifier quickly removes moisture from the air. It is a light, compact dehumidifier and has a water tank capacity of 5 liters.

The outside humidity also affects how well your dehumidifier works. Some dehumidifiers will only operate at temperatures above 65 degrees or they will form ice on the coils (ice up) and shut off the machine. Low temperature dehumidifiers are recommended for basements. These dehumidifiers are able to work at a lower operating temperature. Some dehumidifiers have a frost guard or freeze guard. This feature turns the compressor off as soon as freezing is detected and leaves the fan running to blow warm air over the coils. The NewAir AD-40A has an auto defrost function that de-ices the unit. It also has an automatic on/off intelligent control.

Noise is another factor to consider. Low temperature dehumidifiers tend to be noisier than the regular temperature units. The AD-40A operates extremely quietly and has a great looking design that will fit in with the décor of many homes. A good dehumidifier will remove and clean air frequently. It will stop dirt particles and dust from forming on the condenser coils which reduces the efficiency of the machine. A clogged filter stops the airflow to the dehumidifier and the motor will fail prematurely. The NewAir AD-40A has an activated carbon filter for air purification. As well as providing a clean, dry atmosphere, this dehumidifier adsorbs odors in your home.

The most important factor to consider when purchasing a dehumidifier is the position. You should place your dehumidifier in a spot where the dehumidifier can get the most airflow in and out. If you are placing it near a wall, consider putting the dehumidifier sideways to improve the airflow.

If you want your dehumidifier to help you get as comfortable as possible, consider what size you need, the outside humidity, noise, purification and the position it will be placed in. The NewAir AD-40A Dehumidifier may be just what you need.

Dehumidifiers are household appliances that reduce the level of humidity in the air. This can be helpful for those concerned about mold and mildew growing inside their homes. Mold can be allergenic which can mean irritation of the eyes, nose, throat and lungs. Besides the prevention of the growth of mold which has unpleasant health risks for human beings, humidity can cause unsightly condensation and can make it hard to dry laundry.

The NewAir ADS-600 Electric Mini Dehumidifier is an excellent dehumidifier that can help you prevent the growth of mold and mildew. Increased water vapor in the air can warp furniture and increase wood rot. This dehumidifier uses three thermo-electric peltiers to cool the air and condensate the water instead of using a compressor. This makes the dehumidifier highly efficient and silent.

How the thermo-electric peltier works is the ambient water in the air condenses onto the heat sink that is attached on the cold side of the peltier chip. The water then drips off into the reservoir to be emptied at a later time. The NewAir ADS-600 Electric Mini Dehumidifier removes up to 32 oz. of water a day in ideal conditions.

The NewAir ADS-600 also has a built in ionizer to reduce particulates. The ionizer electrically charges the molecules of the air. It generates negative ions which particulate matter sticks to. It also has an activated carbon filter which absorbs noxious odors and gases. This helps if you are sensitive to odors and smoke. This dehumidifier is ideal for small areas like closets and small rooms.

The water tank on the NewAir ADS-600 is translucent and detachable. It can hold up to 4.8 pints of water. The automatic shut off switch prevents the tank from overflowing. When the tank is full, you are alerted by a red indicator light.

Other ways to prevent mold are:

-Use an air conditioner with a HEPA filter. The filter can trap mold spores from the outside air before they circulate inside your home.

-Change the furnace and air conditioning filters regularly.

-Properly ventilate all of your bathrooms and run the ventilation fan for half an hour following a shower or bath to remove humidity.

-Remove leaves and vegetation from around the foundation of your house to promote ground water drainage that flows away from your home. Also, clean the rain gutters frequently.

-Keep straw, wicker, and hemp organic plant containers clean and dry.

1. Cost Effective: Swamp coolers in general are extremely cost effective. The estimated cost is ¼ that of refrigerated air. The power consumption is limited to the fan and water pump as opposed to an air conditioner's compressor, pump and blower. The NewAir AF-321 Swamp Cooler runs on only 85 watts of power. That's the same amount of power as a light bulb. It also does not use a water pump, but just a small motor to rotate the cooling pad. This means it uses less power than swamp coolers with water pumps and is quieter as well.

2. Cheap to Install: Swamp coolers only cost 1/8 to 1/2 the price it costs to install a traditional air conditioner. The NewAir AF-321 Swamp Cooler does not need to be installed at all. It is completely portable. It has large rolling casters so that it can be easily moved from room to room. To operate it, all you need to do is fill it with water and/or ice and turn it on. Opening windows while the unit is operating will also be beneficial.

3. Improve Air Quality: To work well, swamp coolers need adequate ventilation. This means that a constant and high volume of air will be going through the building, which greatly reduces the age of air. The NewAir AF-321 has a three speed fan and oscillating louvers so that the cool air is evenly distributed. It also has a built-in ionizer for particulates and a carbon filter that absorbs odors.

4. Acts like a Humidifier: Swamp coolers cool your environment using the power of evaporation, so they add moisture to the air. This may make you feel more comfortable. It also keeps wood furniture and fabrics from warping and drying out. The NewAir AF-321 has specially designed cooling pads that retain more water than other units in its class. These pads also never have to be replaced. A thirteen liter tank means more cooling and humidifying between tank refills. You can also add ice, if you require enhanced cooling, to the four liter ice tank.

5. Versatility: Swamp coolers are able to be used in a lot of environments such as homes, offices, and industrial areas as long as the climate is dry. For a swamp cooler to really be effective the temperature should be hot and the air should be dry. If there is humidity in the air, the swamp cooler will just be adding more, which can make you uncomfortable and not cooler. The NewAir AF-321 cools spaces up to 200 square feet. It also has a modern design that will fit almost any décor. It's also incredibly easy to use because it has electronic controls and also includes a remote control.

Evaporative coolers or swamp coolers are a great way to keep cool and are less expensive than air conditioners.

A great swamp cooler is the NewAir AF-350 Swamp Cooler. It has a very powerful motor that runs on 200W of cooling power. The cooling pad has an improved design that is capable of retaining a greater amount of water. This means more cooling in a shorter amount of time.

The NewAir AF-350 has an extra large, 20 liter tank so that you will not have to fill it up as often as a swamp cooler with a smaller tank. It only weighs twenty two pounds so that you can easily maneuver it around your home. The rolling casters and a carrying handle also add an extra layer of maneuverability.

There are also electric controls and a remote control included with the NewAir AF-350. There are three selection speeds and a built-in ionizer for particulates. A carbon filter helps with any odors that might be permeating your home. There is also an optional TiO2 filter for even more filtration.

A timer and a power cord rewind are features that make the AF-350 even easier to use. You might need some tips to make sure you are using your swamp cooler to the best of its ability. Five ways to make the most of using your swamp cooler are:

1. Make sure that a window is open while the swamp cooler is in use. If you do not, the moisture in your home will build up and your swamp cooler will work less effectively. Swamp coolers use humidity to cool so if there is too much present in the air already, the temperature will not change.

2. Wait until it is 85 degrees or warmer to operate the swamp cooler if possible. These units operate better when it is warmer. The temperatures of the cooling pads, the water and the air need to be significantly different.

3. Maintain your unit. Makes sure everything is clean, especially your filter. When filter is clogged, impurities can get through and evaporation might slow or even stop. It is especially important to perform maintenance on your swamp cooler before a heat wave.

4. Search for a cooler that is energy efficient and uses a low amount of water.

5. Do not operate an air conditioner and a swamp cooler at the same time. If you need to use both use the swamp cooler first to cool the air down and add humidity. Then use the air conditioner to maintain the temperature.

Air conditioning seems like a miracle when the sun is beating down outside. It creates a pleasant atmosphere, but it can also have negative effects on your health. Air conditioned air is usually very dry. This dry air can irritate the delicate lining of your nose and mouth, making them cracked and dry. Your body floods these areas with mucus to prevent them from becoming dry which can make you feel stuffed up among other flu-like symptoms.

Nosebleeds can also result from the damaged inner nose lining caused by air conditioning. Air conditioning can aggravate the effects of arthritis and neuritis and can cause trouble for those with sinus issues.

A good alternative to air conditioning is a swamp cooler. Swamp coolers use the evaporation of water to cool your environment. They add humidity to your environment instead of taking the humidity away like an air conditioner does. This means no cracked and dry noses and lips.

The NewAir AF-315 Swamp cooler is an inexpensive way to cool down your home. It has multiple filtration methods and a purifying ionizer to keep the air in your environment nice and clean. The ionizer releases anion which is of great importance to air quality. Anion is also good for your health. When anion and oxygen combine, they are very active and much easier to be absorbed by human organs. This promotes human body growth, prevents several diseases and rejuvenates the spirit.

The NewAir AF-315 has convenient access doors for adding water or ice packs. There is an easy-to-read water level indicator on the front of the swamp cooler. This unit is less than one foot wide and has a vertical design so it will fit almost anywhere. It also has a 100 degree oscillating air output vent and can be run in fan-only mode.

There are three settings for the air delivery mode. The normal mode will deliver cool air steadily and continuously. The natural mode has a breeze-like random output. The sleep mode decreases the air output over time to emulate resting body temperature changes. There are also three air speeds (high/medium/low).

There is a washable air filter so you will not have to replace it. The NewAir AF-315 also comes with rolling casters and a 0.5-7.5 hour timer. It plugs into a standard household outlet so that everyone should be able to use it. Keep in mind that swamp coolers are only effective in hot, dry areas. For a comfortable environment, try the NewAir AF-315 Swamp Cooler.

High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters can remove at least 99.97% of airborne particles 0.3 micrometers in diameter. These particles are considered the hardest to filter and the Most Penetrating Particle Size (MPPS). Particles larger or smaller than 0.3 micrometers in diameter are actually filtered with higher efficiency.

The original HEPA filters were originally designed in the 1940s. They were used in the Manhattan Project to prevent the spread of airborne radioactive contaminants. They were commercialized in the 1950s. The term HEPA became a registered trademark and generic term for highly efficient filters.

HEPA filters are made of a mat of randomly arranged fibers. The key measurements that affect their function are:

-fiber density
-fiber diameter
-filter thickness

HEPA filters are designed to target small particles by trapping them (the particles stick to the fibers).

There are three different ways HEPA filters trap particles:

1. Interception: particles following a line of flow in the air stream come within one radius of a fiber and stick to it.
2. Impaction: larger particles are not able to avoid fibers by following the curving contours of the air stream and are forced to embed in one of them directly. This method gets better with less fiber separation and increased air flow velocity.
3. Diffusion: this is how HEPAs filtrate particles below 0.1 micrometers in diameter. The particles are impeded and delayed in their path through the filter which increases the chance that the particle will be trapped by interception or impaction.

Vacuum cleaners and air purifiers are probably the most popular appliances that use HEPA filters. You might want to cool down your air as well as get rid of contaminants, though. Enter the NewAir AF-330 Evaporative Cooler. This is an evaporative cooler with a HEPA filter.

Evaporative coolers draw exterior air into special pads dampened with water. The air is cooled by evaporation and then circulated. This is kind of how our bodies cool down after exercising. We sweat and then the perspiration dries through evaporation and causes our body temperature to drop.

The NewAir AF-330 is a lot less noisy than other evaporative coolers because it uses a motor to rotate its synthetic pad instead of a pump to bring water to the pad. The pad never needs to be replaced either. There is a remote control for your convenience and easy control buttons on the unit itself.

Be sure to note that evaporative coolers should only be used in hot and dry environments. If there is humidity in the air, the evaporative cooler will simply add more humidity. The AF-330 works best when it is very hot and the humidity is below 50%.

HEPA filters can be a huge help to those suffering from allergies or asthma. They really help you protect yourself and your family from allergens, irritants and pollutants. If you need a cooling affect as well, try a NewAir AF-330 Evaporative Cooler. As mentioned before, it is an evaporative cooler with an incredibly efficient HEPA filter.

Climate change is happening. The World Glacier Monitoring Service reported that glaciers are melting at their fastest rate in the past 5000 years. The summers seem to be getting warmer as well. A NewAir AF-340 Swamp Cooler can help you cool off as the climate changes.

Swamp coolers use the simple process of evaporation to cool you down. They are incredibly cost effective and low tech. When compared to a standard air conditioner they are not only more affordable to purchase, but they are more affordable to maintain as well.

The NewAir AF-340 Swamp Cooler has excellent maneuverability. It is lightweight at only 22 pounds. It is compact, has rolling casters and has a carrying handle. To get the best use out of this swamp cooler, it should be used in an area that is very hot and very dry. If there is humidity in the air, the swamp cooler will simply add more humidity to the air which could cause an uncomfortable situation. If the temperature is not high, the water will not evaporate, which is how the cooler cools you.

A powerful 140W motor is used by the NewAir AF-340. It has three selection speeds for cost efficient cooling. The specially designed cooling pads are capable of holding a greater amount of liquid than other swamp coolers of comparable size. This means a higher cooling efficiency because more water is being evaporated.

For your convenience, an electronic remote control is included with the NewAir AF-340. It has a 20 liter water tank capacity so you will not have to fill it up as often. A built-in ionizer attracts harmful particulates such as dust and dander. To get rid of even more particles floating in the air, an optional TiO2 filter is also included on the swamp cooler.

To get rid of noxious odors, there is a carbon filter. Carbon filters are a piece of active carbon that helps remove contaminants and impurities. Most active carbon is made from coconut shells. Because of the fissures on their surface, they have a very large surface area in a small amount of space. Gases and particles are trapped in these fissures and held there. This is why the carbon filter on the NewAir AF-340 Swamp Cooler is incredibly effective at removing odors.

You should position your swamp cooler in a location that will create a flow through air effect. They should be in a room with two windows open if possible and the cooled air should be directed into the room. These units have a 1-8 hour timer and can be set to a fixed or continuously sweeping airflow.

Some people may think that the panic about rising climates in a bunch of baloney. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. The one thing we can all agree on is that summer is generally hot. And when those generally hot temperatures descend upon us, we need something to cool us down. A NewAir AF-340 Swamp Cooler might be the solution to that very problem.

As the weather starts warming up, air conditioners start being utilized more. That does not mean your wallet has to be stretched to its limit, though. If you do a few key things around your home, you will get more cool for your buck.

1. Add insulation to your home. It will save you money and keep your home cooler. For example, attics need R30 insulation at least to keep heat out in the summer and heat in during the winter.

2. Fix the windows in your home. Windows that have leaks or windows with single pane glass let cold air out and hot air in.

3. Close your window dressings like shades and drapes. Sunlight helps heat get into your home. You should block out the sun with light colored opaque drapes and shades.

4. Replace filters in central air conditioners and portable air conditioners as often as the manual suggests (usually every three months).

5. Don't block the source of the cool air with furniture or anything else. Make sure the space around the unit is clear. Keep the areas open to promote circulation.

6. Use floor or ceiling fans. Sometimes it is only a little warm and a ceiling or floor fan will suffice. If it is really warm you can use both together but put the air conditioner on a lower setting to keep costs low. Using the fans will help the sir circulate and also keeps cold air from settling near the floor.

7. Be sure to check and refill the refrigerant in your air conditioner. You may need to call in a professional to help to help you do this.

8. Install a programmable thermostat so you can vary the temperature according to when you are home. You should turn off your air conditioning when the outside temperature is less than the thermostat setting in the early mornings and late evenings.

9. The darker your home, the more heat it will absorb. Consider painting it a lighter color if at all possible.

10. Avoid generating heat because the heat you generate is the heat your air conditioner will have ti work harder to expel. Cook outside or use a microwave instead of oven. Turn off lights, computer and other appliances when they are not in use.

Erin Lynn is a product specialist with vast knowledge of portable air conditioners.

Have you ever heard of thermal comfort? It may be a foreign term to your ears but your body knows it well. It is defined as the state of mind that feels satisfaction with the surrounding environment. Keeping that sense of thermal comfort for the occupants of buildings and other enclosures is one of the most important goals of HVAC design engineers. When the heat generated by human metabolism is allowed to dissipate to maintain thermal equilibrium with the surroundings, thermal comfort is maintained. If you gain or lose heat beyond that equilibrium, a sensation of discomfort is generated.

One portable air conditioner that may help you maintain thermal comfort this summer is the AC-12000E New Air Portable Air Conditioner. This slim and trim unit can cool spaces up to 400 square feet. It is easy to set up and maintain and no permanent installation is required. All you need to do is vent the unit. It is important to vent your portable air conditioner because they extract hot air. To cool a room effectively, the hot air that is extracted needs to go outside. An adjustable window exhaust kit is included with the AC-12000E. There will also be instructions on venting your unit. I may be easier than you think!

The AC-12000E New Air Portable Air Conditioner uses Nanomax technology. This technology evaporates the condensation away so you do not have to empty a bucket. During the cooling process, some of the water accumulated is used to cool the unit internally which makes it run more efficiently. In case there is excessive humidity, there is a built-in emergency condensation container. The unit will stop running when the container is full so that no damage is caused. It removes up to 60 pints a day of moisture.

You may be concerned about how much energy the AC-12000E uses. Calculating the Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) is one way to determine how energy efficient a portable air conditioner is. This is the rating that lists how many BTUs per hour are used for each watt of power it draws. To calculate the rating, you divide the BTUs of the unit by the wattage. The higher the EER is, the more efficient the unit is. The AC-12000E has an EER rating of 14.46. That is very high which means very efficient.

So as the summer months descend upon us, bringing warm and possibly uncomfortable days, consider a New Air AC-12000E portable air conditioner to boost your thermal comfort!

For more information about portable air conditioners visit http://www.air-conditioner-home.com/portable.

Some people may wonder why exactly portable ice makers are needed. There really are many reasons. At parties, ice is an essential item. You can make it at your home without having to run to the store to purchase it. If you live in a small home, apartment or even an RV, the compact size of a portable ice maker might appeal to you. In the case of a storm that might leave supplies low, you'll be able to make your own ice. It's just plain convenient to be able to make your own ice. All you need is water. The cycles are faster than the cycles on a standard refrigerator ice maker as well! Portable ice makers are made in stylish designs so they compliment almost any decor. Fast and attractive, portable ice makers are just what you need to enjoy a lazy summer afternoon.

One such ice maker is the NewAir AI-100S Portable Ice Maker. This very compact unit makes up to 28 pounds of ice per day. It is meant for countertop use and has a sleek silver exterior. You don't have to wait a long time for ice because this ice maker begins making ice within 15 minutes of being turned on. There are three different sizes of ice that can be made with this machine.

You don't need to connect the AI-100S to a drainage line. Simply turn it on, fill it with water and go. It connects to a standard household outlet and has a full ice bin indicator on the front panel. You'll also know when it needs more water because there is an indicator for that on the front panel as well. A side mounted drain is used to empty the unused water from the tank.

To clean the ice maker, just wipe with soap and water. There is a one year manufacturer's warranty and you can use tap or bottled water with this unit. This unit is fully portable and does not have to be permanently installed. It comes with a removable bin and ice scoop.

When your portable ice maker arrives, remember to clean it before using it. If it has a self clean cycle you should run it with a capful of vinegar or lemon juice . This helps to remove any plastic taste from the machinery that might flavor your ice. You should run a cycle like this every so often to clean the ice maker from impurities and help remove any calcium build-up cause by hard water.

The next time you are holding a lukewarm drink or have a hankering for a smoothie, think about buying an icemaker. Specifically think about buying the NewAir AI-100S. You can learn more about ice makers at www.air-conditioner-home.com/compact-icemaker.

As the weather heats us, you might be looking for a way to cool down your home that is cost effective and quiet. Why not try a split air conditioner like the New Air ACS 9001H? This unit is meant to cool spaces up to 400 square feet and comes fully charged with refrigerant. It also includes a 25 foot long line set that connects the indoor and outdoor units. This line set is a conduit that houses the power cable, refrigerant tubing, suction tubing and a condensate drain of the ACS 9001H. This links the outdoor and indoor air conditioner units through a small hole that is drilled in the wall of the building. The indoor unit on the New Air ACS 9001H mounts on the wall and quietly disburses the cooled air. The outdoor unit houses the compressor/condenser.
Since the compressor/condenser is housed outside, the indoor unit has a sound level of only 35-42 decibels. What does that decibel (dB) rating mean exactly? Well, the smallest audible sound is 0 dB (or near total silence). A whisper is 15 dB. A normal conversation is 60 dB. So the sound the indoor unit of a New Air ACS 9001H makes is between a whisper and a normal conversation.

The filter system of the New Air ACS 9001H is made up of a washable screen, and activated carbon filter and a photocatalyst filter. The washable screen is an air filter. The activated carbon helps get rid of odors. The photocatalyst filter employs an ultraviolet light that creates a reaction that releases free radicals. The free radicals get rid of toxic substances like germs and volatile organic compounds. This is how the New Air ACS helps protect you from harmful substances that might be inside your home.

The New Air ACS 9001H Split Air Conditioner not only protects you from excessive noise and potentially harmful air particles, it is incredibly convenient. It comes with a fully functional remote control and a one year manufacturer warranty. You can use this split air conditioner all year round because it also has a built-in heater. It also comes ready to install out-of-the-box by your HVAC professional. Just be sure to make sure you are choosing a good person to install your ACS 9001H. A qualified HVAC specialist should be licensed, be a member of the North American Technician Excellence and/or Better Business Bureau, have great references and be insured. Also, evaluate the bids you get from different companies and contractors very thoroughly.

You will want your New Air ACS Split Air Conditioner up and running beautifully as the summer months rapidly approach!