Fujitsu vs Mitsubishi Ductless Air Conditioning Units

Fujitsu and Mitsubishi make some of the most popular ductless air conditioners on the market today. Oftentimes, we get consumers writing in to ask which unit is better. Both come with some drawbacks and some perks. Click here for our complete review.


EZ Flow Air Conditioner Filters

Summer is coming. One of the most important things you can do is to change your air conditioner filters before you start running your machine all summer long. Clean filters will ensure that your ac is running efficiently. This can save you money!

Our favorite ac filters are those made by EZ Flow. They come 12 in a box for a reasonable price. Check out our full review here.

 

Tactics for Investing in an Air Cleanser

Scientists have actually discovered that dirty air can bring about allergy symptoms as well as asthma. For that reason, it is very important to ensure that the air in your house is as clean as possible. A high-quality air filtration system for your house can really help to keep your house healthy.

When we began to research air purifiers, we were initially overwhelmed. There are lots of different kinds of air cleansers on the market. We took a look at a lot of various reviews on Amazon. Then we went to Home Depot and searched their range of choices. We knew that we needed to get an air purifier, but we could not make a decision.

Who really needs an air cleanser in their home?

We talked with my spouse's allergist and he informed us that we really need to buy one given our family history of allergy symptoms. He informed us that an air cleanser clears out dust mites, pet dander, and animal excreta. He informed us that it would most likely improve my husband's allergies and it may even keep our kid from developing allergies in the first place.

We looked at online evaluations to determine exactly what we needed in an air cleanser.

We decided that a filter-less air purifier was going to be easiest. With a newborn and 3 animals, we knew that it would be a great idea to obtain an air purifier that didn't need much maintenance. The model that we went with merely required that we plug it in.

You can also invest in a fancier air purifier. The most popular ones come with air conditioning included. These kinds of machines need more regular maintenance. Specifically, you will have to change the filters every two to three months.

We spent about $300 for our air purifier. However ours was a simple model. My sister-in-law invested near $500 for her a/c and purifier combo unit. She also needs to change the air filters quite frequently. Throughout the summer months, she needs to clean out the system and put in a new filter every two months. That sounded like a huge bother for us, so we opted for the stand-alone air purifier.

It is usually a great idea to obtain a guarantee with your purchase. A warranty can help secure your financial investment in case your air cleanser fails. Many companies provide a three-year or a five-year guarantee. Contact the maker to see exactly what kinds of service warranties are available.

Tactics for The installation of a Brand-new Central Air Conditioner

Last summer, our central air conditioner died. We understood that it was coming since the device had actually been doing an awful job keeping us cool throughout the spring heat wave. And to be fair, the ac system was 20 years old. So was time to shop for a new one. Nothing strikes fear in the heart of a property owner more than the prospect of needing to buy a brand-new central air conditioner. We asked her close friends and next-door neighbors how much they believed it would run us to get a new unit and have a properly installed. Their estimates ranged from $2000-$6000. At the end of the day, we managed to get the entire setup with the ten-year warranty for about $4000. Here's our story.

The primary step in our air conditioner quest was to get a hold of a great specialist that we could easily trust. We talked to the neighbors who had a brand-new central system installed last year. They freaked us out a little, however due to the fact that they had their cousin set up or central air conditioner. Used to say, it was a disaster. He didn't know what he was doing, and he dragged the project out for just about a month. So what that neighbor didn't provide us a recommendation for her to employ, we did get a recommendation for who not to employ. Then, we turned to an online evaluation site to get recommendations. We needed to pay a subscription price for it, but it was worth it because the specialist that we got was amazing.

When the HVAC specialist showed up at our house, he was very professional. He talked us through the entire procedure of selecting installing a new central unit. He informed us about energy-efficient systems that can save us a great deal of cash in electricity costs. Because we live in Florida, we knew that it was undoubtedly a good idea to select the most energy-saving ac system that we could pay for.

Next, our A/C specialist took measurements of our home and asked us lots of questions about our time in our home. In particular, he wished to know how much grilling and cooking we do and how often we are in the upper story throughout the day. After making a number of calculations, he determines exactly what size air conditioner would work best for keeping our house court throughout the hot and sticky Florida summers. He warned us against selecting a smaller sized and less expensive unit because, as he discussed, it wouldn't effectively handle the humidity.

Before he began work, he provided us with the detailed contract for the job. This consisted of itemized rundown of parts and labor. He also talked us through the various guarantee choices. At the end of the day, we chose a ten-year warranty on a 2.5 ton central air conditioner. With the installation and all the parts, the eventual expense came out to about $4000. We believed that this was a good deal, and our experience with the specialist was outstanding.

For more tips, click here.

5 Tips to Conserve Money on Your Energy Bills This Summer

Five years ago, I got laid off. This was the height of the recession, and numerous people were in the same boat. Although being out of work was awful, one of the greatest shocks that I got showed up in the form of the electrical power costs that we received during the summer. I didn't comprehend just how much air conditioning cost. Additionally, I was home all the time so I had the system running more than when I went to work. We just didn't have enough money to deal with such huge expenses for the entire summer season. So I came up with a plan to lower my household's utility bills while I was out of work. Right here are the steps that we took.

Tip # 1: First of all, ensure that you keep your garage door closed throughout the day. An open garage can get unbearably hot. This can require your air conditioning system to work even harder when cooling down your home. In addition to trying to keep the heat out, make certain that you keep the cool air in. In particular, seal up any breezy windows that might be letting the cool air out.

Step # 2: I did an analysis on the a/c unit's thermostat. I notice that we had a couple of lamps incredibly near the thermostat. I wondered if this was triggering the thermostat to supply an incorrect reading about how hot the room was. I relocated the lamps to another part of the room to ensure that the thermostat was taking an exact temperature.

Step # 3: We likewise purchased a programmable thermostat. These are great little devices that just set you back $30 or $40. I got the whole family in the habit of setting the thermostat to a higher temperature level that we were used to. Don't get me wrong; our house was still cool enough. But I 'd set the thermostat to a level that wasn't too cold. The other fantastic thing about a programmable thermostat is that you can set up the timer to turn the air conditioning unit on or off when you choose. Among the most intelligent things I think I did was to configure it to switch off around midnight. The entire household was asleep by then and we actually didn't require the expense of air-conditioning in the middle of the night.

Idea # 4: Take a look at your backyard. In particular, examine the exterior compressor for your air conditioner. If possible, it is best if the compressor sits in the shade. This can be accomplished by growing plants or trees near the system. By some estimates, an a/c that sits in the direct sunlight is 15 % less efficient than one in the shade. Make sure that you clean off any dirt, grass, or leaves that may fall into the compressor.

Suggestion # 5: Do an annual assessment of your ac unit. Get a trusted and respectable HVAC specialist to analyze your system. While central air conditioners are designed to last for a very long time, they will not last forever. If your device is particularly ineffective, it may be costing you a lot of cash in squandered electricity. These days, there are many energy-efficient air conditioning systems on the market. Check for one that has an Energy Star score because these are the most reliable units. You may also think about switching to a split a/c. These are the most efficient units offered today.

Check out other budget-friendly AC options here.

Why We Purchased a High-Powered Air Cleanser for Our Boy's Room

It is important that the air in your house be clean and healthy. Otherwise, you may run into a number of health problems, including things like allergies and bronchial asthma. If you have kids, it is even more crucial that the air in your house be pure. If you are worried about the quality of air in your house, maybe it is time that you consider purchasing an air purifier.

Air purifiers have actually grown in popularity in the past couple of years. As a result, there are lots of various models and brand names from which to choose. Air cleansers can be found in a wide variety of sizes, with many different types of functions. A few of the top-selling air cleansers are produced by corporations like Friedrich, Blueair, and Honeywell.

Do I really need to have an air purifier?

We talked with my husband's allergist and he informed us that we really must purchase one provided our family history of allergies. He told us that an air cleanser removes dust mites, pet dander, and animal excreta. He told us that it would most likely improve my spouse's allergies and it might even keep our child from developing allergy symptoms in the first place.

We took a look at online evaluations to identify what we required in an air cleanser.

To save time and money, you really should try to find an air cleanser that requires minimal upkeep. Nobody really wants to spend hours cleaning the air cleanser. We recommend that you invest in a filter-less design. These types of systems do a fantastic job cleaning the air and they don't require you to clean or change a filter.

My sister-in-law decided to get an air purifier at the same time. After all, her allergy symptoms are simply terrible throughout the spring months. She decided to buy an air cleanser that included a portable air conditioning unit as well. She stays in Florida and she liked the idea of having a system that could easily do two different jobs: cleansing the air and helping keep her cool.

A portable air cleanser will cost you about $300. If you want a particularly powerful air filter for a bigger house, you will probably spend about $400. On the other hand, a combination a/c and air purifier will certainly cost upwards of $500.

It is usually a smart idea to obtain a warranty with your purchase. A service warranty can assist safeguard your investment in case your air purifier fails. Numerous service providers provide a three-year or a five-year guarantee. Contact the company to see what types of guarantees are offered.

For more tips, check out our guide to the most energy efficient air conditioners like the ductless models.

The best ways to Save Money and time with Central Air Conditioning

Last summer, our central air conditioner died. We knew that it was coming since the device had actually been doing a horrible job keeping us cool throughout the spring heat wave. And to be fair, the a/c unit was 20 years of age. So was time to go shopping for a brand-new one. Absolutely nothing strikes fear in the heart of a homeowner more than the prospect of needing to pay for a brand-new central air conditioner. We asked her buddies and neighbors how much they believed it would run us to obtain a new system and have a properly installed. Their estimates ranged from $2000-$6000. At the end of the day, we managed to get the entire setup with the ten-year guarantee for about $4000. Here's our story.

The initial step in our air conditioner quest was to find a good contractor that we could easily trust. We asked the neighbors who had a brand-new central system put in last year. They freaked us out a bit, however because they had their cousin put in or central air conditioner. Used to say, it was a disaster. He didn't know what he was doing, and he dragged the project out for just about a month. So exactly what that neighbor didn't provide us a suggestion for her to use, we did get a suggestion for who not to use. At that point, we consulted an online evaluation site to get suggestions. We had to pay a subscription fee for it, however it was worth it due to the fact that the expert that we got was incredible.

When the HVAC contractor appeared at our place, he was extremely well-qualified. He talked us through the entire process of choosing setting up a new central air conditioner. He informed us about energy-saving devices that can save us a great deal of cash in electrical energy expenses. Because we live in Florida, we knew that it was probably a smart idea to get the most energy-saving a/c unit that we could possibly pay for.

Next off, our HVAC specialist took measurements of the house and asked us numerous questions about our time in the house. In particular, he wished to know just how much cooking we do and how often we are upstairs during the day. After making a number of computations, he identifies what size unit would work best for keeping our house court during the hot and sticky Florida summers. He cautioned us against selecting a smaller sized and less expensive device because, as he described, it would not effectively deal with the humidity.

Finally, make certain that you get a prepared contract with the estimate for the costs from your service provider before he starts work. Ensure that you take a look at the cost of the a/c unit itself in addition to the installation expenses. You should also inquire about guarantees that the company offers. The most common service warranties cover the most costly part of the central air conditioner: the compressor. Our suggestion is to go with a warranty that is for at least 5 years. If you can get a ten-year guarantee, that is even better.

For more air conditioner advice, visit this blog post.

Air Conditioner Maintenance Tips

Your air conditioner is just one of the most expensive appliances in your house. Because of that, it is crucial that you carry out some regular upkeep on this machine. Taking excellent of your air conditioner will certainly make sure that it is running efficiently while ensuring it will certainly work for years to come. And considering that air conditioning maintenance and repair expenses oftentimes be outrageously high, it is far better to take some steps to prevent malfunctions from occurring.

Follow these pointers for dealing with your air conditioner.

Tip 1:

Ensure that you check your air conditioner hose pipes at least two times each year. We recommend doing this in the spring as well as the fall. Take a close look to determine if you can identify any sort of leaks in the hoses. If you do see a leak in the tube, you should grab a low-cost leak repair service set from your online home improvement shop. You really should make certain that you repair any kind of leaks just before they get bigger.

Tip 2:

Keep an eye on your compressor. The compressor is the outdoor unit for your air conditioner. You want to see to it that you remove any sort of fallen leaves, filth or particles from the top of the compressor. The compressor is the priciest component of the air conditioner system. But considering that it lies outside, it often can get dirty. Ensure that you examine it and also clean off any type of debris once a month.

Tip 3:

Ensure you call an HVAC pro every other year. You ought to ask to clear out the ducts for your air conditioner. This is a complicated task, so it's the do-it-yourselfer. Yet a highly reputable HVAC pro will be able to clean the ducts and also make sure that the entire equipment is still running well.

Idea 4:
Throughout the winter months, ensure that you keep the compressor covered. You can pick up low-cost air conditioner covers at your local home renovation shop or with an online store. This will secure the compressor from snow and from rain during the autumn winter. Some air conditioner companies will supply you with the cover when they install the unit. If you do not have a cover or have no idea where is, just pick up an additional one. They are rather inexpensive, and they do a great keeping your compressor secured.

Comply with these simple tips to make certain that your air conditioner runs well for many years to come.


Different Types of Air Conditioners - Which Is Best for You?

The summer is here and it is absolutely hot outside.  When the temperatures start rising, we start looking for some form of relief.  Boating, swimming, cool evening breezes, sometimes just the cool air that blows from a window AC unit is enough to make you pull out your cash and ask the owner, "What do you want for it?". The good news is that we live in a time when there are plenty of ways to get comfortable in hot weather and choosing the right air conditioning unit is the perfect place to get started because you certainly can't cram a boat into your living room.

A lot of different options are currently available to solve your problem with high indoor temperatures, irrespective of what your budget might be.  The primary choices include window AC units, central AC systems and portable designs.

Central AC Systems

The best options for people with forced air heating systems is to fit the home with a central unit that can cool down the entire property and this may be too good to pass by.  A cooling unit is usually mounted at the property exterior and then cold air is supplied to the blower in the indoor furnace where it will be disbursed throughout the home, into every corner of the abode.  There are many expensive options for supplementing central cooling systems that are available for people who live in apartments or homes and have baseboard heaters as opposed to forced air furnaces, but grab your cash again because these options will cost quite a bit.

Window Air Conditioners

Window AC units can cool down just one room at a time and they come in a vast array of BTU (British Thermal Unit) outputs that can be chosen to meet the specifications of the rooms that are being cooled and these units come in two basic styles: vertical or horizontal designs.  Horizontal designs can be installed in windows with classic panes that have a sliding pane that is moved up or down to open or close them.  If you have a different style of window in your abode such as one that is opened or closed by sliding the window to the side rather than up or down, then you will need to look for a vertical design to install in your home.

Check out this video where This Old House explains how to install an air conditioner.
Portable ACs

Another type of air conditioner that is currently growing in popularity is a portable AC unit that can be taken from one room to the next in order to bring cold air into any area of the home.  This can be cheaper than purchasing a window-mounted unit for each area of the home as these units will help you to keep the family room cool while everyone watches the television and can be used to cool down the bedroom when everyone chooses to go to sleep - extremely affordable and extremely versatile when compared to other options in home cooling.

Tips for Finding a Portable Air Conditioner This Summer

If you are looking for a brand new portable air conditioner, you may have possibly heard that several come with double hose pipes whilst many other feature solo tubes for venting out. Here are our suggestions regarding which mobile air conditioner model is best for you.

A compact air conditioner features a venting tube, one point that is attached to the device and the other faces in the direction of the window. This tube is designed to allow the hot air inside the house out. However, a solo tube is not adequate, two tubes are required, one for in-take and the other for out-take. for a transportable air conditioning unit to operate efficiently, the air ought to circulate in two distinctive directions.

A solo hose pipe pulling the scorching air out of the area by means of the window is insufficient to impart a cooling effect into the area since the air that gets drawn outdoors needs to be substituted so as to maintain the balance. To add insult to the injury, air continually leaks in via the splits and voids around the entry ways, windows and the fractures in the wall.

For that reason, the AC system is essentially chilling the warm air continually streaming in from outside and then pulling it out via the tube, which becomes exceptionally ineffective. Thus, a double hose pipe Air Conditioning unit is the very best option.

With dual AC hose pipes, the air circulation would definitely be reliable as it will be able to complete a full cycle. The moderately sizzling air from outside is pulled in through the in-take hose then delivered to the portable AC system in which it handles some heart. Later, this air is returned outdoors through the 2nd hose pipe. Compared to the single portable AC hose unit, this one gets the job done in the best fashion because only sending the air inside the room outdoors through a solitary hose is not the solution. The secondary hose enables the air conditioning to close the circuit, thus making the cooling job way more effective.

To set it in simple terms, possessing a transportable AC with a solitary hose is like switching on the Air Conditioner in your car whilst the windows are open. The double hose system, on the other hand, enables you to roll the windows up whenever the Air Conditioner is turned on, hence promoting real chilling!

DIY Dishwasher Repair

Adding a dishwasher to your kitchen can make the time spent there even more delightful.  These appliances help to clear the sink of dirty dishes and keep the counter tops clear of racks for drying dishes.  However, a dishwasher is only helpful when it works correctly.  Malfunction machines, such as dishwashers, can create more of a nuisance than the benefits they have to offer.  If the unit's heating element stops working, it will not work correctly.  Consider the symptoms of a malfunctioning element and determine if you prefer to work to diagnose the issue for yourself of seek the help of a professional appliance repair specialist.

The element in a  dishwasher provides two primary functions.  The first is to ensure the water that enters the dishwasher is kept hot (while it does not heat water it helps to maintain the temperature throughout the cycle).  The second, is that the element heats the air inside the unit to reduce the drying time needed for the now clean dishes  (if the machine is so equipped).  

Problems with the element are most often noticed in connection with one of its two functions.  If the dishes are coming out of the cycle clean, the water may not be staying hot enough to make the best use of the cleaning power of the machine.  Of course, this can also indicate use of the wrong type of detergent or problems with the function of the detergent cup.  However, if they are working as they should, the problem may be with the heating elements.  Dishes that remain wet and cool at the end of the dry cycle are a clear indicator that the heating element is not working as it should.  If either of these problems are encountered, one should test the element or call for an appliance repair person to examine the unit.  A skilled DIY person should be able to test the element on his own while the appliance pro offers experience with most major brands, including these types of dishwasher repairs.

Individuals who are not experienced with appliance repair can benefit from hiring an appliance repair expert to diagnose and repair the heating element.  However, if you choose to take care of the faulty heating element on your own, always disconnect the power from the appliance before proceeding further.  Open the door to locate the unit on the floor of the dishwasher.  This thin circular tube is exposed on most appliances, but if it is covered, it may be necessary to remove the lower rack in order to remove the cover.  Note where the metal terminals, located at the end of the element, reach to the floor of the dishwasher.  

Remove the kick plate at the base of the machine to expose the wiring and look to see where the element connects.  Be sure to label the wires before disconnecting so they can be reconnected properly at a later time.  Disconnect from the element using the slip on connectors.  If you have difficulty removing the wiring, use needle nose pliers to remove the connectors.  

Once they are free, a multimeter can be used to test for continuity.  Set the meter to the ohms setting times one and there should be a reading somewhere between zero and infinity if the element is working.  If the meter does not move or goes directly to zero, the heating element will need to be replaced.  At this point, you may continue to make the repairs for yourself or call in a professional to complete the job.  Once the repairs have been made, your  dishwasher should provide clean and dry dishes at the end of the cycle once again.


 

 Health Benefits of the Walking Desk

Does your job require you to sit at a desk all day? If so, the walking desk may be right for you. People who spend nearly all of an eight-hour workday sitting in a chair often believe that exercising for 30 minutes per day is enough. They believe that the time spent at the gym is compensating for all of that sitting at work. However, when a fairly sedentary person spends a few hours per week at the gym, often that is not enough to lose weight, reduce body fat, or promote good health.

Long-Term Health and Weight Loss is Achieved Through Activity, Not Diets:

The average office worker can spend as many as 13 or more hours per day sitting. When you consider a commute to and from work of up to two hours, plus eight hours of sitting at a desk, and a few more hours at home watching television at night--that equates to a lot of inactivity. Even with a moderately healthy diet and a 30-minute daily workout, a sedentary person will have trouble trying to lose weight and live a healthy life.

How the Walking Desk Can Transform Your Office and Your Life:

The WalkStation, also known as a walking desk or a treadmill desk, is a traditional treadmill with a bonus; attached to the WalkStation is an adjustable height desk which can accommodate your computer, phone, and other desk essentials. While at work, a person can walk slowly on the treadmill desk and burn approximately 100 calories per hour. These calories will be burned while typing, talking on the phone, or working on the computer. On the other hand, sitting in a chair and working only burns about 15 calories per hour. That is quite a difference in calories burned. If the average worker spends eight hours per day working at a treadmill desk, he or she can burn 4,000 calories in one week, which could equate to losing one pound. This is all without visiting a gym or drastically changing your diet.

How to Get Started:

If you are considering purchasing a treadmill desk, you can do so commercially, or you can make your own. To make your own desk, you would simply purchase a quality treadmill, then attach a desktop at the correct height for you. Before purchasing a treadmill or a WalkStation, you should do some research and read the reviews of the popular brands so you are well informed and can make a good choice for you and your specific needs. You can find customer reviews online, or more in-depth reviews in athletic magazines.

Purchasing a Treadmill:

If you are looking to purchase a treadmill to use for a walking desk, you should be sure to find a quiet model, so as not to distract yourself or others while working. Durability and stability are also important factors to consider, as is making sure you purchase a machine that is under warranty. Also, if you are going to make your own treadmill desk, buying a model with straight handles makes adding a desktop much easier.

Making Your Own WalkStation:

If you decide to make your own WalkStation, adding a desktop to a treadmill is fairly simple. You can place a desktop board across the handles of the machine and bolt them down. Or, you can mount a desktop on the wall and simply slide your treadmill underneath it, facing forward. If, however, you are not so confident in your building skills, a walking desk can be purchased commercially. These are usually the best option for people seeking a prebuilt professional design with adjustable height capabilities. Whichever choice you make, there are a variety of options available to you in many different price ranges.

 Treadmill Running: Things to Watch Out For
Running is an excellent physical activity and is a sport that virtually everyone can do. We have been wired to run since we were kids but somehow we lost the joy of running when we grew up. It's time to get back to fitness and one way to do this is to get a good treadmill for the home. Now you will not have any excuse to avoid running as you can hop on the machine at any time of the day if you have some free time.

Just be careful about overtraining as this can lead to whole range of injuries. Try to find the right balance between exercise and recovery. Allow your body to heal fully from the previous workout before embarking on another hard session.

Purchase a good treadmill that fits all of your personal needs. Everybody is different and so you should find a machine that would be suitable for your requirements in terms of the motor, deck, belt, and cushioning.

Motor

The power rating of the motor will determine the top speed at which you can run. Cheap treadmills will have a cheap motor with a very low horsepower. They might be alright for beginners who will walk and jog most of the time, but even they will outgrow the maximum speed pretty quickly. Find one that have at least 2.5hp and make sure that this motor is reliable. Read reviews to check out the durability comments. Get a unit with a lifetime warranty so that you know you're buying a quality product.

Belt

The belt is the moving surface of the treadmill. Be sure that it is made of durable material with an anti-slip coating. The friction will enable you to run more conveniently without slipping especially if the treadmill gets wet due to drops of sweat. Look at the dimensions as well and try running on one to get a feel of things. The belt should be long enough to accommodate your extended strides and much wider than your hips for proper foot placement.

Deck

The deck bears most of the force generated by our running motion. It's the one that gets pounded everyday and it should be able to withstand all that through good design and strong materials.

Cushioning


Just like we need cushioning for our shoes, we also want to have adequate cushioning for our treadmills. Treadmill running tends to be easier on the joints as spring-loaded systems are present to absorb the impact.

 Why You Should Buy an Outdoor Refrigerator
You can consider buying an outdoor refrigerator to be a large investment, and you can enjoy having a large variety of refrigerators to choose from too. Make sure that you do a little research before you decide to which one to buy so that you can save time, money, and headaches later on.

It is important to choose a refrigerator that has its back sealed, especially if your refrigerator is going to be around the outdoor elements. A refrigerator that has a sealed back will protect its working components even during the worst weather.

The exterior finish of the refrigerator is another very important factor when it comes to durability. Most people agree that stainless steel refrigerators are the best finish to choose when it comes to resisting wear and tear. The stainless steel option is more expensive, but it is worth the price tag to get an appliance that will last for a long time.

The price of a stainless steel refrigerator can run upwards of $1,000 if you choose a good one with a sealed back that is meant for the outdoors. For that price, you can get a nice 4.5 cubic ft. to a 4.8 cubic ft. fridge that has an automatic defrost and that will be able to fit right underneath the counter of your outdoor space. It will also be able to stand alone.

If you want to get the most luxurious appliance out there, you can splurge and get a two drawer stainless steel refrigerator for around $3,000. This type of fridge will come with everything that you can imagine. It will have visual and audio alarms to alert you if you leave a drawer open or if the power is off. This type of refrigerator will hold the same amount as a regular under counter refrigerator since it has the drawers. The advantage of using this refrigerator is that you can open only one drawer to get what you need instead of exposing all of your food items to the warm air when the door is opened. The drawers of this fridge are deep. They can hold vertical wine bottles, and they fully extend so that there are no problems when you want to rearrange your items or need to get something that is being kept in the back.

It is important to remember that you need to get a refrigerator that is designed to be in your outdoor living space. A normal stand-alone fridge will not be a good choice because it will not work correctly in a built-in location. It has a compressor that needs an inch or more of breathing room on both sides of the unit to work efficiently. So before you choose an outdoor refrigerator, you should know what type of outdoor living space design you are going to have.

The Benefits Of A Dishwasher
A new dishwasher is not cheap, although not having to wash dishes yourself again can help to justify the price. You can also save a lot of money in the long run, and you can even save enough for the dishwasher to pay for itself.

Lower Bills

If you are using your integrated dishwasher correctly, it uses a lot less energy and water to wash dishes than if you were washing them by hand. Unless your dishwasher has a setting for half loads, you should never run it when it is only half full, and you should always try to choose a model that is energy efficient. It is all too easy to break dishes or glasses when washing them in the sink by hand, and most people typically find that they break fewer dishes when they use a dishwasher.

If you wash your dishes by hand, you will typically use about 60 litres of water, although using a dishwasher to wash the same dishes uses only 12 litres, according to a 2006 Waterwise study. The savings in both water and energy can be substantial, if you work out how many times in a typical week you run the dishwasher. Washing dishes in the sink also means heating the water, which uses even more energy.

A dishwasher is also more ecological than washing your dishes by hand, as well as being more economical although you should purchase an energy efficient dishwasher to really maximize the savings. Because it is wasteful and costly to run your dishwasher half full, you should use a machine that is suitable for the amount of dishes that you have as well as being energy efficient.

Using Less Detergent

Most dishwashers will use less detergent to clean dishes than a person will, although it also depends on your washing style. Of course, this appliance is also more likely to actually get your dishes perfectly clean with no trace of dirt or grease.

Free Up Your Time

Of course, a dishwasher runs by itself, leaving you to use your valuable time to do something much more useful. If you reckon that it takes you an hour to wash the dishes yourself, that is an hour in which you can potentially be earning money or simply doing something more enjoyable. A dishwasher is also more cost efficient even if you hire others to wash your dishes, as it frees up their time to do something else in the kitchen.

Tips for Buying a Gas Range

There are a lot of appliances available in the market today. One of which that most people have at home would be a gas range. A gas range is basically an appliance that is powered by natural gas or propane. Below are some things you should look out for when you decide to shop for a new gas range

Source of power

As gas ranges may differ from their source of power, you should take note on whether, for example natural gas, is sold near your home.

· Gas ranges could be differentiated through its model number. Certain letters stand for whether artificial gas (R), liquefied petroleum gas (Y) or natural gas (T).

· Availability of these gases should be considered. If there are places that sold any three of these near you house then it would be better to opt for a gas range that operates on it.

 

Material

The material from where the gas range is manufactured is very important. It can tell how long can the gas range last in terms of durability and functionality.

· Gas ranges made of stainless steel is the best option. Not only is it easier to clean and maintain, it lengthens the life span of the gas range because it is rust-proof.

 

Types of burners

Choose the gas range that would match the other materials you have in your kitchen.

· Open burners are the “traditional” or the usual types that we see. It provides on open flame wherein utensils are placed at. An advantage of an open burner is that it allows flow of air which speeds up the cooking process. On the other hand, it can be a bit bothersome to clean them.

· Sealed or closed burners refer to those which are covered either with glass or ceramic. It has become popular because it gives a sophisticated vibe in the kitchen. It is also easier to clean. The drawback however is that the surface is more prone to damage.

 

Efficiency

Gas ranges that can provide the heat that you need in a shorter amount of time is preferable. Easily adjustable ones should also be look out for.

· Choose the type of range that can easily adjust based on heating capacity.


Safety

It is important to consider in buying a gas range whether it has protection devices. These come handy in emergency situations.

· For your safety, choose the gas range that comes with a flameout protection device. It automatically cuts of the flow of gas when the flame is extinguished by water or air.

 

Design or style

You can also choose the gas range depending on your kitchen type or design. Gas ranges are available in different sizes and shapes that can also match your kitchen’s interior.

· Freestanding ranges are the most common ones. Most buyers prefer this as this is more economical. They can be easily installed and are available in a lower price compared to other styles.

· Slide-in ranges offer a “built-in” look. Its style is made to be placed in between cabinets.

· Drop-in ranges are ideal if you want to customize the look of your gas range. They require a customized cabinet where they can be installed. A drawback however is that they no storage drawer.

 

These things should be considered in your checklist once you decide to purchase a gas range. Prices range from $500 up to $21,000 depending on its style and material.

 


Many Uses of Gas Heaters
Most Americans keep their home warm during the winter season by using oil or gas heaters.  Unfortunately, though, the heating systems in most households are controlled by a single thermostat for the entire house.  As a practical matter, this means that if you are in the bedroom, you are also heating the office, kitchen, den, playroom, etc., etc., at the same temperature as the area you are occupying.  This means that one of two courses of action is required:  either freeze the entire house and buy more sweaters; or, turn up the heat and endure drastically higher energy bills.

Installing an electric wall heater in certain room(s) in your home such as a living room or bedroom is one course you can take to reduce your heating costs.  This lets you keep it warmer in that/those specific area(s), while lowering the thermostat on your boiler or furnace for the rest of the house.  This will decrease your energy consumption which in turn means a lower monthly utility bill.  The heating style mentioned above is called "zone controlled," and electric wall heaters are ideal zone control heating devices.  You may warm up just the room(s) where the heater is located when you come into the room, and turn it off upon leaving.   If you have uncommon technical savvy, you can install a programmable digital thermostat for your heater.  Simply set the thermostat to switch on at a specific time and then switch off at another time.

Now that you have gotten interested, you are wondering what an electric wall heater is and how it works.  This type of device runs on electricity rather than oil or natural gas.  It is also "hard wired" into your home's electrical grid instead of being plugged into an electrical outlet (like portable space heaters).  Each heater contains a heating element which is really just an electrical resistor.  Whenever the unit it turned on, electrical current creates resistance that heats up chromium and nickel elements.  A fan-forced wall heater draws air inside of itself that is then passed over electric heating coils.  Once the air thereby heats up, it shoots from the bottom of the heater's grill and back out into the room.  Fan-forced heaters warm up a room faster than non fan-forced heaters, but make more noise, due to their many moving parts.  A convection non fan-forced heater is the second type of electric wall heater; it uses no fan.

How to Maintain Your Air Conditioner

Central A/C units are much more tough to maintain than littler units. The reason why they are so hard to maintain is because they have bigger and more parts to maintain. There are definitely a number of things you must realize if you wish to maintain one properly.

Central Air Conditioning Units

The primary thing that you must know about central air conditioning units is that they have 2 key components, which is the evaporator and the condenser. A solid platform and outside of a home is where the condenser is often positioned. Different rooms in your home is where the evaporator is normally positioned.

A forced air system of a structure is where a central air conditioner is often connected to. That means it also uses the exact same ducts utilized for heat distribution. A typical issue is when the A/C system is working fine but the distribution system is not functioning. If your AC does not seem to be cooling correctly, this distribution system is a great place to begin troubleshooting.

Expert Maintenance and Care

There are no kind of user-serviceable parts on these systems due to the fact that the evaporator and condenser are usually sealed off. Plenty of the care that needs to be performed on a central air conditioning unit must be accomplished by professionals. However, there are many things you can easily do to help yourself that doesn't require an expert to help you.

Clean Out The Evaporator

Cleaning out your evaporator is one of the easiest tasks you can do without professional help. If you can get to it without much trouble, then it's definitely something you can do on your own fairly easy. If not, then you should reconsider opening it up.

You can clean out the underside of the evaporator utilizing a brush. You could pull it out a little if you have a tough time in getting to the far end. You should only be careful when you're taking it out so you don't risk bending any pipes.

You must also clean out the tray properly on the bottom half of the evaporator. You must be certain that moisture doesn't accumulate there. In order to stop fungus from multiplying you should apply some bleach on the pan.

Cleaning Out The Condenser

Considering the condenser is typically placed outdoors, you should make sure it doesn't gather any type of dust, leaves and other kinds of debris that may affect the performance of the unit. Regularly getting rid of dirt and debris from the top part of the condenser is necessary. Make sure you cut down grass that could be growing around the system.

When it comes to properly maintaining your condenser try acquiring a commercial coil cleanser to help you. You can locate these commercial cleaners at your local home improvement stores or on the internet. You must be certain that you follow the directions of the creator once utilizing these chemicals.

These are only a number of the things you must realize when it is time to perform proper maintenance and cleaning of your central A/C system. These concepts could assist you with saving a lot of cash when it comes to making certain that your air conditioning unit is working correctly.


Keeping Cool While Going Camping

With the summer season on its way, you might be thinking about preparing for a camping trip. Once the days are long and warm, it’s time of the season for all of us to explore the great outdoors. But with no air-conditioned RV, outdoorsmen can find heat and humidity very hard.

During  the very hot, sticky days, you need to find a way of staying away from heat-related medical conditions and injuries. Without having ac like at home, it might turn into very hard and very dangerous. Locating a top-notch camping spot that is coated in shade is important, but remember that everything you do around the activities will dictate to your feelings.

Just be sure you deliver the correct outdoor camping gear, plan ahead and make certain you realize just what the weather will likely be. Prepare, and pack the necessary gear to make sure that when you're getting there, you aren't left short. Stretch out a canvas on top of  to the trees and shrubs to make certain that you are covered.

Make sure that each of the windows is open about the camping tent, too. This enables circulation and keeps a lot of high heat getting inside tent. Then again, one of the better methods to keep comfy outside is the portable AC. You can get ACs with the extension cord you could connect, just be sure how the fan is preserving everybody nice cool while you are asleep.  This is very important, as being too hot in the evening will mean you've got a bad sleep.

Bring plenty of water in bottles - especially in the heat, it’s crucial that you drink lots of water. Make sure that you have excess supplies to actually can pay for ever eventuality. But, the best way to stay ventilated when camping is obviously simply by using a portable AC. It gives you efficiency and keeps everything nice cool, permitting one to enjoy your night with out feeling sick or too warm.

An additional thing to remember is the clothing you wear - it’s vital that you strike an excellent balance. It may be roasting in the daytime, but you may find it a little bit colder through the night. You need to just be sure you bring a little extra layer for nighttime, as well as getting some lightweight covers and pillows to create sleeping comfortably that night a little easier. If it's a humid day, you will probably find drifting off to sleep quite difficult, so making things as cozy and funky as you can make that easier for you.

Camping is excellent fun, but get yourself ready for it is going to make or break your weekend. A tent air conditioner can really help keep you cool while enjoying the great outdoors. 

How to Increase Your Comfort While Reducing Your Utility Bills
If you assume that summers have been getting too hot recently you are correct. 2005 was one of the hottest years since they started keeping track about heat back in 1895 according to the National Climatic Data Center. These elevating temperatures, coupled with higher energy fees, have made summer heat unbearable.

The tips you will find below can help you with beating the heat and staying cooler during the summer this year.

Every year the typical homeowner in America spends around $2,100 on electric bills, with much of that cost coming from their A/C units. To be certain that you're not wasting any kind of energy, you should execute an "energy audit."

Begin by closely checking out your household's walls, windows, and doors. Try your best to find any kinds of cracks that could be letting cold air escape. Try to get get those leaks sealed up by using weather stripping or caulking. Also, make sure your drapes are closed in the daytime to stop the temperature from rising within your home. Increasing the shade outside your home is a good idea so think about planting some trees nearby.

It's also a fantastic idea to inspect the insulation in your attic area. Make certain that it's doing a nice job maintaining the temp in your house. If you have less than 5 inches of insulation, it's time to add much more.

You must also hire a professional to inspect your air conditioning unit to be certain that it's operating correctly.

Try your best to reduce the moisture within your household if you think it is too humid. Too much moisture could result in mildew and mold. You can hire a professional to make certain your household is not very humid. If you do have a lot of humidity, they could determine if you have leaks that are contributing to the amount of water inside your household. The fastest way to decrease humidity is to buy a dehumidifier, that could quickly get rid of the moisture.

It is probably time to buy a new air conditioning unit if the one you have is more than 15 years old. Get in contact with an HVAC professional to inspect your air conditioner if you're worried that it's getting old. They could do an assessment in order to determine if you have to invest in a new unit or whether you could get away with repairs to your current air conditioner.

Lastly, pay attention to energy ratings if you're buying a new A/C. The energy ratings are reported as the SEER rating. The newest A/C units have SEER ratings of 15+. A/C systems that have energy efficiency ratings will save you plenty of cash on your energy fees. You might also consider getting a portable ac or a stand up air conditioner. These units are pretty inexpensive and are cheap to run.