About Air Conditioners

If you are dedicated to improving the indoor air quality of your home, you?re aware that there are certain steps you need to take to reduce the amount of allergens and airborne particles. Two of these, source control and ventilation, you may have already addressed. But the third, finding a good air purifier, can be confusing if you aren?t sure what to look for in this type of home appliance.

Fortunately, once you understand the basic types of air cleaners and how they work it becomes easier to select the right style of air purifier for you and your family. There are also organizations like the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) who review and certify air purifiers annually using a standardized testing and ratings system to make it easy for you to compare different models to one another.

What Kinds of Air Purifiers Are There?<

• Ozone Air Purifiers These release small amounts of ozone (positively charged oxygen molecules) into the air to reduce airborne pollutants. They also are very effective at reducing odors, and will sometimes give off a fresh, sharp scent rather like the odor after a thunderstorm.
• Electrostatic Air Purifiers These use static electricity to draw airborne particles to the filters contained in the unit. The particles stick to the filter. (Who knew something so annoying could be so handy?) When the filters are full, you throw them out and replace them. These are usually used as a furnace filter or as a pre-filter component on some other type of air purifier (such as an ozone or ionizer system).
• Electro-Static Precipitators Similar to an electrostatic purifier, these also use a static charge, but there are no filters to throw away. Instead, two metal plates create two opposite electrostatic charges. These attract airborne particles, including dust, smoke and pollen, to one of the plates. When the plate is coated, you can remove it, rinse clean and use it again.
• Ionizers These release a magnetic charge into the air that will cause airborne particles to stick to the filter.
• HEPA Filters HEPA stands for High Efficiency Particulate Air Filters, and are designed to remove 99.97% of airborne pollutants as they pass through the filter. Trapped germs die from lack of moisture, making them ideal for operating rooms and electronic labs. HEPA filters are sometimes added to an existing system such as your heating and/or air conditioning unit.

Each of these types is good for different situations, and you can also find many air purifiers that combine two or more methods for greater efficiency. More important than the particular method you choose is how effective it actually is. No matter which kind you have or how much you paid for it, if it isn?t doing the job, you?ve wasted you money.

How Do I Know if the Air Purifier I?m Considering Will Do the Job?

There are two things to look for any time you shop for an air cleaner: the MERV and the CADR. These are ratings developed to help you compare one brand and style of air purifier to another, regardless of whether they are ionizers, electrostatic, or ozone, and get an idea of their relative efficiency.

What?s a MERV?

MERV means Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) developed a range of numbers to help consumers compare filters. The higher a MERV number, the better a filter performs.

A filter generally has two features that will be important to you: how quickly the air can flow through it and how well it filters out pollutants. The higher a MERV number, the more dense the filter and the more particulates it will capture.

Okay, what?s a CADR?

We mentioned CADR earlier, and it is the most important rating to look for overall. It stands for Clean Air Delivery Rate, and is exactly what it sounds like ? it tells you how quickly it will circulate clean air throughout the room, filtering all of the air through the filtering system once. Currently, twenty-nine manufacturers of air purifiers list their CADR rating on their packaging so that you can easily compare them to each other.

You should look for an air purifier with a CADR number that is equal to about two-thirds the size of the room you will be using it in. For instance, if you have a 10? X 15? room (150 square feet), then you should get a purifier with a CADR number no less than 100.

If you get a rating higher than you need, you will simply have your air cleaned even more quickly and efficiently, but if you get a rating lower than recommended, the efficiency won?t be there and the air purifier will struggle.

There will actually be three CADR numbers: one for pollen, one for tobacco smoke, and one for dust. For the best results, use the number for tobacco smoke, which is the smallest particulate in the ratings system.

But What About Cost?

Obviously cost is an issue to most of us ? if we were made of money, we?d simply hire someone to come in and sterilize our homes and install whole-house air purification systems, hire daily cleaning teams, have someone follow the dogs around sucking up the pet dander….where were we? Oh! Cost!

The cost of air purifiers can vary widely, and it?s a bit surprising to note that you can?t always judge the value of an air cleaner by its cost. There are several things to consider when you buy one that will impact your decision. While you may pay less for one over another initially, operating costs and accessories can add up over time, making some systems much more expensive in the long run.

Filters If you choose an air purifier that uses paper or fiber filters that are disposable, be sure that they are HEPA filters. These are 99.97% efficient for dust and mold spores and well worth the cost. Anything less is throwing money away. Also check to see if you can order replacement filters in bulk for a discounted price.

Plates An air purifier with cleanable plates may cost more initially, but figure out the cost of filters over a few years? time and compare. Will you save money by paying more up front and cleaning the metal plates rather than worrying about the filters?

Operating Costs Always try to find out what the estimated operating costs will be. What does the manufacturer estimate the monthly electrical usage will be? Will the air purifier run constantly or will it cycle?

Extras If you have someone in your family who is particularly sensitive to environmental changes, such as a migraine sufferer, you may consider some extras such as a programmable ozone monitor, worth the extra money in order to prevent sensitivities being triggered.

With so many excellent air purifiers on the market and the Internet available as an excellent information resource, there?s no excuse not to invest in improving the quality of your home?s air. It?s a relatively inexpensive way to cut down on colds, respiratory infections, asthma attacks and a host of other health problems by allowing everyone in your house to breathe easier.

About the Author
Lori Wilkerson is a full-time freelance writer. Right now she knows a little bit about almost everything and a lot aboutelectrical air purifiers, ozone air purifiers, and whole house air purifiers. She is a reformed ex-smoker and regularly offends people by sending them outside to smoke.<

Air conditioners (AC) are essential in many countries. However, temporary or short-term businesses, business meetings, wedding receptions, and high school or college functions are events that might require renting air conditioners. There are a lot of rental companies that lease air conditioners for a short or long period of time and charge a monthly rental fee.

There are numerous companies that offer air conditioners to rent at discounted prices, especially during the hot summer months. It is advisable to order an air conditioner well in advance, as the demand rockets during summer. When someone contacts a rental company for cooling necessities, the rental company usually sends one of their experts to examine the room. They will then recommend the right kind of air conditioner that will cool the room. The rental company provides this service for free. The company will quote a rental fee that is usually negotiable. An official contract is signed and the air conditioner is installed

Air conditioner rental companies deal in a variety of units, such as window, split, central, portable, industrial and many more. Usually, the type of AC is determined based on the venue that needs cooling. Prices differ in accordance with the type of AC installed. Central AC costs the most, while windows units are the least expensive. Some companies charge a deposit before installation. Any damage during usage is recompensed from the deposit money. If there are no deductions, the total deposit is reimbursed on return of the unit. The rental fee depends on the length of time the AC is required and its brand. Prices usually start in the low hundreds per month.

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

An air conditioner on wheels is called a portable air conditioner. It is used in homes and offices and can easily be transported. They come as two types ? split and monoblock. Twin pipe units are the best because in the single duct unit air is pumped out of the room and replaced by hot air from the outside reducing its effectiveness.

Portable air conditioners are an alternative to window or wall units and are good to use in apartment buildings that don?t allow window units or in homes that have windows that are inappropriate for window models. Since they are portable, they are real easy to roll in and start up. However, they can be heavy weighing between 50 and 80 pounds.

Portable air conditioners are more expensive than window models. They average about $200 more than comparable window units. Some are more expensive because they dehumidify a room as well as cool it, and many can be used as fans, while others can be used as space heaters as well. Because they are more expensive, it is usually smart to buy a portable air conditioner that has functions that can be used throughout the year, making it more cost effective. Portable air conditioners are available at 6,000 to 8,000 BTUs. There is little price differentiation between the smaller BTU units or the larger 10,000 and 12,000 BTU units. One fact to note is that a portable air conditioner requires more BTUs to cool a room than a window model. If you are cooling 300 square feet, you?ll need about 10,000 ? as opposed to 8,000 if you were using a window model.

Air Conditioners provides detailed information on Air Conditioners, Portable Air Conditioners, Window Air Conditioners, Room Air Conditioners and more. Air Conditioners is affiliated with Window Air Conditionar Rentals.

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Here's information on the simplest type of air valve the 2/2 style.

The first 2 in the 2/2 air valve refers to the number of “working” air ports that are found in the valve body. That is, the number of ports that supply air to the valve, and channel the compressed air to whatever it is that the valve is supposed to do.

Most 2/2 valves will have numbers or letters etched, cast or painted near each of their two “working” air ports. If there are numbers near the ports, the number 1 would be the supply port to bring the compressed air to that valve. Port number 2 would be the working port from which air would flow to accomplish whatever task that you wanted that valve to do.

If the port designations are letters, then port 'A' would be the supply port and port 'B' the working port.

If the 2/2 valve is to be “air operated”, that is an external air signal is to be used to shift the 2/2 valve, there will be another port. That port may not have a designation or it might say '12'. No, that's not a twelve, but rather indicates that air will flow from port 1 to port 2 when an external air signal operates that valve.

The second 2 in a 2/2 air valve indicates the number of positions that the internal valve mechanism has. In this case, two. When this valve is operated or actuated, it will either open or close. At rest, that is when the external valve operator has not been activated, the internal valve mechanism will either stay open or closed.

Most 2/2 compressed air valves are classified as NC. NC stands for normally closed. This means that when the valve is not actuated, it's normal state is closed, and compressed air cannot pass through it.

There are some applications for 2/2 valves where the flow of air through the valve when it is not being operated is desirous. A NO or normally open valve would then be selected. When this type of 2/2 valve is at rest, compressed air will flow through it, and it is only when the valve is actuated that the flow of air will stop.

All 2/2 valves will have actuators that will operate or 'shift' the air valve.

A compressed air blow gun is a good example. On it there will be a push button or a trigger of some kind. When the button is depressed or the trigger is pulled, the compressed air will flow through the gun and out the nozzle to atmosphere. When the actuator is released, an internal spring (a secondary actuator) will shift the internal valve mechanism back, and the air will stop flowing. A compressed air blow gun contains a 2/2 NC air valve.

Some other 2/2 valve actuators are whisker switches, toggles, push buttons, palm buttons, roller cams, electric solenoids or compressed air.

2/2 valves can have detented or non-detented actuators. If the actuator is detented, this means that when the operator actuates the valve, the actuator will stay in the position selected until it is again moved by the operator. Toggle switches for air valves are often detented. You flick the toggle in one direction to actuate the valve, and it will stay actuated until you move the toggle back. The detented 2/2 valve may not have an internal spring, though with standardization of manufacture, even a detented valve may have a spring, since various kinds of actuators may be affixed to that same valve body.

Non-detented valves do contain an actuator spring, and the internal valve mechanism will “spring” back to the other position when the operator releases the primary actuator, similar to what happens when the button on a compressed air gun is released.

At ABOUT-air-compressors.com, an e-book entitled All About Air Valves - volume one - will soon be available (end August 06). If you are interested in more information about air valves, do visit the site and download a copy.

All 2/2 valves must, when operated, allow air to ultimately flow to atmosphere. If a 2/2 valve is selected to provide air to a closed tank or air vessel, then when the 2/2 valve is shifted to a closed position, the air will be trapped in the downstream line. You wouldn't select a 2/2 valve to provide compressed air to an air actuator, for example.

The exception to this rule are inflatable bladders that contain their own integral 2/2 valves a bicycle or vehicle tire being good examples. When you connect your 2/2 air supply valve to the tire valve, the tire valve - itself a small 2/2 valve - is actuated by the supply valve fitting, allowing compressed air to flow into the tire. When the supply valve is no longer actuated, as long as the fill fittings is attached to the tire valve, the line is pressurized. That's why, when you pull the fill fitting away from the tire, you hear that characteristic “pssssst” as the air that's been trapped between the two valves is vented. The tire valve will have shifted back to being closed by the air pressure inside the tire, thus preventing the compressed air in the tire from escaping back to atmosphere.

Other 2/2 compressed air valves commonly encountered are those push button valves on the handle of air tools, and the air-horns that are commonly heard at sporting events.

The air-horns were designed as distress sirens for small boat operators. The push button on the top of the gas canister is the 2/2 valve, and it's the pressure of the compressed gas trapped in the canister that forces the valve shut (NC - normally closed) when the button is released.

I guess it's better to hear an air horn at a football game than indicating some poor boater's distress out on the lake unless it's blasting into your ear, of course!

And as always, if you have any questions, please send me a message from the contact screen at my web site.

Bill Wade's experience in compressed air and other industries spans decades from field sales positions through to the corporate presidential office. His sales agency represents a select group of industrial firms. Mr. Wade writes about all facets of compressed air at http://www.about-air-compressors.com

Do you know that, in summer, the average American family pays about 40% of their energy bill for air conditioning of the house? But it doesn?t have to be this way, Use these simple tips to help you keep your house cool and significantly reduce your energy bills during the hot months.

1. If you need to cool only one room, don?t use your central air conditioning. Invest in a portable air conditioner, instead. Modern portable units have a very high energy efficiency rating, so it will cool your room effectively and save you a lot.
2. Install mini-blinds or white window shades. Mini-blinds can be very effective and can reduce heat gain from direct sunlight by 40-50 percent. You can also hang bamboo shades or tightly woven screens outside your windows. This will stop up to 80 percent of the sun's heat from getting through your windows.
3. Keep all windows closed during the day. At night you can open them for ventilation and switch on a fan instead of an air conditioner.
4. If you are using a mini split air conditioner, make sure that the outside compressor is well shaded. However, trees and shrubs shouldn?t be planted right next to it it needs some room for air flow.
5. It is best to clean your air conditioner filter at least once a month. Dust build-ups can significantly reduce air flow.
6. When buying an air conditioner unit, make sure that it is the right size for your room. A unit that is too small will not cool your room effectively, and an A/C that is too large will consume much more energy than necessary.
7. If you use central air conditioning, seal all A/C ducts. Insulate ducts that run through rooms that don?t need cooling, like the basement or the attic.
8. If your air conditioner is old, consider replacing it with a modern high efficiency unit. Older A/C systems have a SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) of only 6 or 7, while the best air conditioners on the market today offer SEER as high as 13. That means that it will consume almost 50% less energy.
9. Cooking, drying cloth or dishwashing generates a lot of heat. Try to delay these activities until the evening, when it gets cooler.

Most people just switch their air conditioners on and set the desired temperature. This will cool your room, of course, but it will cost you, too. Furthermore, excessive energy consumption is not environmentally friendly, so by following our simple advice you could not only save on your bills, but you could also help to reduce pollution in your area.

Visit 100 Air Conditioner Reviews for tips on getting the best portable air conditioner, price comparison and customer reviews of air conditioners.

Room air conditioners are ideal for any kind of room and are the most sought-after type of air conditioners in the industry. They pamper you with cool, crisp and clean air and make your living space a more comfortable one to live in.

They come in different types to serve everyone's purposes. You have window models and wall mount models. Window models include the ordinary double-hung model and casement window models. Double-hung models can be fit in wider window spaces. Casement window models are for narrower spaces. You may have to remove the window panel during installation. Window models can be changed from place to place, as they are easy to install. Wall mount models are enclosed in the wall in sleeves or holes made in the wall. They are more of permanent fixtures, so a lot of time and effort goes into the installation. They come with lots of features like noise-free functioning capacity, timers, filters, dehumidifying capacity, adjustable air-flows, remote controls, etc.

There are a few things you have to consider when purchasing a room air conditioner. The air conditioner should fit the size of the room a smaller one for a larger room results in excessive running and a larger one for a smaller room results in excessive cooling. You can estimate the number of BTUs required to make your room cool and get a room air conditioner with that number of BTUs. If you move a lot you should go with window models, as you can just take them out of the window and move them with you.

Price has never been a hitch in the case of room air conditioners. They are available in a multitude of lower to higher price ranges. As far as these air conditioners are concerned, the more you pay, the more you get, and the less you pay, still the more you get.

Air Conditioners provides detailed information on Air Conditioners, Portable Air Conditioners, Window Air Conditioners, Room Air Conditioners and more. Air Conditioners is affiliated with Window Air Conditionar Rentals.

The three main parts of an air conditioner unit are the compressor, the condenser and the evaporator. The compressor and condenser are located on the outside of the air conditioner and the evaporator is located on the inside.

The basic functioning of the air conditioner is based on the principle of successive heating and cooling of a highly volatile liquid, such as a Freon. The liquid first enters the compressor, where it is compressed into a gas. This releases heat and makes the liquid cooler. The dissipated heat is radiated outwards with the help of a fan. The liquid then enters the condenser, where it absorbs heat from the surroundings to reconvert into a gas. Hence, the surroundings become cool. The entire process continues cyclically and this causes cooling of the room.

Besides the three fundamental Air Conditioner Parts, an air conditioner also has a hot coil on the outside to dissipate heat, a cool coil on the inside to absorb heat, two fans (one outside and one inside) and a control circuit to modify the temperature. This is done by changing the rotation speeds of the fans using a potentiometer.

The most important and expensive Air Conditioner Part is the compressor. Companies provide warranties on the compressor and a good quality compressor can function efficiently for several years. New compressors can be bought and installed into the air conditioner if the original one develops faults. It is ideal to have a compressor made by the same company as the rest of the air conditioner. However, it is also necessary to mention that only a few companies manufacture their own compressors the rest just buy them and install in their units.

Condensers and evaporators can also be replaced. The same case is applicable for the cooling and heating coils. Problems in the coils lead to faulty dissipation of heat, thus causing unsatisfactory results. Fans are the easiest components of the air conditioner units to replace. They are simply fitted by screws on the outer part of the air conditioner and with wires to the air conditioner circuit board.

One more component of the air conditioner is its outer cover. The cover has no other function except to lend an aesthetic appeal to the air conditioner. It is generally made of molded plastic and is available in a wide range of colors and designs. The same can be said about buttons and knobs. A water-carrying duct is essential if the air conditioner faces the road on the outside.

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

Covers are used to protect air conditioners from unfavorable weather conditions such as condensation, dew, cold drafts, extreme heat, etc. They also keep dust and small insects away from the body of the air conditioner and its different components.

Dust Covers are made of synthetic material such as vinyl, plastics, terylene or Dacron. They are washable and are fastened and unfastened on the air conditioner by plastic zippers or Velcro fasteners. These Covers can be used to cover the entire body of the air conditioner, except the region which contains the duct and the button controls. They are available in a large number of sizes and colors. Mostly they are made in standard air conditioner sizes and can be bought directly from the shops. Some companies also manufacture Custom Covers after taking specifications from the ordering company.

Weatherizing Covers are more detailed in their design. These Covers are made of special plastics, such as polyurethane, or metals, and they can be fitted on the air conditioner. Most of these Covers have direct attachments with the front and back faces of the air conditioners. Others can be attached on the air conditioner using duct tape, caulk or mess. These Covers pack not only the air conditioner, but even the tiny gaps around it so as to prevent any cold drafts from entering inside the room. Some better-quality Covers can also absorb the vibration of the air conditioner, and reduce the noise it creates.

Portable air conditioners use Covers that envelop them completely. Zippers running through their entire length on one of the edges can secure them over the air conditioner?s body. These are made of synthetic plastics and are available in most colors and sizes.

Some Covers are also available in aesthetic designs for use in living room air conditioners. There are lace Covers and Covers with various designs and patterns on them. More than protection, these Covers aim at rendering beauty to the room by disguising the air conditioner.

Simple Dust Covers are available at less than $20. But custom-designed Covers and Weatherizing Covers may cost much higher depending on the specifications required.

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

Electronic air cleaners are a relatively inexpensive and low maintenance way of removing airborne particles from the atmosphere in your home. Using electrostatic technology to provide a sort of filterless air purifier, electronic air cleaners are a safe way to keep your air particle, fume and dust-free.

These filterless air purifiers work by using the scientific principle of electrostatics. This law means that substances with opposite charges are attracted to one another, and electronic air purifiers harness the power of this principle by collecting the air and giving any particles gathered a charge. The charge emitted by electronic air cleaners is completely harmless to humans, but draws the collected particles to a plate within the cleaner, where they remain, safety extracted from your breathing air.

Electronic air cleaners are ninety five percent effective in removing particles and fumes from the air in your home, collecting the offending substances on plates stored safely inside the purifier. Some people find the disadvantage of electronic air cleaners to lie exactly here ? these collection plates must be cleaned regularly in order to maintain the unit?s efficiency. This is, however, a relatively simple task ? the collection plates are cleaned by wiping them with a damp cloth. This simple maintenance task ensures that your electronic air purifier continues to be effective in keeping your environment dust, fume and particle-free.

Look for electronic air cleaners with good-sized collection plates, as this will increase the effectiveness of your machine, and reduce the frequency of cleaning. Air cleaners with a more powerful electric field will also increase efficiency, creating cleaner air for you.

So while parts of this filterless air purifier still need to be cleaned, the effectiveness of electronic air purifiers makes them a popular choice regardless of this small maintenance chore. And removing ninety five percent of offending particles from the air in your home, electronic air cleaners will help provide your family with an environment that is safe and healthy for everyone. Well worth the work!

Electronic air cleaners are a simple and effective but low maintenance method of cleaning the air you breath.

For a website totally devoted to Air Purifiers visit Peter's Website Air Purifiers Explained and find out about Electronic Air Purifiers as well as The Best Air Purifiers and more, including Hepa Air Purifiers, Ozone Air Purifiers, Room Air Purifiers and Whole House Air Purifiers.