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A Not-so-Technical Explanation of How Air Conditioning Works

The “Not-So-Technical” Explanation of How an Air Conditioner Works An air conditioner is basically a refrigerator without the insulated box. An air conditioner is doing exactly the same thing as your fridge, except it dumps the heat it takes out of the controlled area and dumps it outdoors instead of in your kitchen. To understand what goes on in the system, let’s start where the “freon” gas enters the compressor located typically in the outside…

Money & Energy Saving Air Conditioning Tips

Air Conditioners It might surprise you to know that buying a bigger room air-conditioning unit won’t necessarily make you feel more comfortable during the hot summer months. In fact, a room air conditioner that’s too big for the area it is supposed to cool will perform less efficiently and less effectively than a smaller, properly sized unit. This is because room units work better if they run for relatively long periods of time than if…

Mold Resources

Introduction to Molds Molds produce tiny spores to reproduce. Mold spores waft through the indoor and outdoor air continually. When mold spores land on a damp spot indoors, they may begin growing and digesting whatever they are growing on in order to survive. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods. When excessive moisture or water accumulates indoors, mold growth will often occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or…

Lead Paint Risk & Requirements During Renovation

Lead Paint Risk During Renovation: What You Need to Know & What the EPA Requires Lead is a toxic metal used in several household related…

How to Read Residential Meters

How to Read Residential Electric and Natural Gas Meters You can read your own meters to help monitor your electric or gas energy use. During the heating season, your energy use should be compared to the number of heating degree days for the same time period; during the cooling season, compare your energy use to the number of cooling degree days. Heating and cooling degree days are a simple measure of the effect of weather…

How to Read the EnergyGuide Label

Energy Smart Shopping The ENERGY STARÂ® Label When you shop for a new appliance, look for the ENERGY STARÂ® label. ENERGY STAR products usually exceed minimum federal standards by a substantial amount. The ENERGY STAR logo is on all qualified products that meet specific standards for energy efficiency. ENERGY STAR-qualified products exceed the federal minimum standards for efficiency and quality — sometimes significantly. Look for the label on appliances, electronics, water heaters, windows, and other…