The Quietest Air Conditioners

The weather in my local area makes the heating system a necessity and a priority.

When the temperature drops down to twenty below zero, we can’t be without a powerful heater.

Because the cold conditions last for more than half the year, we need an energy efficient system. By the time the snow melts and the temperature warms up, I’m always anxious to open the windows. It feels wonderful to bring in a fresh breeze and air out the house. I never felt the urge to invest in central air conditioning and seal the house back up again. My family always managed just fine with window air conditioners in the bedrooms and a few box fans operating in the living room. Two years ago, the county started a project to widen the road in front of my house. The work was expected to last for an entire year, with the road being closed to everyone other than local traffic. I knew that it was going to be inconvenient and disruptive. I didn’t realize what an aggravation and mess we’d deal with. The road crew arrived extremely early every morning and fired up their equipment, waking up my whole family. We’d hear the beeping up the big machinery and the workers yelling to one another. As they dug out of the old road, they created a huge amount of dust. It coated our cars, the siding on the house and the glass of the windows. Opening the windows was out of the question. This was during the start of the summer and our house was already horribly overheated and sticky without any kind of a breeze. We couldn’t tolerate the summer without central air conditioning. I ended up hiring an HVAC contractor to install a cooling system, and it made such an improvement. Although air conditioning isn’t necessary in our location, it is certainly nice to have.

air purification help

I travel back and forth between two houses.

I typically stay up north from May until sometime in November and then spend the rest of the year down south.

I recently made an extra trip to my southern home during early September for the sake of a much-needed getaway. I planned to enjoy the sunshine, warm temperatures and simply relax. However, I arrived and realized that the lawn was in desperate need of mowing and all of the gardens overgrown with weeds. Inside, there were dead cockroaches to clean up, dust coating every surface and mildew thriving in the bathrooms. Since the outside temperature was steadily in the upper eighties, I started up the air conditioner and was thankful for the influx of cool air from the vents. On my third day there, I realized that I was overheated, sweaty and uncomfortable. I checked and discovered that the thermostat wasn’t working. Replacing the batteries solved nothing. I read online that my thermostat might fail to operate because of a tripped breaker. After flipping the switch on the breaker panel, the thermostat lit up and I thought my problems were solved. The reading indicated that the indoor temperature was at 82 degrees. I set the temperature at 72 and heard the air conditioner start up. I went back to work on cleaning the house, expecting it to cool down. When I was still sweating profusely a half an hour later, I took another look at the thermostat and realized the air conditioner had accomplished nothing. Although it was making plenty of noise, there was no cool air coming from the vents. I couldn’t get a technician to show up for repairs until the following day. I ran the overhead ceiling fan on high all night and still found it impossible to sleep.

 

 

whole home air purification

For the past several years, I’ve been looking into different models of furnaces.

I definitely need to replace my home’s heating system.

The furnace has operated beyond its expected lifespan and is starting to have some problems. Every year, my heating bills increase significantly. I typically get stuck paying for several repairs. Plus, comfort has diminished. I’ve continually raised the thermostat setting and yet, on especially cold winter nights, the house feels chilly. Certain rooms are colder than others, and there’s definitely more dust and other allergens floating around. I am concerned that the furnace is going to quit entirely in the middle of a terrible blizzard. I don’t want to be begging an HVAC contractor to come to my house during a driving ban. I’d rather not be left without heat when the outside temperature is down to negative twenty-five degrees and the snow is accumulating in feet. Being in a rush to get a new furnace installed isn’t a good idea. It would be much better to schedule the project during the summer. This would avoid desperation, inconvenience and safety risks. I’d have the opportunity to choose the ideal furnace, research contractors and be prepared for the expense and upheaval. While I am very aware of all of the benefits of being proactive, I continue to procrastinate. I really don’t want to spend my money on a new heating system. I hate the idea of tearing out a furnace that is still operational. I also can’t decide which furnace is the right choice. Should I spend a lot more in order to take advantage of a higher AFUE rating and zone control? Should I go with a more basic model?

cooling technology

Living in the northern part of the country, overly dry conditions are often a concern.

When the air is colder, it’s naturally dry.

Our winter weather tends to linger for six to eight months. It’s not unusual for the temperature to remain below freezing or even below zero. The lack of sufficient humidity causes some problems. For one thing, overly dry air feels colder than properly moisturized air. Because of this, it’s tempting to turn up the thermostat. This not only makes problems with dryness worse but also increases the workload of the furnace. The equipment experiences more wear and tear, resulting in higher energy bills, greater impact on the environment and an increased potential for malfunction. There’s also the risk of damage to home furnishings. Wood tends to dry out and crack, which is very bad for musical instruments, antiques and hardwood floors, doors and moldings. A lack of moisture in the air can cause nasal passages to dry out, making the family more susceptible to colds and flu. It elevates the possibility for respiratory infection and aggravates symptoms of asthma and allergies. Chapped lips, bloody noses, headaches, sore throat and dry skin, including psoriasis and eczema, are consequences of not enough moisture in the air. A whole-house humidifier is invaluable. Unlike portable varieties, this style of air quality accessory installs right into the furnace and improves conditions in every room in the house. While there are different types of humidifiers available, I chose a steam-style option because it accommodates the demands of a larger home. It uses electrodes to convert water into steam and introduces the moisture into the air as it passes through the furnace. The house is much more comfortable now, and I pay less in monthly heating bills.

 

wifi thermostat

My house was originally built in the mid 1800s and still includes original features.

I adore the hardwood floors, railings, staircase, moldings and doors.

I like the high ceilings, big windows and stained glass. However, the house has presented some challenges. We needed to install a whole new breaker panel and have all of the wiring replaced to keep up with modern demands for electricity. We gradually upgraded all of the galvanized, corroded plumbing pipes to PVC. We’ve installed Energy Star rated windows and exterior doors. One of our biggest concerns was temperature control. The house was constructed before the invention of forced air heating and cooling systems. There was no ductwork installed. I wasn’t thrilled with the idea of tearing down walls and ceilings for the sake of a duct system. Plus, some of the walls have the studs turned sideways and are too narrow to accommodate conventional ductwork. For quite a few years, we struggled with a collection of window air conditioners, box fans and portable electric heaters. The extreme weather in the local area and lack of centralized temperature control meant that the house was uncomfortable all year round. I really hated the look and inefficiency of our collection of heating and cooling equipment. A couple of years ago, I finally discovered high-velocity heating and cooling. This type of system is designed specifically to retrofit easily into older homes. It includes ductwork that is only two inches in diameter and flexible enough to snake through existing walls and ceilings without damage. I am absolutely thrilled to have a thermostat to control comfort throughout the whole home.

 

whole home air purification

I recently relocated from the far north to the south.

My new house is a sixteen hour drive from my old one.

I used to spend hours shoveling snow and scraping ice. My heating bills accounted for nearly 50% of energy consumption. The furnace was one of the most important appliances in the house. I owned a four-wheel-drive truck, wool coat, snow boots, snow shovel and ice scraper. I was absolutely delighted to buy a compact, two-wheel drive car and throw all my winter gear away. I invested into a wardrobe of shorts, tank tops, sandals and sunglasses. My new house is equipped with an electric heat pump. Until the move, I was unfamiliar with this type of temperature control. The heat pump combines heating and cooling into a single piece of equipment. Although it provides heat, it doesn’t burn fossil fuels to generate it. There’s no combustion process, eliminating concerns with carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, formaldehyde and fumes. Because it doesn’t produce greenhouse gasses, the heat pump is especially environmentally friendly. It takes advantage of the fact that there’s heat available in the outdoor air even when it’s cold. The heat pump pulls the heat out of the air and transfers it indoors. The process is safe, clean and quiet. During the summer, the heat pump reverses the flow of refrigerant and acts just like an air conditioner. I have been amazed by the level of comfort it provides. The heat pump doesn’t dry out the air or force the use of a humidifier in the winter. Because it’s so good at combating excess humidity in the summer, I don’t need a dehumidifier.

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I think that the most beneficial type of heating system is radiant flooring.

Heated floors offer all sorts of unique perks that make it a worthwhile investment.

There are both electric and hydronic heated floor options. While the electric option is easier to retrofit into an existing home, the hydronic alternative is superior. It starts with a boiler that heats up water and sends it through a network of pipes under the floor. The heat from the water radiates across the surface of the floor, eliminating any cold spots. Because it’s a closed loop system, reusing the same water over and over, it doesn’t bring in any contaminants. There’s no vents spewing dusty, polluted air into the living space. The heat doesn’t enter the room by way of air and rises straight up to the ceiling. Radiant heat is infused into the air and warms every object sitting on the floor. That means that the couch, chair, coffee table and all furnishings warm up and further radiate heat. While the highest temperature in the room is down near the floor, it never varies further than three degrees from the thermostat setting. Plus, the heat is especially gentle and won’t dry out the air. Radiant flooring actually allows a lower thermostat setting than a forced air furnace. There’s also the benefit of zone control. An independent thermostat in each room customizes comfort for that particular space and avoids heating empty areas. I especially appreciate the equipment being concealed beneath the floor. It takes up no living space, doesn’t take away from the decor and there’s no need to arrange furniture to cater to vents. Radiant flooring is silent, energy efficient and long-lasting.

indoor air quality

I live in an area that experiences four different seasons and every type of weather extreme.

We are not surprised by blizzards, sleet, torrential downpours, hail, high winds, heat or humidity.

The winter weather lasts for more than half the year and brings temperatures well into the negatives. The snow accumulates in feet and the windchill is downright dangerous. The summers aren’t as long, but are typically hot and humid. The conditions force the use of either the heating or cooling system just about all year round. For the sake of comfort, energy efficiency and costs, it’s necessary to tighten up the house as much as possible. I am continually looking for new and better ways to reduce energy waste. I’ve invested into Energy Star rated windows and exterior doors. I’ve added insulation to the attic and I’m constantly caulking and weatherstripping. I’ve purchased thermal lined curtains, upgraded to a smart thermostat and installed ceiling fans. While I’ve reduced the cost of my monthly utility bills, I’ve also eliminated ventilation. Bringing outdoor air into the house is necessary for healthy indoor air quality. Otherwise, the same stale air is trapped inside and circulated by the duct system over and over again. Dust, pollen, bacteria, dander, spores, viruses and all sorts of harmful contaminants are spread throughout the living space with no easy way to get rid of them. One solution is a whole-house ventilation system. I chose a ventilation system that includes heat recovery. The system pulls the stale air out of the house and replaces it with fresh, clean air. In the winter, it uses the outgoing air to warm up the incoming air and lessen demands on the furnace. During the summer, the ventilator helps to extract excess humidity and reduce strain on the air conditioner. Not only does the ventilation system improve the cleanliness and health of the home but it saves my money.

 

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I’m always on the lookout for home improvements to elevate the comfort, appearance and value of my property.

I’ve painted, sanded down the hardwood floors, installed new windows and replaced light fixtures.

I’ve spent a great deal of time and money on my home. I recently invested in a smart thermostat. Compared to some of my other purchases, it was relatively cheap. I was able to buy a top-of-the-line smart thermostat for a couple hundred bucks. I completed the installation and setup myself, and it wasn’t all that time-consuming or difficult. The thermostat is one of the best upgrades I’ve made. It has made a huge difference in my energy bills. I no longer need to remember to raise or lower the temperature setting when the family leaves the house or goes to bed. The air conditioner and furnace aren’t working as hard, because they aren’t forced to maintain ideal temperature in an empty house. Plus, my family doesn’t return to either a chilly or overheated house. The thermostat features something called geofencing that tracks the location of our smartphones. When we enter or exit a specific radius around the house, the control automatically adjusts temperature accordingly. I can easily make changes through an app on my smartphone from virtually anywhere. The thermostat also provides helpful information, such as energy tracking and reminders for maintenance. It’s very easy to use and the touchscreen display is sleek and modern-looking. It accommodates zone control for further cost savings and customized comfort and includes humidity sensors. The smart thermostat has proven to be a very advantageous home improvement.

 

Space heater

Unlike even permanent hair dyeah that eventually fade from grey hair, henna does not fade from the hair.

I had been hearing a lot about henna plus I decided to do some research on our own. I found out there were numerous ways that people have used henna. The most popular way to use henna was in temporary tattoos. My child was at the local honorableone year plus she came cabin with a tattoo. I had to admit that the artwork itself was visually stunning. I couldn’t think that anyone could create such an intricate pattern on skin. Then I began to worry because she wasn’t outdated enough to get a tattoo without our permission. That’s when she told me it was done with henna dye. Over a month or several, the henna would fade away plus the skin would go back to normal. There were no adverse effects on the skin or to the body. I found out later that there were also henna hair dyeah. I thought this would be a natural way to dye our hair. Henna hair dye is chemical free, even if it is a bit cumbersome to use. I wish now that I had read everything about henna hair dye before trying it. Unlike even permanent hair dyeah that eventually fade from grey hair, henna does not fade from the hair. Your hair needs to completely grow out to get rid of the color. If the henna gets onto the skin, it isn’t as simple to unattach as with commercial hair dyeah. With a commercial hair dye, I was able to take a bit of ash plus it would unattach the dye painlessly. Henna had to fade from the skin, which left me with what looked care about a black eye for almost a week.

 

threading