Air Conditioning 2.0

Tips for Motorists to Save Money at the Pump

Forecasters say the price of gasoline likely will set records throughout this busy driving season, which certainly will shrink many a bank account. Is there anything a motorist can do?

According to the professionals at the nonprofit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), changing a few driving habits and paying attention to routine vehicle maintenance will help. They offer the following tips on how to squeeze the most out of each gallon of gas.

* Break your speeding habit. Speeding can decrease your miles per gallon by 15 percent or more. Sudden acceleration also can guzzle gas. Anticipate traffic patterns ahead and adjust your speed gradually. When feasible, use cruise control.

* Use windows and Air Conditioning wisely. Your mileage should improve if you keep the windows closed at highway speeds since air drag is reduced. This is true even with the air conditioning on - assuming that the system is in good working order, that is. But try to avoid using your air conditioner in heavy, stop-and-go traffic.

* Get organized. Combine your daily trips and errands and try to travel during off-peak times to avoid congested roads. Shut off your vehicle while waiting for friends and family as well.

* Clean out clutter. Removing unnecessary items from your car will cut down on weight and less weight means better mileage. After family vacations, make sure you remove any items that you don’t need for your regular day-to-day travel, such as a rooftop cargo carrier.

* Check your tires. Underinflated tires or poorly aligned wheels waste fuel by forcing the engine to work harder. Wheels that are out of alignment, as evidenced by uneven tread wear, should be aligned by a professional.

* Follow the service schedules listed in your owner’s manual. Replace filters and fluids as recommended. Take your vehicle to a repair facility to correct any engine performance problem, like rough idling and poor acceleration. Given today’s high-tech engines, it’s wise to have this type of work done by auto technicians who are certified by ASE to handle engine performance problems.

* Keep your engine operating efficiently. A failed oxygen sensor or misfiring spark plug can reduce gas mileage. Moreover, a well-maintained engine can prevent minor problems from becoming expensive headaches.

ASE was founded in 1972 to improve the quality of automotive service and repair through the voluntary testing and certification of automotive technicians. ASE-certified technicians wear blue-and-white ASE shoulder insignia and carry credentials listing their exact areas of certification. Their employers often display the ASE sign.

mark
http://www.articlesbase.com/motorcycles-articles/tips-for-motorists-to-save-money-at-the-pump-725080.html

Station Wagons Aren’t Gone

The winter of 2008-2009 I ran into a elderly man in public and commented on the vehicle he was driving. He was driving a 1973 full size Oldsmobile station wagon that really shouldn’t have been on the road. It had sagging suspension and was blowing blue smoke and the body was rusted out. My initial contact wasn’t rude at all. I simply said “Wow, I haven’t seen one of these in a while”. This drew the man toward me with a smile and the willingness to talk.

He clearly admitted it was old and needed replacing, but he was having trouble finding a replacement because the auto makers don’t make these station wagons anymore. He stated his wagon had a 455 under the hood for pulling his motor boat and he could haul his gear in the back. As soon as I heard the engine size come out of his mouth, I silently felt sorry for him because this vehicle has to be breaking his bank book.

I told him “station wagons are still being made by many auto makers, … they just look different from your wagon”. He gave me a silent look in confusion. I went on to explain that today’s wagons are referred to as S.U.V.’s. He generated a perky interested look. I explained further that they come in different sizes depending upon what you need. There are big ones like the Chevrolet Suburban or Ford Excursion. Then there are the smaller ones like the S-10 Blazer or the Chevrolet Trail Blazer or Ford Explorer. If you wanted something in-between, there are models like the Ford Expedition or the Chevrolet Tahoe. I clearly had his full attention now.

He walked me over to his wagon and opened the rear door as he said “look at all the room a wagon has when you fold the rear seat down”. then we walked to the side doors of his wagon as he pointed out the vehicle options saying the wagons come fully loaded with power windows and locks, they also have Air Conditioning and am-fm stereo’s.

I realized I was talking to a sweet old man who was locked in time and had no current knowledge of the automobiles that are out there.

I asked him to come look at mine. I opened the rear door of my S.U.V. and his eyes caught the interior immediately. I showed him I have fold down rear seats too, … and with them folded down, I had just as much room as his 1973 wagon. I further showed him that the interior was finished out with a very clean luxury look, the rear floor was carpeted. I then allowed him to sit in the drivers seat as I pointed out the power windows, locks, seats, air conditioning, and full service stereo system, … all of which were standard equipment on a lot of today’s vehicles.

The man paused a little bit as he looked over other things like my electric side mirrors, the digital compass built into my rear view mirror, the four wheel drive control, and the fact that I had two glove boxes with even more storage on the door panels. He looked up at me and said “the insides certainly don’t look like trucks do they? They‘re dressed out like Cadillac’s”. I responded “yes sir, these are today’s version’s of the station wagons”.

He got out of the vehicle and I popped my hood as I said “You mentioned you had a 455 under your hood, now days that is unheard of. That 455 has to be killing you at the gas pump”. I showed him the S.U.V.’s come with different motors such as a small V-8, and many come with V-6 engines, … they are all capable of pulling a motor boat. I further explained not all of these are four wheel drive, but it sure is nice to have in Wisconsin because of our winters, and summer high water conditions. I also pointed out that these S.U.V.’s come in two door models as well as 4 door models.

I told him another nice thing about the S.U.V. is the fact that they are safer in the fact that they allow the driver to sit a little higher, giving the ability to see over small vehicles and some snow banks.

After we talked about vehicles, we spent about 15 minutes talking about the weather and America’s economic troubles before saying goodbye and going our own ways. One thing is for sure, … on my drive home, I thought about the glow in this man’s face as I educated him on the S.U.V. (today’s station wagons). I strongly feel I did him a great justice by having the conversation we had about these vehicles. I now also believe that if he does choose to upgrade his vehicle, … he may now consider a S.U.V.

Reporter Joseph Toth

Washington Micro Bank BBS

Joseph Toth
http://www.articlesbase.com/suvs-articles/station-wagons-arent-gone-682208.html

Ducted Air Conditioning – Residential Installations

What is a ducted Air Conditioning installation?

A ducted air conditioning system basically means your air conditioner or heat pump is hidden away in your roof space, or under your floor. Ducting carries air from your home to the air conditioner and is then heated or cooled to keep your indoor air temperature constant. One central unit can serve most houses.

Air vents are cut into your ceiling or floor, which are then connected to the air conditioner via the ducting. This enables one air conditioner to serve your whole home.

Air conditioning for multi-storey homes

If your home is on two or more levels, it is still possible to have ducted air conditioning installed. You have the option of going for two or more smaller units, or having duct risers installed.

A duct riser is a vertical duct that connects two levels. This allows you to then transfer air from the air conditioner in the roof space to a downstairs level through a duct hidden away in a cupboard or boarded in with a false wall.

The benefits of air conditioning

Air conditioning has many benefits. If you live in a hot and humid climate, it can provide cooling and dehumidification. In colder climates, air conditioning can provide you with very energy efficient heating for your home.

As well as keeping your home at a constant temperature, excess moisture is removed from the air by the dehumidify mode, and dust particles and allergens are removed from the air by the use of advanced air filters.

For asthma sufferers, air conditioning or a heat pump can be of great benefit. Reducing the relative humidity level inside your home and filtering out dust particles can make it easier to breathe and much more comfortable.

How air conditioning works

At the heart of most air conditioning installations is a heat pump. A heat pump, according to the dictionary, is a mechanical device for moving heat energy. What this means is that instead of converting electricity into heat energy directly (like an electric bar heater for example), the electricity is used to move heat energy. Heat energy is transferred to or from the air in your room by use of refrigerants inside the heat pump.

In summer, excess heat energy is transferred from the air indoors to the air outdoors. This has the effect of cooling your room down. As the air is chilled below dew point, excess moisture is removed from the air as well (dehumidification).

In winter, heat energy is transferred from the outside air to the indoor air (the complete opposite of the summer example). By simply transfering or moving heat energy into your room by this method, you can gain up to 4kW of heat energy from each 1kW of electricity that is consumed. Compared to other forms of heating, a heat pump is the most energy efficient way of heating your home.

More information

For more information on ducted air conditioning, please contact a local air conditioning company. They will be able to advise you on the correct sized air conditioner and ducting installation suitable for your home. Always seek professional advice.

James Walton
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/ducted-air-conditioning-residential-installations-722980.html

which branch is best for me to join?

I want to go military, and I really want realistic advice on which branch is best for me (army, navy, air force, marines, etc.) considering what I want out of the experience. And also I’m a woman, so lol nothing that’s not female-friendly.
I don’t want to go into combat, or be in dangerous conditions, so something with a very very small to none chance of me going to war at all.
I don’t want to be in a branch that is not friendly for women.
I want a branch that ranks up quickly and has good opportunities for me as far as getting a degree while serving, or paying for my schooling.
I don’t want to be off in the field for months at a time.
And I also want good pay, obviously.
Let me know if some of these things are unrealistic, I really have no idea because it just struck me that this is what I want to do, and I wanted advice.
addition, my bad… I REALIZE boot camp and basic training will have to be difficult and I can handle that I just don’t want to go to war. I will but it’s just not a main goal. I’d rather do technical stuff.

You should defiantly consider the Air Force or maybe the Navy. Those would be the best choices for non combat jobs. After basic and tech school the AF is pretty much like any regular job.

Scientific work about skin problems caused by air conditioning and heating?

Hi, do you know where to find in the web a study about if there’s any relation between Air Conditioning and indoor heating and skin problems? Thanks a lot.

Well I leave you two websites, I hope you serve something:
http://www.zonahospitalaria.com/noticias/zh_9/uso_calefaccion.shtml
http://www.airelimpio.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=14&Itemid=42#21
Greetings!!

What military pilot training is the easiest to get into?

IN ADVANCE, I AM EXTREMELY SORRY ABOUT THE LENGTHY DETAIL.
I currently training to get my private pilots license and i am loving every moment of it. i am due to take the test soon and i expect to recieve my license in the beginning of the summer. I do not mind if it is the Air Force, Marines, Navy, or Coast Guard. I know the marines can garuntee one a pilot slot, as long as they meet the requirements, through PLC (Platoon Leadership Class). Also, which one has the best living conditions. I have heard marine sucks, and someone said worse than army (is this true?), however, i do not know if that is true or not. Navy i heard is getting better, but people always say the air force is the high life in the military. But, i was thinking about the coast guard, and you don’t really move or are gone a lot from your family like you do in the other branches. My family is pushing me towards the USAF, but i have "moods" if you know what i mean. One day i will look at the marines, and get really into the marines, the next week i will get really into the air force or coast guard or navy. My head is spinning out of control, i dont know what to think anymore. so my decision was that whoever has the easiest pilot school, i would go to because i think i would be happy flying at least 3 or 4 air craft in each branch’s inventory (besides army… i am not a big fan of getting shot down by a lucky rpg shot from the Jihad… or however you spell it). I wouldn’t mind flying the: B1, f-22, f-35, f-18, hh-60 (in navy and coast guard), HH-65 Dolphin, the cobra, apache, and MH-68. However, i do not want to commit to a branch and end up an officer on a dinky bouey, that is my worst nightmare.

Thank you soo much if you read this, it is much appreciated. Again sorry
Yes i realize that easy is not what any service branch is or that no branch is easy to get into the pilot training. i get that part. i am not asking which pilot training is the easiest to pass, i am asking which one is the easiest to get into. meaning which one is less competitive, and just overall easier to get into. whatever i choose, i will bust my @$$ in that branch and do the very best i possibly can. i will pass the pilot training no matter how hard it is, that is not my problem. the only reason why i ask for easy is because i want to know a branch that i know i can get into just incase i dont care which branch i go to. I am in 11th grade and i have about 60 hours of flight.

easy = not as good

Why would you want sup par training for something so dangerous as flying an aircraft.

Auto air conditioning?

Took my vehicle in because the air conditioner was running warm. They said my fan needed to be replaced. After this air still warm, starts off cool and them warms up. Took it back again and was told something or another had to be reset after fan was replaced. Still the air is warm after all of that. They said nothing is wrong with the compressor. Does somebody have any idea what the hell is going on here??!! No wonder GMC dealerships are going under with the dumb azz mechanics they employ.

I can’t imagine that they didn’t already check this, but first thought is low refrigerant pressure in the A/C system. This will cause it to blow warm in the beginning, but as the car gets moving, it will build up pressure and cool the air better. You can actually buy an AC kit at Wal-mart or the local auto parts store, which will include a pressure gauge and and bottle or two of refrigerant to DIY. If you buy from the auto store, someone would likely show you how to use it too.
Good luck!

What is the best, inexpensive way to add Air Conditioning to my 1993 Chevy G10 Van?

My 1993 Chevy G10 Van has no air and I use it for work. What is the best way to add Air Conditioning? Ideally I would like a portable cigarette lighter powered one that I can also use in my car, but I haven’t found one that is powerful enough or doesn’t require a ‘cooler evaporator’. RV units usually take too much juice. What aftermarket units are available and how can I get by inexpensively?

look for another van with AC it’ll be a lot easier

The Importance of Solar Energy to our Everyday Lives

Daily headlines make everyone aware of the dangerous situation in which our environment must operate. The human population has historically overtaxed its natural resources and today we are seeing the long-term effects of this selfish behavior. While many people try to reduce their “carbon footprint” by recycling, spending their money in more effective ways and eating a more “earth friendly” diet, one of the most important practices we should all begin is improving our energy efficiency.

One of the most well developed methods of becoming energy efficient is through the use of renewable energies such as outdoor solar lights. In fact solar power is the best developed and most broadly applied of the modern energy technologies and almost anyone can use it to reduce their traditional energy consumption.

How? It is actually quite simple to recognize the ways in which the sun’s energy can be put to use in even the most basic methods. For example, during the hot summer months a home owner or apartment dweller could close all window blinds, curtains or shades to reduce their need for air conditioning or home cooling. (Imagine a summer without warnings about “rolling blackouts” because everyone has to keep their air conditioner turned to its highest settings simply because they allowed the sun to pound into the room all day long.) Alternately during the winter months they could easily rely on the sun’s warmth to heat up a room during the earlier hours of the day and then close the blinds before dusk in order to capture the remaining heat.

Those who have the financial means can use solar energy in a significantly wider number of ways, and not just to heat their domestic hot water or supply their homes with some energy. While such functions are ideally where all home owners should be headed, currently the materials and equipment required to convert a home’s energy supply entirely to a solar powered system are not within everyone’s budget or ability. Home owners can however employ a wide number of solar powered LED lights and appliances (including radios, solar landscape lights, ovens and attic fans) as an effective approach towards energy efficiency.

Finally, solar power has finally reached the automobile industry and several major manufacturers have promised consumers that they will make cars with rooftop solar panels available by the year 2010. While such vehicles may not be fully powered through solar energy it is clearly a step towards a healthier planet.

Jonathan Gal
http://www.articlesbase.com/environment-articles/the-importance-of-solar-energy-to-our-everyday-lives-734197.html

Scope of Careers in Hvac – Ahead of 2009

We are living in a time of job cuts and hiring freezes. Breaking into a good career is becoming increasingly difficult all around. However, there are a few remaining secure careers that hold promise for a better tomorrow. Jobs in the HVAC field are expected to be abundant in the coming year. A career in the HVAC field is essentially risk free. These services will be needed for years to come - regardless of economic climate.

Statistics indicate that more than 163,000 people are already employed today in HVAC technologies. Better yet, employment opportunities in the HVAC field are expected to rise in 2009. The following are four sectors that are expected to produce more jobs for HVACR technicians in 2009.

1. The Blooming Commercial Aviation Sector – The commercial aviation sector is expected to regain its shape in 2009. Commercial aviation is a field that requires sophisticated climate control and air conditioning technologies. If commercial aviation grows as rapidly as projected in the coming year, there will be more career opportunities in aviation for trained HVAC technicians.

2. The Greatly Developing Marine Systems – There are many different Marine systems being developed these days. The air conditioning systems of these International and Domestic Marine vessels have to be regularly maintained. Not to mention the fact that Marine research aquariums being built today require effective climate controls. This brings about many career opportunities for HVAC technicians in the Marine sector.

3. Chemical And Food Processing Industry – The Chemical and food processing industry offers many career opportunities for air conditioning and refrigeration mechanics and installers. This trend is likely to continue through 2009.

4. Service And Installation Of Air Conditioning In Office Spaces And Skyscrapers – There is high demand right now for HVAC technicians that are capable of installing and servicing air conditioners for large commercial buildings and office spaces.

Anyone interested in working in the HVAC field should be well prepared for job challenges and familiar with all aspects of HVAC technologies. Job opportunities may be plentiful but proper HVAC training is needed to better your job prospects. HVAC technicians are also paid based on the quality of their work and their knowledge. When it comes to getting the best HVACR training, the very best campuses are located in Phoenix and Scottsdale. The Phoenix air conditioning colleges and Scottsdale refrigeration colleges offer great career assistance to any aspiring HVAC technician.

The career forecast for HVAC in 2009 will not be gloomy. The demand for HVAC mechanics and installers will be significant in 2009 with the introduction of sophisticated HVAC technologies in almost every walk of life. Good job prospects are waiting for highly skilled heating, air conditioning and refrigeration mechanics and installers - particularly those with the right technical HVAC training.

Abby Reid
http://www.articlesbase.com/college-and-university-articles/scope-of-careers-in-hvac-ahead-of-2009-701070.html