Friday, June 29, 2012
Friday, June 15, 2012
Saturday, June 9, 2012
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
GreenerChoices.org | Green product watch: Best dehumidifiers 6/12
GreenerChoices.org | Green product watch: Best dehumidifiers 6/12
(This article is adapted from the June 2012 Consumer Reports magazine.)
Got that clammy feeling? In Consumer Reports’tests several dehumidifiers were tops at sucking moisture out of steamy spots that can breed mold and other allergens.
The ideal indoor relative humidity is between 30 to 50 percent. At higher levels mold can grow. For the majority of persons, undisturbed mold does not pose serious health risks, according to the Centers for Disease Control. But the government says mold can be “a greater hazard for persons with conditions such as impaired host defenses or mold allergies.”
If you have only a minor outbreak in a very small area, you may be able to contain it without buying a dehumidifier. You can use a stiff brush, a non-ammonia detergent, and hot water to scrub mold off non-porous surfaces. To get between edges or tiles, use a stiff-bristle toothbrush or grout brush.
You can also make a paste of baking soda and water and brush with that. Remember to ventilate the room where you’re working, wear gloves, and use a protective mask, since mold spores can be inhaled.
New energy efficiency standards
Dehumidifiers work by using a fan to pull air over two sets of refrigerant-filled coils, which pull moisture from the air and drip it into a tank. Different models vary according to how many pints of moisture they can remove in 24 hours. In Consumer Reports’ tests, some models came much closer than others to the humidity levels that were set on the humidistat; some used less energy or ran more quietly; and some models handled simulated power outages better than others.
As of October 2012, federal energy efficiency standards for dehumidifiers will become roughly 20 percent stricter, on average. Energy Star models typically will have to capture about 4 pints of water for every kilowatt-hour of electricity used. That could save you about $20 per year, though prices could rise by up to $40 to cover the cost of better airflow and other improvements.
Large capacity models already approach the new standards and tend to be the most energy efficient, removing up to 75 pints per day. They can also handle a wider range of humidity levels with little or no additional noise. And you may be able to run a large model on a lower, quieter setting. Some manufacturers are scaling back on small units, which remove fewer than 45 pints per day and have been least impressive overall.
(This article is adapted from the June 2012 Consumer Reports magazine.)
 |
The ideal indoor relative humidity is between 30 to 50 percent. At higher levels mold can grow. For the majority of persons, undisturbed mold does not pose serious health risks, according to the Centers for Disease Control. But the government says mold can be “a greater hazard for persons with conditions such as impaired host defenses or mold allergies.”
If you have only a minor outbreak in a very small area, you may be able to contain it without buying a dehumidifier. You can use a stiff brush, a non-ammonia detergent, and hot water to scrub mold off non-porous surfaces. To get between edges or tiles, use a stiff-bristle toothbrush or grout brush.
You can also make a paste of baking soda and water and brush with that. Remember to ventilate the room where you’re working, wear gloves, and use a protective mask, since mold spores can be inhaled.
New energy efficiency standards
Dehumidifiers work by using a fan to pull air over two sets of refrigerant-filled coils, which pull moisture from the air and drip it into a tank. Different models vary according to how many pints of moisture they can remove in 24 hours. In Consumer Reports’ tests, some models came much closer than others to the humidity levels that were set on the humidistat; some used less energy or ran more quietly; and some models handled simulated power outages better than others.
As of October 2012, federal energy efficiency standards for dehumidifiers will become roughly 20 percent stricter, on average. Energy Star models typically will have to capture about 4 pints of water for every kilowatt-hour of electricity used. That could save you about $20 per year, though prices could rise by up to $40 to cover the cost of better airflow and other improvements.
Large capacity models already approach the new standards and tend to be the most energy efficient, removing up to 75 pints per day. They can also handle a wider range of humidity levels with little or no additional noise. And you may be able to run a large model on a lower, quieter setting. Some manufacturers are scaling back on small units, which remove fewer than 45 pints per day and have been least impressive overall.
We go above and beyond your expectations to ensure that you’re comfortable in your home! Our technicians are fully licensed and insured, and they receive ongoing training and education to keep up with the technology in heating and cooling systems!
So contact your local HVAC specialist today experience clean and comfortable air!
303-833-4466
303-833-4466
Tankless Water Heater - Weekly Special!
Time to Upgrade - Save up to $600
Go Hybrid and save some
serious green!
Receive up to $300 Cash Back! Purchase and install an Eternal hybrid water heater and receive up to $300 cash back by mail. Offer good on units purchased and installed by June 15, 2012.
With the Eternal hybrid water heater, you get endless hot water without sacrificing water pressure. Its compact stainless steel design is up to 98% efficient, durable, and leaves almost no carbon footprint.
Call 303-833-4466 now for an
additional $300 off installation.
Terms and conditions apply. May not be combined with any other offer, coupon, special or promotion.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)