'Air Conditioners' Category

Like a humidifier, a dehumidifier can provide a lot of comfort for a small price. If you live in an area where you often hear that it's not the heat, it's the humidity - taking the water out of the air can make summers more bearable. Plug a dehumidifier into a grounded outlet. [...] Read More

All humidifiers increase the relative humidity in the house. But they differ significantly in appearance, operation, cost and maintenance requirements. You can choose portable units or have one central unit installed in the ductwork of a forced-air heating and cooling system. [...] Read More

Odors most often indicate the presence of bacteria in the water reservoir or filtering system. To kill the bacteria, clear the unit with a solution of 1 tablespoon of chlorine bleach per pint of water or use an antibacterial cleaner recommended by the manufacturer. Then rinse thoroughly with plain water. [...] Read More

Every humidifier has its own cleaning and maintenance needs. Don't use a humidifier unless you're read the owner's manual and are prepared to keep the unit clean. If not kept clean, evaporative and ultrasonic humidifiers can spew bacteria, fungi, mold and mineral dust which can lead to harmful allergy problems or illness. [...] Read More

When it comes to comfort, air temperatures and relative humidity are closely related. Most people are comfortable when the temperature is between 65 degrees and 75 degrees F and the relative humidity is between 30 and 65 percent. This is why it often makes sense to use humidifiers in the summer in warm dry climates and during cold periods in areas with dry winters. [...] Read More

Central air conditioners should be covered in winter and window units can be covered while still in the window. However make sure to use breathable material for the cover. [...] Read More

Refrigerant lines connect the evaporator coils inside the house with the condenser unit outside. The pressurized refrigerant circulates through the two unit. Have the refrigerant level checked every other year by a certified service person. [...] Read More

Clean the condenser coils and fins on the outdoor unit once a year, at the beginning of the cooling season and more often if they get particularly dirty. Shut off the power to the unit and turn up the thermostat. Remove the metal grill and if necessary the housing from the unit. [...] Read More

Central air conditioners work best when the area around the outdoor unit is kept free of debris. Trim bushes periodically so that they are at least 2 feet away. If you have any trees nearby, you will have to keep the grills cleared of leaves in the fall. [...] Read More

Clean the filter at least once a month during the cooling season. It will help the unit run more efficiently. Turn off the unit and remove the unit's front grill to reach the filter, usually held in place by spring clips or hidden tabs along its top edge. [...] Read More