Like Things Compact? Try the NewAir AF-310 Evaporative Tower Cooling Fan!

The ‘80s seemed to be the decade of excess in America: big hair, big beats and big shoulder pads. During the ‘90s, society moved away from all things big little by little. Big hair seemed passé, stripped down music was in-vogue and slimmed-down lines graced the runways. The goal nowadays is to be as compact as possible. This goal is far reaching, spanning into almost every segment of society. I was making an introduction for a video series and asked my colleague for a critique. He liked the style but had one complaint: it was too long. Keep in mind that this introduction was a mere 20-25 seconds long. Some other examples of the obsession with compactness are:

News and Information: I was listening to the radio this morning and someone was mentioning how they like to use Wikipedia to gather information because, “everything is in one place.” Wikipedia converts a large amount of information into an easy-to-read summary. It is constantly being updated and is even split into clever subcategories on more complicated subjects. I’ve also noticed that morning, midday and evening newscasts are starting to cycle their news stories even more quickly than before. I’ll hear the same three to four news stories every 7-8 minutes. I guess they figure that the attention spans of their viewers are that short.

Technology: Have you ever seen that Saturday Night Live sketch that features Will Ferrell with a minuscule cell phone? It may have lost some of its comedic bite over the years because that really it the direction in which cell phones are moving. Apple’s iPods seem to be moving in that direction as well with the introduction of the iPod Shuffle, iPod Nano and iPod Mini. Oh, and a discussion of miniature gadgets would not be complete without a mention of the MacBook Air, the world’s thinnest and lightest laptop.

Social Networking: The whole social networking phenomenon really blew up with the widespread use of MySpace and Facebook. Both of these websites pare a whole person’s personality into a profile page. Micro-blogging recently gained popularity with Twitter as the front runner. It minimizes a person’s day-to-day experiences into a series of updates limited to 140 characters.

Body Image: There was a time not so long ago when celebrities with womanly curves such as Jennifer Lopez and Salma Hayek were celebrated. As of late, the trend of envied celebrity body-types lean toward paper-thin role models. For example Lindsay Lohan, an incredibly svelte starlet, is being forced to gain weight for her next movie role. Producers want her to look like a “normal, healthy girl.” This directly affects young women, influencing their opinions of what makes them attractive in society's eyes. As of this moment, the thinner, the better.

To abate the extreme hunger for compactness, NewAir has introduced the AF-310 Evaporative Tower Cooling Fan. This unit is incredibly compact, making it fit in perfectly with all of your other condensed and concise items. As well as being slim enough to operate from any area in your home, the NewAir AF-310 Evaporative Tower Cooling Fan also features a 4-in-1 design, a built-in ionizer, easy-to-use controls and oscillating louvers.

I hope this is not too long for this compact world!

Vacuum Cleaner Review: The Eureka 4870HZ Boss SmartVac Upright Vacuum Cleaner

I recently discovered that I have allergies. I’ve probably had them for my entire life but I just figured out why I always seem to get sick around the fall and the spring. As a direct result of this discovery, I have decided that I need to vacuum way more often. I tend to let dust collect for a longer time than any other human being would deem adequate. This means my search for a powerful vacuum that also eliminates allergens is on. Here is my review of the best vacuum cleaner I've found for my needs.

Different vacuum cleaners have different sizes and shapes. As well as being shaped and sized differently, they are all suited for different specific tasks. Upright vacuums are especially adept at cleaning wall-to-wall carpeting and capture and hold more dirt and debris than canister vacuum cleaners. They are also outfitted with more powerful motors and can be set to use a beater head for carpets and static suction for bare floors. The Eureka 4870HZ Boss SmartVac Upright Vacuum Cleaner comes with a variety of specialized features that help you clean your home thoroughly. These advanced features include:

Easy Storage:

Cord retainer- For easy power cord storage.

Hose Retainers- The hose is incredibly easy to store.

Tool Storage- All of the tools can easily be stored on board. They can be accessed whenever needed.

Easy Maintenance:

Bag Cover Latch- Change the disposable dust bag with ease.

HEPA Filter Door Latch- Easy access to the HEPA filter so it can be changed if needed.

Easy Operation:

Handle Release- Pull the handle back as far as you need for a comfortable cleaning position.

Stair Handle- Cleaning stairs is simple with the convenient feature.

Brush Roll Control- The brushroll can be turned off or on at the flip of a switch so that you can clean bare floors or carpeting.

Headlight- Cleaning in dark crevices and corners is easily handled.

Carrying Handle- Portability is increased considerably by the convenient carrying handle.

Specialized Features:

Adjustable Height Setting- The cleaner height can be raised or lowered to correctly clean whatever type of floor surface. For effective cleaning, the brush roll must reach the carpet.

Thermal Cutoff- In case the vacuum cleaner ever overheats, this feature will automatically turn it off for your safety.

Turbo Nozzle- A power paw with riser visor eliminates dust, dirt and pet hair from upholstery backs and stair risers.

Sealed HEPA Filter- 99.97% of dust, allergens and pet dander are captured by this filtration system. All particulates are sealed inside of the vacuum cleaner, keeping your home allergen-free.

Comfortable Oval Handle- This vacuum is easily maneuvered and easy to clean with.

Suction Control Switch- For optimum power while cleaning, a suction control switch can direct suction power to the area you need it most: the hose or the floor.

Air & Water: Now on Video!

According to Google, the number of streams per day on Google/YouTube is above 1 billion per day worldwide. This means that nearly everyone on the internet (on average) is watching one YouTube video per day. To acknowledge this trend, Air & Water has started releasing videos for your viewing pleasure.

The latest video we've released features reasons to purchase from Air & Water.

These include:

-A diverse selection of products including portable ice makers, portable air conditioners, heaters and vacuum cleaners.

-Excellent customer service including customer service specialists that are available via chat, e-mail or telephone. We also provide will call services to customers local to the Santa Ana, CA area.

-Informative product guides and unbiased product reviews are available on our websites to keep you completely informed about all of the products we offer.

The other videos we've posted include:

-Our recently concluded Summer Fan Contest. Congratulations Mark Ellis Harmon! Everyone who entered the contest received a free fan and Mark will be receiving a brand new NewAir AF-350 Swamp Cooler as our big winner.

-The NewAir AF-350 Portable Swamp Cooler: An inexpensive way to provide cooling when the weather heats up.

-The Dirt Devil 0105 Purpose for Pets Handheld Vacuum Review: A great vacuum cleaner for pet owners and allergy sufferers.

-A silent film about summer cooling: That's right. We've made a silent film that displays all the different products we offer to provide great cooling. As a result of popular demand, we've decided to shoot a silent film series. Look out for more silent films from Air & Water in the future.

Hopefully we can be one of the videos you view today!

The NewAir AC-10000E Portable Air Conditioner: My Biggest College Regret

I really miss college. It was a time in my life where every minute and every task was leading up to a specific goal. The one thing that really cheesed me off when I left college, though, was all the things that were brought to my college after I graduated. For instance, a very convenient trolley that was inexpensive and carried students directly from the campus to the train station was opened about a month after I left college. Also, a state-of-the-art student center was opened the semester after I graduated. Any friends who were still attending my university were quick to tell me, "the center is awesome" and "too bad you already graduated." One of the other things that I did not have the pleasure of using while I was I college is the Amazon Kindle. If you are unfamiliar with the Kindle, it is a wireless reading device that can hold over 1,500 books. This would have been so helpful in college, considering I was a creative writing major and reading books was a significant portion of my academic program. I guess I can't really blame technology for improving, but is it my fault I was born a couple of years too early?

One innovation I really could have used in my college dorm or my college apartment is the NewAir AC-10000E Portable Air Conditioner. Portable air conditioners are great for smaller areas like dorm rooms or apartments because they offer quick, efficient cooling without sacrificing precious living space. Here are the features the NewAir AC-10000E offers that could have made my college years in a hot, dry climate a lot more comfortable:

Sleek Design: My dorm room wouldn't allow window air conditioners and sometimes my roommates and I couldn't agree on a standard apartment temperature. This portable ac would have kept my comfortable without breaking any rules or causing discomfort to others. It is also very light, making it easy to move from room to room.

Self Evaporative Technology: As a busy college student, I was too occupied with studying (or partying) to have to empty a water bucket. The AC-10000E features self-evaporative technology that removes collected moisture by evaporating it into the exhausted air.

Powerful Cooling: My whole dorm room and my entire room in my apartment would have been kept comfortably cool by the 10,000 verified BTUs of cooling power.

Built-In Timer: Money as well as time was tight back then, so the built-in 12 hour programmable timer that allowed you to set the length of operation would have been extremely beneficial. It saves time and reduces energy consumption.

Filters Indoor Air: Once I entered college I noticed that during the spring semester every year, my nose would start running, my eyes would start watering and my throat was extremely irritated. This was the beginning of my seasonal allergies. The NewAir AC-10000E portable air conditioner features a bonus air filter that removes airborne contaminants such as dust and dander which really helps allergy sufferers like me.

Great Value: I worked at the campus library for about 10 hours a week, so I was hardly raking in the dough. That would have been no problem because this unit is very affordable. It also saves you money because it can work as an air conditioner, dehumidifier, fan and air filter.

Air-N-Water.com's First Summer Contest!

"We have a winner, believe it or not!"

That is a familiar phrase, heard by radio contest participants around the country once the lucky winner is determined. I've never been on the receiving end of these fortuitous words. I'm one of those people who would say, "I've never won anything before!" if I ever won something. Well, that's not completely true. I've caught the bouquet at a couple of weddings. That's like winning, I guess. You get a one way ticket to marital bliss according to tradition.

Air & Water, Inc is prepared to deem everyone a winner in their summer contest. All the people who dial their fingers down to a nub trying to win concert tickets, elbow bridesmaids or groomsmen out of their way to catch a bouquet or garter, or just don't even try anymore can stop worrying about when their day will come. It is here. It is now. It is time for free fans!

All you have to do to be a happy winner in the contest is:

- Have a blog or webpage.
- Write an entry called "Cool Sounds of Summer".
- List 3 songs that have the word "air" or "water" in the title.
- Provide a link to www.air-n-water.com.
- Send your name, shipping address and a link to your blog or webpage to contest@air-n-water.com.
- Wait for your free Lakewood 1002 Electric Fan ($15.99 value) to come in the mail!

That's not it, though.

At the conclusion of the contest, all of the entrant will be entered into a drawing for a Free NewAir AF-350 Swamp Cooler ($199.95 value).

Hurry, while supplies last. The contest ends on Friday 06/05/09 and quantities are limited to 150 free fans. You must be over 18 to enter. Contiguous United States residents only. One entry per household please. Unfortunately, we cannot ship to P.O. boxes.

We can't wait to compile our Cool Sounds of Summer playlist!

Window Air Conditioners: Cool Small Spaces Effectively and Economically

When only a single room needs to be cooled rather than an entire home or business, a window air conditioner is a more economical choice than central air conditioning. The initial costs are less expensive and they cost less to operate over time. These appliances sit in a window so that warm air can be exhausted to the outside. They do not need to be permanently installed, so during the winter they can be stored to prevent drafts. Some window air conditioners can be built into the wall for a more permanent installation as well.

The important thing to take note of when choosing a window air conditioner is the cooling capacity. Cooling capacity is measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units) per hour. If you purchase an ac without enough BTUs, it will run continuously without cooling the room effectively. If the window ac has too many BTUs, the room will be cooled too quickly and the unit won’t remove as much humidity from the air as it should. It will turn off and on repeatedly and the room will feel damp, clammy and uncomfortable. Also, if the unit has a cooling capacity that is too large it will cost more and use more energy. A properly sized unit removes humidity effectively as it cools.

To purchase a window air conditioner that has the correct cooling capacity you should follow a few simple steps. First you’ll need to measure the space that needs to be cooled. You can estimate the square footage that needs to be cooled by multiplying the length of the room by the width. Here is a chart that presents the recommended BTUs for the amount of space to be cooled:

Square Footage	Amount of BTUs Needed
100 to 150	5,000
150 to 250	6,000
250 to 300	7,000
300 to 350	8,000
350 to 400	9,000
400 to 450	10,000
450 to 550	12,000
550 to 700	14,000
700 to 1,000	18,000
1,000 to 1,400	24,000

Some helpful hints for choosing the correct cooling capacity include:

-Reduce BTU capacity by 10 % if the room is heavily shaded.

-Increase the BTU capacity by 10% if the room is very sunny.

-Add 600 BTUs per person if more than 2 people regularly occupy the room.

-Increase the capacity by 4,000 BTUs if the window air conditioner is for a kitchen.

Another important factor to include in your window ac decision is the EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio). This figure approximates the unit’s operating cost as compared to similar models. The higher the value of the EER, the less it will cost to operate. If possible, try to choose an Energy Star rated window ac. These units have high efficiency compressors, fan motors and heat transfer surfaces. The amount of energy required to compress the refrigerant is reduced. They exceed the minimum federal standards for energy consumption by at least 15%.

Some important features to look out for are an energy saving feature, 3 speed fan controls, digital thermostats, an adjustable timer and an easy slide-out filter. The energy saving feature cycles the compressor off and on so that it doesn’t operate continuously and operating costs are reduced. 3 speed fan controls allow the adjustment of the amount of cool air (and noise) the window ac produces. Digital thermostats keep your unit precise and easy to use. A timer allows the window air conditioner to come on when you desire so it isn’t controlled by the temperature of the room only. Finally, most air conditioners have filters that need to be cleaned periodically, so choose one with a filter that easily slides out. Keeping the filter clean save money and energy.

Portable AC Manufacturers Going Green in Time for Earth Day 2009

Earth Day 2009 is coming up. Celebrated on April 22, Earth Day is a day designed to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth's environment. It's held ever year during the spring in the northern hemisphere and the fall in the southern hemisphere. It was founded by the U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson as an environmental teach-in in 1970 and is celebrated in many countries every year.

Soleus has started a green initiative called the "Green Program." They strive to bring you energy efficient products, technologies and features. Their goal is to highlight energy efficient products and how energy is saved by using them. The Soleus "Green" logo of approval will be given to every product, feature or technology that can potentially save you money and decrease your overall energy usage. They will also provide general information and ways that you can save energy in your home or office. Basically, Soleus wants to be the "Green" headquarters by offering products, information and tips on how to save energy.

The United States and other countries have passed federal laws requiring commercial facilities to convert usage of R22 refrigerant to a more environmentally friendly alternative. The focus of the concern surrounding the usage of R22 refrigerant are the hydrochlorocarbons contained in R22. These harmful gases are released into the air when a refrigerant leak occurs which adds to the growing problem of global warming and continues to deplete the Earth's protective ozone layer. R22 is already banned in various areas of production such as household equipment and in certain types of vehicles. It's also no longer used in the manufacture of new refrigeration and air conditioning equipment. In 2010, new refrigerant for the maintenance and servicing of existing refrigeration and air conditioning systems will be banned. By 2015, recycled R22 refrigerant for the same purposes will be prohibited.

A R22 refrigerant gets phased out, more and more portable air conditioner manufacturers have begun using R-410A refrigerant. This is an energy efficient and environmentally friendly refrigerant. Unlike haloalkane refrigerants it doesn't contribute to ozone depletion. Other benefits of R-410A are low energy consumption, increased product performance, no ozone depleting chemicals (no chlorine), improved product reliability, uses state of the art technology, enhanced heat pump performance and meets clean air act requirements for 2010.

DeLonghi, a company known for producing high-quality, long lasting, Italian designed consumer products, has introduced two new portable air conditioners that utilize R-410A eco friendly refrigerant gas. The DeLonghi PAC-A120E 12,000 BTU Pinguino Portable Air Conditioner utilizes this cost effective, environmentally-friendly refrigerant and can function as an air conditioner, fan and dehumidifier. The DeLonghi PAC-W130E Pinguino Portable AC uses R410A refrigerant and features an exclusive Biosilver Tech system that purifies the air with ionizers and operates on water for maximum power.