NewAir ACP-1300H Portable AC Provides 13,000 BTUs of Cooling and Heating in One Unit!

Keeping cool indoors during the blistering summer can be a problem. When the sun beats down on homes and buildings, indoor temperatures can rise to unbearable levels. While an air conditioner can provide substantial relief, the electricity costs to run a standard window AC or central air conditioner can be sky-high. In addition, for those who live in apartments or condominiums, installing traditional air conditioning units may not be possible due to size or installation constraints.

Thankfully, portable air conditioners can solve all of these cooling problems and more. Portable ACs are primarily used for spot cooling, but they are especially suitable for apartments that do not permit window units or for homes with windows that cannot accommodate permanently installed window air conditioners. Like traditional air conditioners, portable ACs cool the air via the refrigeration cycle and also remove moisture, but unlike window or central air conditioners, portable ACs do not require any type of permanent installation. They are fully mobile, usually equipped with casters, and can be moved from room to room without any trouble. However, portable air conditioners do need to be vented out of a window, drop ceiling, or wall, but this is easily accomplished with the help of a window kit (usually included with the portable AC).

When choosing a portable air conditioner, there are a number of factors you should consider before making a purchase, but one of the most important is a unit’s BTU rating. Portable ACs are rated in BTUs, or British Thermal Units, and the higher the BTU rating, the stronger the portable air conditioner. However, when choosing a portable air conditioner, be sure to find one that’s suitable for your room size, as a unit without enough BTUs will not effectively cool an area while one with too many BTUs will cycle off too quickly. Here are some rough estimates:

7,500 BTUs: 150 square feet
9,000 BTUs: 200 square feet
10,000 BTUs: 250 square feet
12,000 BTUs: 350 square feet

In any case, surprisingly enough, despite the many different types of portable air conditioners on the market, there are only a handful of portable air conditioner comparisons and reviews out there to aid consumers and as such, our product team has been busy testing some of the best portable air conditioners available. For this week, we came across the NewAir ACP-1300H portable air conditioner – one of NewAir’s newest product offerings. The following is our review:

Style and Design:
When we first saw the ACP-1300H, we were impressed by its size and style. Although it weighed roughly 88 pounds or so, the inclusion of large, easy-to-roll casters allowed us to move the unit from the living room of our apartment to the bedroom and back. The all-white finish on the ACP-1300H was clean and sleek, while the elongated body style was perfect for corner placement. For effortless operation, the NewAir ACP-1300H featured a clear VFD display screen which also illuminated in the dark. A remote control let us operate the AC from across the room, while the standard household outlet did not require us to perform any additional electrical work. In fact, we were able to get the ACP-1300H up and running in just minutes.

Cooling Abilities and Condensate Removal:
As stated above, a portable AC’s BTU rating is one of the most things to look for. As such, we were assured by NewAir that the ACP-1300H offered 13,000 BTUs of cooling, and this was true. In fact, even on low speed, it did a great job of cooling our 400 square foot living room. Furthermore, the ACP-1300H utilized evaporative technology. This meant that the unit sent all the condensate out of the window in the main exhaust hose so we didn’t have to empty a separate water contain cup. Moreover, the ACP-1300H also functioned as dehumidifier (up to 120 pints per day).

Multi-Functional:
The NewAir ACP-1300H portable air conditioner could do more than just cool. In fact, it even had a powerful built-in 13,000 BTU space heater for use during the colder months. Best of all, this portable AC also featured an ionizer to remove harmful particles such as dust and dander, as well as an activated carbon filter to keep the air fresh from odors.

Overall, we really liked the NewAir ACP-1300H and the features it had to offer. At less than $500, we also felt this portable air conditioner was a great value.

NewAir ACP-1400E: First Portable AC with Germicidal UV Lamp

Portable air conditioners are usually what people turn to in hot weather conditions, but for apartment or condominium dwellers, window or central air conditioning systems may not be plausible due to size or cost constraints. As such, finding an efficient way to stay cool in the summer may seem like a daunting task. However, with the advent of the portable air conditioner, you can now experience cooling comfort without having to permanently install an air conditioning unit or even have to pay sky-high energy bills that come along with these traditional cooling systems.

Portable air conditioners, much like central or window air conditioners, produce a cooling effect via the refrigeration cycle. Room air circulates over cold evaporator coils to dehumidify the air, while the room air also flows over the hot condenser and is exhausted outdoors. However, portable air conditioners and window/central air conditioners differ somewhat in design. Instead of having to be permanently installed, a portable AC simply requires venting of the exhaust with the help of an included window kit and a collapsible duct similar to a clothes dryer duct. In fact, portable air conditioners can even be vented out of a drop ceiling or wall if windows aren’t available. For mobility, casters are usually built into the unit so that you can move the portable AC from room to room with ease.

With that said, there are a number of portable air conditioners available, and of course, some cool a room faster than others and the more advanced units even come with additional features such as air filters and evaporative technology. Because summer is quickly approaching, our product team has been hard at work trying to review the best portable ACs out there, and we recently came across the NewAir ACP-1400E. To simulate typical usage, we situated the NewAir ACP-1400 in the 300 square foot bedroom of our product editor’s home on a recent sunny Southern California afternoon, and here were our findings:

First Impression
Upon first glance, we were most impressed by the ACP-1400E’s modern style and design. It was lightweight, easy to maneuver between bedrooms, and featured a white body with silver accents. Its unique cubic shape was different from all of the other portable air conditioners we’ve seen, and this made it perfect for our slightly cramped testing area. The LCD control panel provided extremely clear contrast, while the buttons were large and quite intuitive. We also noticed that the unit’s louvers were fully adjustable and this helped us control the airflow to our needs. Furthermore, we found that the telescopic window kit included with the unit was easy to install and that the exhaust hose was fully extendable. In fact, in just minutes, we were able to get the ACP-1400E portable air conditioner up and running.

Cooling Capacity
When shopping for a portable air conditioner, you’ll find the term “BTU” commonly used. As an acronym for “British Thermal Units,” this refers a portable AC’s cooling capacity and can range anywhere from 5,000 to 18,000 BTUs. Therefore, the higher the BTU value, the stronger the air conditioner. The NewAir ACP-1400E boasted 14,000 verified BTUs of cooling power, and we were extremely pleased at how cool our bedroom became. In fact, we unknowingly had it set on the lowest setting initially and we were even amazed at the cold blasts of air that came from the unit.

Auto-Evaporation and Dehumidification
Due to the refrigeration cycle, all air conditioners will act as dehumidifiers, and the NewAir ACP-1400E is no exception. In fact, when not in air conditioning mode, the unit worked as a dehumidifier/air circulator. The ACP-1400E also utilized advanced auto-evaporative technology which eliminated the need to empty water buckets in ideal conditions.

Advanced Air Purification
In addition to powerful cooling abilities, the NewAir ACP-1400E portable air conditioner helped clean the air with its ionizer, but it also had one feature we’ve never seen in any other unit before: a germicidal UV light. UV light technology has been commonly used in the water purification industry to remove harmful microbiological impurities, and in air purification, this technology works similarly. In other words, light generated by a powerful UV lamp oxidizes contaminants such as mold, viruses, and bacteria. Thus, with the NewAir ACP-1400E, you stay cool and breathe easier.

Overall, while slightly pricier than some bargain models, the ACP-1400E offered the power and advanced features we couldn’t find anywhere else.

NewAir ACP-1000E: Best Portable AC Under $300!

During the middle of summer, rising temperatures can be extremely stifling and can even contribute to a host of severe and potentially life-threatening health problems such as heatstroke. As such, finding an efficient method of cooling is an absolute necessity. One of the most cost-efficient ways to stay cool is obviously through the use of electric or ceiling fans, but these often do little when it comes to significant temperature reductions. Swamp coolers are also gaining popularity as a “green” way to cool, but these appliances are only suitable for dry, arid climates such as the American Southwest. Therefore, how is one to stay cool and comfortable without having to deal with sky-high energy bills?

Thankfully, the answer lies in a relatively new invention: the portable air conditioner. Compact, lightweight, and requiring no permanent installation, portable air conditioners can be a lifesaver during the sizzling summer months because they offer efficient spot cooling for a fraction of the cost of a central air conditioning system. Moreover, because they do not require permanent installation and are fully mobile, they are excellent for areas that cannot accommodate traditional air conditioning units such as apartments or condominiums.

However, keep in mind that most portable air conditioners are priced slightly higher than window units with similar cooling capacities, but the convenient installation and mobility of portable ACs is worth the price premium. Some no-frills models can be had for around $200, but we found these to often be lacking in power and features. Therefore, on average, a quality portable air conditioner will cost around $400 and upwards. Nonetheless, in our product team’s quest to find the best portable air conditioner on the market, we’ve actually come across one of the best values in portable air conditioners out there with the NewAir ACP-1000E. Priced just under $300, the NewAir ACP-1000E not offered excellent cooling, it also functioned as an air circulator, dehumidifier, and air purifier. After testing this unit in a 200 square foot bedroom of a 1000 square foot apartment on a hot Southern California afternoon, here were our findings:

At a Glance
The NewAir ACP-1000E weighed approximately 70 pounds but came equipped with large, rolling casters for easy mobility. The unit sported a clean, white finish that was modern, yet discreet, and when placed in the corner of our bedroom, we found it to be non-obtrusive. The NewAir ACP-1000E also had an easy-to-read LCD screen with push-button controls. The fan output speed, air oscillation function, and thermostat were easily adjustable, and the inclusion of a remote control allowed us to operate the NewAir ACP-1000E from across the room.

Cooling Abilities:
Many room air conditioners only feature 6,000 to 8,000 BTUs of cooling power which makes them only suitable for the smallest of spaces. However, NewAir claimed the ACP-1000E portable AC had a verified 10,000 BTUs of cooling and could sufficiently cool areas up to 200 square feet. We found this to be true, and while the square footage of our testing room would have been considered the maximum area that this unit could handle, we felt that the ACP-1000E provided enough cooling power that would make it even suitable for larger bedrooms or even living rooms under the right climate conditions.

Condensate Removal:
Because portable air conditioners use the refrigeration cycle to cool and remove moisture from the air, they also function as dehumidifiers. The NewAir ACP-1000E portable AC was especially suited for this purpose, as it had the ability to remove up to 95 pints of water per day. In addition, because this united utilized auto-evaporative technology, this negated the need to empty water buckets (especially humid climates which will still need to deal with some condensation, though significantly less than with older-style portable ACs).

Air Cleaning:
One of the greatest features of the NewAir ACP-1000E was the fact that it came with a built-in ionizer for particle abatement. Moreover, the washable air filter helped remove larger particulates like dust and hair.

Overall, we found the NewAir ACP-1000E portable AC to be one of the most affordable, yet feature-rich models around, and we were definitely impressed with its cooling ability. For a value-priced portable AC that will deliver many of the functions found in pricier models, the NewAir ACP-1000E is definitely a great buy.

NewAir ACP-1000H Portable AC Review - Great Features; Great Value!

Temperatures are climbing and many of us are scrambling to ways to escape the imminent summer heat. Unfortunately, for apartment dwellers or those who cannot make use of central air conditioners or window units due to cost or size restrictions, staying cool may involve the use of an open window and an electric fan.

The good news is that there is a cooling option for those who live in areas that cannot accommodate traditional air conditioners. Although portable ACs are a relatively new invention, they have the ability to significantly lower temperatures without permanently installing an outside or central unit. Instead, portable air conditioners are almost like simpler versions of window ACs because they utilize the refrigeration process to cool the air. However, instead of breaking into a wall or reconfiguring a window, portable air conditioners simply require venting out a window, drop ceiling, or wall through the position of a flexible hose. A box-like frame holds the cold and hot side of the air conditioner, and during the cooling process, moisture is removed out of the air and used to cool the unit itself. Therefore, not only do portable ACs cool the air, they also dehumidify it, making them excellent for humid climates.

In our quest to find the best portable air conditioner, our product team has come across several models with different features and in different price ranges. Across the board, one of the most popular features we’ve seen is auto-evaporative technology. Older portable air conditioner models often came with drain buckets which collected the condensate from the air. Subsequently, these receptacles would have to be emptied periodically. However, evaporative cooling technology means that most of the condensate is evaporated into the air. Nonetheless, in especially humid climates, keep in mind that some moisture will still need to be collected and removed anyway.

That said, one of the most recent portable air conditioners we’ve reviewed is the NewAir ACP-1000H portable air conditioner. This unit was tested in the 400 square foot living room of a 1,000 square foot studio apartment on a warm, 85° F Southern California afternoon and here were our findings:

First Impression
The NewAir ACP-1000H portable AC was more compact when compared to several other units we tested. Large, rolling casters allowed us to move it from the living room to the bedroom with ease, and the white housing was not obtrusive in the least bit. We also found the electronic display panel to be easy to read, and the remote control was a nice touch. In fact, we were to be control the unit from about 15 feet away without any problems.

BTUs
We found that a lot of manufactures tend to overstate their BTU ratings, but this wasn’t the case with the NewAir ACP-1000H portable AC. NewAir claims this unit has 10,000 BTUs of cooling power with a thermostat range of 61° F to 88° F, and this was more than enough to cool a small area such as the one we tested. In fact, in terms of cost to cooling capacity ratios, this unit offered us 10,000 BTUs of cooling power for what it would have cost us to purchase a smaller, less efficient 8,000 BTU portable air conditioner.

Noise
This portable AC had a decibel rating of under 51 dB, and we found that this didn’t interfere with our environment in the least. In fact, we had it running with a television at the same time at the highest setting, and while we could hear it working, it wasn’t disturbing.

Auto-Evaporative Technology
As mentioned above, auto evaporative technology is one of the newest features offered by many advanced portable air conditioners, and the NewAir ACP-1000H was no exception. Because our environment wasn’t too humid, we didn’t have to worry about the condensate.

Multiple Appliances in One
Because portable ACs remove moisture from the air, they also act as dehumidifiers. However, in addition to cooling and dehumidifying the air, the NewAir ACP-1000H portable air conditioner also came with the addition of three other built-in appliances: a fan, heater, and air purifier. When not in cooling mode, the NewAir ACP-1000H acted as a fan with oscillating louvers. The inclusion of a 10,000 BTU space heater meant that for the price of an affordable portable AC, you would also get a space heater, making this unit suitable for year-round use. Moreover, to address indoor air pollutant issues, NewAir also designed a built-in air purifier with the unit. A washable pre-filter caught large particles such as dust and dander, while the ionizer attracted smaller particulates onto electrically-charged plates (ieal for pet owners).

Therefore, after extensive testing, we found that the NewAir ACP-1000H proved to be a great portable air conditioner for spot cooling our apartment. Also, costing a little over $300, it was a great value when compared to pricier models with less features.

Portable AC Review: NewAir AC-12000E

With the summer months quickly approaching, many consumers may be thinking of turning to air conditioners for comfort. However, instead of having to pay sky-high electric bill this summer, why not spot cool with a portable air conditioner instead?

Because portable ACs are fully mobile, compact, and require no permanent installation, they provide excellent supplemental or spot cooling in homes or offices both with and without existing central systems. In fact, for those residing in condominiums or apartment buildings, installing traditional air conditioners may not be feasible due to size or building constraints. Therefore, instead of suffering through the summer, a portable air conditioner may be your best bet to beat the heat.

Portable ACs allow you to conveniently and cost-effectively take control of indoor temperatures, and when used correctly, they may provide you significant energy savings. Portable ACs, like window or central air conditioners, utilize the refrigeration cycle to lower temperatures and also act as dehumidifiers because they remove condensate from the air. Therefore, they are best suited for areas with higher humidity levels.

Unlike window units which pull air from the outdoors to cool a room, portable ACs use indoor air. This warm air is dehumidified and the collected condensate is either collected in a bucket or tank, or in more advanced portable air conditioners, the amount of resulting liquid can be removed or reduced through the use of self-evaporative technology. In addition, portable air conditioners will also require venting hot air through an exhaust hose that extends outside a window, through a drop ceiling or through a wall, but this can be accomplished with a window kit that is usually included with the portable AC.

With that said, there are so many different models of portable ACs on the market, and you may feel overwhelmed when shopping for one. We tested a variety of portable air conditioners and rated them in terms of size, cooling efficiency, and features, and one of the best models we found was the NewAir AC-12000E portable air conditioner.

At First Glance
Compact and equipped with casters for easy portability, this portable air conditioner was surprisingly space-saving and weighed 50 pounds (unlike some other models which we found to be extremely bulky and obtrusive). The sleek silver finish on this portable air conditioner gave the unit a stylish appearance that easily complimented the interior of our product editor’s 900 square foot studio apartment.

Cooling Capacity
The NewAir AC-12000E offered an impressive 12,000 BTUs of cooling power – making it one of the most compact models in its BTU class. In fact, when the unit was initially tested, we were wary of its BTU ratings since many manufacturers often over-exaggerate this measurement as a way to promote their products. However, the NewAir AC-12000E really delivered in terms of cooling power. The manufacturer also stated that this unit would be perfect in rooms up to 400 square feet in size, and this was true. The NewAir AC-12000E did an amazing job of cooling the apartment’s 300 square foot bedroom (and could probably cool a room significantly larger than ours).

Auto-Evaporative Technology and More
Another great feature of the NewAir AC-12000E was the fact that it utilized auto-evaporative technology. Since most of the condensed water removed from the air was expelled through the main exhaust hose, this dramatically cut down on the amount of water that had to be emptied from the tank. Furthermore, other impressive features included a very high energy-efficiency rating of 14.46 EER; a clear and vivid electronic display panel with remote controlled operation; and built-in emergency condensation container that prevented damage. Finally, in terms of sound levels, the NewAir AC-12000E produced less than 54 decibels, making it much quieter than the sound of normal conversation (60 decibels) and perfect for bedroom use.

Overall, at $389.95, the affordable NewAir AC-12000E portable air conditioner exceeded our product team’s cooling expectations and boasted a number of features normally found in more expensive models.

Maximize Your Air Conditioner's Efficiency This Summer

Studies have shown that heating and cooling systems account for over half of a household’s energy bill, and air conditioning itself uses almost 16% of total electricity (more than any other household appliance). Therefore, if you’re looking to cut down on your electric bill, addressing your cooling costs can result in significant savings and the following 5 tips can help:

1. Set Your Thermostat as High as Possible: For maximum savings, set your thermostat to 78°F or higher, as each degree setting below 78°F will increase your energy consumption by 8%. Also, if you don’t have one already, install an inexpensive programmable thermostat. These devices will optimize your home’s heating and cooling systems by automatically adjusting the temperature during low-occupancy hours.

2. Shade Sun-Exposed Walls and Windows: Whether you’re using a central, window, or portable air conditioner, be aware that direct sunlight streaming through your windows can raise temperatures significantly and substantially increase your cooling costs. Be sure to shade windows with drapes, curtains, or even trees and brushes when possible. Also, keep in mind that exterior shading is generally more effective than interior shading.

3. Use a Ceiling Fan in Conjunction with Your AC: Ceiling fans create air movement that can result in a 4°F drop in temperatures, and when used with an air conditioner, this allows you to set the thermostat higher than normal. Also, because ceiling fans generally use the same amount of electricity as a standard light bulb, it will only cost you pennies a day to operate.

4. Regularly Clean Filters: This is especially important during the cooling season. Be sure to clean your AC’s filter every month, as a dirty filter will result in decreased cooling efficiency and greater energy consumption.

5. Properly Seal Doors and Windows: When cool air escapes through cracks and openings such as doors as windows, don’t forget to weather-strip and caulk. Moreover, close the damper to the fireplace when it’s not in use to prevent cool air from escaping.

How to Keep Your Server Room Cool

Server rooms are basically rooms that house computer servers, and in the information technology sector, the term is used to describe small arrangements of servers, as larger groups of servers are located in data centers. Because server rooms are at the heart of IT operations, efficient setup and proper operation is absolutely crucial in order to prevent hardware malfunction and system failure.

When computer equipment overheats, this affects the life and reliability of the machines themselves, causing poor performance, system crashing, and random reboots. As a result, with the increased power of servers, the heat issue comes to the forefront. Unfortunately, when equipment overheats, damage costs can be sky-high in terms of hardware replacement and even worker productivity. Therefore, providing adequate temperature control twenty-hours a day is a must due to constant heat generation, but the problem with relying on central air conditioning systems is the fact they that they are prone to shutoffs during the weekends. In addition, air conditioning units are complex and have a tendency to fail suddenly, and server rooms usually do not have easy window access, which makes finding a way to keep equipment even more difficult.

Thankfully, one highly efficient way of stabilizing server temperatures is through the use of a portable air conditioner. The installation of portable air conditioners can help minimize the length of system shutdowns and severity of component failures due to the fact that they are reliable, easy to use, compact, and can easily be moved from one area to the next.

As self-contained cooling units, one of the biggest benefits of a portable air conditioner is the fact that it doesn’t require any type of permanent installation. Most come equipped with casters, and as an added bonus, they also act as dehumidifiers and help remove moisture from the room. This prevents breakdown of plastic used in equipment and also prevents premature aging. When choosing a portable air conditioner for a server room, one crucial feature that should be kept in mind is an automatic restart function. This keeps the unit running continuously, even in the case of power failure.

One highly-recommended portable air conditioner that is suitable for a server room is the NewAir ACP-1400E. Complete with advanced features such as an automatic restart function and a verifiable 14,000 BTU’s of cooling power, this portable air conditioner can keep your server room cool and more. When not in air conditioning mode, this portable AC works either as a dehumidifier or air circulator, and has automatic or manually-adjusted louvers. As well, the ACP-1400E is quiet, includes a programmable timer, and consumes very little power. A UV light and built-in ionizer helps clean the air as it’s being cooled, and because it features a unique design, it can fit into even the tightest of spaces. At $539.95, this server room portable air conditioner is a great investment.

Household Fans Demystified

Fans are appliances that are used to produce airflow for the purpose of climate control, ventilation, or exhaust, and they can come in the form of any type of vane used for producing air currents.

Fans have been used since antiquity for applications such as personal comfort, climate control, removing dust, drying, and to provide drafts for fires. The first mechanical fans were those found in the Middle East in the 1500s called punkahs. These consisted of canvas-covered frames that were suspended from ceilings, and servants operated these primitive fans by pulling a rope connected to the frame to move the device back and forth.

It wasn’t until the late 1890s to the early 1920’s that fans were widely used. Combining both style and practicality, these fans were usually constructed of brass blades and cages. However, these fans were quite unsafe, as the cage openings were often big enough to fit fingers or an entire hand, and subsequently, it was common for people to suffer severe injuries as a result of their use.

Nonetheless, with the rise of the Industrial Revolution in the 1920s, mass-produced steel fans were made in many different shapes, sizes, and styles, and these devices became more affordable and accessible to homeowners across the country. Since then, fans have become more utilitarian, but they still provide cooling comfort for countless people around the world.

With that in mind, it should be noted that ceiling fans are some of the most popular among homeowners, and these are devices that are powered by hub-mounted rotating paddles which circulate air to produce a cooling effect. These fans are suspended from the ceiling and are used in the summer to provide cooling comfort. In addition, they are also often used in the winter in a reversed rotation to move warm air from the ceiling, down walls, and onto inhabitants in the room.

The following are some general questions commonly asked by consumers regarding household fans:

Q: What are “whole-house fans” and are they useful?
A: Whole house, or attic fans are types of fans that are installed in homes and designed to push hot air out. With the flip of a switch, they pull cooler air from the outside through open windows and send hot indoor air through an attic. These can result in a five degree temperature drop in as little as five minutes. They can also be used to ventilate a home whenever the outdoor air is cooler – typically when the sun sets.

If properly installed, a whole house can cost-effectively bring the temperature down in your home, and when in the market for such an appliance, look for one that will fit between your trusses. Also don’t forget to pay attention to your air volume requirements.

Q: Is a fan really more energy efficient than an air conditioner?
A: If you’re looking for more air movement, use a ceiling fan or even a regular portable fan instead of relying on your air conditioner’s blower. Because air conditioners run about 50% of the time in the hottest days of the summer, this can cost much more to operate than leaving your ceiling fan on 24 hours a day, 30 days a month.

Also, depending on an air conditioner’s blower can sometimes result in leaks in your duct system. In turn, this can add more heat to your home, as hot air from the attic will be introduced into the air stream.

Q: Why should I use a ceiling fan in the winter?
A: It’s important to understand the temperature in a room varies in layers – the air near the ceiling is always warmer than the air near the ground due to the rising of warm air. With that in mind, ceiling fans can push warm air near the ceiling down the ground, and as a result, the heating system is not overworked when warming a room.

To use a ceiling fan during the winter, be sure to set the fan to run in a clockwise direction, as this will push the air up against the ceiling and down to the walls. Doing so will often help slash your energy bill by as much as 10% in the winter.

Q: Why is it necessary to use an exhaust fan?
A: In addition to small leaks and cracks found around openings such as doors or windows, the duct work used to distribute warm or cool air in your home will always be prone to some degree of leakage.

How to Choose an Energy Efficient Home Appliance

When shopping for a home appliance, you may be tempted to make your selection based on price alone. While you may save money on the initial purchase price of the unit, you may end up spending more money in the long run if you buy a pricier option.

Many home appliances may the look the same on the outside, but they vary greatly in terms of energy-efficiency and operating costs, and the more energy efficient an appliance is, the less it will cost to run. The cost associated with owning an appliance is related to three crucial components: the initial price, the cost of maintenance and repairs, and the cost of operation. Moreover, for big-ticket appliances such as refrigerators or washing machines, figuring out this cost analysis is crucial. Follow these simple tips when shopping for energy-efficient appliances:

Take into account both the purchase price and estimated energy use when deciding which brand and model appliances to buy, but also keep in mind that more energy efficient models may cost more money.

Ask your local utility company if they offer any programs with cash rebates or other incentives that are aimed at encouraging consumers to purchase energy-efficient appliances.

Pay close attention to the Energy Guide label. With the exception of kitchen ranges, microwaves, dryers, the FTC requires that the black and yellow Energy Guide label be attached to all new appliances. The Energy Guide label will list the following specifications:

- The capacity of the unit.
- The estimated annual energy consumption of the model (for refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, clothes washers, and water heaters).
- The energy efficient rating (for air conditioners, heat pumps, furnaces, boilers, pool heaters)
- The range of estimated annual energy consumption, or energy efficient rating

Look for the Energy Star logo, such as the one on the Amcor AHD65 dehumidifier. This is the symbol for energy efficiency, and the label was created by the EPA and U.S. Department of Energy to help consumers both save money and minimize pollution. When an appliance has an Energy Star logo, this signifies that it is significantly more energy efficient than minimum government standards, and this amount is different for each product rated.

Are Multi-Functional Home Appliances a Growing Trend?

Multi-tasking is now a way of life for many Americans, and having appliances and furniture that serve more than one function is becoming increasingly popular. Kathryn Robyn, co-author of The Emotional House: How Redesigning Your Home Can Change Your Life states, “We need to be more efficient in order to live these busy lives.”

Moreover, in urban areas, many younger Americans are turning to condo living, as they can own for almost the same cost of renting. As a result, these living quarters are smaller and provide less storage space than single family homes, thus prompting the need for home products to be more compact and multi-functional. Thankfully, many home appliance manufacturers have taken this into consideration and have come out with an array of products that can perform more than one function at a time. Here are just a few ingenious, double-duty home products that are now available to meet the needs of consumers:

NewAir ACP-1000H Air Conditioner, Heater, and Air Purifier ($329):

Portable air conditioners are ideal for areas that cannot accommodate traditional or central air conditioning units, and they are compact, fully mobile, and require little to no installation. These units also use indoor air to cool the room and act as natural dehumidifiers because condensated water is either collected into a bucket or exhausted out of a room. A handful of portable air conditioners also include built-in heaters for year-round use, and the NewAir ACP-1000H not includes a heater function, it also offers a built-in ionizer to rid the air of airborne contaminants and impurities.

NewAir AF-320 Evaporative Cooler and Air Purifier ($119.95):

While it may seem a bit too cold at the moment to consider any type of cooling appliance, for those living in hot and arid climates, the stifling heat can be experienced year-round. With that in mind, evaporative coolers are the perfect solution for cost-effectively cooling your home. Evaporative coolers reduce the ambient temperature by up to 20 degrees using simple evaporation of water, and the NewAir AF-320 is a great option. Because it uses a cooling pad that never needs to be replaced, maintenance is a breeze, and ice can even be added for more intense cooling. As well, due to the increased concern over air quality, the AF-320 also includes a built-in ionic air purifier to clean the air you breathe.

Sprite ARA5-CT Showerhead and Filter ($49.99):

Studies have repeatedly shown that municipal water is often laden with contaminants such as chlorine, lead, pesticides, and iron oxide, and showering with this polluted water can lead to skin irritations, dull hair, and even reduced efficiency of bathroom appliances. Thankfully, shower filters can remove contaminated and mineralized water at the source and rejuvenate your skin and restore your hair’s luster. The Sprite ARA5-CT has the ability to eliminate chlorine, iron oxide, sediment, and traces of heavy metals from your shower water, and also doubles a deluxe five-way massaging showerhead which provides an invigorating shower to get the day off to a smart start.

NewAir AI-400SB Icemaker and Water Dispenser ($329.95)

We’ve all heard about the many health benefits associated with drinking sufficient amounts of water. Water forms a major part of our body constitution and is absolutely necessary for our survival and for ensuring the smooth functioning of our body systems. With that in mind, water dispensers are a great way to make sure you’re drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day. The AI400SB by NewAir dispenses both cold and room temperature water, and even has a hot water function for cups of tea or instant coffee. As an added bonus, this water dispenser also includes a built-in icemaker that produces ice in a matter of minutes – perfect for icy cold beverages in the summer!

It's Winter - What Are You Going to Do With Your Air Conditioner?

Even though it’s now winter, don’t neglect your air conditioner! Your air conditioner has been working hard all summer by moving air across its refrigerated coils to provide cooling comfort to your home, and by performing a few simple winterizing tasks, you can improve your air conditioner’s energy efficiency and extend its lifespan.

For Central Air Conditioners:
1. Begin by cleaning the condensing unit of debris by spraying the fan blades and condensing coils with a high-pressure hose.

2. Cover the condensing unit with some kind of breathable, waterproof cover designed for this purpose. If left exposed to the winter elements, the condensing unit can become damaged by debris and wet leaves, which can then lead to rusting and freezing of the internal components.

For Room Air Conditioners:
1. Storing your air conditioner in the winter protects it from the elements and also makes it easier to clean. Remove your air conditioner from the window mounting or wall and store it indoors. If the unit is hard to remove, you may have to alter the mounting bracket.

2. To stop drafts, seal the window opening or wall. If the unit is mounted in a window frame, close it and latch the window. However, if it’s mounted in the wall, cut a piece of plywood to fit over the opening and screw it in place. Create a thermal barrier by adding a piece of foam insulation, and make sure that snow and rain can’t collect.

3. Clean your air conditioner by removing both the inside and outside grills. Use warm water and a brush to remove any accumulated debris or dirt from the coils and fan, as debris often slows air movement and inhibits heat transfer between the surrounding air and coils.

4. If the air conditioner cannot be removed, at least try to clean it in place and purchase some kind of cover to protect it from the weather and to prevent winter drafts.