Friday 20 May 2011

Bedroom Air Purifier - 7 Features That Predict Effectiveness

If you are looking for an air purifier for your bedroom, you are probably amazed at how many choices and features there are. But if you are ever to make a confident decision, you need a list of features that will insure effectiveness. Here are 7 that your bedroom cleaner must have.

Ability to Filter 24 Hours---Since pollutants are constantly being introduced to your indoor air, your filtration system needs to work just as constantly to keep the air quality high by continuously filtering the air. This keeps the air fresh and insures that indoor air quality is as fresh as it can be so that you can get to sleep anytime.

Is Low In Maintenance Requirements----Having a cleaner that needs infrequent changes of filters gives it more time to clean your air. A unit that has only one or two filters is likely to be cheaper initially, but the cost of frequent filter replacement will quickly add to the cost of using it. And having to constantly stop it for maintenance will yield less overall filtration of your air.

Check the technical specifications to bring home a filter that has at least a 5 year filter guarantee. There really is such a thing. And a really good cleaner should only need to be vacuumed occasional on the outside.

Can Eliminate Particles---High efficiency particle arresting filters, as their name suggests, are incredibly effective at removing airborne particulates down to.3 microns in size. This includes typical irritants such as dust, dust mites, mold and mildew spores, seasonal pollen, and pet dander. Sensitivity to any one of these particles is enough to keep you feeling miserable through the night

Also Eliminates Gaseous Pollutants---Many irritants that exacerbate allergies, asthma, and other respiratory conditions are gases. Perfumes, scents from personal and cleaning products, fumes from carpet, pressed wood furniture, upholstery, and draperies can all combine to work against a good night's sleep.

Choosing a purifier that has activated carbon is an indication that it will be able to filter gases, chemicals and odors effectively.

Minimal Placement Requirements---Unless you want you air cleaner to take center stage in your bedroom, it needs to be able to be effective most anywhere there is space. Avoid purifiers that insist on being placed in the middle of the room. Instead opt for one that has 360 degree intake, and only needs about six inches of clearance from any wall.

Multi-Stage Filtration----The more filters in a cleaner, the more types of pollutants it can eliminate, and the longer each filter will last. Several pre-filters, a HEPA or high efficiency particle arresting filter, activated carbon, and carbon cloth are all excellent indicators that the one unit can address every type of pollutant.

Made of Steel---Steel has the advantage over plastic because it will not off gas when the motor heats up. Many plastic units send out noxious fumes when the heat from the motor interacts with the plastic. The last thing you want to pay to do is to send more pollutants into the air.

Friday 6 May 2011

Reasons For Checking The Water Heater Ratings

Water heaters are a basic necessity for both residential dwellings as well as commercial establishments. There are a number of heating systems that are available in the market but they have to be chosen with care. There are many factors to consider such as the water heater ratings while selecting a new system for your home. The system should not only provide sufficient hot water to meet your daily requirement, but it must do so in an energy-efficient manner without costing you an arm and leg. Hence, you must consider the various types of water heaters that are available and determine the right size as well as the fuel source that would be required.


There are different types of water heaters that are available such as: Solar; Conventional storage; Tankless/demand/instantaneous; Tankless coil/indirect; and Heat pump home heaters.


Ratings are an essential component while choosing your water heating system because it will help you save a lot of money and cut down on energy consumption in the long run. Systems such as the solar water heating system are green, renewable resources and very energy efficient and will help save on electricity costs. However, a lot would depend on the selection criteria. While selecting the best model and type, you need to look at the following:


- Size - You must select the proper size to meet all your daily hot water requirements. By choosing the right size, you will receive a steady supply of hot water throughout the year and maximize the efficiency.

- Fuel type - The fuel type or energy source is another important factor. There are those that are gas fired and there are the ones that use the electric heating elements.

- Cost factor - The cost factor would depend on the availability of the fuel and the annual requirements and operational costs.


Energy Efficiency

Ratings will entirely depend upon the energy efficiency of the heating system that you use. Normally, the more energy-efficient systems are expensive as compared to the conventional systems. But the money you spend on energy efficient systems will not go in vain as you will save a lot on future operational costs and heating bills. However, in addition to this, it is imperative to consider the other critical factors as well while buying.


Life cycle costs, in addition to water heater ratings need to be taken into consideration while making your choice. Also, look for the energy star label with the energy factor (EF). If there is an existing gas line, then you can consider installing a gas or even a heat pump water heater. Choose a direct vented model with EF of 0.93. The AHRI database will be able to give you products by tank size and energy factors. Select the specifications before running your query.