Martin Applebaum asked:


Are you looking for an alternative method of heating and cooling your home? Many people are turning to heat pumps. However, how do you measure heat pump efficiency? Well, there are four types of measurements that are used to describe the specific efficiency. Any of these specific measurements can be used at any one time.

This article will attempt to provide some light on the ways of determining heat pump efficiency. One method is to compare the amount of energy delivered by the pump to the actual amount it consumes.

One thing to keep in mind, when comparing measurements for heat pump efficiency is the higher the number, the higher the actual efficiency of the pump.

The most common measurement used for heat pump efficiency ratings is the Coefficient of Performance or COP. This refers to the ratio of the heat pump’s BTU heat output to the BTU electrical output. A water or ground source heat pump has a rating of three to five. An air source heat pump usually has a COP rating of two to four. When the outside temperature drops, the COP of air source heat pumps decreases. Therefore, when you compare these ratings, make sure they are based on the same outside air temperature.

Another method of determining heat pump efficiency is the Energy Efficiency Ratio or EER. This evaluates the efficiency during the cooling cycle of the particular unit. This rating is also used for air conditioners. If the EER rating is higher than ten, then that is a good machine.

Keep in mind that these heat pump efficiency measurements are basically factory or lab tests. The heat pump in question could actually have a different measurement in actual usage. The measurement could vary depending on the weather or how much additional heat is required. Therefore, the best or more realistic measurement is one based on seasonal calculations. The seasonal ratings are HSPF and SEER.

The Heating Seasonal Performance Factor or HSPF is another of the heat pump efficiency measurements. If the rating is between five to seven, then that is a good rating to have. SEER or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio is the measurement of total cooling in BTU’s. A good SEER rating is between eight and ten.



Fitness Trainer Calendar

David Karlson asked:


 

Before you look at heat pump prices, you should have an idea of exactly what these devices can do. It is a machine, which moves heat from one location to another. These devices have the ability to either heat or cool an area. Most use the air as their source of heat. Some types use the ground for their source of heat.

If you have purchased a pump, then you must have a professional do the installation. It is not recommended that you install it yourself. Heat pump prices vary between manufacturers such as Trane, Carrier and Goodman. Stick with a name you can trust. You do not want to purchase a knock off heat pump that does not provide the service and reliability of the quality name brand products.

You may find heat pump prices that are quite low for second hand units. However, it may not be a good idea to purchase a used device because you just do not know if it is in good condition or not. In addition, there most likely will not be a warranty left on the machine. It is recommended that you buy a unit that comes with a warranty.

Another aspect that affects heat pump prices is the actual capacity of the heat pump. A large capacity pump will obviously demand a higher price than a smaller unit will. Determine what your needs are concerning the size of the unit. If you need to heat or cool a large area, then you will most likely require a larger unit.

In regards to heat pump prices, keep in mind that there will be installation charges as well. Some companies may include the cost of installation in the price of the pump while others will add it on afterwards. Gather as much information as possible before making the actual purchase. When it comes to your research, treat it as you would any other appliance. The actual cost to operate the unit is a good measure of its true cost.

If you are looking for a break in heat pump prices there could be some situations where you will be able to find a dealer or manufacturer offering a seasonal promotion or discount. This may often happen if a store has a surplus of older models and they want to sell them quickly to make room for the new models coming in. If you happen to know a good furnace installer, contractor then speak to them regarding any possible deals their company may be having on pumps, or perhaps they can make a good recommendation on a deal you have not heard of yet. Speaking to industry professionals is always a good practice regardless of the specific industry or item concerned. They will have first hand knowledge and valuable experience that you would not get anywhere else.

There are some states and federal agencies that provide information on heat pumps that allow the average consumer to calculate their cost savings such as the popular Energy star system. This allows the consumer to effectively compare heat pump prices.



How to Find a Personal Injury Lawyer

David Vandenberg asked:


Air conditioners are energy suckers, but buying the right one and maintaining it properly will ensure the energy consumption is kept to a minimum. Part 1

The summer season is upon us and with it comes heat. I don’t know about you, but I do not like the heat. If it’s over 75 degrees I feeling like I’m being cooked. I am a big proponent for energy efficiency and do not care for air conditioners all that much, but understand they are necessary, and do use them myself on occasion.

If you are using an air conditioner, or are needing to buy one, there are several things to consider. Many people buy air conditioners without understanding their operating principles, designs, and components. This is a huge mistake and can cost you money and frustration. I will break this down into several parts so you can confidently shop for your air conditioning unit or system.

How Air Conditioners Work

Understanding function will help answer many questions. The air conditioner uses the same operating principles as your refrigerator. Your home is cooled with a COLD indoor coil called a EVAPORATOR. There is also an outdoor coil that releases collected HEAT, and that is called a CONDENSER. Both of these coils are usually made from serpentine tubing that is surrounded by aluminum fins, much like a car radiator. Now, these 2 parts, the Evaporator and the Condenser are connected together and there is also a COMPRESSOR (Pump) which of course, pumps something! That something is the Refrigerant similar to your cars air conditioning system, but uses R22 instead of the automotive R134. Newer central A/C units may have something other than R22, which by the way is supposed to phase out by 2020.

These are the basic parts of an air conditioner. Certainly there is more to the A/C unit, but for understanding the operating

principle, this is what you need to know. It works like this: The Compressor (Pump) moves (pumps) the Refrigerant (a heat transfer fluid) through the copper lines between the Evaporator and the Condenser and through all those circuits of tubing and fins in the coils. The Refrigerant evaporates when it gets to the Evaporator (appropriate name!), and pulls (absorbs) the heat from inside the home. This hot Refrigerant (Gas) is then pumped back outside to the Condenser where the Refrigerant reverts back to a liquid dispensing it’s absorbed heat outside the house. Think of it as a big circle. The Refrigerant is simply pumped around and around. On one end of the circle it absorbs heat, then on the other end, it gives it up! This is by no means a complete explanation, but I have put this into the simplest of terms so anyone can understand what goes on behind that plastic casing. Now you have at least a basic understanding, let’s look at different types of air conditioners, and which one may be right for you.

Types of Air Conditioners

Due to the numerous potentials, what should you put aside and prepare for? Basic operating principles are all the same, but they certainly come in different configurations

Room Air Conditioners- Most people have seen these and use them. You will find them stuck in windows, through the side of a mobile home or house, and even on a rare occasion, in the back window of an old van. These air conditioners are meant to cool ROOMS, not homes. They are cheaper then central air conditioning, and usually less expensive to operate because you are cooling a small area, instead of an entire house. Small A/C units (less then 7.5amps draw) can be plugged into a typical electric outlet if not shared with other appliances. Larger units (greater then 7.5 amp draw) need a dedicated circuit,

usually 230 volts. You can tell immediately when you look at one in the store, because the plug will not be the typical plug you see on your everyday household appliance, they are much larger. Room A/C units have the advantage of being compact, targeted (one room), and cheaper.

Central Air Conditioners- Central A/C systems operate the same, but the cool air is circulated through a series of supply and return ducts that are usually located throughout the home. These ducts can go to floor registers, ceilings, walls, etc. Central A/C is very convenient for cooling an entire home. The sizing of these units is important to match the square footage of your cooling area. An under sized central unit will work hard and struggle. On the other hand, an over sized unit is a waste of money and will frequently cycle which can fluctuate the indoor temperature and wear out the compressor. You wouldn’t buy a tractor trailer just to pull around your fishing boat!

Central air conditioning systems come in a couple different configurations.

Packaged Central A/C- In this system, the condenser, evaporator, and compressor are housed in one unit. This unit is usually placed on a rooftop or a concrete slab. Typical in small commercial buildings. The supply and return ducts go through the a wall or roof to connect to the A/C unit. It is also typical to package these units with electric heating coils or natural gas, which gives you central heat as well as central A/C. This eliminates the need for a separate indoor furnace.

Split System Central A/C- In this system the condenser and compressor our housed outdoors, and the evaporator is housed indoors, therefore, the split system. These are very common central units found in many homes.

All of these systems use filters. It’s very important they are kept clean. Dirty filters cause restrictions, which creates more work for the A/C unit or system, therefore costing more money to operate. There is one more option for cooling that uses less energy, but definitely does not blow the ice cold A/C you might like. The operating principle is actually completely different as well, and these really can not even be called air conditioning units.

Swamp Cooler - Evaporative Cooler- These units operate by a process called “Evaporation”, hah! appropriate. First let me state, these units are best used in low humidity areas. They are more energy efficient then their A/C counterparts, but do require a little more maintenance. The operation is simple.

They cool the air by evaporation. Your windows are opened part way to allow warm indoor air to escape as it’s replaced by the cooler air. Think of the effect much like when your sweating. When you are perspiring, it cools your body. If you rarely use A/C, can get by without it, but would like a little cool on occasion, a swamp cooler may just work for you. If you are a DIY type person, or aspiring to be, you can easily build your own for cheap. Their operation is quite simple. We actually have a plan in our R&D shop for a really “cool” swamp cooler we’ll be coming out with maybe by June.

Alright, you should have a pretty decent understanding of air conditioning operation and the types of units. Depending on your needs, and your expected comfort level, you should be able to narrow down your choice of air conditioning units to at least a central type or portable window type. If you choose a central, you will want to talk with your potential installer regarding proper sizing and exact type. If your a DIY type person,familiar with A/C, and have the necessary tools, you can easily install one yourself. There are many variations and possibilities even though they all operate with the same basic principles.

Energy efficiency should always be a concern, then dependability, then cost. If your shopping on cost alone as your first priority, then buy a window unit and forget the central system. The central A/C is a permanent installation in your home and there will be no changing your mind once you install it. I would never advice shopping by price as number 1, it should be number 3 on the list. More likely than not, you shop cheap, you get cheap, and all the headaches that come with it. Shopping with a budget, is not the same as shopping cheap. Continue article with part 2

I hoped you’ve learned something from this article. You will need to read part 2 to complete the article as I could not fit the entire article within submission guidelines.

Article Copyright 2007-2008 David V | DIYinnovation.com



Fitness Trainer

Gareth M asked:


I was wondering exactly how the heat of the Earth is transferred to the water…

Fitness Trainer

Roberto Sedycias asked:


Refrigerators are an indispensable part of modern life. Frost forms around the cooling coils of the freezer when the water vapor touches the cold coils. If the frost is allowed to build up, it can get very thick and there would not be enough space for food stuff. The earlier models required manual defrosting but the newer ones are frost free which has lessened the labor of maintaining the refrigerator.

The frost free refrigerator basically has three components, like the timer, heating coil and a temperature sensor. All three work in tandem for the smooth automatic defrosting of the refrigerator. The heating coil is turned on by the timer every few hours or so. These coils are entwined among the freezer coils. The heat melts the frost off the coils and when all of it is melted the sensor turns off the heat as soon as the temperature goes above 32 degree F. This is how the whole process of defrosting basically works.

In most of the frost free refrigerators the cooling coils are within the freezer compartment. The heater is either woven into or set on these coils. The timer normally is found at the back of the compressor in the older models but the newer ones may have them in front of the refrigerator or inside it.

Earlier, the timer would go off for defrosting whether it was required or not. But, heating the coils at every six hours or so would consume a lot of energy. But, now, with energy reserves depleting at an alarming rate and energy-efficiency being the norm, the latest frost free refrigerators have timers which are controlled electronically and are called adaptive defrost control.

The period of defrosting is not fixed. The component is programmed to take into account the usage of the refrigerator and the time it takes for the coils to be defrosted. The device then calculates the necessary time required and adapts itself accordingly.

Frost free refrigerators have certainly made life simpler. With manual refrigerators, one had to be constantly on the vigil to prevent the refrigerator from frosting all over. It needed the emptying out of the entire contents of the refrigerator and then letting the frost melt over a couple of hours or so. Then the messy draining and dripping of water had to be taken care of. The full refrigerator had to be wiped dry, the contents put back again and only then could the refrigerator be re-started.

Some really older models required overnight manual defrosting for the entire frost to melt away. This was especially tedious as the food had to be either consumed totally or some way had to be found to keep it fresh under the circumstances. The whole process was labor-intensive and time-consuming. One had to be physically present to do all this work. Now, no one has the time to do so much actual physical labor and thanks to advanced technology, we are rid of the tedium of manual defrosting.

Frost free refrigerators are easier to clean and maintain and they also have the upper hand as far as energy saving is concerned. A properly designed frost free refrigerator uses less energy than the cyclic defrost ones which have to be manually defrosted. Also, the price of these frost free models is not very much more than the direct cool ones. Frost free refrigerators are an integral part of the modern, busy lifestyle now and there scarcely will be a household which does not possess one.



Personal Injury Lawyer by State

Pooja Lapasia asked:


Videocon is a major Indian consumer durables company that has created a well-respected brand name for itself. Their products have presence in most categories and have catered to all types of audiences. They have gone global recently and have made a mark as an Indian industry on foreign land. Videocon has branded them selves as a serious brand and have incorporated good build and made their products available within the reach of most takers.

Videocon Refrigerators have been famed for they quality build and enduring performance. They segregated their line of refrigerators into only two categories namely frost-free and direct-cool refrigerators. They haven’t joined the bandwagon of makers and have stuck on to the needs of the India consumer. They have not introduced models like twin-door refrigerators because they are adhering to the need of the common Indian consumer. They have around 20 models in their refrigerator product line, catering to different needs.

All the Videocon refrigerators have introduced germ free technology in their products inducing healthy storage of food. In addition to this feature even the ‘silver ions’ technology ensures bacterial protection in the refrigerator. Also the ‘active oxygen’ feature allows prolonged usage of the food stored in the refrigerator. Videocon has incorporated energy saving features in their refrigerators making them compatible with Indian homes. This will ensure minimum electricity usage and your bills won’t soar high. Videocon refrigerators have also been renowned for the optimum usage of refrigerator space and durable performance.

The best videocon refrigerators have been in the direct cool range of Refrigerators. Videocon has also supplied to institutional buyers like coffee shops and pizza outlets. This has increased their sales tremendously. Some other features in their refrigerators include water dispenser at the door. They have uniform cooling option which gives out leveled cooling in the refrigerator. Their refrigerator designs have been commendable and the pricing has been worthy.

You can buy Videocon refrigerators from retail outlets or from online shopping based websites. You can get the one that suits your needs and fits your budget. Most of the Videocon refrigerators are within the reach of masses. You can even find low price videocon refrigerators at these online websites, which offer deals and discounts on purchases. You can compare refrigerators and then narrow down on a refrigerator which suits your requirements.



Tires

loutejada asked:


The Pac-Car is the world record holder for fuel efficiency, now standing at 5,134 kilometres per litre of petrol. This converts to roughly 14,502 MPG!!!

Working prototype: 100 MPG+Plug-in Toyota Prius

We have Solar and wind alternative energy

we had the electric car which the oil companies killed

Geothermal heating

Wave power which is the energy of ocean surface waves and the capture of that energy to do useful work - including electricity generation, desalination, and the pumping of water (into reservoirs)

Just because the politicians are in the back pockets of the oil companies, does not mean we do not have the technology to be energy independent.

Do your research before you speak, think before you buy the arguments from big oil

ADHD in Children

Alexandria Everheart asked:


That old broken GE Refrigerator has been gathering dust now in your parents garage for some years now and you are getting ready to take it with you when you move out and get a place with a few of your buds. However; where are you going to get the money for all of the screamin house parties you have planed, if you have to spend a bunch of green getting that Fridge working?

Used GE Refrigerator Parts

There is no need to despair that you may have to break into your beer and smoke funds for the damn fridge, because now there are so many new online sources for used and discount GE refrigerator parts. Thats right! Even used refrigerator parts! After all what is that old GE fridge in the garage but a bunch of used parts anyway?

Any and All Parts that You Need

These online sources carry a complete line of parts which means that you can turn any used GE refrigerator into a finely tuned food cooling wonder now and you don’t have to break your bank to do it. So make list of all that you need, down to the missing screws and cracked door gasket.

Double Check Electrical Parts

Just like anywhere else, there will most likely be no refunds on electrical parts, so make sure you get it right the first time around. Also, make sure that you have the part and the model numbers before you head out on your online parts hunting mission.

Check the GE Website for Your Part Numbers

The part number will often be printed or stamped right on the part itself but if it isn’t you can go to the GE company website and get it off a blown up schematics of your particular refrigerator model. Your model number will be somewhere on the fridge so look the whole thing over carefully and you will find it.



ADHD in Adults