Muhammad Mukarram Technical Services L.L.C

All posts by admin

HVAC – Is Water Treatment Necessary?

Drum-Kickers, Soap Salesmen…they have been called many things. Water Treatment specialists (probably the name they prefer) are everywhere. As a mechanical contractor, we have had many knock on our door. With most large commercial buildings and industrial facilities in Memphis utilizing water cooling/heating mechanical equipment, this industry is highly competitive, but is water treatment really necessary? In this edition of Mechanical Matters® I am going to answer that very question and discuss several other important facts about water treatment services.

In this edition I want to answer three questions regarding water treatment:

Exactly what is water treatment and is it necessary?

How does improper water treatment service effect mechanical equipment?

Are there energy savings with water treatment?

1. Exactly what is water treatment and is it necessary?

Water treatment describes a process used to make water more acceptable for a desired end-use. These can include use as drinking water, industrial processes, medical and many other uses.

The goal of all water treatment process is to remove existing components in the water, improving it for subsequent utilization. (Wikipedia.org)

In the mechanical industry water treatment is a method used to optimize most water-based mechanical and industrial processes, such as: heating, cooling, processing, cleaning, and rinsing, so that operating costs and risks are reduced.

Most water treatment programs include water softeners, inhibitors and other chemicals needed to ‘treat’ the water in order to reach the desired conditions for mechanical use and heat transfer. Products used to maintain proper water conditions are often fed automatically by sophisticated equipment directly into a chiller or boiler’s water. Water is used for both cooling and heating in large commercial building applications. In most industrial environments water is used for cooling production equipment or an ingredient to making a product. How the water is used will determine what type of treatment is necessary.

Most water treatment companies use test kits and chemical dispensing systems which have made the use of water treatment chemicals in chiller, boiler and cooling-tower systems much easier. But attention to details, such as how often systems are tested, is critical to system performance. The correct water treatment chemistry at the correct time is extraordinarily important because even minor problems can create major costs.

Last week I sat down to breakfast with Gary Reynolds and Bob Schubert of Garratt Callahan. They are water treatment ‘specialists’. Gary and I have worked together with several mutual customers. Their attention to detail, customer service and vast knowledge of water treatment is why many buildings in the Mid-South are in good hands with Garratt Callahan. In our meeting they provided me with some great information about the importance of water treatment, the effects of poor service and things to look for in choosing a service provider

2. How does poor or no service effect mechanical equipment?

Improper Water Treatment or no treatment at all will increase your energy consumption and operating cost while decreasing your mechanical equipment’s efficiencies and life expectancy. A well designed and implemented water treatment program is highly important to the operation of any steam boiler, centrifugal chiller and cooling tower. All three of the systems shown below utilize water for cooling and heating.

Poor water treatment lets water interact with the surfaces of pipes and vessels which contain it. Steam boilers can scale up or corrode, and these deposits will mean more fuel is needed to heat the same amount of water. Cooling towers can scale up and corrode, but left untreated, the warm, dirty water they can contain will encourage bacteria to grow, and Legionnaires’ Disease can be the fatal consequence. The condenser tubes within a chiller and other water cooling equipment can also scale up and corrode thus preventing good heat transfer. Increased energy consumption and poor cooling performance is common result in inefficient water treatment.

Water treatment can often be categorized as ‘low-tech’ and unglamorous. However, the right chemicals, proper chemical feed equipment, and a dedicated service provider is essential to your mechanical equipment and should be ‘treated’ with top priority.

3. Are there energy savings with water treatment?

Treatment Value: Expert water treatment can cut your water, energy, and maintenance costs substantially. Perhaps most important of all, it can save you the cost of fixing or replacing equipment that’s been damaged by inadequate water treatment – including the downtime and lost revenue usually associated with solving such problems.

The examples of water treatment ROI (Return of Investment) shown below show how very thin layers of deposited material from poorly treated water can drive up energy costs.

Scale

System: 1,000 ton chiller

Operation: 12 hours/day, 365 days/year

Cost of electricity: $0.10/kWh

Scale thickness: 1/32 inch

Elimination of 1/32 inch of scale saved $15,018 per year.

Biological Fouling

System: 1,000 ton chiller

Operation: 12 hours/day, 365 days/year

Cost of electricity: $0.10/kWh

Bio-film thickness: 1/1000 inch

Elimination of 1/1000 inch of bio-film saved $26,834 per year.

“As little as 3/16-inch of scale can cause a boiler system to use 38 percent more fuel. The most minuscule amount of dissolved oxygen in the water also means a system could be headed for corrosion problems. And even a thin layer of bacterial slime in chiller tubes can significantly affect heat-transfer efficiency.”

Wrap Up:

As mechanical contractors we are no strangers to the importance of water treatment. However, after researching and writing this article I can assure you that I am much more informed about the necessity and advantage to having a good water treatment program.

In this edition Mechanical Matters®, I discussed three important facts about chemical water treatment. First we learned the definition of water treatment and its use in the mechanical industry. Second, we learned that water treatment is definitely necessary, and without it your mechanical equipment will suffer. Last we learned how proper water treatment will save energy, and ultimately increase your bottom line.

Source by Jimmy Veteto

Proper Maintenance for Asphalt Pavement

Asphalt is among the most popular commercial paving materials used today due to its water-resistance, flexibility, aesthetic appeal, and excellent adhesive abilities. All of these properties and more make asphalt pavement an asset that requires a structured level of preservation and care. Otherwise, it is prone to fading, damage, instability, and various other negative implications. With proper preventative maintenance, asphalt pavements can remain beautiful and functional for years. Not only is this ideal for investment purposes, but for liability as well. If you are an involved property owner, continue reading to learn the best methods for asphalt maintenance and care.

Asphalt Maintenance

Although pavement maintenance agendas will differ from property to property, the overall purpose of asphalt maintenance is to sustain its appeal and extend its life. Some paving maintenance tasks can be managed on your own or by an appointed staff, such as inspections and trash clearance; while others are best left in the hands of trained and equipped professionals. An ideal pavement maintenance should include basic tasks like regular assessments, sweeping, crack filling, pothole repair, periodic line striping, and most importantly, seal coating. Without a proper sealcoat, asphalt pavements will experience heightened wear and tear from traffic, weather, chemicals, salts, and more, which shortens their life and diminishes their aesthetic value.

Asphalt Seal Coating

Seal coats are emulsions that are brushed or sprayed onto pavements, providing a clear protective layer against moisture and the above-mentioned threats. There are several types of commercial sealcoats available on the market, but the most popular versions include fog seal, slurry seal, and chip seal emulsions. Some sealcoat products are water-based, which are easier and safer to spread. But there are also waterless versions that use organic or plant-based oils or hydrocarbon solvents instead.

Choosing to Seal Coat

If your asphalt pavement is old and in poor condition, it will not likely benefit from a new layer of seal coat. In some cases, it is more cost-effective to repair or replace deteriorated asphalt pavements instead. However, if your asphalt is in good condition, a periodic re-sealing can be a highly-beneficial maintenance decision. Talk to your trusted paving contractor for a professional recommendation of your asphalt’s maintenance and sealcoating schedule. They will know exactly what your property needs and at what intervals. The cost of having your asphalt seal-coated will depend on several factors, such as the square footage, the condition of pavement, and any additional surface applications needed.

Source by Sarahbeth Kluzinski

3 Lies About Drinking Water Filtration and the Truth Behind the Lies

The drinking water filtration market is big. Companies make a lot of money selling home water filters, and then they make even more money after that by selling replacement filter cartridges to their customers who bought their purifiers. And as we all know, whenever and wherever there is money to be made, there will be plenty of lies told. Here are 3 lies that are frequently spouted by salesmen trying to get you to buy the water filters made or sold by their companies.

The 1st Big Fat Lie

Drinking water filtration using carbon technologies and reverse osmosis technologies are only good at removing dirt and chlorine. They do not protect you from bacteria, amoeba, protozoa and other microbes.

Who tells this lie: Usually it is the salesman selling purifiers that have an attached UV lamp.

What is the truth? All developed nations and even many 3rd World nations use chlorination to kill germs. Every microorganism except for the cysts of certain protozoa die from normal municipal treatment. Any reverse osmosis filter will remove these cysts from your water supply. And any carbon water purifier rated for 1 micron or smaller will also remove these cysts. UV light only deactivates the genes of these cysts so that they cannot reproduce. They cannot kill these cysts.

The 2nd Big Fat Lie

Don’t worry, be happy. It is very easy to change your filter cartridge. Just make sure to change it twice a year.

Who tells this lie: Any and all salesmen whenever you ask about the cost and frequency replacing the filter. Some of them may also tell this lie when you ask them for a demonstration.

What is the truth? Changing the cartridge every 6 months is only a recommendation from the manufacturer. Many people who buy home water filters actually have water supplies that are much more dirty than average. They will probably need to change their filters more often than the recommendation of every 6 months. They may need replacements as often as 3 times a year, maybe even 4 times a year. Replacing the purifier cartridge is also not that easy. Most of the better brands have more complicated working parts inside, which require more complex procedures to make sure everything works at peak performance.

The 3rd Big Fat Lie

Water filter jugs are the least effective means of home water purification. They only remove chlorine and lead but let other chemicals and cysts pass through.

Who tells this lie: Any salesman who does not sell PUR or Brita pitchers, whenever you wonder if buying a water filter pitcher may be a smaller and more affordable commitment.

What is the truth? Just like any other type of filtration, manufacturers make different models of pitchers with different levels of purification. Just like high-end home filtration systems from any other brand, high-end PUR and Brita pitchers can remove not only chlorine and lead but also cysts, herbicides, pesticides, nitrites and nitrates. Of course, that means you need to buy the high-end model rather than the cheap model.

Selling drinking water filtration devices is big money, and this leads many salesmen to be less than truthful, especially when talking about their competitors’ products. Now that you know three of the major lies they tell, it should be easier for you to make a good decision.

Source by C. Loh

What Is HVAC System and Why It Is Important?

HVAC also stands for heating, ventilation and air conditioning is a system used my most building to ensure the comfort of the occupants. It is a system that regulates climate as well as temperature and air flow inside a specific building. It is important for buildings to have a HVAC system which prevents the occurrence of mold or proliferation of any harmful organisms.

It is also commonly used in industrial buildings and marine environment which needs to meet a specific environmental condition.

Heating, ventilation and air conditioning system is important in terms of providing a comfortable living. It also maintains an ideal environment in which you can live safely and free from any environmental problems. It might be more common in large buildings but some home owners have it installed during the building of their home.

Having an HVAC system also helps regulate the airflow indoors while at the same time having an adequate temperature. The system automatically adjusts the amount of airflow, ventilation, and temperature according to the preferred set up by the owner.

Heating is one of the functions that HVAC systems have. Similar to its air conditioning function, the heating system lets you adjust the room’s or building’s temperature according to your preference. There are systems that automatically adjust the temperature base on the weather which makes it more convenient for you.

Ventilation is also one component of the system which automatically cleans the air or adjusts the air coming from the outside environment. It also protects the occupants or people inside the building or home from any airborne diseases by removing harmful air inside. It also brings fresh air inside your house or room which makes it easier to breathe while at the same time removing any harmful air inside like smoke and excessive carbon dioxide.

Air conditioning is one of the best parts of having an HVAC system. You do not need to worry about hot summer days being uncomfortable because you can now turn on the air conditioning that comes with the system. Air conditioning can either be controlled or centralized.

Having an HVAC system can be quite expensive especially if you will want it to be installed in your home. Make sure to ask yourself if it is worth it to have one installed at your home. If you decided that you really want it, make sure to find a reliable and affordable service provider.

Source by Fidelio Orosco

6 Tips to Help You Hire Professionals for Air Conditioning Repair

An air conditioner is counted among the most expensive technologies that you buy for your home and hence, you must always hire the best professional service for air conditioning repair.

Many people tend to be very careless when it comes to AC repair. They rope in any random technician to service their air conditioner system. As a result, they lose their money and of course, their AC.

So, before you commit the mistake of hiring a random technician for your AC repair, go through these six tips to hire the best professional for air conditioning repair.

1. Research Well

You must do your homework before you dial the number of the technician. You must research about your AC model. You should know about the brand, model, type of system, etc. As every AC has a different internal system, you must call the professional who is well aware of the internal system of your AC.

2. Prefer Experienced Professional

Experience counts in every field and AC system repair is not at all an exception. You must always prefer an experienced professional for the AC repair service.

Find out their experience in the industry. Find out if they are full-time professionals or just part-time contractors. Also, find out the amount of experience that they have in dealing with the AC system installed at your home. Their field of special expertise is another point to consider.

You can visit their website and seek the answers to your questions.

3. Contact With Their Past Customers

The best way to find out whether the AC repair professional is actually the best is by contacting the former customers. The past customers will make your job easy. You can call the customer and ask about their personal experience with the AC repair professional.

You can also go through the customer reviews on their website.

4. Fetch the Details Regarding Legal Compliance

Whether or not, your contractor has a valid license; you must know this before hiring him to repair your AC system.

You can ask them about their license number. Also, ask for the proof of insurance, especially liability as well as the compensation coverage of the worker. Also, make sure if the contractor obeys all the health and safety regulations.

5. Find Out About The Cost And Financing

Ask for a written estimate from your contractor. Ask them to include material cost, warranties, taxes, and labor cost. You can ask the estimate from all the potential contractors and then compare their quotations to find out the best deal.

Also, find out the payment schedule; whether you need to make any advance deposit or do you need to pay in increments.

6. Take An Environmental Friendly Decision

Last but not the least; you must consider how eco-friendly the technician is. You can ask about the environmental friendliness to the professional before hiring them.

Consider all the above-mentioned points and then hire the best AC repair professional.

Source by Peter Van Smith

The Pros and Cons of Low Energy LED Lighting

For most people, probably the biggest single factor against low energy LED lighting as a substitute for the soon-to-be-phased-out regular incandescent light bulb is the cost differential. There is no doubt that an LED equivalent light bulb (for example a 6w LED spotlight as a direct replacement for a 35w GU10 halogen lamp) is significantly more expensive than either the original or a CFL alternative.

There are however three important points to bear in mind about the higher price for low energy LEDs as compared to incandescent and energy saving CFL light bulbs.

First, the price difference reflects the fact that the use of LED for general purpose domestic lighting is still quite novel, though increasing manufacturing levels and consumer take-up will drive the price down dramatically once both come fully on stream over the coming months.

Second, and partially related to the observation above, is that the cost of LEDs drops by a factor of twenty over the course of each decade. This characteristic is reliably predicted by Haitz’s Law (very similar to Moore’s Law for computer chips and for similar reasons, principally because LEDs are, just like computer chips, pure electronic devices). Haitz also states that LED performance (amount of light per watt of electricity) increases tenfold over the same decade.

Third and perhaps most intriguing is the fact that as far as the cost of domestic lighting is concerned, the price of light bulbs is almost entirely irrelevant. It is an extraordinary yet easily provable fact that even if regular light bulbs were totally free and LED lights cost, let’s say something outrageous like $80 each, it would still be vastly more economical to purchase LED low energy lights.

The reason for this is simple: the cost of electrical lighting is the cost of the energy i.e. electricity. It matters not one jot what the actual light bulbs cost; it’s what it costs to run them that really counts. Also, since LEDs last for tens of thousands of hours (in practice, decades of use) you only need to pay the purchase price once, unlike regular bulbs which last only upto two thousand hours or just over one year.

The second biggest gripe about low energy LED lighting is light levels and quality, or in technical parlance luminosity and light color.

The concern about luminosity stems largely from historical notions of LED lighting applications such as LED Christmas lights and pocket torches which are clearly not capable of providing anything close to useable domestic lighting. However, you could right now purchase one of the latest Sharp Zenigata LED series of light bulbs which is rated at 80 lumens per watt (measure of luminosity).

To understand what this means, consider that a standard 40w incandescent bulb delivers about 360 lumens and a 60w bulb about 540 lumens, which gives a ratio of 9 lumens per watt. Anything that offers greater than 25 lumens per watt can be classed as an energy saving light bulb. Zenigata LED light bulbs consume 6.7 watts and thus produce 6.7 * 80 lumens per watt which is 536 lumens, on a par with the standard 60w incandescent light bulb.

So you could, right now, replace all your 60w light bulbs with Zenigata LED light bulbs rated at 6.7 watts and consume 1/10th (or 90% less) electricity. And remember Haitz’s Law? Because of performance improvements, eighteen months from now you should be able to obtain the same 60w worth of lighting from just 3 watts.

LED light, in common with CFLs, has tended to be a somewhat cool blue colour, whereas we are more accustomed to a warmer yellow white colour. This is something that is now commonly addressed with the use of colored phosphors (these do reduce luminosity but this is in turn compensated for by the ever increasing lumens per watt yields for LEDs).

The third factor that might be considered to weigh against low energy LED lighting is that the light emitted by an LED is intrinsically directional and doesn’t scatter in all directions the way that incandescent and fluorescent lights do. This is actually quite acceptable in a spotlight, flood light or bright reading lamp, but it’s not especially effective for emulating general ambient lighting such as a table lamp would provide. Though again, there are LED powered general lighting light bulbs becoming more commonly available that do a reasonable job here.

Two obvious plus points for low energy LED lighting are ease of retrofit and ecological credentials (other than simply saving energy).

LED lights are widely available for all common base fittings such as mains powered GU10 and 12v MR16 spotlights and the low energy standard base GU24 as well as regular bayonet mounts and Edison screw fittings. LED lights also don’t suffer from the many inherent problems associated with CFLs such as: noticeably poor start-up times; reduced lifespan caused by frequent switching on and off; and bulky unattractive bulbs.

But perhaps one of the most widely known advantages of low energy LED lighting over energy saving CFL light bulbs is that they don’t contain toxic mercury vapour or other unpleasant materials, and thus do not pose a serious health risk or require tiresome and expensive disposal procedures to protect the environment.

To sum up, the main perceived disadvantages of domestic energy saving LED lighting are cost and application (luminosity and color). Yet as we have seen, the cost of a light bulb is actually a red herring – the true cost of electrical lighting is the price of electricity and on this score ultra low energy LED lighting puts everything else, including energy saving CFLs, completely in the shade (pun intended).

As regards luminosity and light quality, LED lights on balance deliver a cleaner, sharper light than CFL light bulbs and offer far more flexibility in terms of color choice and brightness.

Finally, the biggest advantage that low energy domestic LED lighting has over its rivals is that the lighting industry itself regards domestic LED lighting as the future and can barely disguise its contempt for CFLs. Lighting giants such as Philips are on record as stating that they will not invest a single dollar further into CFLs and that their entire research and development efforts are now directed at domestic LED lighting technology.

Those who follow eco-technology trends are well aware that there is a world-wide phase-out of incandescent light bulbs already well underway and scheduled to complete within the next couple of years. Given international legislation to ban incandescent lighting and lack of support for the already dated and unloved CFL, it’s near certain where the future of lighting lies – with low energy LED light. And as advantages go, I’d say that one’s pretty compelling.

Source by Megan S Jones

Bidding On Restaurant Power Washing Jobs – External Building Pressure Washing

One thing I’ve always said as an entrepreneur is; “to hell with the economy, we are here to win in the market, and will find a way,” and perhaps this is why when I was recently asked by an acquaintance who runs a power washing company what he could possibly do as local businesses in his area which is getting hammered by the economy – that I told him not everyone was hurting in the economy, there are always sector rotations, and some businesses are doing better than others. I told him; “it is your job to find out which customers are doing well, and are willing to spend the money to have their facilities cleaned properly, to get even more business.”

For instance, when retail is down, and the shopping malls are not paying power washers to come as frequently, maybe it’s time to look into restaurants. Oh, but you say those are down too, that may be true, but not the fast food restaurant sector. Generally they do better in a down economy, because they are able to sell their products for lower prices and meet the demands of the consumer which doesn’t have as much money in their pockets. Right now there is a drought, and livestock ranchers are having trouble feeding their animals, so they are taking them to slaughter early. This is causing the price of meat to drop drastically, and we will see more of the one dollar menu items.

Therefore, these QSR’s or quick service restaurants that you know as “fast food joints” will be working with a low-cost high-volume strategy. Still, they will need their facilities power washed. Below are some of the price quotes that I can recommend for power washing fast food restaurants;

Trash Area, Drive-Thru, Side Walks:

$275.00 on time, or $225 once per month, or $200 every other week per store.

Pressure Washing and Cleaning a Metal Roof Façade Band Around Building:

$250.00 and realize you have to clean the sidewalks and wipe down the windows afterwards.

Power Washing and Cleaning All Metal Roof of a Fast Food Restaurant:

$1200 and be very careful it gets really slippery, and doing it by ladders is hard work, watch the streaking too. Might need extra extension poles with towels on end to dry it off as you go, very oxidized, bird crap, stains, to do it right you really need to wax it but if you do charge $2500. Check my figures and be very honest with how long you think it will take at $85 per hour, make sure my numbers match up, if not raise price. Once you clean the roof well, offer them monthly clean-off for $600.

The first time is a total hardship, it’s going to be a mess, and you will have to power wash all that reddish, bluish, yellowish, or greenish colored water off the concrete or it will leave stains on sidewalk and parking lot too. Think if that’s going to be an additional challenge based on the site, each site and water drainage is different, then charge more accordingly. Please consider all this and think on it.

Source by Lance Winslow

VoIP Leading Over Telecom Industry

Earlier telecom industry dominated the communication all over the world but with the inception of VoIP technology tables had been turned upside down. Now most of the companies are replacing the traditional telephone services with VoIP technology via softphones and mobile dialers. Organisations have put down the PBX systems and VoIP solutions have taken the front seat. The diminishing telephone services have been rooted by the ability of VoIP providing lower costs benefits, efficiency, productivity hike, ubiquity and much more to talk about. A lot more features are encompassed in VoIP technology as compared to traditional systems of communication. Within melange choices one will choose only that option that is cheap and best, that can give more in less investment and this is what actually goes with VoIP technology. Telecom companies have been hit hard by the VoIP technology as it has been proving marvels in ending telecom monopolies.

The concept used in VoIP is utilisation of IP data packets which ensures the efficiency, low cost features while the concept in telephone system was mere conversion of voice signals into electrical signals and electrical signals back to voice signals. The seamless integration of various applications in VoIP and the ability of VoIP system to make calls with any computer possessing VoIP tools have made it more amiable and demanding in business organisations. Since legacy telephone systems are constrained to limited features VoIP technology is cropping up with tremendous novel amalgamations like cloud with VoIP, Machine learning with VoIP etc.

Telecommunication companies incurred high costs due to hubs, configuration, installation, and maintenance issues. It provided only voice mail and single call forwarding settings. VoIP proves to be far above all this. It incurs less cost, less load, high quality results and efficient means of communication. Long distance calls are easily handled by VoIP almost free after installation. A well established internet infrastructure is the basic requisite. VoIP enables many applications such as mobile app integration, instant messaging, video calling and conferencing etc. VoIP offers easy routing on second, fourth and eighth ring of which telecom systems are deprived. A feature called ‘barge’ allows silent hearing of the conversation between customer support and client. Another feature called ‘whisper’ allows the supervisor to interrupt and speak only to the customer while the customer is unaware of the communication taking place between them. These features help a lot in day to day business operations.

The telecom companies have to survive the replacement of IP PBX systems and hence this is the reason why telecom companies are turning out to be the VoIP companies. They are now purchasing hosted VoIP service providers and are supporting VoIP in one or the other way. Certainly in future PSTN system will meet a dead end. Starting afresh with the VoIP technology many small start ups are transforming into bigger companies and increasing their revenues than ever before. The demanding use of VoIP technology has not only affected the business organisations to the best but also the telecom industry to its worst.

Source by Raj Singh

Can I Use a Fireplace and Central Heating at the Same Time?

A fireplace can be used along with central heating at the same time but with minor adjustments.

Fireplaces have a traditional, cozy feel to them and feel wonderful, especially on cold nights. The whole family can gather together, watch a movie and drink hot chocolate in front of the fireplace. When you are sitting in front of the fireplace and warming up, you might feel it’s okay to turn the thermostat off. But that’s not actually a great idea.

If your fireplace is in the living room, it might be warm and cozy. But eventually, you will head back to your bedroom to sleep. And with the furnace, the room will have become quite cool. The furnace’s air ducts will also have cooled down, which means it will take longer for them to heat up once the furnace is on. This will use more energy than if you had left the furnace on.

It’s a good idea not to use the fireplace as your home’s main heating source. A fireplace is not exceptionally efficient in heating a home as compared to a furnace. Fireplaces can be an excellent source of warmth for a short while, but it’s not safe to leave a fireplace burning throughout the night unattended.

So, What Can You Do?

When you are using the fireplace, leave your heating system on. Simply turn your heater’s temperature down by a few degrees. Keep using the fireplace and reveling in its warmth for a short period of time during the evening. But at the same time, if your furnace is on and is on low heat, it will keep the heating ducts warm. When you exhaust the fireplace and head back to your room, your room will still be warm. This will make sure you have a warm room while cutting back on the use of energy.

Also, make sure the thermostat is located far from your fireplace. This is to ensure that the meter readings are accurate and your heating system runs efficiently.

If you have a fireplace installed a fireplace in your home and are using it regularly, you need to make sure it is maintained properly. Some of the best practices when using a fireplace are as follows:

• It’s important to use the right kind of fuel. Us dry, well-seasoned wood. Do not ever use treated wood or wet or painted wood.

• Make sure your fireplace is cleaned and inspected annually. It’s of magnitude importance not to neglect its maintenance.

• Include an air purifier in your home. An air filtration system can help control smoke pollution and keep the air around your clear and clean.

Source by Mike Petty

How To Choose The Best Air Mover?

So, you need an air mover. All things considered, picking the correct one for the tasks that you have in mind is not an easy thing. You’ll have to look up the types of these units in the market, as well as their specs and unique highlights. If you need help navigating the world of air movers, read on.

What is an Air Mover?

Basically, this type of unit has a mechanical fan that produces high-speed airflow to promote air circulation and increased evaporation. It can be utilized for different functions, such as quicker drying time, improved ventilation, and cooling.

Depending upon the manufacturer and industry, this unit may also be called mechanical air blower, commercial blower fans, and floor drying fans. Some even call them carpet dryers and paint fume extractors.

Because these units increases air circulation, they can be utilized to dry out rugs, walls, floors, and wall pits. Indeed, they can can dry out a rug within 20 minutes. It can likewise be used to dry paint and cement. Some people use these products to remove fumes or gases in a workspace while others use them to cool down equipment.

Types of these Units

Generally, there are 3 types of air blowers, each having its own unique specifications and functions.

Axial Units

These are huge air blowers that produce a high CFM (cubic feet per minute). It is specifically designed to blow a large amount of air at a wide space. However, that air can only be moved horizontally. These are ideal for drying walls or top-down drying rugs. You can also use these units for ventilation and cooling.

Centrifugal Units

In contrast to pivotal air blowers, these can move air in different directions. They also draw air from a few sources and direct it towards a single spot. These fans are smaller and more compact and are frequently utilized when drying out difficult to-reach zones. For example, they can improve circulation in crawl spaces, wardrobes, and cupboards. Compared with the anaxial type, a centrifugal one will have a lower CFM.

Compact

These are the most versatile of all air movers. They’re smaller and just have ¼ HP motors, yet they can be used to dry large floor areas and perform spot treatments, such as drying the area under counters, in corners, and storerooms. Compared with centrifugal units, these occupy less room and make less noise.

Important things to consider before you buy one

Motor Power and Speed

While picking an air blower, you can consider the engine that will control it which could extend from a ¼ HP engine to 1 HP engine. To begin with, you’ll have to consider where you’ll be utilizing the product.

Airflow (CFM)

CFM or cubic feet per minute is the estimation of how much air is moved by the machine in 1 minute. Remember that a higher torque doesn’t mean a higher CFM. For the most part, you can expect that axial products should have a CFM rating of at least 3000. Centrifugal units regularly run 2400-2700 CFM.

Ease of Storage and Portability

Normally, you can’t simply leave your product lying around. You’ll need to ensure that it can be effectively put away, particularly in case you’re getting more than one.

The Takeaway

Unlike a standard fan, air movers work by giving a consistent blast of air that you can direct on a particular spot. So, you can use them for a variety tasks, including drying wet surfaces, improving the air flow and prevent different types of appliances from overheating.

Source by Shalini M