Muhammad Mukarram Technical Services L.L.C

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Refrigerator’s Air Circulation and Humidity

The refrigerator relies on forced air to transfer heat. Fans inside the appliance move air around. The faster the air flows, the more quickly the heat is removed. For this reason, you don’t want to do anything to block the airflow. There are three basic types of forced-air systems in refrigerators. In ceiling-type refrigeration,

a single fan is mounted on the ceiling of the appliance. This is adequate for small-volume interiors but is not used in larger refrigerators. Because it only has a single location, it might allow for hot spots in the corners of the interior cabinet. In back-wall or mullion-type refrigeration, the airflow system takes in air above the top shelf and discharges it below the bottom shelf.

The duct-type refrigeration system is a combination of the first two types. Here, the forced-air unit is located at or above ceiling level, and the air is circulated through a series of small air ducts vented to various spots on the back wall of the cabinet. Just how important is air circulation? Well, the difference between safe and unsafe raw foods can be as little as five to seven degrees Fahrenheit. Seafood, poultry, or red meats will spoil within 18 to 24 hours if their refrigerated temperature rises above 42 to 45 degrees

Fahrenheit, and you already know the HACCP guideline of temperatures no higher than 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Would you rather risk a lawsuit and the resulting negative publicity from food-poisoning allegations, or keep your refrigerator air circulating properly?

Humidity is the amount of moisture (or water vapor) in the air. At different temperatures, air can hold different amounts of water. In refrigeration, the type of humidity we are interested in is the relative humidity, or how much of its maximum water-holding capacity the air contains at any given time, expressed as a percentage. For example, 85 percent humidity indicates that the air is holding 85 percent as much water as it could hold at that temperature. Relative humidity greatly affects the appearance and rate of deterioration of many foods. If the air surrounding the stored foods has a very low relative humidity, for instance, the air naturally picks up moisture from the foods themselves, causing surface discoloration, cracking, and drying.

If the air has a high relative humidity, some of the moisture will condense on food that is supposed to be kept dry, causing it to soften or grow mold or bacteria. Fortunately, most foods do well in a relative humidity of 80 to 85 percent. To achieve this optimum level, manufacturers are concerned that the refrigerator’s evaporator coils be large enough to operate at a temperature a few degrees lower than the desired temperature of the appliance. This differential reduces the amount of moisture that accumulates on the evaporator coils and keeps the moisture in the cabinet of the refrigerator instead. If the coils’ temperature becomes too low, however, the moisture will turn to ice crystals and get stuck on

the coils.

In this case, airflow through the system is blocked and the moisture in the refrigerated space is depleted. As you can see, getting all the factors right is a delicate balance, with your food costs and food quality at stake. In short, it is difficult to keep frost off the coils but necessary to keep them frost-free so they will operate properly. Adding heat to the area, to defrost the coils, can compromise the temperature of the food inside. A fairly new concept from Hussman Modular Defrost of Bridgeton, Missouri, does just what its name indicates: defrosts the coil in sections. The automated system defrosts coils at no more than nine minutes per section, and never defrosts adjacent sections at the same time, all programmed by an electronic controller capable of running up to six walk-ins.

The idea works for walk-in and reach-in refrigerators but not freezers. It maintains food quality and saves energy by keeping the compressors from working overtime to compensate for frozen coils. Another humidity-control suggestion for inside refrigerated space was pioneered by Humitech International Group, Inc. of Dallas, Texas. Humitech uses a mineral product called sorbite to absorb moisture and odors.

We mentioned most foods do well at 80 to 85 percent relative humidity, but fresh fruits and vegetables are exceptions. They require more humidity, up to 95 percent. To increase moisture content, you can slow down the air circulation. This explains why there are separate, closed produce bins in most refrigerators-to hold in natural moisture from the vegetables and to restrict airflow.

Freezers maintain an average relative humidity of only 30 to 35 percent. Any more moisture would automatically raise the temperature because it would hit the coils, freeze in place, and block the airflow, causing the freezer air to become warmer. The low humidity of freezers requires special food storage precautions. Use moisture- and vapor-proof wrapping to prevent the surface damage we know as “freezer burn” from occurring if any moisture condenses on the food.

Source by Franco Zinzi

The HCFC Refrigerant Ban – Are You Ready?

Background to the Refrigerant Ban

The HCFC refrigerant ban takes effect at different times but the end of 2009 and 2010 marks important milestones and you may need to take immediate action.

Initial legislation against ozone depleting substances arose from the Montreal Protocol, a globally agreed plan brokered by the industrialised nations. Although the EU is a signatory to the protocol, subsequent EU legislation has been much more vigorous in its approach to the phasing out of these substances.

In most cases, the refrigerants containing CFCs or HCFCs will become controlled waste, which will require appropriate disposal by a licensed contractor. There is a duty of care on behalf of the owner of the equipment from which the refrigerants are extracted.

Strategies for CFC Phase-Out (extract from Office Of Government Commerce)

1) Investigate the identity of your refrigerants; (CAU can assist in this regard and provide details of consultants who can prepare a sampling study and report for your property).

2) Adapt to the phase out by conserving stocks for the next year followed by conversion of machinery to non-CFC refrigerants. Industry recommendations state that conversion would probably not be cost effective in systems with less than 5 years residual life.

3) Buy new CFC-free equipment. An assessment should be undertaken before purchase to ensure that air conditioning is truly necessary, remembering that an air-conditioned building can consume up to three times the energy of a similar non air-conditioned building.

4) Do without air conditioning. If buildings can be ventilated and heated adequately using mechanical or natural ventilation, then this may be a pragmatic approach, which will also have space and cost saving benefits.

Terminology

ODP – Ozone Depleting Potential. Represented as a comparative measurement from the ODP of CFC11, which is taken to have a value of 1.0. CFC – chlorofluorocarbon. Containing chlorine and possessing a large ODP. CFCs are generally found in refrigeration and air conditioning systems eg. Centrifugal Chillers. HCFC – hydrochlorofluorocarbon. Less saturated with chlorine, the hydrogen within these compounds mean that HCFCs have a much shorter atmospheric life span and thus possess a lower ODP.

Important Dates

As from Midnight December 31st 2009 the use of virgin HCFC Refrigerants will be illegal.

The EU Ozone Regulation has already banned the use of CFC refrigerants in existing plants and HCFC refrigerants in new plants.

From 2010 banning the use of HCFC refrigerants in existing plants will commence, meaning that all HCFC refrigerants including R22 will be completely banned.

The use of Virgin HCFC’s will be banned from Midnight 31st December 2009. The use of Recycled HCFC’s will be banned from 31st December

2014. These ‘use’ bans apply to the use of HCFC’s for plant maintenance and you cannot use previously purchased stockpiles.

Source by Iain Hazell

What is an Inverter Air Conditioner?

You have probably had sales people come into your home and start recommending Inverter Ducted Air conditioning. And chances are you don’t fully understand how it works.

Well here is a basic explanation of Inverter units.

You see, a basic conventional system has a basic engine it it just like your motor car. This engine basically has two speeds. Flat out and Stop.

These systems use a lot of electricity in these types of motors because it takes a lot of energy to start a motor from ZERO. And when your home reaches the temperature that you requested on your climate control thermostat the motor will turn off completely.

With an inverter Air conditioning system, like Fujitsu, Daikin, or Mitsubishi Electric, these motors are designed differently.

You see, when you turn on an inverter, the motor will start up slowly so that it does not use a lot of power, then the motor slowly speeds up to full power on a sliding scale. This way the system uses less power to initially start up.

As the ducted system gets closer to reaching your temperature that you requested in your home, the motor will start slowing down, thus using less electricity. And as an added benefit, the temperature in your home will remain more constant, assuming the heat load has been done and you have sized your unit correctly.

The end result is that the motor does not have to completely stop and because of this you don’t use a lot of electricity trying to overcome inertia trying to make the motor initiate from a complete stop.

They are a very good technology to use when compared to conventional systems, however my personal opinion is that Digital Scroll units will deliver enev more energy savings and temperature control.

ONE WARNING. DO NOT UNDER SIZE YOUR INVERTER SYSTEM OR YOU WILL USE AT LEAST 10% MORE ELECTRICITY THAN A CONVENTIONAL AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM.

I will talk more about this next time.

Source by Ian Marsh

Home Appliance Maintenance – Some Pointers To Keep Your Brother SE400 In Good Order

In today’s throwaway society, it is so easy to neglect our electronic gadgets. It’s also tempting to put our home appliances into that same category – especially when it comes to maintenance. A sewing or embroidery machine such as the Brother SE400 is not actually an electronic device. Because it has moving parts it is not sealed like a digital camera or smart phone. Such a machine is classed as “electro-mechanical” and as such requires regular maintenance – unlike a mobile phone or modern camera.

Following are some pointers regarding safety precautions and regular maintenance of your sewing or embroidery machine. The same helpful hints are likely to apply to many of your home appliances in one form or other.

Electrical Safety Precautions

Even in this day and age when advanced electrical safety switches and circuit breakers are built into new homes and renovated residences, there is still an electrical risk with any home appliance. Whenever operating a computerized device in the home it makes common sense to use a power surge protector. You should also unplug an appliance such as a sewing machine from the wall if you are leaving it for more than a few hours. The more power an appliance draws during use, the more important it is to unplug it from the wall when it is lying idle.

It would be a real pity to have a valuable appliance such as a sewing machine burn out because it was left connected to your home’s power source and something untoward happened.

  • You may have unknown wiring problems in your home, or even just at the power point in the wall – particularly in older homes.
  • Some appliances may just be “lemons” with an electrical problem which if triggered could cause damage either to the appliance itself or possibly cause a short circuit in other parts of your home.
  • Electrical storms are always a risk.

Sunlight and Storage

Sewing machine casings today tend to be made of plastic that become discolored if left in direct sunlight. The mechanical parts inside can also be affected if the machine is left in very humid locations; always store your machine in a dry area away from direct sunlight.

Oiling

These days many machines are made of materials that do not require oil, or their moving parts are already infused with lubricant. However, make sure you read your machine’s manual to ensure that this is the case. Otherwise you should get into the habit of oiling your machine after every big project and whenever it has been left idle for a length of time.

Heat

I once used a bright halogen desk lamp over my sewing machine so I could see my work more clearly. It wasn’t until I had finished my project and went to put the machine away that I discovered a part of the casing had become distorted because the heat from the lamp melted the plastic. It may sound obvious, but you really need to watch that you don’t operate your machine too close to a space heater, your iron or any other hot appliance.

Dust and Fabric Fluff

It may seem unnecessary to spell out precautions about dust when it makes common sense to so many. However home appliances do actually gather dust and dirt can hurt! Certain mechanical parts can malfunction simply because they have become clogged with dust. Even if you leave your machine out overnight, it is a good policy to cover it. Most machines come with a soft cover for this purpose.

Sewing and embroidery machines will inevitably collect fluff from the fabrics you are sewing. The friction of the needle continuously piercing your fabric and the movement of the material along the feed dogs creates a surprising amount of fluff. It is therefore important to make regular use of the cleaning brushes provided to clear any fabric fluff from the feeder dogs and the bobbin case. It is also a wise precaution to check and clean your foot control every so often. You would be surprised by the amount of dust and dirt that collects around anything on the floor.

Unusual Noises

Don’t ignore unusual sounds. If you notice the motor making a different noise, it probably means something. Firstly check the LCD display to see if there is any error code showing. Check that the needle is secure and that the bobbin mechanism is properly engaged. Make sure that your spool of thread is sitting correctly and that the thread is not caught or jammed at any threading point. Check to make sure that all the air openings are clear. If the noise doesn’t go away, you really need to take your machine to an authorized repairer for a check up. Fortunately Brother USA provide a 25 year limited warranty, so something unusual which is not due to rough handling could quite possibly be covered.

Remember, not only machines such as the Brother SE400 Computerized Embroidery and Sewing Machine need to be treated with respect. The tips provided here also apply to many home appliances and garden tools, even if they are inexpensive to purchase relative to days gone by.

Source by Elizabeth Aitken

Plumbing Services: Resolution and Prevention of Burst Pipes

Homeowners and businesses alike experience plumbing complications such as pipes bursting as the seasons change. Pipes within external walls or outside of a structure have a strong possibility of freezing in cold temperatures and will sometimes split open as this process is reversed. Plumbing services are necessary in many instances to ensure the problem is alleviated. Location determines how extensive the repair will be in this type of water system situation. A pipe leading to an outside faucet with easy access will entail small steps and be less work than one hidden between the exterior walls or ceilings of a building. Having a plumbing services professional evaluate the situation is one of the best ways to determine how to fix the problem.

Leave Extensive Repairs to Plumbing Services

Plumbing services are not merely limited to a leaking sink or toilet; they also include the following tasks for a home or business:

  • Appliance and Piping Installations
  • Inspections
  • Leak Detection or Protection
  • Thawing Assistance
  • Removal of Tree Roots
  • Draining Repairs
  • General Plumbing Practices
  • Code Compliance

Numerous jobs can be performed by a plumbing service to protect a structure, conserve water or energy, and alleviate complications experienced by owners. A burst pipe averages about fifty pounds of pressure, consequently causing water to spray out with force when a problem is present. They are fairly easy to detect when following the trail of water produced. Typical home piping consists of copper soldered to varying types of fittings. Galvanized iron is another material found in older structures, but it has been left behind in new homes due to experienced mineral deposit clogging.

An immense stain on a ceiling indicates a leak; however, investigation is often needed because water can make its way from another area and down the framing points of a structure. Locating the leak is the first step toward repair, and shutting off the water supply to this area is recommended until the issue can be resolved. The damaged section must be replaced to have a permanent fix; however, an owner can perform a couple of protective steps as a temporary resolution until the task can be completed. A repair clamp with a rubber sleeve can be applied to the area to prevent additional leaking.

Plumbing services are recommended when the tools or experience is not available for cutting and replacing the burst section. Actions can be taken before cold weather sets in to further avoid this problem. Begin by identifying the pipes with the possibility of freezing throughout the structure and then cover them with specifically designed insulation. Electric heating tape can also be applied in areas where freezing is common. Take actions to keep water running through these areas of a water system on days when it is particularly cold. Piping should be drained in any building used on a seasonal basis. In the event of a burst, it is best to remedy the situation temporarily and then call a professional plumbing service to make the repair.

Source by Brian Figlioli

Different Types of Landscaping Services

There are many options available to you if you are interested in obtaining landscaping services. You should never make the decision without taking time and careful consideration when choosing a company. You should make enquires at several places to try and get the best deal you can. You can ask your friend or neighbors, search the Internet, or go to one of the two specialized companies mentioned later in this article. With some time and research you can get excellent quality work within your budget.

Some Available Landscaping Services

One of the most popular landscaping companies around is Relms Landscaping Services. This is an extremely well known company that can create and build anything your desire. They can also help you with any landscaping project you need. They are experienced at maintaining gardens and yards, can help with additional plantings, build a pond, or form your own landscaping company. They deal with both residential and commercial landscaping.

Some of the services that Relms offers are landscape lighting installation, irrigation installation and maintenance, lawn/turf management programs, tree/stump removal, perennial cutback, tree/shrub pruning, walls, walks, patios, redesign, island beds, water gardens, foundation plantings and more. Many times landscaping companies can provide ideas that you may not be aware of to make all your space come together into a cohesive unit.

Northwest Landscaping also offers excellent landscaping services. They do an excellent job with maintaining luxurious flowerbeds, shrubs, lawns as well as weeding, fertilizing, planting and mowing. They feel that you should be proud of your lawn just as they are proud of the product that they supply. They are dedicated to creating and maintaining all of their properties to the highest standards. They are known for their unparalleled customer service and have excellent communication with property owners. All of their employees are trained professionals that are well qualified and have excellent experience.

This company has proven their work with over 140 years of experience. Over this time span they have achieved and maintained a respected reputation in the landscaping industry. No matter what services they are providing they are always professional and proactive. Their use of technology, efficient systems and competitive pricing will be sure to leave a lasting impression.

It does not matter which landscaping services company you choose as long as you take enough time to completely consider which company is the best for your landscaping plans. You need to feel comfortable with the landscapers and confident that they will work well with your ideas.

Source by Cindy Heller

Choosing Home Meat Slicers

Choosing home meat slicers doesn’t have to be a difficult task. It is quite simple to find and purchase a slicer if you know where to look. In this article, we will show you how to choose a home meat slicer.

Choose Your Brand
There are many factors to consider when choosing a slicer. Probably one that most people wouldn’t think to look is which slicer brand to choose from. There are many known and unknown slicer brands. Here is a brief list of slicer brands:

Anvil
Axis
Berkel
Chef’s Choice
Distributor
General
German Knife/Turbo Air
Globe
Hobart
Univex

Choose A Category
When it comes to slicers, they would normally come in 3 categories: light duty, medium duty, and heavy duty. Light duty slicers are meant to be use very seldom. If you plan to slice a few items a day, then this is the slicer you should purchase. Medium duty slicers are considered the intermediate level of slicing meats. You should get this one if you are the type of person that slices quite a few different items, yet still nothing to strenuous to the slicer. Heavy duty meat slicers are the top of the line. They are meat to slice anything tough and thick. These kind of slicers are meant for continuous slicing operations.

How Much Are You Willing to Spend
You may find that the main limitation to buying a high quality meat slicer is the price. If you are just looking into getting a consumer grade slicer, it will run you at around $100. If you want the commercial grade, it will run you around $2,000 to $6,000+. You can often find lower priced slicers if you do a little online searching, like at eBay or Amazon.

Now that you have a general idea on choosing a home meat slicer, you can find the right one for your needs. So, go and slice your favorite meats and cheeses today!

Source by Anderson Nortex

Different Types Of Windows For Your Property

Your window is an important piece to make your home more beautiful. It is indeed necessary for you to understand the technical things such as energy efficient. But there are other important things to consider.

The right type of window will definitely impact the functionality of your home. It will determine how they function and how they can be opened and operated as these will greatly influence your way of life at home. Bear in mind that windows are not just holes that will bring in light or perhaps keep the weather out. They can actually have a huge impact on the overall appeal of your property.

Of course, you must choose one that will best suit your needs. But bear in mind also how they look as well as feel inside.

Window Types To Choose From

Single or Double Hung – This has 2 sashes with one installed above the other. The single hung has one movable sash along with a fixed one. On the other hand, both sashes are movable in a double hung and can slide over each other. The main advantage of this option is that it does not use up exterior space, making them an excellent choice in areas where outdoor activity or obstruction may get in the way. For areas where you cannot get full access to open and close them is the only place where these are not great choices.

Casement – This operates like a door, wherein it can swing out from one side or the other. It is operated by crank mechanisms but is push-out styles. The main benefit of this option is it is several-fold. It offers better sight lines since there is no sash frame in the middle that can obstruct the view. Also, it works well in situations where limited reach or perhaps physical accessibility is limited.

Awning – This is quite similar to casement windows but it can swing out horizontally from the top. It opens at the bottom and often open outward. Some can also be opened inward. It allows light to enter the room whilst keeping it private. It is a great choice if you are living in a rainy environment but want to get good ventilation as it can be opened upward and outward; hence, it will keep the rain out and the air in.

Hopper – This is quite similar with awning except that it is flipped over – it opens at the top. It also opens to the inside rather than the outside. It is an excellent choice for small window application. Also, it has less framing to efficiently block the light. Most homeowners want this option since it can easily be cleaned from the inside. It is a great choice for the basement.

Tilt & Turn – This is a combination of a hopper and a casement window. It can swing open and tilt inward from the top. Its main advantage is its flexibility. It can give you a window that can do more things.

Source by Reeze Martin

Swapping Evaporative Air Conditioning to Reverse Cycle (HVAC) Air Conditioning – A Complete Guide

People often want to know whether they can change their existing ducted evaporative system over to a new ducted reverse cycle (HVAC) air conditioning system by using all the same ductwork and outlets. The simple answer is no. Below is a list of reasons as to why you cannot simply change the system over to become a reverse cycle (HVAC) system.

Firstly, reverse cycle grilles (or outlets) are usually placed near windows and away from the doors. This allows the air to condition the heat/cold that comes in directly through the windows. The airflow for a reverse cycle system should also take the longest route back from the outlet to the return air grille. If an outlet was placed next to a door, the air would simply be sucked back underneath the door towards the return air grille and the room would have hot spots near the window.

The problem with evaporative grilles is that they are usually located by the doorways. The evaporative units airflow should take the longest possible path through a room and out of the window. If they were located right next to a window, the air would simply flow out the window and hot spots would be caused near the doorways and in the far side of rooms.

Due to these reasons it is not advised to place reverse cycle grilles in a same spot where a ducted evaporative grille was previously located. Although it is possible to do it will severely lessen the effectiveness and capacity of the system. The best option is to start fresh and put the new reverse cycle grilles in the correct desired location as required. However, this would mean you would need to patch and paint the holes in the ceiling left by the removal of the old evaporative grilles and this can be a costly job.

Another option would be to add extra grilles as needed. You can consider leaving grilles near the doorways from the evaporative system and add extra grilles by the windows if needed.

Another problem encountered when swapping the systems over is that the old ducting cannot be used. The ducting used for evaporative units is far larger than that required for reverse cycle ducted air conditioners. Evaporative units use ducting around the 16-20 inch mark. This large size duct is used by evaporative air conditioners as the air is extremely fast blowing and it aims to draw in air to the amount of 40 times the cubic area of your house per hour. Reverse cycle ducting is mostly only around the 12 inch mark in diameter. This is because reverse cycle air conditioning is far slower moving than it’s evaporative counterpart.

Evaporative ducting is also usually only slightly if at all insulated. Reverse cycle ducting should always be insulated by a minimum of 2 inches to preserve the cooling/heating and to prevent condensation from occurring.

So if you want to swap your current evaporative system over to a new reverse cycle ducted system, you are best to start from scratch. Be sure to get quite a few quotes for the cost to patch and paint the ceiling before starting any work. And if air conditioning contractors tell you they can simply swap a system over using the existing duct and outlets, ask lots of questions and be wary as they may not be around to help you out once you have paid good money and your system is not working effectively.

In some cases using the existing grilles can be an option, but it would make the system less effective.

Source by James Fletcher

Hire a Professional Painting Company to Save Your Home From a Bad Painting Job

If you think that painting a home is a simple affair, you cannot be more wrong. Not only painting your entire residential property is time-consuming, but it is also tiring and complicated. If you want to save your home from a bad painting job, you must hire a professional painting company. Here’s why you should start your search for an expert who can make your home beautiful:

· No Unpleasant Financial Shocks

A professional painting company provides you with a detailed budget of the painting job. A comprehensive budget will help you to plan your expenses properly. Also, it will aid you in avoiding any unpleasant shocks in the future.

· Meticulous Preparation

A beautiful painting job requires meticulous preparation. Sadly, inexperienced and amateur painters have no idea about preparation. If you hire a professional painting company, it will undertake the following tasks before painting your property:

– Understanding your requirements,

– Creating a detailed work-plan,

– Covering the fixtures,

– Protecting the furniture,

– Cleaning the painting area, etc.

· Wide Experience

You may not have the experience of painting a difficult surface such as wood. But, a professional painting company will be experienced in working with different types of surfaces such as concrete, drywall, wood, vinyl, etc. So, do not worry if you want to paint the exterior brick walls of your home or the swimming pool. A professional will fulfill your expectations accurately.

· Safety and Security

Are you worried about providing entry to a stranger in your home? Do not worry about it. A professional painting company conducts a thorough background check on each of its painters. It is concerned about its reputation in the market. So, it employs painters after stringent background checks to ensure your safety.

· Complete Home Restoration

If you hire a part-time painter or choose to paint the home on your own, you won’t be able to take advantage of multiple services that a professional painting company offers to its customers. It is better to choose someone that provides painting services as well as renovation services. Employing an expert will enable you to obtain services such as:

– Drywall replacement,

– Ceiling restructure,

– Installation of wooden cabinets,

– Swimming pool restoration,

– Installation of electrical fixtures,

– Deck repair, etc.

· Accurate and Timely Results

A professional painting company has to maintain its reputation in the market. So, it ensures that its painters meet the deadline. Also, you can be assured of beautiful results because it employs expert and trained painters who use quality products only.

· Benefit of Warranty

Even though hiring a professional painting company is costlier than choosing an untrained painter, it is beneficial in the long run. It is because it provides long-lasting results and offers one year warranty of the painting job.

Painting is often considered a simple job. But remember that precision, proficiency and patience are required to avoid a bad painting job. So, it is better to employ a professional painting company who can make your home beautiful.

Source by Christine Delongte