Q: Our cooling bills are very high even though we keep the air conditioner set well up in summer. The central unit also does not cool our master bedroom well, and we often resort to sleeping in a spare room. Would window air conditioners save us money and give better cooling?A: A window air conditioner almost certainly would keep that bedroom comfortable and one or two other window units in strategic places could cut your cooling cost and improve comfort, assuming you turn off the central unit when using them.The big advantage of window air conditioners is that it is possible to cool only the space you are occupying: a bedroom, family room, kitchen or whatever. Modern window units have quick response; it is possible to cool a hot room in less than an hour and keep in cool for as long as necessary.Modern window air conditioning units are also more efficient than older ones, lighter in weight, smaller and many are less expensive than comparable older models. Many also have remote controls, so you can turn the unit on and off or adjust the temperature without leaving your bed or chair.

Window units do have some disadvantages. They can be noisy, especially when the compressor is running. They fit best in double-hung windows (two sashes that slide up and down). They should be removed from the windows and stored when colder weather arrives, then lugged out and reinstalled when hot weather returns.Window units must be fastened securely in place, since an intruder can easily push a loose one out of the way and crawl through the open window. new air conditioner unit not coolingThey are banned in some developments as detractions from the appearance of the houses.ac unit outside not workingFinally, they obstruct the view through the window and prevent the window from being opened and closed for ventilation in cool weather. best room ac units

So you should weigh the pros and cons carefully before opting for window units, though II think the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages.Q: Old bathtubs can be painted, of course, but paint only lasts a few years. Are there cost-effective ways to line a tub that will keep it looking good for a long time?A: Tough, attractive liners made of acrylics and other plastics are available to fit virtually any old bathtub. The liners are molded to fit the tub exactly, providing a new surface that can last for 15 years or more.), claim that thousands of liners have been installed in hotels and apartments. Long-term warranties are available from some dealers. Installations usually take only one day, but there can be a waiting period of several weeks between the time the tub is measured and the installation. Some manufacturers also offer matching tub surrounds made of the same durable materials. Cost estimates for a tub liner range from about $700 to $1,000, which is considerably more than a professional paint job but still a great deal less than the cost of tearing out and installing a new bathtub.

Like most plastics, liners can be scratched or otherwise damaged. Some owners also complain that a thin film of water gets between the liner and the bottom of the tub, sometimes causing bad odors and mold. Plumbing problems such as leaks around the drain are also sometimes cited. The best protection against any problems is a written warranty and experienced installers.Q: We recently had a ridge vent installed on our older house. One contractor told us we should close off the gable vents in the ends of the roof because we can't have both types of vents. Other contractors told us not to worry about it. A: I agree with those who told you not to worry. If you have adequate attic insulation, the extra ventilation provided by both types of vents should be helpful. Good attic ventilation is important year-round. In hot weather, it helps keep the attic cooler and can extend the life of your roofing. In winter, good ventilation helps prevent condensation on cold surfaces in the attic. Condensation can result in damp insulation, mold and even structural rot.

or at 1730 Blue Bell Pike, Blue Bell, PA 19422. Q. What advantages does a ductless split-system offer over room and central air-conditioners? Posted on August 2012 A. The advantages of ductless split-systems over room and central air-conditioners are: easy installation, quiet operation, versatility in zoning and design, and security. The split systems also eliminate the loss of cool air as it passes through the ductwork. A key advantage of split systems is their ease of installation. Hook-up requires only a three-inch hole (7.62 centimeters) in the wall for the conduit. Unlike with central air conditioning, you do not need ductwork. Since the compressor in most ductless split-systems is as much as 50 feet (15.24 meters) away from the indoor evaporator, it is usually possible to cool rooms on the front side of the house, while still hiding the compressor in a less conspicuous area. The compressor units also fit well on flat rooftops. Ductless split-system air-conditioners operate relatively quietly, since the compressor is outside and the evaporator unit’s fan generally runs at a low speed.

Variable speed high-efficiency fans are also available. By providing zone cooling, ductless split-system air-conditioners save energy, since only the rooms that are occupied need to be cooled. A thermostat independently controls each zone. Therefore, operating costs are often lower than those of central systems that cool every room, whether it is in use or not. If you cannot afford to purchase an air conditioner for the whole house, you can also buy the system one zone at a time. A single outdoor unit controls from one to four zones, depending on the size of the unit. When compared to other add-on systems, split-systems also provide better interior design options. The air handlers can be suspended from a ceiling, mounted flush into a drop ceiling, or hung on a wall. Floor-standing models are also widely available. Most indoor units are low-profile models, no more than seven inches (17.78 centimeters) deep, and come with decorative jackets. Most newer models come with a remote control unit as standard equipment.