Recently I listened to a podcast from an Air Conditioning expert, which I didn't even know existed . It got my brain going about how to stay cool without using an air conditioner. I have been trying some of his tips, plus some of my own ideas, and thought I'd share them here. The results have been very successful, and at my house we now run our air conditioner for only brief periods of time throughout the day while the other tenants in our unit blast theirs almost nonstop. The most interesting thing I discovered is just how arbitrary the standard 72 degrees F is. I am convinced that this temperature is based on wearing a business suit, which people almost never wear in their own homes in the summer. The truth is that there is no ideal temperature. These ways to stay cool fit into three categories: Lowering the temperature of your house, lowering your body temperature, and changing your perception so that the heat doesn't bother you so much. Not all of these steps are practical for everyone, but if you can find one or two that you can turn into habit, it can make a difference in comfort and/or in energy consumption.

In addition, I have listed some bonus "green" benefits on each step where they apply.Step 1: Get naked!If you don't have central air, portable air conditioners can be a great solution for those hot summer days. However, like any appliance, air conditioners need to be maintained during the off-season to ensure that they work properly when you do need them.prices ac unit home Following are four portable air conditioner problems to look out for and how to solve them.average price to fix car ac There are numerous reasons for an air conditioner to either not start or cease to operate.average cost to run window ac unit The first thing you should check is whether the unit is plugged in and if the outlet is receiving power. You should also check to make sure the power cord is not damaged in any way.

The next thing to check is whether your unit is on a timer. A timer can cause the unit to stop working and may prevent it from starting all together. Lastly, you should check the temperature at which your portable air conditioner is set. If the ambient temperature is lower, the unit will either not turn on or will turn off quickly. On a really warm day, it will take some time for an air conditioner to do its work and cool down a room. Especially if it's a large room or a room with high ceilings. However, if your room still feels quite warm after the air conditioner has been running for 30-60 minutes, you may have a problem on your hands. The biggest problem is likely that your air conditioner is too small for the size of the room you are trying to cool. Portable air conditioners are sized according to their BTU ratings. If your air conditioner has the wrong BTU rating, it won't work efficiently. Too large of a BTU and the air conditioner will constantly cycle on and off.

Too low of a BTU and your air conditioner will never be able to get the room as cool as you would like. When purchasing a portable air conditioner, make sure you have the dimensions of the room you will be using it in. Most portable air conditioner boxes will outline the room size that the particular model will work for. If you find your room is between sizes, opt for the bigger model. If your portable air conditioner is the right size for your room, it's possible that the ambient temperature is too high. Portable air conditioners work by pushing cool air into a room and venting hot air, through the units compressor, to the outside. This constant venting can cause a pressure imbalance that will pull in warm air from other parts of the house. To solve this, make sure any doors to the room are closed. If the room receives a lot of sun, be sure to cover the windows with curtains or shades. If you find that your portable air conditioner still does not work properly, it's possible that it needs a good cleaning.

Read on for more details. The most common cause of a lack of air flow is a dirty filter. The interior of portable air conditioners can get quite dirty and dusty. Referencing the manual that came with your portable air conditioner, remove the filter and clean it. You may also want to take this time to wipe down any exposed interior areas with a damp cloth. Another reason your portable air conditioner may lack air flow is the presence of frost on the evaporator coils. When water doesn't drain properly from a portable air conditioner, it builds up and can freeze around the coils. This prevents air flow. If you saw any amount of frost on the interior of your portable air conditioner when you removed the filter, you should keep your air conditioner off and let it defrost. Wipe out any excess water with a rag. After everything has dried, you should be able to run your air conditioner properly. A musty smell coming from your air conditioner likely means you have a mold or mildew problem.

Mold and mildew tend to grow in wet places. If your portable air conditioner is retaining water, it creates the perfect breeding ground for spores. Like above, you'll want to reference your manual and inspect the interior of your portable air conditioner. Check the filter, evaporator coils, drain line, and drain pan. If you see mold or mildew, you'll want to give your air conditioner a thorough cleaning. Wear a mask and clean all reachable areas with a cleaner that is made specifically for mold and mildew. If you follow the above steps and keep your portable air conditioner protected in the off season, it should run smoothly for years to come. If the above steps don't work, it may be time to call in a professional or purchase a new portable air conditioner.Home   >   Survival Skills   > If  you’ve ever had your power go out on one of those hot summer days you know just how important keeping cool can be. Seems every year people die due to heat. Keeping your home cool in the summer can be very expensive if you use your air conditioner.

This air conditioner is very simple to make, and can be made in a few minutes if your are handy. Even if you are not handy you’ll be able to make one of these DIY air conditioners. One of the nice things about this air conditioner is that it will give you up to 6 hours of coolness. This thing works so well you may need to put on a sweatshirt! To make one of these babies you need a few simple tools, a couple of 5 gallon buckets, along with a few other items. Everything is shown in the video. Please see *NOTE below the video. Please see our new post titled: 5 Easy To Make Homemade Air Conditioners That Will Save You $200 Per Month On Your AC Bill and Keep You Frosty Cool All Summer This will answer most questions that come up about the video you just watched, plus show you 4 other really easy to make air conditioners. Simply click on the blue link above to be taken to that page. With the hot summer months approaching we thought this article about heat stroke might come in handy.

Simple Trick Reveals How To Bring Any Old Or Dead Battery Back To Life Just Like New Click Here Now To See How It’s Done Heat Stroke: Symptoms and Treatment Heat stroke is the most serious form of heat injury and is a medical emergency. If you suspect that someone has heat stroke — also known as sunstroke — you should call 911 immediately and render first aid until paramedics arrive. Heat stroke can kill or cause damage to the brain and other internal organs. Although heat stroke mainly affects people over age 50, it also takes a toll on healthy young athletes. Heat stroke often occurs as a progression from milder heat-related illnesses such as heat cramps, heat syncope (fainting), and heat exhaustion. But it can strike even if you have no previous signs of heat injury. Heat stroke results from prolonged exposure to high temperatures — usually in combination with dehydration — which leads to failure of the body’s temperature control system.

The medical definition of heat stroke is a core body temperature greater than 105 degrees Fahrenheit, with complications involving the central nervous system that occur after exposure to high temperatures. Other common symptoms include nausea, seizures, confusion, disorientation, and sometimes loss of consciousness or coma. The hallmark symptom of heat stroke is a core body temperature above 105 degrees Fahrenheit. But fainting may be the first sign. Other symptoms may include: If you suspect that someone has a heat stroke, immediately call 911 or transport the person to a hospital. Any delay seeking medical help can be fatal. While waiting for the paramedics to arrive, initiate first aid. Move the person to an air-conditioned environment — or at least a cool, shady area — and remove any unnecessary clothing. If possible, take the person’s core body temperature and initiate first aid to cool it to 101 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit. If no thermometers are available, don’t hesitate to initiate first aid.