What use to be something very simple is not so much any longer. Plastic baby bottles have been used for a long time, but the bottles you see in the store are not what they use to be. In fact, they are much, much better. When choosing what you want to use to feed your baby, you have so many options that you may be confused. Even breastfeeding moms may have to have a few bottles to use before it is time to wean. Make an informed choice before you buy, and the care for your bottles so they last. There are simple baby bottles out there that you already know. These are simply the bottle, ring, and nipple. These are often the most inexpensive of plastic baby bottles, but they are also the most problematic for some children. These will create negative pressure, meaning you have to deal with collapsing nipples when your child has a stronger sucking reflex. They can also allow a lot of air to pass through to your baby, which can lead to colic. Some babies do just fine with these, but if you find your child has gas issues, you may want to go out and find something else. The type of plastic that is used to make baby bottles is also a concern. Some believe that the plastic can leech into the milk or formula. This is also a concern with any type of plastic that you use in your home for food storage. You have to consider the validity of this when you choose. Some are made with safer plastics that keep your food purer. If you think that perhaps some of the less expensive plastic baby bottles may not be safe, don't worry. There are some out there that you may feel better about using with your children. If you worry about gas, there are two brands that come to mind that have special features that can help cut down on the amount of air that your baby will swallow. These are Dr Browns bottles and the Soothie brand plastic baby bottles. They come with special vents that keep much less gas from going into your baby while they are eating. These are also made with safer types of plastic. They are harder to clean, but if your baby is suffering from gas pain, you won't mind the extra work. Dr Browns also helps alleviate the negative pressure that some simple plastic bottles can create, better mimicking feeding from the breast. No matter what type or brand of plastic baby bottles you buy, the most important thing is to wash them correctly. Get all of the grooves around where the ring attaches to the bottle, and make sure the nipples are scrubbed. If you get a hard to clean type, make sure you spend the extra time to clean them correctly so old milk does not remain there to grow mold. You can sterilize your bottles once a week if you wish with easy to use bags that you can find in most stores that sell bottles and breast pump accessories. Read More From The Author Here:
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Friday, October 1, 2010
Do I need car insurance to pick up a towed car
Do I need car insurance to pick up a towed carIs car insurance coverage required in order to go pick up a towed vehicle? Car insurance policies are as varied as the people they cover. When looking for a policy, it is easy to get caught up in all the terms, amounts, and hard to understand vocabulary. It is important to know what coverage you have and how it works before you need the coverage. Coverage such as towing insurance is not something you want to research when you are sitting on the side of the road needing a tow. Start comparing coverage option now with free personalized car insurance quotes!
What is Towing Coverage?Towing insurance is exactly what it sounds like, coverage on a vehicle that needs to be towed. Basically, your insurance company will either reimburse you for the cost of the tow or allow direct billings from the tow company. Many car insurance companies require that you call them first and then they dispatch the tow company of their choice to your location. The tow company then bills the insurance company because they have a contract with them. Generally, you won’t have to speak directly to the towing company at all. You need to be aware of the rules that go along with your auto towing insurance. For example, most policies will only cover one tow. That tow is usually from the place of break down to the nearest garage or to your home. If you have a garage that you want your car towed to and it is further than the nearest garage, you may have to pay some of the cost. You cannot have the car towed to your home and then call another day for a tow to the garage. Policies usually cover one tow per break down. Another thing to be aware of is maximums. Some policies will have a maximum per tow as well as a maximum per year that can be spent on towing. Know what these maximums are and keep track of any amount of the coverage that is used so you know what is left. When you call for your tow, be sure to ask for a tow that is under the maximum amount.
Comprehensive Coverage NeededThe majority of car insurance companies will include towed car coverage in their comprehensive coverage, but not in their collision coverage. Comprehensive coverage is the most extensive coverage you can get. It covers vehicle damage, natural disasters, vandalism, towing, and other insurance needs. You should have comprehensive coverage if you are still paying on your vehicle, it is leased, or if the value of your car is high. Collision coverage only covers vehicle to vehicle damage and does not have any of the extras such as towing. Some insurance companies will let you piece together a policy that meets your needs but the cost you will pay for each piece is typically much higher than a standard comprehensive policy. Insurance companies can let you know how much it would cost to add towing coverage to a collision only policy. Therefore, to be sure you have towing coverage through your insurance, you need to get comprehensive coverage and ask your agent if towing is fully covered.
Other Car Towing OptionsIf you don’t have tow insurance through your insurance company, there are other options. The first is obvious; you can pay directly for the tow. This will cost you $50-$200 depending on where you break down, where you need the car towed, and what type of vehicle is being towed. It may seem cheaper to just do this instead of pay a monthly fee to add the coverage to your policy, but if you don’t have the money available at the time of the tow, you won’t be able to get your vehicle towed. Another option is to get an independent road side assistance plan. These are available through travel clubs, some credit cards, and other type of memberships like AAA. Each of these will also have their own set of rules regarding how and when your vehicle can be towed. The most important thing, is that if you go without coverage, make sure you have the money to pay for a tow when needed. Leaving you car on a roadside can lead to further damage or even a traffic ticket. If you aren’t sure if your car insurance policy has tow insurance and you want to compare what different polices have to offer, the best way to do this is online. By using an online comparison tool, you can see offers side by side as well as costs and coverage amounts. Get started comparing car insurance now!
What is Towing Coverage?Towing insurance is exactly what it sounds like, coverage on a vehicle that needs to be towed. Basically, your insurance company will either reimburse you for the cost of the tow or allow direct billings from the tow company. Many car insurance companies require that you call them first and then they dispatch the tow company of their choice to your location. The tow company then bills the insurance company because they have a contract with them. Generally, you won’t have to speak directly to the towing company at all. You need to be aware of the rules that go along with your auto towing insurance. For example, most policies will only cover one tow. That tow is usually from the place of break down to the nearest garage or to your home. If you have a garage that you want your car towed to and it is further than the nearest garage, you may have to pay some of the cost. You cannot have the car towed to your home and then call another day for a tow to the garage. Policies usually cover one tow per break down. Another thing to be aware of is maximums. Some policies will have a maximum per tow as well as a maximum per year that can be spent on towing. Know what these maximums are and keep track of any amount of the coverage that is used so you know what is left. When you call for your tow, be sure to ask for a tow that is under the maximum amount.
Comprehensive Coverage NeededThe majority of car insurance companies will include towed car coverage in their comprehensive coverage, but not in their collision coverage. Comprehensive coverage is the most extensive coverage you can get. It covers vehicle damage, natural disasters, vandalism, towing, and other insurance needs. You should have comprehensive coverage if you are still paying on your vehicle, it is leased, or if the value of your car is high. Collision coverage only covers vehicle to vehicle damage and does not have any of the extras such as towing. Some insurance companies will let you piece together a policy that meets your needs but the cost you will pay for each piece is typically much higher than a standard comprehensive policy. Insurance companies can let you know how much it would cost to add towing coverage to a collision only policy. Therefore, to be sure you have towing coverage through your insurance, you need to get comprehensive coverage and ask your agent if towing is fully covered.
Other Car Towing OptionsIf you don’t have tow insurance through your insurance company, there are other options. The first is obvious; you can pay directly for the tow. This will cost you $50-$200 depending on where you break down, where you need the car towed, and what type of vehicle is being towed. It may seem cheaper to just do this instead of pay a monthly fee to add the coverage to your policy, but if you don’t have the money available at the time of the tow, you won’t be able to get your vehicle towed. Another option is to get an independent road side assistance plan. These are available through travel clubs, some credit cards, and other type of memberships like AAA. Each of these will also have their own set of rules regarding how and when your vehicle can be towed. The most important thing, is that if you go without coverage, make sure you have the money to pay for a tow when needed. Leaving you car on a roadside can lead to further damage or even a traffic ticket. If you aren’t sure if your car insurance policy has tow insurance and you want to compare what different polices have to offer, the best way to do this is online. By using an online comparison tool, you can see offers side by side as well as costs and coverage amounts. Get started comparing car insurance now!
Professional Advice for Elderly Home Care Remodeling & New Construction
Project TypeIf you are planning to build an addition, you may want to consider finishing out your existing garage and building a new garage. The cost of building a new garage is far less (in some cases 1/2 as much) than adding additional new living space. For a basement in-law suite you will need a walk out basement and a window that meets your local codes. Concrete foundation walls can be cut to exact opening sizes allowing you to add a door or window if your natural grade permits. Garage in-law suites will require windows in the bedroom in accordance with your local building codes.When remodeling a basement, installing a sub floor system such as DRIcore helps to keep the flooring warm and dry as well as adding a healthier living environment for you loved one. Safety MonitoringEven when your not in the room with your loved one, you can still check in to make sure their OK and that their receiving proper treatment from others such as healthcare providers. When planning a construction project don’t forget to consider any other wiring needs you might have in the future, such as Cable TV, Internet connection, etc… The cost of wiring is far less during construction as compared to post construction. Wheelchair AccessibilityIn addition to adding more space and freedom of movement to your in-law suite this option also enables you to have piece of mind, knowing that in the event of injury or other medical complications your loved one will be able to navigate independently or with assistance through his/her living space even in a wheelchair. In Home CareHaving a lockable passage to your home requires a exterior entrance to the in-law suite and gives you the option of securing your living space when your not present. This gives you piece of mind, knowing that home health care providers have access to your home only at your discretion. Having a Rehab/Exercise room can save you time and money. Your loved one can be rehabilitated in the comfort of their own living quarters which can save you time that would be spend driving to and from expensive rehab facilities as well as keep your loved one under your watchful care. Special Health NeedsComforting in an In-law suiteAn In-Law Suite can even be built with hospital like equipment and treatment capabilities, but without the cold and sometimes dangerous environment. This way your loved one can spend their time around friends and family in a comfortable, safe place, and still get the treatment they need from in home care providers.(Of coarse its always recommended to follow the advise of your physician) If lack of mobility is a main issue your loved one is facing, a lift can be built into the structure of the building and could facilitate helping your loved one out of bed for bathing, changing, etc…Chairlifts and many other helpful devices can be installed and designed into the project to make your in-law suite conform to your loved ones needs, and provide them with the best possible living space physically and emotionally. For basement suites or other special situations an elevator is a great option. Over the recent years the cost has come down on in home models and can be more affordable than you might think.Safety Accessories Adding something as simple as a handrail or grab bar can literally be a life saver. Placing Ramps and Grab bars in important locations can help your loved one stay independent for as long as possible.These simple fixtures can help to minimize falls and other accidents before they happen, its true what they say, “an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.”
Floor PlanBelow is a link to a few samples of in-law suite floor plans in each of the basic design models. Remember everyone has a unique situation and needs, so these are just to help you get some ideas. FLOOR PLANS BedroomWhen thinking of remodeling, make sure that a window can be placed in the bedroom. Having this in mind first can be a guideline and starting point for the floor plan layout of your project. Dimmer switches are an easy way to help the room to feel warm and comfortable. In addition they also extend the life of incandescent bulbs.Structural backing for wall mounted TVs or other items should be considered for installation during initial construction and can sometimes help to make the most of your family member’s living space. BathroomWhen designing your in-law suite consider using a Jack and Jill bathroom configuration. This gives any guests your loved on might entertain access to the restroom without going through the bedroom. KitchenCooking in an In law suiteCollapsible sink bases are made at the right height for wheelchair accessibility but still have an under-cabinet that can be removed or left in place. - Thinking of things like this in the design phase can help you be better prepared from the future and may even save you money and time in the long run. If your loved one is suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s it is recommended to evaluate their abilities and determine if they will be able to use a kitchen. Doing this now can help you spend your project budget in the best way possible for your loved one’s needs. When laying out the kitchen, its a good idea to design it around making all the essential appliances and items within reach from one area if possible. This way your loved one won’t have to walk back and forth many times to get from one often used area to another. When grouped together, your loved one can easily get something from the refrigerator, prepare, and cook it with as little walking as possible. Contact Connecticutt Live-ins for all of your Elder Care, Home Health Care & Senior Care needs in CT
Floor PlanBelow is a link to a few samples of in-law suite floor plans in each of the basic design models. Remember everyone has a unique situation and needs, so these are just to help you get some ideas. FLOOR PLANS BedroomWhen thinking of remodeling, make sure that a window can be placed in the bedroom. Having this in mind first can be a guideline and starting point for the floor plan layout of your project. Dimmer switches are an easy way to help the room to feel warm and comfortable. In addition they also extend the life of incandescent bulbs.Structural backing for wall mounted TVs or other items should be considered for installation during initial construction and can sometimes help to make the most of your family member’s living space. BathroomWhen designing your in-law suite consider using a Jack and Jill bathroom configuration. This gives any guests your loved on might entertain access to the restroom without going through the bedroom. KitchenCooking in an In law suiteCollapsible sink bases are made at the right height for wheelchair accessibility but still have an under-cabinet that can be removed or left in place. - Thinking of things like this in the design phase can help you be better prepared from the future and may even save you money and time in the long run. If your loved one is suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s it is recommended to evaluate their abilities and determine if they will be able to use a kitchen. Doing this now can help you spend your project budget in the best way possible for your loved one’s needs. When laying out the kitchen, its a good idea to design it around making all the essential appliances and items within reach from one area if possible. This way your loved one won’t have to walk back and forth many times to get from one often used area to another. When grouped together, your loved one can easily get something from the refrigerator, prepare, and cook it with as little walking as possible. Contact Connecticutt Live-ins for all of your Elder Care, Home Health Care & Senior Care needs in CT
Green Bay Packers: Are They The Dirtiest Team In NFL History?
The purpose here is to determine whether or not the Green Bay Packers are the dirtiest team in NFL history. While most teams have or have had dirty players from time to time, i.e., Richie Incognito of the Dolphins, Hines Ward of the Steelers, and even Conrad Dobler of the Cardinals to name but a few, rarely have teams historically held onto a concept of committing flagrant, intentional penalties against opposing players, whether for the purpose of injuring or intimidating them, or merely when the game isn't going their way. The Green Bay Packers however, appear to be such a team. Is this tendency to commit flagrant penalties, late hits, and unsportsmanlike conduct fouls just emotional meltdown in the heat of battle, or a trait that is taught within their organization as a whole? Or perhaps a team that believes that it can take advantage of preferred treatment by the NFL hierarchy? In any event, the Packers have historically employed dirty play as part of a team concept to win at any cost and as such should by now be recognized as the dirtiest team in NFL history. I will not go into a complete list of dirty plays over 90 something years of Packer history, but rather illustrate a few examples to make my point. Last night's game against the Bears was a typical example of the Packers resorting to unsportsmanlike conduct, particularly when an opponent gets physical with them. Did they intentionally send Zongo to try and injure Cutler? It certainly appeared that way. It will be interesting to see if the NFL fines him for the flagrant hit. He came up under Cutler's jaw and launched his helmet like a boxer's uppercut, which is a knockout punch. Then there was the late hit on Forte that was way after the whistle blew the play dead, which was reminiscent of the late hit on Jim McMahon in the 1980's that injured his throwing shoulder and effectively ended his career. How about their entire O/L leg-whipping and tripping Julius Peppers last night? Even the supposed second-coming of Ray Lewis (Clay Matthews Jr.) was up around the helmet of Cutler whenever he got a chance. Where does this tendency come from? Don't the Packers believe that they can compete within the rules? Is this just residual effect from the Forrest Gregg era or a systematic characteristic of "Titletown" Wisconsin? Ray Nitschke was no Dick Butkus for certain, so he played dirty in order to keep up with his contemporary. Zongo is no Lance Briggs and we have the same results. Forrest Gregg was no Mike Ditka and the Packers were clearly the dirtiest team of the 1980's. They just couldn't compete with those Bears teams within the rules so they attempted to maim players as a consolation. So with the mountain of evidence that is NFL game tape, just when will the league step in and send a message to "Titletown" Wisconsin that even they have to play the game within the rules, win or lose? Don't hold your breath because the Packers have been ordained champions already at 2-1, something which they haven't earned. What they have earned is the label of being the dirtiest team in NFL history. Purchase your Green Bay Packers Season Football Tickets at Titletowntickets.com
Tips to repair your auto AC Unit
If your in Fort Worth, Auto AC repair quickly becomes a high priority when temperatures rise on a hot summer day. While Air conditioning repair is not out of reach for the handy do-it-yourselfer, any work should be approached with great care.
If improperly handled, refrigerant can cause serious burns or blindness. Never attempt to open an air conditioning system for repair without first removing the charge with an appropriate service machine. Never add any refrigerant to an air conditioning system without a set of automotive air conditioning gauges. Blindly adding refrigerant can cause the pressure relief valve on the compressor to open, and at worst, an improper charge can destroy the system's compressor or cause a fitting to fail, resulting in serious damage or injury.
With these cautions in mind, there are a few easy items to inspect when a system is not performing as intended:
- Many cars have an auxiliary fan used to cool the condenser (usually located in front of the radiator). If this fan is not working, system performance will be significantly reduced.
- Another easy test involves checking compressor operation. The clutch on the front of the compressor should lock any time the AC button is pressed. If it does not, there is either an electrical problem, an improper system charge or the clutch has failed.
- If an AC system is low on refrigerant, it probably has a leak. Topping the system off may work temporarily, but the leak must be fixed before the system will work as intended.
- A dye kit is the easiest way to check for a leak. Leak detectors are another option, but usually cost enough to make them impractical for a single use.
- Joints are undoubtedly the most common leak points in many systems. These sections are connected with rubber o-rings that can become brittle with age.
- Systems that have leaked for a long time need a new receiver dryer or accumulator. You will find one of these two components on any car with air conditioning. They differ in function, but are both designed to absorb moisture. If a system has been left open for an extended period of time (or has leaked steadily for years) it may be wise to replace this component.
Finding someone in Fort Worth for Auto Air Conditoning repair can seem intimidating, but there is no reason anyone interested should avoid taking a look for obvious problems. The extra safety steps may seem like a hassle, but are needed for a safe repair environment.
Contact Rick & Rays for your Auto Repair needs in Fort Worth
How does a Medicare Part C managed care plan work?
Medicare Part C managed care plans are required to cover any medical service that would be covered under Medicare Part A and Part B. Also, many Medicare managed care plans add some coverage (though usually not much) that isn't covered by Part B. Each plan decides what extras it will offer With Medicare Part C HMO plans, there are important restrictions on how you get your care: * To get coverage from a Medicare Part C HMO plan, you can obtain care only from doctors, hospitals, and other healthcare providers who belong to the HMO's official "network" -- meaning providers who are under contract with the HMO.
* A Medicare Part C HMO plan won't pay for care by a specialist unless referred by your HMO-network primary care physician.
* Under a Medicare Part C HMO plan, you might not be covered for certain kinds of care unless the plan approves that care in advance.
* You have limited rights to appeal a decision made by the Medicare Part C plan with regard to the care they won't cover.Two other types of Medicare Part C managed care plans, slightly different from HMOs, are available in some places. One is an HMO plan with a point-of-service (POS) option; the other is a preferred provider organization (PPO) plan. With either of these Medicare Part C plans, you can see a provider outside the plan's network, or see a specialist without first getting a referral -- but the plan will pay a smaller amount of the bill. These plans are less common than Medicare Part C HMOs and might not be available where you live. Contact Oregon E Health for your Group & Individual Health Insurance needs in Portland & to have your Medicare Advantage/Medicare Supplement questions.
* A Medicare Part C HMO plan won't pay for care by a specialist unless referred by your HMO-network primary care physician.
* Under a Medicare Part C HMO plan, you might not be covered for certain kinds of care unless the plan approves that care in advance.
* You have limited rights to appeal a decision made by the Medicare Part C plan with regard to the care they won't cover.Two other types of Medicare Part C managed care plans, slightly different from HMOs, are available in some places. One is an HMO plan with a point-of-service (POS) option; the other is a preferred provider organization (PPO) plan. With either of these Medicare Part C plans, you can see a provider outside the plan's network, or see a specialist without first getting a referral -- but the plan will pay a smaller amount of the bill. These plans are less common than Medicare Part C HMOs and might not be available where you live. Contact Oregon E Health for your Group & Individual Health Insurance needs in Portland & to have your Medicare Advantage/Medicare Supplement questions.
Security, surveillance camera: How to choose?
Why I need a Pinhole Camera?
Pinhole camera may come with audio or without audio and can be used for a wide variety of purpose in office or at home, for security, surveillance or fun. Pinhole camera is an ideal discreet surveillance camera for the office or home security system, and a must tool for the novice or professional detective. Use it as a nanny camera when you are away from home to make sure that your children or elderly family members are properly taken care of. Installed in the office or the store room, the pinhole camera can monitor whether anyone enters your office or store in your absence. Some surgeons may use the wireless camera with their headlight systems to record their surgery operations on video tapes for teaching or recording purposes. Back to the top What is a Pinhole Camera?
A pinhole camera is a video camera with micro lens (pinhole, 1~2 mm viewing diameter). The camera can be as small as 18mm x 18mm x 18mm. Due to the small viewing diameter, pinhole camera can film through very small holes and light-weaved clothing. A pinhole camera will give a real time video image similar to that produced by a camcorder. A pinhole camera may come with audio or without audio capability. You need to connect this camera to the video-in/audio-in connectors of a viewing or recording device such as TV, monitor, VCR, DVR, camcorder, computer etc. Pinhole camera is used when a standard security camera is not appropriate for the environment or you wish to hide the camera. You may hide the whole camera inside any object except the pinhole lens opening, which needs to be exposed to the scene where you want to take the video. Pinhole lens can film through very small holes and light-weaved clothing. Basically, the camera can be hidden inside any objects such as clocks, radios, tissue boxes or other household, office items or body worn. This keeps the camera covert for surveillance purpose. There are basically two types of connection between the pinhole camera to the display or recording device: wired and wireless. Back to the top How to install Wired Camera
For a wired system, you need to connect the camera to your display/recording device (TV, VCR etc.) by means of a RCA cable (or a coax cable). Depending on the model you order, there are 3 cables with RCA connectors coming from the camera: the DC power wire, and the other two for video and audio respectively. Plug the video and the audio connectors to the RCA video-in and audio-in jacks at the back of your TV or VCR. Then connect the power wire to the included power supply, which then be connected to the AC power source. If AC power is not available at the location where you want to install the camera, you may use the included battery box or connector to connect the camera to a 9V battery. For longer battery life, you may connect the camera to a high capacity Sealed Lead Acid rechargeable battery - more information in Resources Page. Back to the top How Wireless Camera Works
For a wireless system, connection between the camera and the display device is done by a transmitter and a receiver. The wireless system consists of a camera, a transmitter and a receiver. Though our pinhole camera is so small, we build in the video/audio transmitter inside some of our models of pinhole camera! The transmitter sends the video and audio signals from 300 feet to 5 miles away (depending on which camera model) to a small receiver. The receiver can be easily connected to a TV, monitor, camcorder or standard VCR. Your may view the video live or record it on a regular VHS cassette tape up to a duration of 8 hours. The camera can be hidden inside an object like a clock radio, air filter or CD player etc. Most wireless systems in the market do not include audio capability. There are many models of our wireless camera providing both video and audio transmission. Please make sure you choose the right product. In all the standard TV, VCR or monitor, you'll find an RCA video-input along with an audio-input usually located at the rear of the unit. Back to the top What is Camera Resolution meant?
Resolution is a measurement unit of the camera's clarity. A cameras resolution is determined by the number of horizontal video lines (320~600 lines) that the camera needs in order to reproduce the desired image. The higher the resolution number, the sharper the image will be. Back to the top LUX--How it affects picture quality
The illumination factor LUX (1/10 of a foot candle) is a standardized unit to measure a camera's sensitivity to light. The lower the number, the less light it will need to reproduce a clear image. A camera with a LUX of 1 means it can see an image during early evening hours or just before dusk. A camera with 0.5 LUX has the ability to see an image in a dimly lit corridor. A 40W fluorescent lamp will provide sufficient indoor light for a camera with 2 LUX. With the help of infrared light, camera can work with 0 LUX, i.e., under total darkness, even better than the human eyes! Back to the top What does it mean by LOS (line of sight)
LOS refers to the distance between the AV transmitter and the receiver in open space (line of sight). There are a number of factors that may adversely affect the transmission range in actual environment. If there are walls, partitions or other obstacles between the transmitter and the receiver, the effective transmission distance will be much shorter. Wireless signal can penetrate through some solid obstructions such as wood, tree, glass, non steel-embedded wall, partitions but the signal will be attenuated depending on the number, thickness and the type of obstructions transmitting through. For example, a steel-embedded concrete wall will attenuate the signal much more than a wooden partition. A standard construction wall can reduce the transmission distance by as much as 80%. Strong radio frequency of similar range in the area and/or poor weather will also adversely affect the operating range. In order to improve signal reception, try to place the antennas of the transmitter/receiver in a higher position whenever possible. Reallocating the transmitter/receiver to different locations and/or changing the channel may also get a better result. Using a high-gain antenna for the transmitter and/or the receiver will definitely improve the signal transmission and reception if the operating environment is open space. Back to the top What are CCD and CMOS image sensors? What are the impacts on choosing the camera?
Both CCD (Charge coupled device) or CMOS (Complimentary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor) image sensors are electronic devices that use a variety of technologies to transform an image (light pattern) into an electric image (electronic charge pattern). In the process of reading the value in the image, CCD sensors create high-quality, low-noise images. While CMOS sensors, traditionally, are more susceptible to noise. In the conversion and reading processes, CCDs consume lots of electric power. CMOSs operate on lower voltage and therefore consume much less power. The difference in consumption is as much as 100 times. Accordingly, CMOSs have much longer battery life than CCDs. CCD sensors have been in mass production for a long period of time and therefore a more mature product than CMOS sensors. CCD sensors tend to produce higher quality and more pixels. As a result, the images produced by CCD sensors are much better than those from CMOS sensors. The third major difference between these two sensors is that the manufacturing costs of CMOS is much less expensive than CCD.Based on these differences, you can see that CCDs tend to be used in cameras that focus on high-quality images. CMOS sensors tend to have lower quality, lower resolution and lower sensitivity. There is a trade-off between higher image quality but higher power consumption (CCD) compared with lower image quality but longer power consumption (CMOS). Back to the top How to choose a camera for security purpose?
There are lots of hidden camera in the market. Which one is suitable for you? These cameras may come with or without audio capability. Make sure you choose the one to suit your needs. Hidden camera basically includes (1) Pinhole Camera. Some are as small as a sugar cube with lens opening of 1 mm. It can be hidden behind any hole larger than 1 mm. (2) Board Camera: A small PC board with built-in mini camera. Suitable for hiding into many objects. (3) Dome Camera: A mini camera is built inside a dome-size plastic obscure protector. Suitable for installation on the ceiling or wall. (4) Standard Surveillance Camera: Visible security camera installed indoor or outdoor to scare away unwanted visitors; (5) Water-resistant Security Camera: Standard surveillance camera with water-resistant protective case. Suitable for outdoor installation. (6) Water-proof Hidden Camera: A small pinhole or mini camera with water-proof case so that it may be put beneath the water, for example, inside a fish tank. The technology in these models is basically the same for different models, except that the camera may consist of either a CMOS or CCD image sensor, and the product size is also different for different purpose. Back to the top Should I buy a color or a B/W camera?
If you use the camera in an environment where the light condition is very low, it is recommended that you should buy a B/W camera. If a color camera is used under low light condition, the video obtained will be close to B/W anyway. Buy a color camera for a better view if the light condition is fair. Back to the top Should I install a Night Vision Projector?
Night Vision Projector is a device sending out invisible infrared light to compensate the light for the camera. Usually, the light requirement for B/W camera is very low. Some light coming from a dim light bulb or a corridor lamp is already sufficient. If you want to take video from a location where the light is very dim or no light at all, then you need to install an Infrared Night Vision Projector, or a camera with built-in infrared lights. If a color camera is used under low light condition (even with infrared night vision device installed), the video obtained will be in black and white only. Please note that our infrared night projector only works with B/W video camera, NTSC or PAL, but not with color video camera. Back to the top Should I buy a Wired Camera or a Wireless Camera?
The advantages of wireless camera are that (a) it is convenient to be installed in those locations where wiring is difficult, if not impossible; (b) it can be moved to different locations easily, as often as you like; (c) it can be hidden inside a moving object like inside your cloth, cap, briefcase or carrying bag etc. The disadvantages are: (a) video stream may be disturbed or influenced by other moving objects or other strong radio frequencies. A wired camera is more stable in this respect. (b) video/audio transmission is limited within the prescribed transmission range. These disadvantages will not occur to a wired camera. To overcome the disadvantages of wireless camera, you may:
(a) Buy those wireless models with higher frequency transmission band at least 1.2GHz or above; (b) If you need to take video from the wireless camera a long way from the receiver, or there are walls, metallic or steel obstacles between the wireless camera and the receiver, buy a wireless model with higher transmission power, that is, a transmitter with longer transmission distance; (c) Using a high gain antenna for the transmitter or receiver will improve signal transmission/reception. Overall, the video/audio signals from a wired camera are more stable than a wireless camera. Back to the topWhat is Video Standard?
Different areas of the world use different video standards. North America uses NTSC, Europe uses PAL and SECAM, South America uses PAL-M, PAL-N, PAL and NTSC. Almost every area of the world has a mixture of video standards. If your TV/recorder/camcorder support multi-systems, you can use either PAL or NTSC camera. With a multi-system video recorder, you expect an PAL tape to be reproduced as a standard PAL signal, and the same machine if fed with a NTSC tape will reproduce it as a standard NTSC signal. A multi-system recorder can also be expected to make a perfectly normal PAL recording of an PAL input signal, and a perfectly normal NTSC recording of a NTSC input signal. NTSC and PAL standard are not interchangeable. Video input from a PAL color camera on a NTSC only TV will be displayed in B/W only, not in color. Back to the top
What is PAL, NTSC and SECAM?
NTSC (National Television Standards Committee) is a standard used in North America and Japan. It has the ability to display up to 525 lines of resolution. PAL (Phase Alternating Line), a standard used almost everywhere else in the world, has the ability to display 625 lines of resolution. SECAM (Sequential Color Memory) is used sparingly around the world and can be found in France, parts of Greece, Eastern Europe, Russia, Africa and a few other parts of the world. However, any SECAM country can display PAL tapes in full color, but not all PAL countries can display all SECAM tapes in color. Only if they are true SECAM and not MESECAM can those VCR's display SECAM. Back to the top Note: Unless it is indicated in the product description that the camera is only available for certain video format, or you specify a video standard in your order, we will ship camera according to the common video format currently used in your country. For example, NTSC camera for orders from United States and Canada. For orders from U.K., we will ship PAL standard camera. Back to the top How to choose a suitable lens for the camera?
Lens with fixed focal length
Choosing a suitable lens for your security camera, you need first to determine how far you want to monitor the scene. A 4mm lens will give a 72 degree visual angle of view for a person's face detail in about 30 feet. This will be adequate for most home or small office surveillance system. Based on this calculation, a 8mm lens will give a 40 degree visual angle and zoom in 2 times of the view in the same distance. Accordingly, a 16mm lens will give a 20 degree visual angle and zoom in about 4 times of the view in the same distance. Varifocal lens
If you need to change the monitoring distance at times, you may choose a varifocal lens instead of lens with fixed focal length. With a few simple adjustments of the lens, you will be able to zoom in and zoom out and focus a clear picture of the scene. There are various focal ranges offered by the varifocal lens, i.e. 3~8mm, 8~15mm etc. Auto iris lens
An auto iris lens is a lens that automatically adjusts the lens aperture based on the strength of the incoming light source. If the security camera is installed in the office, you probably don't need an auto iris lens because the light source is stable. If the camera is installed outdoor, you may need an auto iris lens because the light source may change through the day.
Pinhole camera may come with audio or without audio and can be used for a wide variety of purpose in office or at home, for security, surveillance or fun. Pinhole camera is an ideal discreet surveillance camera for the office or home security system, and a must tool for the novice or professional detective. Use it as a nanny camera when you are away from home to make sure that your children or elderly family members are properly taken care of. Installed in the office or the store room, the pinhole camera can monitor whether anyone enters your office or store in your absence. Some surgeons may use the wireless camera with their headlight systems to record their surgery operations on video tapes for teaching or recording purposes. Back to the top What is a Pinhole Camera?
A pinhole camera is a video camera with micro lens (pinhole, 1~2 mm viewing diameter). The camera can be as small as 18mm x 18mm x 18mm. Due to the small viewing diameter, pinhole camera can film through very small holes and light-weaved clothing. A pinhole camera will give a real time video image similar to that produced by a camcorder. A pinhole camera may come with audio or without audio capability. You need to connect this camera to the video-in/audio-in connectors of a viewing or recording device such as TV, monitor, VCR, DVR, camcorder, computer etc. Pinhole camera is used when a standard security camera is not appropriate for the environment or you wish to hide the camera. You may hide the whole camera inside any object except the pinhole lens opening, which needs to be exposed to the scene where you want to take the video. Pinhole lens can film through very small holes and light-weaved clothing. Basically, the camera can be hidden inside any objects such as clocks, radios, tissue boxes or other household, office items or body worn. This keeps the camera covert for surveillance purpose. There are basically two types of connection between the pinhole camera to the display or recording device: wired and wireless. Back to the top How to install Wired Camera
For a wired system, you need to connect the camera to your display/recording device (TV, VCR etc.) by means of a RCA cable (or a coax cable). Depending on the model you order, there are 3 cables with RCA connectors coming from the camera: the DC power wire, and the other two for video and audio respectively. Plug the video and the audio connectors to the RCA video-in and audio-in jacks at the back of your TV or VCR. Then connect the power wire to the included power supply, which then be connected to the AC power source. If AC power is not available at the location where you want to install the camera, you may use the included battery box or connector to connect the camera to a 9V battery. For longer battery life, you may connect the camera to a high capacity Sealed Lead Acid rechargeable battery - more information in Resources Page. Back to the top How Wireless Camera Works
For a wireless system, connection between the camera and the display device is done by a transmitter and a receiver. The wireless system consists of a camera, a transmitter and a receiver. Though our pinhole camera is so small, we build in the video/audio transmitter inside some of our models of pinhole camera! The transmitter sends the video and audio signals from 300 feet to 5 miles away (depending on which camera model) to a small receiver. The receiver can be easily connected to a TV, monitor, camcorder or standard VCR. Your may view the video live or record it on a regular VHS cassette tape up to a duration of 8 hours. The camera can be hidden inside an object like a clock radio, air filter or CD player etc. Most wireless systems in the market do not include audio capability. There are many models of our wireless camera providing both video and audio transmission. Please make sure you choose the right product. In all the standard TV, VCR or monitor, you'll find an RCA video-input along with an audio-input usually located at the rear of the unit. Back to the top What is Camera Resolution meant?
Resolution is a measurement unit of the camera's clarity. A cameras resolution is determined by the number of horizontal video lines (320~600 lines) that the camera needs in order to reproduce the desired image. The higher the resolution number, the sharper the image will be. Back to the top LUX--How it affects picture quality
The illumination factor LUX (1/10 of a foot candle) is a standardized unit to measure a camera's sensitivity to light. The lower the number, the less light it will need to reproduce a clear image. A camera with a LUX of 1 means it can see an image during early evening hours or just before dusk. A camera with 0.5 LUX has the ability to see an image in a dimly lit corridor. A 40W fluorescent lamp will provide sufficient indoor light for a camera with 2 LUX. With the help of infrared light, camera can work with 0 LUX, i.e., under total darkness, even better than the human eyes! Back to the top What does it mean by LOS (line of sight)
LOS refers to the distance between the AV transmitter and the receiver in open space (line of sight). There are a number of factors that may adversely affect the transmission range in actual environment. If there are walls, partitions or other obstacles between the transmitter and the receiver, the effective transmission distance will be much shorter. Wireless signal can penetrate through some solid obstructions such as wood, tree, glass, non steel-embedded wall, partitions but the signal will be attenuated depending on the number, thickness and the type of obstructions transmitting through. For example, a steel-embedded concrete wall will attenuate the signal much more than a wooden partition. A standard construction wall can reduce the transmission distance by as much as 80%. Strong radio frequency of similar range in the area and/or poor weather will also adversely affect the operating range. In order to improve signal reception, try to place the antennas of the transmitter/receiver in a higher position whenever possible. Reallocating the transmitter/receiver to different locations and/or changing the channel may also get a better result. Using a high-gain antenna for the transmitter and/or the receiver will definitely improve the signal transmission and reception if the operating environment is open space. Back to the top What are CCD and CMOS image sensors? What are the impacts on choosing the camera?
Both CCD (Charge coupled device) or CMOS (Complimentary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor) image sensors are electronic devices that use a variety of technologies to transform an image (light pattern) into an electric image (electronic charge pattern). In the process of reading the value in the image, CCD sensors create high-quality, low-noise images. While CMOS sensors, traditionally, are more susceptible to noise. In the conversion and reading processes, CCDs consume lots of electric power. CMOSs operate on lower voltage and therefore consume much less power. The difference in consumption is as much as 100 times. Accordingly, CMOSs have much longer battery life than CCDs. CCD sensors have been in mass production for a long period of time and therefore a more mature product than CMOS sensors. CCD sensors tend to produce higher quality and more pixels. As a result, the images produced by CCD sensors are much better than those from CMOS sensors. The third major difference between these two sensors is that the manufacturing costs of CMOS is much less expensive than CCD.Based on these differences, you can see that CCDs tend to be used in cameras that focus on high-quality images. CMOS sensors tend to have lower quality, lower resolution and lower sensitivity. There is a trade-off between higher image quality but higher power consumption (CCD) compared with lower image quality but longer power consumption (CMOS). Back to the top How to choose a camera for security purpose?
There are lots of hidden camera in the market. Which one is suitable for you? These cameras may come with or without audio capability. Make sure you choose the one to suit your needs. Hidden camera basically includes (1) Pinhole Camera. Some are as small as a sugar cube with lens opening of 1 mm. It can be hidden behind any hole larger than 1 mm. (2) Board Camera: A small PC board with built-in mini camera. Suitable for hiding into many objects. (3) Dome Camera: A mini camera is built inside a dome-size plastic obscure protector. Suitable for installation on the ceiling or wall. (4) Standard Surveillance Camera: Visible security camera installed indoor or outdoor to scare away unwanted visitors; (5) Water-resistant Security Camera: Standard surveillance camera with water-resistant protective case. Suitable for outdoor installation. (6) Water-proof Hidden Camera: A small pinhole or mini camera with water-proof case so that it may be put beneath the water, for example, inside a fish tank. The technology in these models is basically the same for different models, except that the camera may consist of either a CMOS or CCD image sensor, and the product size is also different for different purpose. Back to the top Should I buy a color or a B/W camera?
If you use the camera in an environment where the light condition is very low, it is recommended that you should buy a B/W camera. If a color camera is used under low light condition, the video obtained will be close to B/W anyway. Buy a color camera for a better view if the light condition is fair. Back to the top Should I install a Night Vision Projector?
Night Vision Projector is a device sending out invisible infrared light to compensate the light for the camera. Usually, the light requirement for B/W camera is very low. Some light coming from a dim light bulb or a corridor lamp is already sufficient. If you want to take video from a location where the light is very dim or no light at all, then you need to install an Infrared Night Vision Projector, or a camera with built-in infrared lights. If a color camera is used under low light condition (even with infrared night vision device installed), the video obtained will be in black and white only. Please note that our infrared night projector only works with B/W video camera, NTSC or PAL, but not with color video camera. Back to the top Should I buy a Wired Camera or a Wireless Camera?
The advantages of wireless camera are that (a) it is convenient to be installed in those locations where wiring is difficult, if not impossible; (b) it can be moved to different locations easily, as often as you like; (c) it can be hidden inside a moving object like inside your cloth, cap, briefcase or carrying bag etc. The disadvantages are: (a) video stream may be disturbed or influenced by other moving objects or other strong radio frequencies. A wired camera is more stable in this respect. (b) video/audio transmission is limited within the prescribed transmission range. These disadvantages will not occur to a wired camera. To overcome the disadvantages of wireless camera, you may:
(a) Buy those wireless models with higher frequency transmission band at least 1.2GHz or above; (b) If you need to take video from the wireless camera a long way from the receiver, or there are walls, metallic or steel obstacles between the wireless camera and the receiver, buy a wireless model with higher transmission power, that is, a transmitter with longer transmission distance; (c) Using a high gain antenna for the transmitter or receiver will improve signal transmission/reception. Overall, the video/audio signals from a wired camera are more stable than a wireless camera. Back to the topWhat is Video Standard?
Different areas of the world use different video standards. North America uses NTSC, Europe uses PAL and SECAM, South America uses PAL-M, PAL-N, PAL and NTSC. Almost every area of the world has a mixture of video standards. If your TV/recorder/camcorder support multi-systems, you can use either PAL or NTSC camera. With a multi-system video recorder, you expect an PAL tape to be reproduced as a standard PAL signal, and the same machine if fed with a NTSC tape will reproduce it as a standard NTSC signal. A multi-system recorder can also be expected to make a perfectly normal PAL recording of an PAL input signal, and a perfectly normal NTSC recording of a NTSC input signal. NTSC and PAL standard are not interchangeable. Video input from a PAL color camera on a NTSC only TV will be displayed in B/W only, not in color. Back to the top
What is PAL, NTSC and SECAM?
NTSC (National Television Standards Committee) is a standard used in North America and Japan. It has the ability to display up to 525 lines of resolution. PAL (Phase Alternating Line), a standard used almost everywhere else in the world, has the ability to display 625 lines of resolution. SECAM (Sequential Color Memory) is used sparingly around the world and can be found in France, parts of Greece, Eastern Europe, Russia, Africa and a few other parts of the world. However, any SECAM country can display PAL tapes in full color, but not all PAL countries can display all SECAM tapes in color. Only if they are true SECAM and not MESECAM can those VCR's display SECAM. Back to the top Note: Unless it is indicated in the product description that the camera is only available for certain video format, or you specify a video standard in your order, we will ship camera according to the common video format currently used in your country. For example, NTSC camera for orders from United States and Canada. For orders from U.K., we will ship PAL standard camera. Back to the top How to choose a suitable lens for the camera?
Lens with fixed focal length
Choosing a suitable lens for your security camera, you need first to determine how far you want to monitor the scene. A 4mm lens will give a 72 degree visual angle of view for a person's face detail in about 30 feet. This will be adequate for most home or small office surveillance system. Based on this calculation, a 8mm lens will give a 40 degree visual angle and zoom in 2 times of the view in the same distance. Accordingly, a 16mm lens will give a 20 degree visual angle and zoom in about 4 times of the view in the same distance. Varifocal lens
If you need to change the monitoring distance at times, you may choose a varifocal lens instead of lens with fixed focal length. With a few simple adjustments of the lens, you will be able to zoom in and zoom out and focus a clear picture of the scene. There are various focal ranges offered by the varifocal lens, i.e. 3~8mm, 8~15mm etc. Auto iris lens
An auto iris lens is a lens that automatically adjusts the lens aperture based on the strength of the incoming light source. If the security camera is installed in the office, you probably don't need an auto iris lens because the light source is stable. If the camera is installed outdoor, you may need an auto iris lens because the light source may change through the day.
Things to consider when choosing a Fire Alarm System
By no means exclusive, the following are a number of typical considerations made when selecting the most appropriate fire alarm system in Orange County, Riverside, San Bernadino, Sandiego or Temecula.
System capacity – installing a fire alarm system which complies to BS 5839 means the property must be divided into zones and automatic detectors (if part of the system) are capable of protecting a defined area based on their type (for instance an optical smoke detector can protect an area of approximately 100m²).
Each fire alarm panel will have a fixed capacity in terms of how many zones are supported & how many devices can be used in each zone; therefore a fire alarm panel with adequate capacity is essential. It would be advisable to choose a panel with some additional capacity to allow for future expansion.
Combiner detector & sounder requirement – detectors which can either be fitted to a sounder base or indeed have a built-in sounder are often favored in installations including HMOs (houses of multiple occupancy) and hotels where a minimum sound level of 75dB is required at the bed head as there are sleeping dwellings. By opting for a 2 wire or addressable fire alarm system it will be possible to connect sounders on the same cable as detectors as oppose to on a separate sounder circuit as is the case with conventional fire alarm systems. This will naturally save on cable and installation.
False alarm protection – the BS 5839 standard allows the siting of heat detector(s) in kitchen areas which is less prone to going into alarm from kettle steam, burnt toast, etc. compared with an optical smoke detector however many fire alarm systems go even further. Such system offer an alarm verification facility which only raises a local alarm (i.e. only the sounder base or built in sounder activates) if a detector goes into alarm and this detector is periodically checked to determine whether it is still in fire condition. If the detector returns to normal before the total verification period ends then the system can return to normal and a full scale alarm can be avoided (this may be because someone has cleared the smoke from burnt toast).
Programmability – it may be desirable to include some form of programmability, for instance a specific detector or group of detectors going into alarm only triggers a specific set of sounders or operates a specific output unit. This is known as cause & effect programming and is only possible with addressable fire alarm systems.
System specification – although this would generally concern larger systems, during the fire alarm systems design process or architectural design process (in the case of a new build) a particular fire alarm system from one manufacturer will be specified dictating exactly which system must be installed.
Budget – this goes without saying that total cost of the fire alarm system must fall within the budget for the project.
Contact American Surveillance for your CCTV, Security Cameras & System Integration needs in Riverside and San Diego
Tips For Dealing With Las Vegas HVAC Pros
Nothing in your house affects your comfort more than your heating and cooling systems. Yet unless the heater conks out during a blizzard or the air-conditioning goes on the fritz in the middle of a heat wave, most of us pretty much ignore our Las Vegas heating, refrigeration and air-conditioning (HVAC) equipment. We shouldn’t. When it’s not kept in shape, even the best system can cost you. How much? Depending on how you heat and cool your home and the climate of the area you live in, clogged filters, dirty thermostats, sooty flues, leaky ductwork and unlubricated fan motors can reduce heating and cooling efficiency by up to 25 percent. Some of these maintenance tasks are simple, while others require a trained pro. You’ll also need an HVAC contractor if your system is at the end of its useful life. Here are some tips for dealing with HVAC equipment and the pros that service it. Routine HVAC MaintenanceThe good news here is that some systems require little attention. A heat pump only needs a yearly service call (around $60) by a technician who will check belts and filters and replace them as needed. He should also oil moving parts and inspect the wiring. A gas-fired, forced-air heating system has simple requirements too. Furnace filter should be changed every month or two during heating season, and the circulating fan oiled once a year. Call in a pro to check the heat exchanger, flue and ducts and to adjust the burner every other year. Other systems, like an oil-fired boiler, require annual maintenance flue cleaning, a fuel-filter change, cleaning and adjustment of the jets and often need attention more often than that. These chores should be handled by a professional. Las Vegas Air-conditioning Units are a little less maintenance-intensive. At the beginning and end of each cooling season, you should clean or replace the filters, vacuum out the unit and lubricate the motor. If the unit is not cooling properly, call a technician to check the pressure level of the refrigerant. Arrange for service calls before the start of heating or cooling season. You’ll get better attention and have more flexibility when scheduling the appointment.When hunting for a company to maintain your system, look for one that designs, installs and services the type of system you have. Full-service heating, air conditioning, refrigeration and solar how water companies based in Las Vegas tend to be up to date on the latest advances in the field. Besides checking that liability insurance and workers’ compensation policies are in force—standard operating procedure with any hire-check with neighbors, friends and family who have used the company over several years. How did the system run under the company’s care? Did the technicians always leave the working area clean? How quickly did the contractor respond to emergencies? Were the service people punctual when you called with a problem? A quality provider will have an emergency number that’s staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week and enough technicians to respond when the weather is awful and the calls pile up.
Buying A New HVAC SystemHeating and cooling equipment is designed to last at least 15 to 20 years. If your system is older than this, you might want to have its condition assessed. Although replacing HVAC equipment is a major expense, modern systems operate much more efficiently than the older units they replace. Most HVAC contractors specialize in designing and installing the systems of a few manufacturers, so no one shop is going to carry every major brand. But before you worry about the equipment, it makes sense to find contractors in your area that are knowledgeable and service-oriented. Start your search by asking neighbors, friends and family what companies they hired to replace a furnace or air-conditioning system. If they were happy with the installation, ask their contractor to come over and talk to you about heating or cooling your house. You should meet with at least two contractors; hire someone who installs products from at least two manufacturers. Don’t forget to consider your service company, if you have one. You’re under no obligation to hire the firm for the new system, but its technicians do have a good understanding of the conditions in your home. When picking a contractor, remember that sizing an HVAC unit by matching it to the home and existing ducting requires skill and experience. A poor design typically results in a system that doesn’t deliver a consistent temperature from room to room and costs more to operate. But it can be even more serious than that. In very tight houses served by ductwork, poor design can lead to backdrafting, a dangerous situation where flue gases are sucked back into the house. Most HVAC shops are small, so the owner should be involved with the system design and either participate actively in the installation or inspect it when it’s done. You don’t want your system designed by a salesman with no field experience. Any contractor you’re considering also should offer these products and services:
Heat-loss calculationThis process estimates the Btu capacity needed to heat or cool your home. The calculation should include the amount and type of insulation in the walls, attic and floors of your home, as well as the type, number and location of windows and doors. This data is combined with your regional climatic conditions to determine the size unit you need. Software has made these calculations relatively easy. HVAC technicians who don’t perform them often specify oversize equipment to be safe. That’s dollars out of your pocket now and each time you get an utility bill.
Energy adviceWhen sizing an HVAC unit, a good contractor will advise you of energy upgrades, such as adding another layer of insulation to the attic. These may allow you to buy a smaller HVAC unit. Efficient equipment. Although it’s often not cost effective to buy the most energy-efficient unit on the market, there are minimums to shoot for. Here’s what a contractor should offer: * An air-conditioning unit (if below five tons) with a SEER of 10, preferably 12 (see “Hot & Cold Tech Speak,” below).
* A high-efficiency natural-gas heater with an AFUE of around 90 percent.
* A fuel-oil burner with an AFUE of around 85 percent.
* A heat pump with an EER of 12.Automatic controlsA setback thermostat ($40), which contains a timer, should regulate all HVAC systems.
Payback calculationsA quality HVAC contractor will show you payback calculations for the various units he offers, and those calculations should give you estimates of seasonal operating costs. Variables the contractor will use in his calculations include your regional heating or cooling load, the heating or cooling capacity of the units you are considering and the costs of various types of energy, so you can compare the costs of electric, gas and oil. Once you receive itemized estimates, you compare costs and do some of your own research on equipment. Start by visiting U.S. DOE Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy or Consumer Reports (this site is fee-based), or contact your utility company for comparative lists. Look at operating efficiency and costs as well as consumer-rated reliability. Then compare your knowledge of the contractors involved and make your decision.
Hot & Cold Tech SpeakConfused by HVAC lingo? Believe it or not, it’s meant to make understanding and buying the equipment easier. These terms allows you to compare apples to apples among units in the same fuel category. Knowing what the terms listed here mean will come in handy. Seasonal Energy-Efficiency Ratio (SEER)
The seasonal energy-efficiency ratio (SEER) rates how many Btu an air-conditioning unit will remove for each watt of electricity consumed. The higher the SEER, the less you spend on operating costs. Federal law mandates a minimum SEER of 10 for all new air-conditioning units.
Tonnage
An air-conditioning ton equals 12,000 Btu per hour. That means a three-ton air conditioner can remove about 36,000 Btu of heat per hour from your home.
Annual Fuel-Utilization Efficiency (AFUE)
The annual fuel-utilization efficiency estimates how much heat a unit delivers for every dollar spent on fuel. The higher the AFUE, the lower your heating bills.
Buying A New HVAC SystemHeating and cooling equipment is designed to last at least 15 to 20 years. If your system is older than this, you might want to have its condition assessed. Although replacing HVAC equipment is a major expense, modern systems operate much more efficiently than the older units they replace. Most HVAC contractors specialize in designing and installing the systems of a few manufacturers, so no one shop is going to carry every major brand. But before you worry about the equipment, it makes sense to find contractors in your area that are knowledgeable and service-oriented. Start your search by asking neighbors, friends and family what companies they hired to replace a furnace or air-conditioning system. If they were happy with the installation, ask their contractor to come over and talk to you about heating or cooling your house. You should meet with at least two contractors; hire someone who installs products from at least two manufacturers. Don’t forget to consider your service company, if you have one. You’re under no obligation to hire the firm for the new system, but its technicians do have a good understanding of the conditions in your home. When picking a contractor, remember that sizing an HVAC unit by matching it to the home and existing ducting requires skill and experience. A poor design typically results in a system that doesn’t deliver a consistent temperature from room to room and costs more to operate. But it can be even more serious than that. In very tight houses served by ductwork, poor design can lead to backdrafting, a dangerous situation where flue gases are sucked back into the house. Most HVAC shops are small, so the owner should be involved with the system design and either participate actively in the installation or inspect it when it’s done. You don’t want your system designed by a salesman with no field experience. Any contractor you’re considering also should offer these products and services:
Heat-loss calculationThis process estimates the Btu capacity needed to heat or cool your home. The calculation should include the amount and type of insulation in the walls, attic and floors of your home, as well as the type, number and location of windows and doors. This data is combined with your regional climatic conditions to determine the size unit you need. Software has made these calculations relatively easy. HVAC technicians who don’t perform them often specify oversize equipment to be safe. That’s dollars out of your pocket now and each time you get an utility bill.
Energy adviceWhen sizing an HVAC unit, a good contractor will advise you of energy upgrades, such as adding another layer of insulation to the attic. These may allow you to buy a smaller HVAC unit. Efficient equipment. Although it’s often not cost effective to buy the most energy-efficient unit on the market, there are minimums to shoot for. Here’s what a contractor should offer: * An air-conditioning unit (if below five tons) with a SEER of 10, preferably 12 (see “Hot & Cold Tech Speak,” below).
* A high-efficiency natural-gas heater with an AFUE of around 90 percent.
* A fuel-oil burner with an AFUE of around 85 percent.
* A heat pump with an EER of 12.Automatic controlsA setback thermostat ($40), which contains a timer, should regulate all HVAC systems.
Payback calculationsA quality HVAC contractor will show you payback calculations for the various units he offers, and those calculations should give you estimates of seasonal operating costs. Variables the contractor will use in his calculations include your regional heating or cooling load, the heating or cooling capacity of the units you are considering and the costs of various types of energy, so you can compare the costs of electric, gas and oil. Once you receive itemized estimates, you compare costs and do some of your own research on equipment. Start by visiting U.S. DOE Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy or Consumer Reports (this site is fee-based), or contact your utility company for comparative lists. Look at operating efficiency and costs as well as consumer-rated reliability. Then compare your knowledge of the contractors involved and make your decision.
Hot & Cold Tech SpeakConfused by HVAC lingo? Believe it or not, it’s meant to make understanding and buying the equipment easier. These terms allows you to compare apples to apples among units in the same fuel category. Knowing what the terms listed here mean will come in handy. Seasonal Energy-Efficiency Ratio (SEER)
The seasonal energy-efficiency ratio (SEER) rates how many Btu an air-conditioning unit will remove for each watt of electricity consumed. The higher the SEER, the less you spend on operating costs. Federal law mandates a minimum SEER of 10 for all new air-conditioning units.
Tonnage
An air-conditioning ton equals 12,000 Btu per hour. That means a three-ton air conditioner can remove about 36,000 Btu of heat per hour from your home.
Annual Fuel-Utilization Efficiency (AFUE)
The annual fuel-utilization efficiency estimates how much heat a unit delivers for every dollar spent on fuel. The higher the AFUE, the lower your heating bills.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)