Minisplits: Cooling, Energy Saving and Quiet

Is your Central AC system giving you signs that it is ready to be recycled into scrap metal? Are you tired of the incessant noise of your Window Air Conditioner? Maybe it's time for a Ductless Split System.

While used worldwide for over 40 years, their popularity in the USA has been making great strides. Because minisplits can be used to cool difficult areas and one outdoor unit can cool more than one room, these units may be the solution to your cooling needs. If you are not familiar with how they work, here's the basics.

Each mini split air conditioner has an outdoor (compressor/condensor) unit and one or more indoor (evaporator) units. The indoor unit is built into the wall with a line that attaches to the outdoor unit. Because the indoor unit is fit into the wall and the line to the motor unit is outside the house, there is no ductwork and virtually no indoor noise. Depending on the size and type of outdoor unit, you can add more indoor units for different rooms, single zone units for one room and multi zone units for additional rooms.

The great thing about minisplits is they save on energy by only cooling the areas you need to be cooled. Shut off the bedroom unit if you are in the family room, and turn off the family room when you go to bed. Add timer features and the Energy Star Qualification of many units and you can really keep your energy costs down. For year-round comfort, some minisplits have a heat pump system available, which are also energy efficient.

If your AC is heating instead of cooling, don't wait for the dog days of summer. A new ductless air conditioning system is only a few clicks away.

Dehumidifiers: Defend Your Home Against Mold and Mildew

Warmer weather is here and with it comes the increased potential danger of mold and mildew. While they are both hazardous to your health, did you know that there is a difference between the two?

They both are commonly found in the same warm, damp environments, but they actually are different types of fungi. Mildew is what is usually found in showers and textiles, while mold is more often found in food. Both can be a problem for individuals with respiratory conditions.

If your home has a more than average amount of moisture content, you might think about installing a dehumidifier. Portable units make it easy to take care of the problem. Portable dehumidifiers have a bucket which collects the moisture, and this bucket needs to be emptied. The frequency depends on the amount of moisture that is removed from the room. Many portable units also have a hose which can be directly connected to a drain, eliminating the need for emptying, and allowing for continuous use of the dehumidifier.

The Frigidaire FAD504TDD Dehumidifier removes up to 50 pints of moisture in 24 hours, and features an automatic shut-off, digital humidity readout and continuous drain option. It has two fan speeds, low temperature operation and is Energy Star Qualified and AHAM Certified.

Don't wait until the smell of mildew creates an unpleasant and unhealthy environment, think about adding a dehumidifier to your home right now.