Latest news with #humidity
The Guardian
3 hours ago
- Climate
- The Guardian
How to get the most out of your window air conditioner during extreme heat
The central and eastern US have been hit with a heatwave this week, with several cities recording their highest temperatures of the year thanks to a 'heat dome'. High humidity and night-time lows are contributing to oppressive and potentially dangerous weather, making it difficult for many people to keep cool. When one's abode starts to feel more like the inside of an armpit, air conditioning can provide sweet relief. But if you live in an older home or apartment, you're less likely to have central air. That means you have to drag out whatever machine you use to keep cool. Most often, this is a window air conditioning unit, says Darcy Carbone, vice-president of sales at APA HVAC Technologies and a member of the residential buildings committee at the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers. These units cool, circulate, filter and dehumidify air in a home. But using a window unit means more than just sticking it on the sill and letting it rip. Here's what you need to know to use your AC efficiently and safely. Robert Polchinski, a professor at the New York City College of Technology who helps students enter the HVAC industry, agrees that most people opt for a window unit because it is affordable. Double-hung windows – the windows that open and close vertically – are also most suited for a window unit. Alternatively, a portable AC might be more compatible with your needs: for example, if your windows crank outward. However, portable units are typically more expensive, use more energy and are less effective at cooling spaces. When you bring out your AC unit from wherever you stashed it through the winter, it's wise to go through a quick list of check-ups before putting it in the window and flipping the switch. You should repeat these actions at the end of the season, too. Taking the appropriate steps can help your AC unit last longer and protect you from unintended side effects. Clean the filters: Start by cleaning the unit's filter. If you remove the front panel, you'll see the filter, which you can slide out. These are washable, Carbone explains. Shake off any debris, wash the filter by hand with a mild dish detergent, then rinse. If you want to clean your filters again after the unit is in the window, be sure to turn off and unplug the AC first. 'Filters should be washed at the beginning of the season,' Polchinski says. 'Generally, once a year should be enough. But depending on how dirty the air is in the environment, they may need to be cleaned more than once during the season.' Check the coils: Next, Carbone recommends assessing the AC's coils. A unit has two sets of coils: evaporator coils and the condenser coils. Evaporator coils help remove hot air from your home and are located behind the filter. Condenser coils expel heat and are located at the back of the unit, near the vents. You'll want to take care of these before the unit is in the window. Remove the unit's outer casing, then use a vacuum with a hose attachment to clean off any dust and debris from the coils, says Polchinski. Allow condensation to drain: Air conditioning units create condensation, and that water has to go somewhere. Some have built-in pans, and some need to be precisely level, while others need to sit at a slope. This last group should be installed so the unit's rear is slightly tilted downward, which helps drain away any condensed water. 'You don't want to accumulate sitting water, which could lead to all kinds of bad scenarios, like a mold build-up or a potential spot for mosquito breeding,' Polchinski says. He also cautions that if the water is warm enough, this could lead to legionella, a type of bacteria that grows in water and can cause sickness. Store the unit correctly: Storage also matters, says Carbone. When summer is over, store the window unit as it would be in the window – don't be tempted to flip it on its side to squeeze it into its winter hiding spot, which can damage the compressor. For a unit to make cold air, indoor air passes through a cooling coil, which results in condensation. This condensation needs to drain; otherwise, it can cause mold growth, explains Amy Li, an assistant professor at the University of Waterloo who studies how to improve indoor air quality. While window unit filters do catch particles like dust and dander, they don't perform the same function as an air purifier, for example, unless the model has been designed specifically to do so. 'The filters used don't remove particles very effectively, so the air isn't necessarily coming out much cleaner than it went in,' says Brent Stephens, a professor at Illinois Institute of Technology who researches indoor air issues. Window units may look like they draw fresh air from outside, but they do not. Because a lack of fresh air increases how much indoor pollutants are inside, Li recommends using a carbon dioxide monitor to assess indoor air or alternating between using the AC and opening windows to encourage natural ventilation. Cleaning the unit's filters can help it stay energy efficient because clogged filters block airflow and cause problems. Dirty filters also increase the chance of mold and mildew growing inside the unit. This can lead to health issues and cause the air that exits the unit to smell musty, explains Li. Some AC units have a drain pan built into the unit to collect condensation. If this pan fills, mold can grow, which could also lead to a bad smell. Sign up to Well Actually Practical advice, expert insights and answers to your questions about how to live a good life after newsletter promotion If drainage or filters don't seem to be an issue, but you still notice a bad smell, Carbone says to open up the unit and clean the coil with bleach. If you try all the above and it still smells funny, 'get rid of it', she says. Part of AC ownership also means knowing when to say goodbye. While window units can last for eight to 10 years, certain signs can indicate that something is amiss. Polchinski explains that an AC may be at the end of its run if 'your electricity bills are running much higher, but the price of electricity hasn't changed'. If your usage hasn't increased much from year to year, that suggests your unit is running less efficiently, he explains. That might mean that the motors are getting weaker, or there could be a 'low charge in the refrigerant, which could be an indication that there's a small leak', Polchinski says. Frozen coils can also be a sign of a slow refrigerant leak, says Carbone. If you have frozen coils, there's likely ice buildup around the coils and the unit isn't efficiently cooling your home. Window units use refrigerant, a chemical cooling agent, to remove heat and humidity from a room. During the process, the refrigerant changes state from liquid to gas. A leak can cause the refrigerant to escape as a gas. If an AC is leaking liquid, that's more likely to be condensation buildup. Older units also simply don't work as well. 'You're just going to be paying for non-efficient equipment,' Carbone says. You can bring an older AC to a specialist to see if they can fix whatever's wrong. But Polchinski says that, because it's expensive to repair and AC units are getting cheaper, 'it probably doesn't pay to repair it'. Carbone doesn't personally recommend getting your AC unit secondhand and says she wouldn't opt for one that's more than five years old. She also advises that you make sure the seller has cleaned the filters and the coils. Polchinski would also look for any signs of damage to the coil, adding, 'I would want to plug it in somewhere and test it – even if it's not in a window – just to make sure that it sounds right.' Listen for loud buzzing, hissing, banging and 'pinging or scraping noises that could be an indication of rotating parts touching something that they shouldn't be touching'. When buying secondhand or new, you'll also want to consider how the AC will work for the size of your room. A bigger unit isn't necessarily better: if it's too large, it will cool the room before removing humidity, making it feel clammy. You can do some simple math to figure out the size you need. Meanwhile, Polchinski says the most energy-efficient units are those that are Energy Star-rated. Carbone says you'll also want to consider what refrigerant the AC uses. Because refrigerants absorb heat, they are helpful in cooling systems, but if they leak, they can contribute to climate change. Newer machines use more environmentally friendly refrigerants. One major mistake Polchinski observes is when 'people turn the AC unit to maximum cold thinking that is going to get the room cooler faster.' He equates it to people 'constantly pressing an elevator button, thinking that's going to make the elevator get somewhere faster'. Ultimately, an AC can only reach a programmed temperature at a certain speed. Temperature control isn't like volume control, he explains. It simply means the compressor keeps running until you get to the selected frigid setting. Another issue is that people tend to cool buildings when it's 'perfectly comfortable outside' or a ceiling fan would be sufficient, says Liz McCormick, an architect, and professor at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte who's written a book about the impacts of air conditioning. That's not great for the planet, and it changes our tolerance and perception of different conditions. 'It's completely changed the way we live and work,' McCormick says of air conditioning. 'But I do think we can continue to evolve the technology and find ways to balance this modern marvel with the healthful benefits of the outdoors.'
CBS News
3 hours ago
- Climate
- CBS News
Storms could bring damaging winds to Tri-State Area on Saturday. Get the First Alert Weather Day forecast.
Saturday will be a First Alert Weather Day across the Tri-State Area due to the threat of strong to severe thunderstorms. Clouds and well below average temperatures dominated Friday's weather, but a return to more summerlike conditions is on the horizon. Friday night, a few showers are possible, especially towards dawn. Otherwise, clouds will remain in place, while lows drop into the mid and upper 60s. Maps show severe thunderstorm risk this weekend Some lingering showers are likely for Saturday morning, before the sun returns by the afternoon. CBS News New York During that period of sunshine, temperatures will rise significantly, reaching the mid to upper 80s, along with tropical levels of humidity surging back in. Besides elevating temperatures, the sun will also assist in destabilizing the atmosphere. CBS News New York This in turn will lead to the chance of strong to severe thunderstorms from the late afternoon through the late evening hours. Hazards associated with these storms would be damaging winds, torrential downpours and hail. Of greatest concern would be the threat of damaging winds. CBS News New York Storms should be out of the region by around 11 p.m. In their wake, humidity levels will decrease, setting us up for a sunny and warm Sunday, with highs in the mid to upper 80s.
CTV News
8 hours ago
- Health
- CTV News
How To Choose A Dehumidifier
If your home's air is exceptionally moist during summer and you want an easy, efficient method of drying the air, a dehumidifier is the best way to go. Musty air feels gross on our skin, and high humidity levels can cause issues for people with asthma and other respiratory conditions, especially if it leads to mildew and mould growth in your home. No matter your square footage, desired humidity levels, and budget, there is a perfect dehumidifier out there for you. If you think about all of the features and considerations below, you'll be working with the best dehumidifier in no time. What Is a Dehumidifier? A dehumidifier is a portable appliance that removes excess moisture from the air. While some models work with your air conditioner, most are portable dehumidifiers that you can move around your home as you see fit. They work by using refrigerated coils to rapidly cool air that is sucked into the machine. The cold creates condensation that is collected in a basin at the base of the machine or hosed directly outside, depending on your model. Then, the drier, cooler air is released back into your home. Some humidifiers use speed settings to control the process, while others have something called a humidistat that allows users to set a specific humidity setting, such as 50%, and the machine will automatically maintain that setting. Questions to Ask Yourself Before Buying a Dehumidifier How Large is My Room? Humidifiers are not a one-size-fits-all appliance. Each one has a different square footage rating, meaning they can only cover a room up to a certain size. You'll need to measure your room to obtain the total square feet of the area before choosing a dehumidifier to make sure it can handle your room size. How Much Do I Want To Spend? A key consideration when making this type of purchase is how much you're willing to spend. While the cost of the actual dehumidifier is the biggest concern, you should also consider the cost of running the machine. Some energy-efficient models boast a higher energy efficiency rating than standard dehumidifiers, but they are most likely a little more expensive upfront. If cost isn't as much of a concern, you could also consider a whole-house dehumidifier that is installed with your HVAC system. How Many People Live in The Home? Choosing a dehumidifier is not only about the size of the home, but also the capacity of the home. A house with just one person will tend to be less humid than a home with a family of six since fewer people are sweating, breathing, and heating the space. Larger families may need a larger size dehumidifier than an individual or couple, since the average humidity will be higher. Features to Consider When Purchasing a Dehumidifier Before you make your purchase decision, there are a few things that you must consider. Dehumidifiers have many different features and characteristics that may make them the wrong choice for your unique circumstances. When shopping for dehumidifiers, make sure to consider all of the following features carefully to avoid bringing home a dehumidifier that isn't right for you. Type of Dehumidifier There are two types of dehumidifiers that you can consider for your home: desiccant and refrigerant. Compressor Dehumidifier/Refrigerant Dehumidifier This is the standard type of dehumidifier. This type of dehumidifier uses a compressor to draw in air from your space and pull it over the refrigerated coils to create condensation. These models are efficient and can handle high levels of humidity. One flaw of these dehumidifiers is their noise level. They average between 50 and 60 decibels when running. Compressor dehumidifiers are also best used in warmer climates. The coils could freeze if the room temperature is below about 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Desiccant Dehumidifier Desiccant dehumidifiers are the ideal choice if you're in a colder climate since they can be used at any temperature above freezing. They are also more energy efficient since they don't need to cool down the air. Instead, the air is pulled through the desiccant, which acts like a sponge to remove excess moisture from the air. These models are also much quieter to operate than a compressor-based model, so they can be used in work environments and bedrooms without disturbing anyone. However, desiccant dehumidifiers expel air that is roughly 10-15 degrees warmer than the ambient air temperature, so this may be an issue for some people who like to keep their home at a low temperature. These humidifiers can handle the same relative humidity levels as a compressor, but they can cost a bit more to run in warmer temperatures. These models are effectively used in areas like crawl spaces and basements that may be cooler, wetter spaces. Fan Settings Most dehumidifiers have a low speed and a high-speed setting that enable a bit of extra control over how the machine operates. A high setting can be used for quickly drying out the air in a space, while a low setting can keep the noise disturbance to a minimum while maintaining proper humidity levels. Some models will also have a middle setting, but not all do. Most dehumidifiers will also offer a fan-only setting, which can help encourage airflow without affecting moisture levels. Energy Efficiency Though dehumidifiers don't cost more than a few cents per hour to operate, choosing an Energy Star-rated model is the best for your budget and the environment because it works more efficiently and operates at a lower cost. An energy-efficient dehumidifier will more quickly achieve the desired level of dehumidification you need, stopping musty odours, water damage, and allergens in their tracks. Built-In Hygrometer/Humidistat A built-in humidistat is the most convenient feature available on a dehumidifier. Rather than set a speed setting and walk away, you can set a precise humidity level that the machine should maintain. Not only does this feature enable energy savings since the machine only runs when the humidity rises above your desired setting, but you also won't have to manually turn on or shut off the dehumidifier. Since dry air can also be bad for your health, this feature can be a lifesaver if you forget to turn off the dehumidifier. Basin Pint Capacity The pint capacity of your dehumidifier is a key factor to consider since your room size and characteristics will influence the moisture level of your air. If your room houses your washer and dryer, has multiple windows and doors, or your home is in a more humid climate, you'll need a dehumidifier that can handle more pints of water per hour since there is a larger amount of water in your air. If your machine doesn't have the right pint capacity, your air quality will suffer. Aside from the efficiency of the appliance, you should also consider the reservoir's capacity since this will control how often you'll need to empty the reservoir. Most models only need to be emptied once or twice a day, but a smaller tank will require more frequent emptying or a hose connection. Room Coverage People buying a dehumidifier do need to double-check that their room size is within the appliance's capacity. To purchase the right size dehumidifier for your space, you'll first need to calculate the room's square footage. The larger it is, the higher capacity your dehumidifier will need to have. The general rule is that a small dehumidifier collects less than 20 pints of moisture per day, medium dehumidifiers collect between 30 and 40 pints per day, and large dehumidifiers collect more than 40 pints per day. Drainage Type There are two choices you have when draining the water from your reservoir. The first is manually emptying the bin. This is usually a simple, quick process, but it can become tedious if you need to empty the tank two or more times per day, especially if you work full time or want to go away for a weekend and keep your home's humidity in check. Though some models only need to be emptied once a day if they aren't being used in rooms with excessively humid air, this is still a less convenient option. If you have a small dehumidifier capacity for dehumidifier water or have a large amount of moisture in your air, a drain hose is the way to go. A hose can drain directly into a floor drain and can handle any number of pints of moisture per hour or day that you need. If you don't have a floor drain, a dehumidifier with a pump can be used to send the water up to a higher-level drainage spot like a sink. Our Top Picks:
Khaleej Times
14 hours ago
- Climate
- Khaleej Times
UAE weather tomorrow: Fair to party cloudy day, 43°C maximum in Dubai
The weather in the UAE on Saturday, June 28, is expected to be fair to partly cloudy in general, with clouds appearing eastward by afternoon, according to the copuntry's National Center of Meteorology (NCM). It will be humid by Saturday night and Sunday morning over some coastal areas. Light to moderate southwesterly to northwesterly winds, freshening at times, are expected, with a speed of 10–20kmph, reaching 35kmph. The sea will be slight in the Arabian Gulf and in Oman Sea. Temperatures in Dubai is expected to range between 32°C minimum and 43°C maximum, while in Abu Dhabi it will be between 30°C and 40°C. Temperatures in Sharjah will range between 30°C and 44°C. The highest temperature recorded over the country on Friday, June 27, was 49.9°C in Sweihan (Al Ain) at 2pm UAE local time.
The Sun
15 hours ago
- Health
- The Sun
The part of your house that keeps you cool for free in a heatwave – and it's not your windows
THERE is nothing worse than struggling to sleep in a hot, humid room on a warm summer's night. The heat can often mean it can be tough to create the perfect bedroom temperature that gives us a good night's rest. 3 3 Which is why most of us are forced to fork out for a fan to avoid a restless, sweaty sleep and feeling shattered and drained the next day. But did you know that there is a part of your home that can actually cool you for free? And no, it's not the windows. A sleep expert has now revealed that the precise position of your door can make all the difference when it comes to keeping cool at bedtime in the summer. This is because, depending on how it is placed, it can significantly reduce bedroom temperatures. Which, in turn, can save you from facing an uncomfortable night's rest. Dr Jordan Burns, from Amerisleep, says the way bedroom doors are positioned affects airflow patterns within sleeping spaces. Good sleep remains possible during hot weather if you understand how to control airflow in your home Dr Jordan Burnsexpert from Amerisleep And this can either create cooling cross-ventilation or it can trap heat, depending on the angle chosen. The specialist said: "Most people focus solely on windows for cooling, but bedroom doors control how air circulates throughout your sleeping space. "A properly positioned door can make the difference between restful sleep and hours of uncomfortable tossing and turning." So, what is the perfect position to leave your door at night for a nice, cool, blissful sleep? Dr Burns has said that everyone should take a more precise approach and suggests positioning the door at a 45-degree angle. The sleep doctor explained: "The optimal angle for a bedroom door at night is approximately 45 degrees. "This specific position creates what fluid dynamics calls a 'venturi effect' that accelerates airflow through the narrower opening, pulling hot air out more efficiently than a fully open door would." But he warns that you should never leave your door completely open or fully closed if you want a cool space. Dr Burns said this is the most common mistake people make during hot weather, and it can actually leave you feeling WARMER. He added: "A completely open door actually slows down airflow in many cases because the opening is too large to create the pressure differentials that drive air movement. "Conversely, a fully closed door prevents any air exchange, trapping heat and moisture that build up while you sleep." The sleep expert suggests a simple method to test if your door positioning is working effectively for bedroom cooling. Dr Bruns advised: "Place a lightweight ribbon or tissue near the gap between the door and frame. "If it moves toward the door, you're successfully drawing air through the room. "If it remains still or moves away, adjust your window and door configuration until you achieve proper airflow. "Good sleep remains possible during hot weather if you understand how to control airflow in your home. "Door positioning is a cost-free intervention that can improve your sleeping environment. "It can also reduce both energy costs and environmental impact compared to mechanical cooling options." 3
