Completing Homeschool High School Records

Do you have perfectly crafted homeschool transcripts and course descriptions, ready even now for the event (soon to come) in which someone will ask you for them? Most folks don't, either, so don't feel badly. I have a friend who called me recently in a panic, because she needed a transcript on Monday (it was Friday). Since she homeschools in California under the private school law, she had never even considered that she might need a transcript some day. When her son decided that he wanted to enlist in the Navy, surprise--the Navy wanted a transcript!

I have another friend that needed help with her homeschool records. Her problem was that she just wasn't quite sure what school work they had done. She said that she was a binder person, but when she showed me her homeschool binder during our first day together, I opened it up and there was nothing there! She had some labeled sections, but there were no papers, no curriculum, nothing there! So we dug through the tub of stuff that she had brought with all of her homeschool pieces, and I helped her put together a transcript.

We went through every little bit of her homeschool. We went over how many hours she spent on American Sign Language, and every little bit of their activities. As I was leaving, I asked her what her plans for the weekend were, and she said that they were going to a Latin competition. This was the first time she had mentioned Latin! Latin was not in her binder or her tub--she had forgotten that they did Latin!

When it comes to keeping homeschool records, it doesn't matter how gifted of a home educator you are and it doesn't matter what wonderful intentions you have; there also has to be at least a small amount of follow-through. To be real, you can do your follow-through the same way I do my taxes: once a year, I panic and do my taxes. If once a year you get your act together, that is enough follow-through for you. To be honest, if this mother had made her transcript every year, she would not have forgotten four years of Latin; you just can't forget four years of Latin year after year.

So make sure you take some time each year to record what you did that year! That way, you'll avoid trying to remember four years of homeschooling in one sitting, and be ready to create great transcripts for your high school graduate!

Completing Homeschool High School Records   Completing Homeschool High School Records   

Teenage Home Schooling

The idea of homeschooling through high school can be scary for many parents and usually it is through feelings of inadequacy where the parents do not feel fully qualified for the job!

This happens when the parent does not have many qualifications themselves so ask themselves the questions of how could they be qualified to do that job.

It is a fact of homeschooling that many homeschooled teens can actually complete four years of traditional high-school studies in 24 months or less.

Really?

Well if you sat down and thought about it then it does seem possible when there are no distractions and the teenager is able to focus on the task at hand.

Now I am a teacher/lecturer myself and I can tell you that with over 40 years being in this profession I have witnessed major changes in the administrative workload that goes with the job. The amount of time that is spent on taking registers, collecting paperwork, preparing for activities and especially science classes, the time to tidy up and then the time spent on disciplining is all time that is eating into the actual teaching and learning times.

In fact to be honest I often ask myself the question.

"Did I train to be a teacher or an administrative manager"

Of course in the days when I completed my teacher training in the 70's it was all about developing your techniques as an educator in the classroom and all of us were assessed on our ability to relate to the students to pass on our subject knowledge in an effective and stimulating manner. In other words we were encouraged to become teachers that would inspire students to learn and develop. So be it... today we fill out forms and tick boxes.

Anyway I am getting carried away with the realities of being a teacher today but it absolutely true that the large part of a school day would be taken up in mindless administrative tasks that are totally eliminated with a teenager that is being schooled at home.

This could be one reason a family make the decision to home school their teenagers,others could be the travelling time to get to school, bullying issues, peer pressure issues or teenagers that have special needs that are not accommodated by the schools within travelling distance.

All of these factors can result in teenage stress which in turn affects learning and attainment levels.

If a family decides to homeschool their teenager then good planning and record keeping will be essential.

Of course most importantly your teenager must be up for the idea as well. You can plan your home school program with your teenager's strengths and weaknesses in mind. Also important is their learning style, are they a kinesthetic learner, a visual learner, an auditory learner or a combination of a few styles. Go for a program that will enable your teenager to pursue their interests and also cover the basics that they will need to progress further into adult education.

Remember that there is no course that suits all teenagers so make sure you do adequate research before you put your plan into action and good Luck!

Completing Homeschool High School Records   Completing Homeschool High School Records   

Completing Homeschool High School Records

Do you have perfectly crafted homeschool transcripts and course descriptions, ready even now for the event (soon to come) in which someone will ask you for them? Most folks don't, either, so don't feel badly. I have a friend who called me recently in a panic, because she needed a transcript on Monday (it was Friday). Since she homeschools in California under the private school law, she had never even considered that she might need a transcript some day. When her son decided that he wanted to enlist in the Navy, surprise--the Navy wanted a transcript!

I have another friend that needed help with her homeschool records. Her problem was that she just wasn't quite sure what school work they had done. She said that she was a binder person, but when she showed me her homeschool binder during our first day together, I opened it up and there was nothing there! She had some labeled sections, but there were no papers, no curriculum, nothing there! So we dug through the tub of stuff that she had brought with all of her homeschool pieces, and I helped her put together a transcript.

We went through every little bit of her homeschool. We went over how many hours she spent on American Sign Language, and every little bit of their activities. As I was leaving, I asked her what her plans for the weekend were, and she said that they were going to a Latin competition. This was the first time she had mentioned Latin! Latin was not in her binder or her tub--she had forgotten that they did Latin!

When it comes to keeping homeschool records, it doesn't matter how gifted of a home educator you are and it doesn't matter what wonderful intentions you have; there also has to be at least a small amount of follow-through. To be real, you can do your follow-through the same way I do my taxes: once a year, I panic and do my taxes. If once a year you get your act together, that is enough follow-through for you. To be honest, if this mother had made her transcript every year, she would not have forgotten four years of Latin; you just can't forget four years of Latin year after year.

So make sure you take some time each year to record what you did that year! That way, you'll avoid trying to remember four years of homeschooling in one sitting, and be ready to create great transcripts for your high school graduate!

Completing Homeschool High School Records   Completing Homeschool High School Records   

Completing Homeschool High School Records

Do you have perfectly crafted homeschool transcripts and course descriptions, ready even now for the event (soon to come) in which someone will ask you for them? Most folks don't, either, so don't feel badly. I have a friend who called me recently in a panic, because she needed a transcript on Monday (it was Friday). Since she homeschools in California under the private school law, she had never even considered that she might need a transcript some day. When her son decided that he wanted to enlist in the Navy, surprise--the Navy wanted a transcript!

I have another friend that needed help with her homeschool records. Her problem was that she just wasn't quite sure what school work they had done. She said that she was a binder person, but when she showed me her homeschool binder during our first day together, I opened it up and there was nothing there! She had some labeled sections, but there were no papers, no curriculum, nothing there! So we dug through the tub of stuff that she had brought with all of her homeschool pieces, and I helped her put together a transcript.

We went through every little bit of her homeschool. We went over how many hours she spent on American Sign Language, and every little bit of their activities. As I was leaving, I asked her what her plans for the weekend were, and she said that they were going to a Latin competition. This was the first time she had mentioned Latin! Latin was not in her binder or her tub--she had forgotten that they did Latin!

When it comes to keeping homeschool records, it doesn't matter how gifted of a home educator you are and it doesn't matter what wonderful intentions you have; there also has to be at least a small amount of follow-through. To be real, you can do your follow-through the same way I do my taxes: once a year, I panic and do my taxes. If once a year you get your act together, that is enough follow-through for you. To be honest, if this mother had made her transcript every year, she would not have forgotten four years of Latin; you just can't forget four years of Latin year after year.

So make sure you take some time each year to record what you did that year! That way, you'll avoid trying to remember four years of homeschooling in one sitting, and be ready to create great transcripts for your high school graduate!

Completing Homeschool High School Records   Completing Homeschool High School Records   

Teenage Home Schooling

The idea of homeschooling through high school can be scary for many parents and usually it is through feelings of inadequacy where the parents do not feel fully qualified for the job!

This happens when the parent does not have many qualifications themselves so ask themselves the questions of how could they be qualified to do that job.

It is a fact of homeschooling that many homeschooled teens can actually complete four years of traditional high-school studies in 24 months or less.

Really?

Well if you sat down and thought about it then it does seem possible when there are no distractions and the teenager is able to focus on the task at hand.

Now I am a teacher/lecturer myself and I can tell you that with over 40 years being in this profession I have witnessed major changes in the administrative workload that goes with the job. The amount of time that is spent on taking registers, collecting paperwork, preparing for activities and especially science classes, the time to tidy up and then the time spent on disciplining is all time that is eating into the actual teaching and learning times.

In fact to be honest I often ask myself the question.

"Did I train to be a teacher or an administrative manager"

Of course in the days when I completed my teacher training in the 70's it was all about developing your techniques as an educator in the classroom and all of us were assessed on our ability to relate to the students to pass on our subject knowledge in an effective and stimulating manner. In other words we were encouraged to become teachers that would inspire students to learn and develop. So be it... today we fill out forms and tick boxes.

Anyway I am getting carried away with the realities of being a teacher today but it absolutely true that the large part of a school day would be taken up in mindless administrative tasks that are totally eliminated with a teenager that is being schooled at home.

This could be one reason a family make the decision to home school their teenagers,others could be the travelling time to get to school, bullying issues, peer pressure issues or teenagers that have special needs that are not accommodated by the schools within travelling distance.

All of these factors can result in teenage stress which in turn affects learning and attainment levels.

If a family decides to homeschool their teenager then good planning and record keeping will be essential.

Of course most importantly your teenager must be up for the idea as well. You can plan your home school program with your teenager's strengths and weaknesses in mind. Also important is their learning style, are they a kinesthetic learner, a visual learner, an auditory learner or a combination of a few styles. Go for a program that will enable your teenager to pursue their interests and also cover the basics that they will need to progress further into adult education.

Remember that there is no course that suits all teenagers so make sure you do adequate research before you put your plan into action and good Luck!

Completing Homeschool High School Records   Completing Homeschool High School Records   

Teenage Home Schooling

The idea of homeschooling through high school can be scary for many parents and usually it is through feelings of inadequacy where the parents do not feel fully qualified for the job!

This happens when the parent does not have many qualifications themselves so ask themselves the questions of how could they be qualified to do that job.

It is a fact of homeschooling that many homeschooled teens can actually complete four years of traditional high-school studies in 24 months or less.

Really?

Well if you sat down and thought about it then it does seem possible when there are no distractions and the teenager is able to focus on the task at hand.

Now I am a teacher/lecturer myself and I can tell you that with over 40 years being in this profession I have witnessed major changes in the administrative workload that goes with the job. The amount of time that is spent on taking registers, collecting paperwork, preparing for activities and especially science classes, the time to tidy up and then the time spent on disciplining is all time that is eating into the actual teaching and learning times.

In fact to be honest I often ask myself the question.

"Did I train to be a teacher or an administrative manager"

Of course in the days when I completed my teacher training in the 70's it was all about developing your techniques as an educator in the classroom and all of us were assessed on our ability to relate to the students to pass on our subject knowledge in an effective and stimulating manner. In other words we were encouraged to become teachers that would inspire students to learn and develop. So be it... today we fill out forms and tick boxes.

Anyway I am getting carried away with the realities of being a teacher today but it absolutely true that the large part of a school day would be taken up in mindless administrative tasks that are totally eliminated with a teenager that is being schooled at home.

This could be one reason a family make the decision to home school their teenagers,others could be the travelling time to get to school, bullying issues, peer pressure issues or teenagers that have special needs that are not accommodated by the schools within travelling distance.

All of these factors can result in teenage stress which in turn affects learning and attainment levels.

If a family decides to homeschool their teenager then good planning and record keeping will be essential.

Of course most importantly your teenager must be up for the idea as well. You can plan your home school program with your teenager's strengths and weaknesses in mind. Also important is their learning style, are they a kinesthetic learner, a visual learner, an auditory learner or a combination of a few styles. Go for a program that will enable your teenager to pursue their interests and also cover the basics that they will need to progress further into adult education.

Remember that there is no course that suits all teenagers so make sure you do adequate research before you put your plan into action and good Luck!

Completing Homeschool High School Records   Completing Homeschool High School Records   

Teenage Home Schooling

The idea of homeschooling through high school can be scary for many parents and usually it is through feelings of inadequacy where the parents do not feel fully qualified for the job!

This happens when the parent does not have many qualifications themselves so ask themselves the questions of how could they be qualified to do that job.

It is a fact of homeschooling that many homeschooled teens can actually complete four years of traditional high-school studies in 24 months or less.

Really?

Well if you sat down and thought about it then it does seem possible when there are no distractions and the teenager is able to focus on the task at hand.

Now I am a teacher/lecturer myself and I can tell you that with over 40 years being in this profession I have witnessed major changes in the administrative workload that goes with the job. The amount of time that is spent on taking registers, collecting paperwork, preparing for activities and especially science classes, the time to tidy up and then the time spent on disciplining is all time that is eating into the actual teaching and learning times.

In fact to be honest I often ask myself the question.

"Did I train to be a teacher or an administrative manager"

Of course in the days when I completed my teacher training in the 70's it was all about developing your techniques as an educator in the classroom and all of us were assessed on our ability to relate to the students to pass on our subject knowledge in an effective and stimulating manner. In other words we were encouraged to become teachers that would inspire students to learn and develop. So be it... today we fill out forms and tick boxes.

Anyway I am getting carried away with the realities of being a teacher today but it absolutely true that the large part of a school day would be taken up in mindless administrative tasks that are totally eliminated with a teenager that is being schooled at home.

This could be one reason a family make the decision to home school their teenagers,others could be the travelling time to get to school, bullying issues, peer pressure issues or teenagers that have special needs that are not accommodated by the schools within travelling distance.

All of these factors can result in teenage stress which in turn affects learning and attainment levels.

If a family decides to homeschool their teenager then good planning and record keeping will be essential.

Of course most importantly your teenager must be up for the idea as well. You can plan your home school program with your teenager's strengths and weaknesses in mind. Also important is their learning style, are they a kinesthetic learner, a visual learner, an auditory learner or a combination of a few styles. Go for a program that will enable your teenager to pursue their interests and also cover the basics that they will need to progress further into adult education.

Remember that there is no course that suits all teenagers so make sure you do adequate research before you put your plan into action and good Luck!

Completing Homeschool High School Records   Completing Homeschool High School Records   

Teenage Home Schooling

The idea of homeschooling through high school can be scary for many parents and usually it is through feelings of inadequacy where the parents do not feel fully qualified for the job!

This happens when the parent does not have many qualifications themselves so ask themselves the questions of how could they be qualified to do that job.

It is a fact of homeschooling that many homeschooled teens can actually complete four years of traditional high-school studies in 24 months or less.

Really?

Well if you sat down and thought about it then it does seem possible when there are no distractions and the teenager is able to focus on the task at hand.

Now I am a teacher/lecturer myself and I can tell you that with over 40 years being in this profession I have witnessed major changes in the administrative workload that goes with the job. The amount of time that is spent on taking registers, collecting paperwork, preparing for activities and especially science classes, the time to tidy up and then the time spent on disciplining is all time that is eating into the actual teaching and learning times.

In fact to be honest I often ask myself the question.

"Did I train to be a teacher or an administrative manager"

Of course in the days when I completed my teacher training in the 70's it was all about developing your techniques as an educator in the classroom and all of us were assessed on our ability to relate to the students to pass on our subject knowledge in an effective and stimulating manner. In other words we were encouraged to become teachers that would inspire students to learn and develop. So be it... today we fill out forms and tick boxes.

Anyway I am getting carried away with the realities of being a teacher today but it absolutely true that the large part of a school day would be taken up in mindless administrative tasks that are totally eliminated with a teenager that is being schooled at home.

This could be one reason a family make the decision to home school their teenagers,others could be the travelling time to get to school, bullying issues, peer pressure issues or teenagers that have special needs that are not accommodated by the schools within travelling distance.

All of these factors can result in teenage stress which in turn affects learning and attainment levels.

If a family decides to homeschool their teenager then good planning and record keeping will be essential.

Of course most importantly your teenager must be up for the idea as well. You can plan your home school program with your teenager's strengths and weaknesses in mind. Also important is their learning style, are they a kinesthetic learner, a visual learner, an auditory learner or a combination of a few styles. Go for a program that will enable your teenager to pursue their interests and also cover the basics that they will need to progress further into adult education.

Remember that there is no course that suits all teenagers so make sure you do adequate research before you put your plan into action and good Luck!

Completing Homeschool High School Records   Completing Homeschool High School Records   

How To Choose The Perfect Woodburner For Your Home

Every year people consider switching to an alternative source of heating to ensure their house stays up to temperature through the colder months. With prices of oil, gas and electric continuing to rise and energy providers also hiking their prices to boot, now is one of the best times to get into the stove market...

So, you're fed up with the regular electric or gas heating system in your house and want to warm your house with just a stove? Or maybe you just want a stove as a bit of eye-candy and a secondary source of heat for when things really chill off?

Whatever your reason for wanting a new woodburner is, there are some things you have to take into account before you purchase the first thing that catches your eye. A lot of people skip this part and end up with a stove that isn't optimal for their house or for their needs; but luckily you have this step by step plan which will guarantee you get the right stove!

Picking the perfect woodburning stove:

1. You'll first want to decide on what the purpose of the stove is; heating one particular room or the entire house? The outcome of this decision will largely affect the rest of the buying process, so make sure you know what you want.

2. Measure up the room or rooms that you want to be heated by the woodburner. Measure the height, length and width of the room to the nearest centimetre as this will give you an accurate idea of what size stove you'll need.

3) Now you have the measurements, use an online calculator to work out the KW output or BTUs that a stove will need to have to heat the room/rooms efficiently. Be aware that not all woodburners are listed with a specific kilowatt or British thermal unit rating, especially antique or traditional stoves which were made before this rating became a requirement.

4) Time to shop. Get yourself online or down to local showrooms and have a look at as many different woodburning stoves as you can to get a feel for what would go well in the room. There are a variety of models ranging from designer to contemporary stoves, as well as double-sided models and multi-fuel options. Remember that the output is critical to heating the space you require correctly; so if you find one that you have your heart set on without a rating, don't be scared to enquire and ask for more information. Most retailers will be more than happy to answer your question (if they know the answer!)

5) In some areas of the UK, there are 'smokeless areas' or 'smoke controlled zones' which limit the type of burning you can do in your house. To avoid complications with burning once you get your stove installed, it's wise to look for a DEFRA exempt appliance as this coupled with authorised fuel allows you to burn inside a smokeless zone without incurring the risk of a fine. If you're unsure on whether or not you're in a smoke controlled area, contact your local protection or environmental health department to seek further guidance.

Although this is not a fully comprehensive buying guide, it should hopefully give you an idea of what to look for when in search of your new woodburner and ensure you don't miss out on any critical information that many others do. To help you size up your room's heating requirement use an online stove calculator; there are also several other articles and guides on the website that should help in your decision making process.

Portable Air Conditioners: A Rescue From the Hot Summer Day   Benefits of Running the Air Conditioner   Some of the Top Reasons Why Your AC Can Go Bad   Winter Strain on Heaters and Wallets   Mistakes to Avoid and Prevent Air Conditioning Repairs   

Heating and Air Concerns After Winter

Once winter is over, heating and air systems need another check to ensure they are running properly. You may have been happy with the way your furnace worked all winter long. Now that you can turn it off for a few days, you may be thinking you do not have to worry about it again until next year. Though this may be the case, it is better to work on improving the way the system works now, rather than waiting again until the fall. Also important is managing your ac systems before they become a problem later.

Cleaning Up and Out

One of the steps you should take once temperatures begin to improve is to get your heating and air systems cleaned up. Look at the exterior fixtures, including condensers, coils, as well as vents. Are they clear from debris? You also want to ensure the interior of the system does not have anything holding it back from operating. For example, vines can sometimes grow to hold fans that you may not have run in some time. You need to ensure the system can operate properly.

Filter Check

The next step to take is a filter check. Both your heating and air system requires attention here. You need to remove the filters and replace them before the start of the hot weather and after the cold weather, too. If you have removable and replaceable filters, you will need properly to wash them off now. Doing this before the hot weather comes is important because it will prevent any type of problem associated with the airflow through the home.

Ductwork Cleaning

It may also be a good time to have the ductwork cleaned out. This is especially important for homeowners who have allergies or asthma and want to avoid the onset of other problems. By cleaning out the debris from the system, you can avoid it flowing back into the furnace or AC unit later on, too.

Professional Inspection

Before you turn on the ac for the year, it is also a good idea to have a technician come out to the home to inspect it. You may be able to have your heater looked at now, too. This professional is doing more intense maintenance to ensure the system is not only operational but working its best possible level for you. This could reduce your costs later on.

Heating and air systems are essential for operating your home. Yet, many people do not maintain them well enough. To avoid this, be sure you set up some time where you can tackle both of these systems after the winter weather is gone.

Portable Air Conditioners: A Rescue From the Hot Summer Day   Benefits of Running the Air Conditioner   Mistakes to Avoid and Prevent Air Conditioning Repairs   Why In Floor Heating Should Be Preferred To Forced Air Systems   Geothermal Heating Shows Improved Potential As Capacity Increases   Dynamic Issues of Air Conditioner Repair   

How To Choose Providers Of Heat Meters And Portable Flow Meter

There is an increasingly global market these days and your business is on the fast track to expansion. This means making investments towards the growth of your company like building new facilities or plants and exploring newer markets. Making such investments not only guarantees business opportunities for your company but also enables it to acquire strength in the marketplace. If you're in the industrial or environmental industry, you'll need to obtain specific equipment and tools like a heat meter or a portable flow meter to ensure uninterrupted operations. To guarantee that you invest in the right equipment, choose the right supplier.

Most companies will naturally rely on their usual suppliers to obtain equipment for a new facility or plant. This is certainly a beneficial way to go about sourcing your equipment because you could get discounts or packaged deals if you've established a good working relationship with your supplier. However, if you're keen to replace your old equipment provider for any reason at all, you'll want to implement a particular set of criteria. Huge businesses will usually send out invitations to bid wherein suppliers go through a rigorous process of screening before they land a contract. This should guarantee that your company gets the best equipment from the best supplier in the industry.

If you don't require a lot of heat meters and -portable or inline-you might not need to send out an invitation to bid. For instance, if your current expansion plans only have room for one additional plant as opposed to three or more, you could just create a shortlist of suppliers you think would be ideal. Look over the stock of equipment they are offering and determine whether they can supply you with the specific meters your new facility will need. Do they have ultrasonic as well as mechanical flow meters? Are the models fit for open channels and large pipes? The more stocks they have, the easier it will be for your company to find the suitable equipment and tools.

Don't just focus on stocks. Consider the services the supplier offers. Some suppliers not only offer sales but they also provide installation and calibration. You'll find a few suppliers that can provide installation and maintenance of an inline flow meter. Other suppliers not only offer all services but they also provide flow meter hire. This should be an economical solution if your expansion budget is limited. The ideal supplier can install your specific meter in minutes and even provide an on-site engineer to train your plant personnel to operate the newly installed metering equipment.

Your business expansion calls for new and reliable equipment. Whether you need liquid measurement capabilities or your operations require measurement of compressed gases, choosing your supplier requires careful thought. By sticking to a set of criteria, you'll be able to narrow down the list of options and come up with the right choice.

Portable Air Conditioners: A Rescue From the Hot Summer Day   Benefits of Running the Air Conditioner   Dynamic Issues of Air Conditioner Repair   Some of the Top Reasons Why Your AC Can Go Bad   Winter Strain on Heaters and Wallets   

How to Keep Your Air Conditioning From Breaking Down

There are few things worse than finding yourself in the heat of summer with no air conditioning. And yet, it seems like many systems wait until the weather is at its worst to cause problems. So how can you prevent these high heat meltdowns? Here are several tips you should follow to keep your air conditioner in good working order this summer.

• Be sure to change your filter regularly. Different systems and filters have different time frames when filters need to be changed, but the general rule is anywhere between 30 and 90 days, depending on the filter. It's best to check the filter and change it if it is dirty before you even turn the air conditioner on for the summer, but if you have already flipped it on, just check it as soon as possible.

• Look for any visual obstructions around your air conditioning unit. When the unit is located outside, it is very common for there to be some kind of obstruction that will keep the air from flowing through it efficiently. Grass that is too high, bushes, weeds, or branches can all keep your unit from running as efficiently as it could. And if they are allowed to grow into the unit itself, they could cause a serious breakdown.

• Make sure the drain line is not blocked. This is one of those things many homeowners don't even think about. It's out of sight, so it is out of mind. Air conditioners naturally create condensation during normal operation, and that condensation needs to be drained out. Make sure that the line has a clear shot to the outside so that the moisture can get out of your home. Also keep an eye out for standing water, which is an indication that there is something wrong with the drain line.

• Get regular tune-ups. The easiest way to prevent serious breakdowns of your air conditioner is to have it checked out twice a year. Of course the most important time to check it is at the beginning of summer before you are using it much, but don't forget to have it checked at the end as well.

• Lubricate each of the moving parts in the system. This is probably something that you want to ask a technician to check and take care of for you. Lubrication will help ensure that the parts are all moving smoothly and operating as efficiently as they can.

• When all else fails, get a new system. In some cases you may find that it is actually cheaper to get a new air conditioner rather than continue to pay the expensive bills caused by an outdated unit. If it is more than 15 years old, it might be time to start thinking about an updated model that has the latest technology and is able to run more efficiently. If you have any questions about the life of your unit, ask a reputable air conditioning specialist.

When the mercury starts to rise, you should be able to rest assured that your air conditioner will not break down. The only way to do this is through regular maintenance and care for your system. Every homeowner is capable of doing most of the items on the above list, so now is the time to take action. If you are ever in doubt about the best way to handle any kind of air conditioner problem, it is always best to check with a profession who deals with those issues every day.

Portable Air Conditioners: A Rescue From the Hot Summer Day   Benefits of Running the Air Conditioner   Winter Strain on Heaters and Wallets   Mistakes to Avoid and Prevent Air Conditioning Repairs   Why In Floor Heating Should Be Preferred To Forced Air Systems   Geothermal Heating Shows Improved Potential As Capacity Increases   

Tips for Preparing Your Home for Winter

Summer is coming to an end. The leaves are slowly switching to their autumn attires. We are starting to see yellows and oranges popping up throughout nature. This is the time of the year where we start looking at how we are spending our last precious summer days. We make the best of each day and try to enjoy the beautiful cool autumn temperatures. At the same time, we are also conscious that the cold winter months are just around the corner.

Oh winter, what would we do without you? We'd probably be able to sit on the beach throughout the year, sipping on our favourite drinks and looking at the clear blue sky. Summer is a wonderful time of the year, especially for those of us that live in climates that attract harsh winter weather conditions. I'm a summer, spring and autumn kind of guy. I love being able to drive with the top down, wear light casual summer suits and walk outside without wondering if my ears are going to fall off from frost bite.

Although reality has set in, autumn is here and we have to prepare our homes for what is to come, winter. It is important that we look at all aspects of the homes so as to maximize the energy efficiency of our homes. Your home must be a well oiled machine working at maximum capacity so as to ensure that your wallet isn't getting drained with high energy bills.

There are a few modifications you can do to your home to help reduce energy consumption:

Windows. It is very important that we look at the energy efficiency of our current windows. Older homes may have cracked windows or ones which are not properly sealed. Any imperfection in such windows can cause your energy bill to skyrocket. Think of your home as a car. In a cold climate, if a car window is slightly open while the heater is on, the car will constantly be struggling to keep passengers warm and cozy. The same can be said for our homes, if the windows are cracked and are leaving cold air into the space, your furnace will struggle to keep your home warm. Doors and weather stripping. I have always been shocked on how many homes today still have old outdated doors that let cold air into the home. With regular outside doors starting at a couple hundred dollars available through big box stores, it just doesn't make sense to risk having high energy costs to save such little money. You'll be paying it in the long run in energy cost so why not look at upgrading your outside doors. If you are keeping your front door for esthetic reasons but the weather stripping is worn, purchase new weather stripping at your local hardware store. They are easy to install and save you lots of money and hassle in the long run. Maintain your furnace. Be sure to perform proper maintenance on your furnace. It is important that you get it checked on a yearly basis so as to ensure it is working to its maximum efficiency. Little things such as changing the filter make a big difference. It is always best that you have your furnace looked at before it gets too cold outside as you don't want to get stuck on a harsh winter night without heat.

Do you take winter holidays in a southern destination? Some of us love to get away in the midst of winter to a tropical paradise. During this time, we leave our homes behind without knowing if our furnace will be working properly which is fine for the summer months but in winter, a sudden lowering of your home's temperature can cause water pipes to burst which can cause water damage. For those who like to be more cautious, consider looking at the bells and whistle offered by security companies. Some security systems will monitor the temperature of your home so as to advise you when there is a sudden change in its core temperature. This is really handy for travelers leaving their homes behind.

There are many ways to look forward to our autumn months while reminiscing about our gorgeous summer weather. Bundle up and enjoy nature's beautiful autumn colours.

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Geothermal Energy Changes the Game for Heat Pumps

The western United States, from Tacoma, WA all the way down to San Diego, CA, sits on a newly tapped resource that, if utilized correctly, could revolutionize the HVAC industry. That resource is geothermal energy. Geothermal energy is recognized as the EPA's most sustainable, environmentally clean and efficient source of renewable energy; a well installed system could absolutely fraction the cost of operating a normal HVAC system. Forward thinking HVAC contractors and heating services are now offering geothermal energy heat pump installation to provide customers with a highly effective product that saves money without sacrificing environmental responsibility.

Harnessing the geothermal energy of the earth for the benefit of home heating is a fairly invasive but effective process. Basically, the earth generates heat beneath its surface through underground water, insulation, and a little bit of radiation. By harvesting the geothermal heat, a heating system can effectively control a home's temperature naturally; without excessive use of gas, electricity, or other nonrenewable resources.

The reason why geothermal heating is so effective for the western US is geography. The west coast sits on top of the famous "Ring of Fire"; the tectonic fault lines circling the Pacific Rim. The seismic activity beneath the Rim is famous for triggering events such as earthquakes, and the occasional volcano. However, this activity also generates excess heat, and boiling water reserves insulated beneath the surface of the earth.

To install a geothermal heat pump system, trenches are dug in the area surrounding the home. Coils and heat transferring conduits are buried beneath the ground, which are used to collect heat or release it. These conduits can be buried directly downwards for vertical release, or spread out at a more shallow level for distribution; the choice is relative to the customer. Used effectively, a geothermal heat pump can be used as a heat source to warm the home during winter month; and a heat sink which will drain heat from the home and release into the earth during warm summer months.

How effective is geothermal energy? Immensely; especially when compounded with a high SEER rated HVAC system for increased sustainability. The cost of a conventional HVAC system to heat a home creeps near $0.55 per square meter. With a sustainable geothermal heat pump, the cost drops to $0.11-$0.22 per square meter. Depending on what type of system you invest in, your savings will skyrocket even more. An Earthlinked geothermal heat pump system can save over 70% on cost of what an air sourced 13 SEER value heat pump requires to run.

Geothermal energy requires an investment, but the effectiveness and the sustainability are undeniable. Rarely is the ethical choice the equally financially superior decision; a geothermal energy heat pump is one of those rare instances.

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Air Conditioning Installation - The Advantages of Demand Controlled Ventilation

The Advantages of Demand Controlled Ventilation (DCV)

Demand Controlled Ventilation (DCV) refers to ventilation strategy that employs an indicator as a control for modulating ventilation rate. The indicator in this case is carbon dioxide (CO2. ) There exist others such as temperature and humidity, which together with CO2 make up the primary indicators in HVAC systems. Other indicators include CO and inert gases like argon. The basic idea is pegging the ventilation rate of a HVAC system to the rate of emission of these pollutants, which reflect occupancy of a space and thereby optimizing on energy usage.

In simpler terms, DCV operates on the fact that providing the amount of ventilation air should be based on the changing occupancy of a building rather than on preset or design occupancy. This will save energy and at the same time help maintain Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) for health and improved productivity of occupants.

The indicator is usually detected and analyzed by a controller; a synthesized signal is then sent to the HVAC plant. The plant will either have a damper or a variable speed fan which will rump up/down the ventilation rate. In this paper the author will discuss CO2 based DCV. This DCV strategy has a longer and more colorful history than any other DCV strategy.

Early interventions were set back by the expensive sensors which rendered them cost-ineffective hence unnecessary. However later improvements have brought the costs down to around 250USD.Considering the sensor cost and retrofitting the system incase it is pneumatic controlled damper system in the expensive case scenario, the payback time has been considerably reduced making the CO2 DCV strategy not only feasible but also ASHRAE 62-1989 compliant.

Some studies, such as Davidge (1991) described DCV principles as well as having a demonstration project in a 30,000m3 office space.During summer; the airflow from damper was enough to control CO2. He also incorporated a system, which used light switch, motion sensor and CO2 controller. In the CO2 controller, the fan came on at 800ppm and shut of at 600ppm.The occupants rated the CO2-system very favorably.

Other studies such as Ogasawara et. al (1979) evaluated the potential energy savings for a DCV system in a 30,000m2 department store in Tokyo, Japan. Three ventilation strategies were compared; fixed outdoor air at design rate, manual control with maximum ventilation on Sunday (busiest day) and half of that on weekdays and DCV. The DCV algorithm was proportional control with closed damper at 800ppm and fully open at 1000ppm.Energy use was calculated for four cooling months and four heating months. The DCV system reduced energy usage by 40% for cooling months and by 30% for the heating season.

BENEFITS OF CO2-DCV

The potential of CO2 -based DCV for operational energy savings has been estimated in some cases to be from USD 0.05 to more than USD 1 per square foot annually. The highest payback will therefore accrue in high density spaces with highly fluctuating density e.g. schools, buildings, meeting rooms, retail establishments, auditoriums, movie theaters and in areas with high utility rates.

According to Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratories, five case studies were carried out in large office buildings with CO2 -based DCV, all of which reported energy savings that resulted in payback time of between 0.4 to 2.2 years.

More advantages of CO2-based DCV include:

1. Improved IAQ-Levels of CO2 are decreased to comfortable and acceptable levels.

2. Improved humidity control means that there is no unnecessary influx of humid outdoor air, which discourages growth of mold and mildew.

3. Records air quality data. The readings are logged to provide reliable record of proper ventilation in a building.

4. Reduced operation-running time for HVAC equipment.

Portable Air Conditioners: A Rescue From the Hot Summer Day   Benefits of Running the Air Conditioner   Winter Strain on Heaters and Wallets   Mistakes to Avoid and Prevent Air Conditioning Repairs   Geothermal Heating Shows Improved Potential As Capacity Increases