shirinshah stories

from: http://www.heater-home.com


With heating costs rising through the roof, the smart option is to start looking into ways to cut your heating needs and heating costs. The surefire way to do this is by switching off your central heater and instead investing in some portable electric space heaters for the areas that you expect to be in most - like your bedroom and your living room or office. This way you're not running up your heating bill by heating the entire home, but rather you're focusing on the area that you're actually using.
Energy Sources

1. Some areas have very low gas prices. In other places home heating oil is reasonable. Electricity may be the energy source most prevalent where you live, and parts of the world have little access to any inexpensive fuels. Find out what is the best for you to use... heat your home with the energy that is cheapest in your area.

2. Consider heating your home with the sun's help. Energy from solar panels or using solar heat to supplement your normal heating source is cost effective in most parts of the world. The initial cost may seem higher, but over the long run it costs the least and many energy hungry areas provide generous tax rebates for installing solar panels.

3. If wood is plentiful where you live, have a professional install a wood burning stove.
Regulating the Thermostat

1. In the spring and fall, turn off the heat unless the temperature outside gets below freezing. Temperature variations near the thermostat will affect the whole house. Be sure your thermostat is located in an area that is not too cold or hot.

2. Install an automatic timer to keep the thermostat at 68 degrees during the day and 55 degrees at night. If it seems chilly - put on a sweater.

3. Wear warm layered clothing indoors during cold weather. Some of the new synthetics are the best for thermal layering.
Windows and Doors

1. Use storm or thermal windows in colder areas. The layer of air between the windows acts as insulation and helps keep the heat inside where you want it.

2. Don't just concentrate on the windows - install storm doors before the cold weather arrives.

3. Open up those draperies and shades in winter to let in the heat from the sunshine. If you're worried about fading the furniture - use a slipcover.

4. Keep trees from blocking the suns rays into your house. Prune any branches that block the sunlight.

5. If you've installed awning to block the sun in the summer make sure you take them off before the cold weather hits. You want the energy provided by sun-exposed windows during winter months - take full advantage of those warming rays on your windows.

6. Keep windows closed during cold weather, but be careful to "air out the house" on a regular basis to avoid buildup of any toxins.

7. Check to see that glass in all windows have fresh putty. If the putty in your windows is dry and cracked you may want to consider adding some newer sealant. Also seal any visible cracks with weather-stripping or cloth - newspapers will do if you're desperate. Some folks just staple a sheet of clear plastic tarp over very old windows for the winter.
Walls and Floors

1. Invest in a wall heater, which can be installed remotely and be regulated through a thermostat.

2. In colder areas it makes sense to move furniture away from any exterior walls. Putting some space between you and the cold walls makes the house seem warmer and leaving room for the air to move around actually makes it warmer.

3. Think about upgrading the insulation in your home. If you haven't already, insulate your attic and all outside walls.

4. Insulate floors over unheated spaces such as your basement, any crawl spaces and your garage. You actually lose more heat through poorly insulated floor spaces and basements in the average house than through drafty doors and windows.

5. Consider getting an electric baseboard heater, which offers a clean, safe and reliable heat source for individual rooms when your central heating system isn't adequate.

Simply put, the answer is "Yes". You can create dangerous smog levels in your own home with an ozone-generating air purifier.

Exposure to ozone irritates and inflames the lining of the respiratory system, which causes symptoms such as coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Ozone can also worsen asthma symptoms, with one study indicating that ozone may contribute to the development of asthma itself.

Ionic Air Purifiers vs. Air Purifiers:

Ionizers simply get rid of the charge in a dust particle so that they stick to surface rather than linger through the air. However indoor air purifiers have the ability to actually eliminate odors though a carbon filter.

Ionic air purifiers only spit out negative ions that neutralizes oxidizers. As a result, dust becomes statically charged and sticks to a surface. However, ionic air purifiers cannot actually clean or filter the air. On the other hand, air purifiers with HEPA filters and carbon activation can eliminate mold spores, odors, smoke, pet hair, and be used to treat allergies, asthma and provide a pristine indoor air quality for home, office, and medical uses.

If you want safe and EPA approved air cleaners, consider the BlueAir Air Filter, the AustinAir Air Cleaner, and the IQ Air Purifier.

Source: http:///www.air-purifier-home.com

Oxygen is not only something we breathe, but it's something that's in constant contact with the largest organ in our body - our skin. High doses of oxygen can kill viruses, amoebas, parasites; additionally fungi and bacteria are unable to live in high oxygen environments.

Get Beautiful

All living things need oxygen, and the skin is no exception. Skin is a living thing and largest organ of the body. Our skin uses oxygen to keep rejuvenated, nourished and to help clean, purify and revitalize its appearance. The trick is finding the right way to harness a natural free element that's already around you.

There are two ways to deliver oxygen to your face.. The first is an oxygen facial. Oxygen calms inflammation, treats acne, kills bacteria, drives antioxidants and vitamins into the skin, and make your skin younger looking by providing oxygen to the skin cells.

The second way revolves around the hype of beauty products that claim to tote O2 in their product. Oxygen is a gas. There is no way to put that into a cream, keep it there, and then have it released when it hits your skin. Even if creams did provide some extra oxygen to the skin, the effects would last only minutes at best.

But cost conscious beauty whizzes have wisened up to the smart cost-effective way to get a similar treatment for far less. The buzz has already been hovering around the idea of using high quality air filters, such as Blueair Air Purifiers, Austin Air Air Filters, and IQAir Air Cleaners. These elite top of the line brands are the go-to gadget for the dressing rooms of any beauty maven, regardless of whether she's a natural beauty or a glamazon.

The air purifiers filter the air and create an optimal clean air environment rich with pure O2. For added benefit, regardless of beauty objectives, it's advised to have one in your room while you sleep. With the average person sleeping for about 6 hours a night, you're guaranteed a long fresh O2 session by the time you wake up.


Source: http://www.air-purifier-home.com

Source: http://www.vacuum-home.com

With studies constantly being pumped out on how we're negatively impacting our environment, more and more people are looking for ways to 'go green'. While everyone can't necessarily switch from cars to bikes or electricity to solar power, there are some small ways we can incorporate eco-friendly habits in our lives. One way is simply being more energy efficient. Being energy efficient simply means using less energy to provide the same level of energy service

When most people think of energy efficiency, they think of turning of the lights when you're not using them, or they think of automobiles with a high mpg ratio. But what about the appliances we do use when we use them? How much energy are they consuming and how effective are they? And perhaps the most important question is: Can I get an environmentally-friendly vacuum that still is powerful enough to get the job done?

The answer is "Yes!". You can have the metaphorical cake and eat it too, and with so many 'green' vacuums being stylishly designed, not only will you be doing your part, but you'll look good doing it.
Green Vacuums

When getting a 'green vacuum', there are a few things you want to consider, such as what are the amps? An "amp" is simply an abbreviation for "ampere", which is a standard unit of electrical current. A good figure for a green vacuum is 12 amps. If you decide to go with a green vacuum, you'll find plenty with low amp rating. Ideally, you should be looking for a range of between 4 and 12. Once that's done, the next thing you want to do is start comparing additional features. The additional features will really See the guide below to get an idea for what kind of features you can get with your next vacuum.

4 Amps with HEPA - The Royal MRY6500 upright vacuum cleaner is great for someone looking to go below the 12 Amp benchmark. The HEPA filter removes up to 99.07% of dust and allergens 0.3 microns or larger, making this vacuum perfect for allergy or asthma sufferers. It's high-impact plastic body, Gore-Tex outer bag, and ergonomically-designed metal handle, makes this commercial upright vacuum extremely durable. Weighing less than 10 lbs, it's large capacity disposable paper bag makes maintenance a breeze. A double row ball-bearing brush makes this 4 amp wonder not only efficient but effective.

5 Amps with CRI Green Label Certification - The Sanitaire SC678 Commercial Upright Vacuum is a heavy-duty, lightweight vacuum with an allergen filtration. Having received a Green Label Certification, the Sanitaire features Arm & Hammer dust bags that are ideal for high frequency use. In addition to catching fine particles of dust and other microbes, Arm & Hammer dust bags help eliminate odors caused by bacteria and mold. The Sanitaire also comes with a 1 year warranty.

7 Amps with CRI Green Label Certification - As a Green Label Certified Vacuum, the Sanitaire SC888 provides a premium filtration level and an allergen filtration. It should be noted that this more of a commercial vacuum cleaner. Commercial vacuums need more strength and durability to clean places like hotels, schools, restaurants, offices, etc. These types of vacuums are also able to withstand more punishment than a standard residential vacuum cleaner. Other than that, it has the same basic traits as the Sanitaire SC678 as far as featuring Arm & Hammer dust bags. But if you're looking for a vacuum for contractor sites, then consider the Sanitaire SC883.

12 Amps with HEPA Filtration - The Bissel 82G7-1 Momentum Cyclonic upright vacuum cleaner provides continuous suction with seven surface settings. In addition to being energy efficient, it has a TurboBrush feature so you can clean multiple surfaces, such as carpet, bare floors, upholstery, auto and stairs. It also boasts a single cyclone separation system and an air flow indicator filtration system with a HEPA media Filter.

12 Amps with Airetight® HEPA System - The Bissell 5770 includes Multi-Cyclonic Technology and Microban Antibacterial Protection that make sure bacteria, mold and mildew do not grow in the vacuum. The Airetight HEPA Filtration System of the Bissell 5770 makes sure you're protected from 99.9% of pet dander and 100% from dust mites, pollen, ragweed and mold spores.

12 Amps with Full Bag Sensor - Hoover's U5140900 Tempo wide-path upright vacuum cleaner makes it easy to get rid of all that dust, hair and debris. Many people prefer vacuums with bags over bagless ones, since the latter often release that debris into the air when you try and empty them out. While bagless vacuums make it easier to know when the bag's filled, the Temp has a "full bag" sensor that takes care of this for you - and, unlike bagless vacuums, there are no filters to constantly be cleaning. Hoover's Tempo also has a filter that traps 99.9% of dust mites, ragweed and common grass pollens.

In addition to these, there are at least 20 more 'Green Vacuums' that range in use, price, amps, and features. Hopefully this introduction to eco-friendly vacuums will get you started off on the right foot and well on your way to doing your part for energy conservation.

A Look at Radical Elements in the Air and What You Can Do to Protect Yourself
Source: http://www.air-purifier-home.com

There are a number of environmental pollutants in our air, and while a number of these are man-made, the fact remains that a great many seep into our atmosphere at escalated rates. Results for scientific studies first carried out over a decade ago are finally coming in; the results show that nitrogen oxide is a key emitter circulating in the air. However, there are also a number of other contaminants -the most common one being smog.

What Is Smog?

If you've ever left your city and entered more sparse surroundings, you'll have noticed the considerable improvement in the air quality. If you've ever re-entered your city, you'll have instantly not only seen the blanket layer of gray air and the poor air quality saturating your lungs. What you're witnessing is smog.

Smog is a mixture of air pollutants that form smoke and fog in the air. It is generally formed when ground-level ozone, fine particles, and other chemicals react on hot days. Ozone in the upper atmosphere protects the Earth from the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays, but at ground level, ozone is a highly irritating gas. It forms when two primary pollutants -- nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds -- react in sunlight and stagnant air. Most nitrogen oxides come from burning fossil fuels, while VOCs are gases that contain carbon, usually emitted by gasoline fumes and solvents, such as those found in some paints. Airborne particles, sometimes called aerosols, are microscopic particles of pollutants that can remain suspended in the air for a considerable length of time. Primary particles include windblown dust and soil, sea spray, pollen, and plant spores.

Smog is caused by a number of contaminants, including exhaust fumes from the millions of vehicles on the road each day, the hundreds of factories pumping pollutants into the air, and microscopic everyday activity that all contribute to deteriorated air quality.

Further scientific studies indicate that it's not just smog that you have to watch out for, but organic material. According to a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, "the air you breathe is teeming with more than 1,800 kinds of bacteria, including harmless relatives of microbes associated with bioterrorist attacks."

What You Can Do to Protect Yourself

1. Don't Allow Smoking Indoors - There is no safe level of second hand smoke. Each year, second hand smoke sends 7,500-15,000 children aged 18 months or younger to the hospital. Hundreds of thousands of children will develop respiratory tract infections from second hand smoke this year. It's not even good enough to allow smoking outside of doors or on balconies, as the smoke simply re-enters indoors. Try to designate a smoking area at least 20 feet away from the premises.

2. Carbon Monoxide Detector - Carbon monoxide is an odorless gas that kills over 400 people each year. Carbon monoxide levels can rise very quickly in unventilated areas. Make sure you install a functioning detector in your home, preferably near your bedroom.

3. Test for Radon - Scientists estimate that radon causes thousands of deaths annually. Radon is an odorless, invisible gas that occurs naturally in soil and rock and can only be detected through testing.

4. Fix Leaks - Rain and high humidity can bring moisture indoors, creating dampness, mold and mildew. Mold aside, dampness alone is associated with higher risk of wheezing, coughing and asthma symptoms. Check your roof, foundation and basement or crawlspace once a year to catch leaks or moisture problems and route water away from the building's foundation.

5. Air Conditioners and Dehumidifiers - Asthma is the leading serious chronic illness of children in the U.S. Help keep asthma triggers away by fixing leaks and drips as soon as they start. Standing water and high humidity encourage the growth of dust mites, mold and mildew, some of the most common triggers that can worsen asthma. Use a dehumidifier or air conditioner when needed, and clean both regularly - or get one that's self-evaporative.

6. Pets - Pet allergies can come from an animal’s saliva, urine, feces and dead skin cells, so no pet is “hypoallergenic.” If someone in your family has pet allergies, keep your pet outdoors. Moving your pet from indoors to out can help reduce exposure to these allergens. However, cat allergens can stay in place for 20 weeks or more.
If you must keep your pet indoors, keep it away from primary heavily trafficked areas. Note that toting pets around has become a new fashion statement. If you find pets at the work place or in public areas such as stores and supermarkets, do not hesitate to talk to the manager about these health concerns.

7. Dust Mites - Dust allergies are actually a reaction to dust mites. Dust mites are microscopic pests that need moisture to survive. Since dust mites feed on human skin, and live in bedding, pillows, mattresses, stuffed toys, upholstery and carpets. Dust mites can be controlled through intensive vacuuming, wood/linoleum floors (versus carpets), and keeping humidity levels below 50% (this can be achieved through a dehumidifier).

8. Asbestos Control - Asbestos is a mineral fiber that can still be found in many older homes. Inhaling tiny asbestos fibers can increase the risk of lung cancer and other lung diseases. Pipe coverings, flooring, shingles and roofs are likely places to find asbestos.

9. Ventilation - Proper ventilation is one of the best ways to improve air quality, (provided that the outside air is not worse than indoor air). High levels of moisture in your home increase dampness and the growth of mold, which not only damage your home but threaten health. Dampness and mold are linked to increased wheezing, coughing and asthma attacks in people with allergies. Consider investing in a UV Air Purifier that removes allergens as well as odors and infectious microorganisms.

10. Flooring - Avoid using carpet whenever possible. Carpet traps unhealthy particles -- including chemicals, dust mites, pet dander, dirt and fungi - and vacuuming can make them airborne. If you do have carpets, use a HEPA (high efficiency particle air) vacuum cleaner to ensure better air quality. Hard surface flooring, like wood, tile or cork can be readily cleaned by damp mopping.

With these ten steps, you should be well on your way to cleaner indoor air.