Archive for August 23rd, 2009

Saving Money with Energy Star

Sunday, August 23rd, 2009

Energy Star is a cooperative program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy which has the express objective of reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas production. Energy Star is a voluntary program that encourages manufacturers to develop standards and programs to help Americans save energy by using more efficient appliances, heating and cooling systems, and business equipment.

The Energy Star program was first introduced in 1992 by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and began as a labeling program. Manufacturers of energy-consuming appliances were given incentives to manufacture specific products to Energy Star standards, and then identify with the program by using the Energy Star labeling.

The first products that started using the Energy Star labeling system in 1992 were computers and computer monitors. It was no secret that these products, both for business and home use, were significant energy wasters. Computer manufacturers were encouraged to develop designs that use less electricity and generate less heat when running. Software programs were also developed to shut down certain energy consuming functions of computers when they were not being used.

The labeling system was soon applied to other office equipment, along with home heating and cooling systems. Furnaces and air conditioners were soon being built that used as much as 30% less energy than similar capacity non-Energy Star systems.

In 1996 the EPA and US Department of Energy cooperated to designate specific categories of products, and to develop standards for each of them. With the full implementation of the Energy Star program special labels can now be found on most major appliances, lighting systems, home electronics, heating and cooling systems and office equipment of all kinds.

Today Energy Star is partnered with more than 15,000 private and public sector organizations and provides technical and research information that help these organizations, businesses and manufacturers develop new products and programs. It also makes consumers aware of the advantages of Energy Star products. It is estimated that Energy Star programs resulted in a savings of about $19 billion to consumers and businesses in 2008.

A major initiative of the program has been to apply more rigorous standards to new homes, office and commercial buildings, and industrial complexes – in recognition that these are all major energy consumers. To earn the ENERGY STAR designation, a residential or commercial building must meet strict guidelines for energy efficiency set by the U.S. EPA.

The requirements for new homes include such things as effective insulation in floors, walls and attics, as well as high performance windows that keep heat in during the winter andout during the summer. New homes must also be tightly sealed so that cracks and holes in walls, around doors and windows, ducts and pipes don’t allow heat to escape.

Heating and cooling systems must also meet more rigorous energy-efficiency levels than in a normal non-Energy Star home. More efficient heating and cooling systems when combined with well insulated and sealed homes results in a significant reduction in a home’s energy requirements. Indoor humidity is also reduced and comfort increased by more energy-efficient heating and cooling systems.

Many Energy Star approved homes are also equipped with high efficiency lighting, ventilation fans, and Energy Star appliances such as refrigerators, dishwashers, ovens, washing machines and clothes dryers.

Energy Star homes are at least 15% more energy efficient than homes built to the 2004 International Residential Code (IRC), and include additional energy-saving features that typically make them 20-30% more efficient than standard homes.

When considering the advantages of upgrading to Energy Star heating or cooling systems in your home or business it is always best to consult with an expert. For Canton or Alpharetta Heating Repair or Cumming Air Conditioning see Comfort Zone Heating and Air in the Atlanta area.

eBook review – “Building a Chicken Coop”

Sunday, August 23rd, 2009

When things appear to be easy and unfussy, you may find that you have more than you can chew. Say someone had thoughts of constructing a coop and breeding chickens, I ask you to order this eBook which contains plans for chicken coops and lots of other facts you probably should know before you start. Chickens are alive and they require the developmental atmosphere all animals require. Good food, excellent care, and sufficient housing are vital to raising chickens successfully. The chicken coop plans are merely the first essential step.

You don’t need to buy any special tools in beginning your chicken’s home but you do have to make some decisions on size. There are chicken coop plans for enclosed midsize, large premium and portable chicken coops. Free-range style enclosures are also something that you may want to think about in adding now or at a later date. Systematically instructions and graphs are given for beginners and experienced builders alike.

Picking a site for the chicken coop is a vital part of putting a poultry pen on your property. Chicken coop plans always result in a permanent fixture so the outside needs to be pleasant, especially where it is visible by people or in highly active areas. Your chicken coop should blend in with your other buildings and there are factors such as wind and sun and approaching predators to consider.

The author of Building A Chicken Coop has over thirty years experience in what is required in raising and housing chickens and knows what he is talking about in the proper materials, insulation, ventilation, lighting and positioning of your coop. The author even reveals some little known tricks that place you way ahead of the competition, but putting up a structure that is solid is just the tip of the iceberg. Nesting practices, proper roosts, egg production, waste management and weatherproofing are all covered in this eBook too.

Once your structure has been completed, your chicken coop plans go on to explain how to easily breed chickens and take care of baby chicks to ensure a self-sustaining flock. Planning daily, monthly, and yearly chores that must be performed to keep your chickens happy and healthy is a must that is shared in this eBook. Foods that are bad for them, foods that are good for them and what to do for a sick chicken is all covered entirely in the eBook.

There is a skill to raising chickens but the learning does not have to be difficult if you are given the facts and guided through the process. Putting your chicken coop plans into action could be the beginning of an exciting, lucrative experience, either as a pastime or a business model IF you have detailed directions. The focus is on beginners and the eBook even comes with a money back guaranty if you aren’t completely satisfied. Nothing is ever as simple as it may seem on the exterior, but purchasing this particular eBook is the move that can, and will, spell success for you.

To learn more about how to build chicken coops follow this link: chicken coop plans

A Balloon Arch

Sunday, August 23rd, 2009

Introduction 

Whenever there is a special event being held, the organisers want to make an impact or find something novel to wow the people attending the event. Sometimes there are ice sculptures or huge displays of flowers, maybe swathes of fabric, all intended to make an impression on the guests. One novel idea is to have Balloon sculptures or a Balloon Arch. They are bright, colourful and impressive structures which catch the eye and are a great way to make an impact at your event. There are balloon arches to compliment any occasion, whether it is a wedding, promotional marketing campaign event or special celebration such as 40th wedding anniversary.

Usually when there is a special event, profession balloon decorators would be engaged to make an eye catching arch of colour or combination of colours which can be twisted to greater effect. There is a choice of a huge selection of any number of colours, from basic colours to pearl shine and metallic finishes, when combined in a creative blend, they will augment any decor you may choose.

Professional balloon party decorators would know how to construct a balloon arch and use electronic equipment to measure the precise amount of helium to fill the balloon to achieve a uniform size for the best results.

However, if you are an aspiring balloon sculptor then you might like to attempt a balloon arch for yourself.

Here is How You Make a Balloon Arch

Materials: 

Latex Balloons (The number will depend on the size of the arch), Nylon Line (Like that used for fishing), 2 Weights, Balloon Sizer, Curling Ribbon or tulle (Net), Helium in canister

Stage 1

Cut the nylon thread (fishing line) to the exact, length required (See formula below)

Arch length formula

  • If the arch is wider than it is tall: Height + Width = approximate total length
  • If the arch height and width are about the same: (1.5 x Height) + Width = approximate total length

If the arch is taller than it is wide: (2 x Height) + Width = approximate total length

Stage 2 

Both ends need to be tied to something heavy to hold it in place while you work.

Stage 3

Using the balloon sizer as a guide, inflate the balloons with helium so that they are a consistent size. (A cardboard circular template can be used if you have no sizer.)

Stage 4

Secure the balloons on to the line (always approaching the line from the same side)

Stage 5

Leave approximately 12″ between each balloon. Once they are tied on the balloons can be moved lightly to the required position so that it is firm and the shape you want.

Stage 6

Release the ends of the line from its holder and fix a suitable weight to either end of the arch to hold it in place. It can be a star weight or frilly foil weight.

Stage 7

Any enhancements can now be added to the arch such as curling ribbon which is allowed to hang down or tulle festooned to give a wedding effect.

Helium Balloons

Balloons filled with helium gas are lighter than air which means they float upwards. Professional quality balloons are made from 100% biodegradable latex and are usually larger in size than most retail packet balloons. Helium filled latex balloons usually only retain their buoyancy for a few hours. The enclosed helium atoms are smaller than the pores in the latex through which they escape. To increase the float time of a helium balloon for up to a week, the inside of the balloons is coated with a special polymer solution to minimise the leakage of the helium.

Safety and environmental concerns

Helium filled balloons once released into the atmosphere usually travel a long way before they finally burst or deflate. An estimated 90/95% of balloons released rise to an altitude of 5 miles, at which height the cold will cause the balloon to become brittle and shatter into miniscule pieces. The small fragments then floating back to earth to degrade into the ground. Because the latex from which balloons are made comes from the Hevea tree they are completely biodegradable and the dyes used in latex colouring are also non-toxic. Research has demonstrated that latex balloons degrade faster than oak leaves. Oxidation occurs first in the breakdown of latex and it begins within an hour of a balloon being inflated. As the decaying process is by natural exposure the nutrients are released into the soil.

Balloon Sculptures and Arches

Even though hundreds of balloons may be needed for sculptures and arches, they are often restricted because of the round shape of the balloons. More ambitious “sculptures” have been attempted on occasion but mostly they are restricted to simple walls or arches.

There are many events where balloon arches could be used. The most popular type of arch is a single row of pearl latex balloons with co-ordinating ribbons. Often they provide a focal point at a wedding for a couple to pass through either at the service or at the reception. They may serve as a frame to outline other displays or for photograph taking, or just to enhance a feature at the venue. The arch is held in place by a hand-made weight covered by a bow. Sometimes balloons arches are used for table decorations at special events with smaller balloons for each arch. The decoration will usually include curled ribbon with an added weight to stop the balloons from floating away.

Conclusion

There is no doubt that balloon arches make a wonderful eye catching centre piece for any event|occasion|festivity}. There is an unlimited choice of colours and effects, helium balloons can make a particularly interesting balloon arch at a relatively low cost. They are a spectacular alternative to arches of flowers or drapes and provide a lively talking point for guests. Whatever your celebration may be, whether it is a wedding, birthday or special anniversary, or a corporate event, the balloon arch will give a special flavour to your occasion enhancing the total experience.

Power Data Recovery Crack Torrent

Sunday, August 23rd, 2009

[mage lang="en|es|en" source="flickr"]power data recovery crack torrent[/mage]