Different Types of Air Conditioning and Refrigeration

Central Air

Central air conditioners are the most well known and widely used types of air conditioning and refrigeration, and the energy efficiency of a central air conditioner is measured in a unit called SEER seasonal energy efficiency ratio. The SEER is the cooling output divided by the power consumption, with climate and other variables factored in. Basically, the higher the SEER, the better, and a rating of 10 is considered as being the minimum for new systems.

Installing a central air conditioner is very simple, and when your new air conditioner is installed you want to make sure that the dealer places the outdoor compressor in a shady area. This is because in turn this will help to reduce energy use by up to 10 per cent, and obviously this is a good thing. On top of this you will want to make sure that you have at least one-foot airflow around the entire unit.

High Velocity Air Conditioning Unit

Then another option you have when it comes to air conditioning and refrigeration is that of a high velocity air conditioning unit, a relatively new technology. This can be added to almost any home, even those which do not have existing ductwork. Instead of bulky metal ductwork, this technology uses flexible tubing only two inches in diameter, and the insulated tubes can be threaded behind walls or inside closets without damaging any of the sheetrock or plaster.

In this method of air conditioning and refrigeration, instead of large metal registers, you will have a two-inch vent in the ceiling or high on a wall that is nearly invisible when painted; this system overall is also much quieter than air conditioning through traditional metal ductwork.

Window Air Conditioners

Another type of air conditioning and refrigeration are the window air conditioners, which are measured by a simpler calculation of EER, or energy efficiency ratio. You need to keep in mind the fact that the EER can vary greatly between models, and so you need to be sure to read the Energy Guide label carefully before purchasing.

Whatever air conditioning and refrigeration unit you decide to go with, make sure that you take your time in the decision process, so that you can enjoy the best results possible; both today (as far as cooling is concerned) and at the end of the month – when the electricity bill arrives!

Tiffany Lamp, Real Or Reproduction?

For over a century the Tiffany lamp has been a key feature in home d cor and Louis Comfort Tiffany could never have imagined that the Tiffany lamp would become his most famous and enduring contribution to art and home d cor. Born the son of a famous New York jeweler in 1848, Tiffany was a major creative influence in the Art Nouveau movement. Today there are three basic types of Tiffany lamps: Tiffany originals, Tiffany lamp reproductions, and lamps or fixtures made in the Tiffany style. Whether you hope to someday own an original Tiffany lamp, purchasing an antique reproduction or would be just as happy with a Tiffany inspired lamp, it is important to know the difference.

What s In A Name?

The only original tiffany lamps were created by Tiffany Studios in New York City by Tiffany and his group of artisans. Today original Tiffany lamps are found only in museums and individual collections. A Tiffany lamp sold for over two million dollars at Christies Auction House in 1997.
Almost all “Tiffany” Lamps and fixtures that you might see are not real Tiffany but actually reproductions and you have to keep in mind that you are purchasing a Tiffany inspired lamp that reproduces the original designs, or new designs that are Tiffany inspired but not the real thing. Today when we hear the term Tiffany, it most often applies to the style and not an actual Tiffany piece. An authentic Tiffany lamp reproduction will use the same pattern and color scheme as the original.
Many companies that work under the Tiffany name are creating exacting reproductions of the original Tiffany designs, even down to including a signature and this confuses many consumers into thinking they are getting the real thing.
Tiffany Style

A Tiffany style lamp, on the other hand is a blanket term often used to describe anything with a stained glass shade. While there are the producers of quality lamps crafted in the Louis Tiffany tradition, cheap imitation Tiffany style lamps can have loose fitting glass pieces or may not be glass at all but a stained glass like plastic shade.

Most of us may not be able to afford an authentic Tiffany lamp, but whether you are looking for the real thing or just appreciate the beautiful style there is almost certainly something to fit your budget, making it easy to have your own bit of Tiffany.