Only in America, eh? These two office colleagues are clearly not on the same wavelength when it comes to temperature. Stick with it, and wait for the finale where it truly starts to get heated.
Archive for February, 2010
Does in-car air conditioning consume fuel? If so, how much?
Thursday, February 25th, 2010, by Richard SalmonIt’s considered a bit of a myth by some, but it is in fact true.
Having windows open can cost you fuel, which pretty much everyone knows by now – but so can air conditioning, which can increase fuel consumption by 8-10%. 
If it comes to decision of air con vs open window, it is more economical to open your windows up to speeds of around 55mph as running the a/c at low engine speed creates extra stress and demand resulting in increased fuel consumption. Above 55mph, it’s better to run the air con as opposed to the extra drag caused by open windows.
Every accessory that you use, even the rear screen demister or the radio drains power from the battery, which is charged by the fuel in your engine. Try to only use accessories for the minimum amount of time that you need.
Don’t forget that your car’s air con should be run for at least five minutes every fortnight (even if it’s not needed) to keep the system lubricated and free of leaks, also ensure you use an air conditioning maintenance company to carry out your air conditioning service.
Brazilian commentator can’t take the heat
Wednesday, February 24th, 2010, by Richard SalmonFormer Brazilian midfield star Batista got a bit hot under the collar recently. In sweltering, humid conditions, the ex-pro-turned-commentator really could have done with a spot of air con; it might have helped him stay on his feet during a live broadcast!
Three films that really could have done with an air con escape…
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2010, by Simon JonesNothing quite makes a film like a good old-fashioned escape through the air conditioning vent. These three films would have been oh so different…
PS. Watch out for slight spoilers…
1) Inglorious Basterds
Quentin Tarantino’s most recent masterpiece climaxed with a small Parisian cinema going up in flames with 300 Nazis inside and every possible exit door firmly locked. It might have been a tight squeeze, but Hitler and his friends could have scuttled their way to safety if only the cinema had air conditioning. Granted, this was way back in 1945…
2) Slumdog Millionaire
Whilst Jamal is on the Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? set, brother Salim is feeling guilty for his wicked ways and locks himself in a bathroom after helping Latika escape. Salim wants to end it all, but there might have been another way if when Javed’s goons break down the door, Salim has done a runner through the air con shaft. 
3) The Green Mile
John Coffey is on Death Row for a crime he didn’t commit. The gentle giant with magical healing powers ultimately faces the electric chair but even at 6ft 5ins and weighing in at 145kg, we reckon he could have snuck out had there been a vent open to him. He was a nice chap though – so he still probably would have refrained.
3 Ways to Save Money with Air Conditioning
Monday, February 22nd, 2010, by Simon JonesHave you ever left the air conditioning on while you were out? Bonus points if every window in the house was open at the same time, flooding it with hot air while you paid for every minute of cool air. Despite a reputation for expense, air conditioning is actually a very cheap way to cool your home or office, especially when it’s used across a large system.
If you want to save even more money on air conditioning, these three strategies could be effective:
1. Switch to ‘fan’ mode while you’re asleep.
Airflow is essential for sound sleep, but air conditioning is often overkill for the standard bedroom. To reduce costs and electricity consumption at night, switch your air conditioning system to the fan-only operation mode before you go to sleep.
2. Use the built-in timer at night.
Sometimes the natural temperature is just a little too much to fall asleep, but not quite enough for you to turn the air conditioning on all night. Save yourself the expense of all-night air conditioning and switch your system to automatically turn off after 30 minutes.
3. Maintain your air conditioner.
Just like any other mechanical device, air conditioners need maintenance on a regular basis. Basic maintenance like filter changes can be carried out on your own, while advanced air conditioning maintenance and repairs are best done by an experienced professional.
Motorcycle air con – You won’t look cool but you’ll feel it…
Friday, February 19th, 2010, by Simon Jones
We’re well aware that this resembles a headless biker hoovering the inside of his jacket with a jetpack, but there’s actually more to this than meets the eye.
Ladies and gents, we present to you the EntroSys Motorcycle Air Conditioner which not only cools but also heats, meaning it could be the perfect accessory for those who either shiver in our baltic winters or sweat profusely in our slightly less baltic summer.
It clips on the back of the bike and gets wired into the battery; the hooveresque hose running to a special vest worn under your gear. A wireless controller mounted on the bars raises or lowers the temperature, and while you will admittedly look utterly ridiculous wearing the thing you might be the only one not sweating to death when you get caught in traffic… unless of course you’re like those crazy continental folk who blitz around cities on Vespas in vests and flip-flops.
How Did People Keep Cool Before Air Conditioning?
Thursday, February 18th, 2010, by Simon JonesHave you ever spent an entire day inside, confined by the heat to your air conditioned living room? Even in parts of the world that aren’t renowned for their heat, a hot summer’s day can be a paralyzing annoyance. Without air conditioning and ceiling fans, it’s easy to think we’d be burned to toast or sweating 24/7 almost every summer’s day.
However, in some of the world’s hottest locations, the local population had innovative cooling systems long before air conditioning was around. These two cool natural cooling mechanisms aren’t particularly advanced or convenient, but they do work.
Middle Eastern Wind Towers
It’s hard to think of heat more intense than the daily summer heat of the Middle East. From Saudi Arabia’s vast and ultra-hot deserts to Qatar’s coastal Arabian heat, the old world is packed with incredibly hot locations and annoyingly sweaty cities.
So how did the ancient population deal with it? They built wind towers. These innovative buildings channel wind downwards, giving residents ice cold air for relaxation or storing food.
Arizona ‘Wet Sheets’
Arizona is home to some of the world’s most impressive scenery, and some of the most incredibly hot terrain in the world. Home of thousands of early gold rush towns, Arizona’s early residents had a unique way to keep cool during the night. Rather than sleeping in a stuffy blanket, 19th century residents used to dip their bed sheets in water and sleep in them while wet and soggy.
For further information on air conditioning maintenance and the best air conditioning service visit Airconco.
Air Conditioning: The Universal Escape Tunnel
Wednesday, February 17th, 2010, by Simon JonesIt’s amazing how many films, video games, and novels use air conditioning as an escape and stealth platform. Pursued by villains, the hero hides in an air conditioning duct and surprises everyone with a well-planned escape.
These three movies and video games feature some pretty cool air conditioner scenes. Isn’t it strange that the most confined and restrictive place imaginable is responsible for some really cool scenes and shots? If claustrophobia isn’t quite your thing, these three films and games might be best avoided.
Die Hard
This pioneer action film features one of the most terrifying air conditioning scenes of any movie. After fleeing East German terrorists at the top of Los Angeles’ Nakatomi Plaza, John McClane is forced to go right back to where he came from, all using the air conditioning network. Despite causing a lot of noise, he somehow manages to avoid detection.
Metal Gear Solid
When this Playstation game was released in 1998, it ushered in a whole new era of stealth video games. The adventure starts with a textbook military base break-in, featuring hero Solid Snake treading through hundreds of metres of air conditioning ventilation ducts. Luckily for him, there are relatively few food-processor-style fans along the way.
The Brave Little Toaster
This 1980s kids film features a talking, full-featured air conditioner. Adding to its absurdity, the air conditioner melts down (literally) after a major stress attack. Although animated, it’s always nice to see air conditioning get a mention in a major movie.