Posts Tagged ‘usa’

Air Conditioning Issues Force $325 Million Art Exhibition to Close

Thursday, July 1st, 2010, by Richard Salmon

When the Washington DC ‘Corcoran’ Gallery borrowed paintings from Wales’ top museums, they certainly didn’t expect to keep them boxed up and away from viewers. However, after a series of air conditioning service errors, the popular gallery has decided to pack the paintings up and store them away from their gallery, aiming to prevent air damage and poor treatment. Corcoran Gallery of Art by afagen.

The exhibition, which featured art from Turner and Cézanne, was forced to close after the museum’s air conditioning system failed to provide a stable level of heat and humidity. Aiming to avoid potential damage to the paintings, the museum decided to pull the exhibition almost two months before it was due to close.

Fourteen paintings were on loan from Wales’ various art museums, including many rarely seen outside of Europe. Though the exhibition plans to continue throughout the United States – organizers are moving the paintings to New Mexico shortly – member of Washington DC’s art community are disappointed that their viewing time was cut short.

Museum air conditioning systems, particularly visual art air conditioners, are often required to perform at a stable temperature in order to keep paintings safe from water or heat damage.

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The political and economic ramifications of air con in America

Friday, April 9th, 2010, by Simon Jones

When the King and Queen of Britain stayed in Washington in June 1939, with the temperature in the sticky 90s F (high 30s C), they asked for hot-water bottles at the White House! Presumably, they were trying to make some point about British grit…

For the rest of the US, air conditioning is a necessity. Not only is it essential, but it’s changed the economic and political way of life of the country. For example; the relocation of businesses in the south wouldn’t have happened without it.

Would Atlanta or Houston or Miami have been able to hold their own against New York – where Summer is unpleasant but just about bearable – without air conditioning? And would car-makers see Alabama as viable without it?

There’s also a reputable argument that air conditioning service, by making the South economically viable, kept the South alive politically too. One of the people who might thank air conditioning, accordingly, is former President George W Bush. And Democrats only seem to win when they have a strong Southern association – like a certain Bill Clinton from Arkansas.

Half a century ago, less than a third of Americans lived in the South; now it’s more than half…

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Utah Governor Vetoes Air Conditioning Restriction Bill

Wednesday, April 7th, 2010, by Richard Salmon

Utah Governor Gary Herbert voted against legislation requiring consumers to limit their air conditioning usage in exchange for a $20 power credit. The move, one applauded by the state’s residents, highlights the need for air conditioning in one of the USA’s warmest summer states. Salt Lake City by bluemodern.

The legislation in question was aimed at reducing the state’s overall electricity expenses. Utah’s power is generated through natural gas, and with usage levels hovering close to maximum output, the state is aiming at reducing power usage through unconventional means. The ‘Cool Keeper’ energy usage program involves the installation of a power monitoring device, which automatically shuts off air conditioning service and power-heavy appliances during peak usage periods.

Herbert claimed that the legislation feels like an “intrusion into peoples’ homes.” Citing the need for adequate choice and the frequent hot summer temperatures experienced by Utah residents, the governor voted against making the restrictions an opt-out event. Critics claim the decision to veto mandatory ‘Cool Keeper’ participation could lead to increased taxes and state expenses.

However, it’s clearly a positive decision for Utah’s residents, and of course, their cool air. Summer temperatures in Salt Lake City, the state’s capital, routinely exceed 35°C. Due to the desert environment and harsh climate, winter temperatures can reach incredibly low levels, with snow, ice, and frozen infrastructure common.

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