11/30/2011

Honeywell VisionPRO 8000 Programmable Thermostat Review

Honeywell VisionPRO 8000 Programmable Thermostat
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The unit measures 6 by 4.5 inches on the wall. The display alone measures approximately 3.5 by 2.5 inches. It's a little bit easier to read than some cell phone displays in the dark. Menu boxes line the bottom of the screen and other choices are on the left side of the display from top to bottom. It's easily to trigger a function unintentionally with a touch of the screen. Yesterday while measuring the display I accidentally turned off the heat. I noticed the situation just before going to bed and wondering why the house was getting chilly.
This thermostat, along with the new heat pump, keeps the house temperature more constant and even than the other thermostat did. Though the heat runs more often, we don't don't get those wild swings of temperatures and uncertainty about when the heat is going to cut on. It's also great to know that if the Honeywell says 68 degrees, you can be sure that 68 is the actual temperature.
Installation seemed easy for the installer who had the thermostat installed and programmed in about 15 minutes with no peeking at the installation guide. After my previous adventures in thermostat installation, I was more than happy to let someone else do it. Too many wires for me, and too many possibilities for disaster. The installation guide warns that only a trained professional must install this thermostat. I'd guess someone who is relatively handy could install this Honeywell without too much difficulty. Someone like myself, who can barely boil an egg, might create havoc.
I like that this thermostat is programmable for each day of the week. The only day I have to get early for work is Saturday, so that day is programmed differently than the other days. Overriding any programming is intuitive and quite easy.
To get a reminder to change the filter or battery, you must program the thermostat by inputting a time frame. For example, you could have the thermostat remind you to check the furnace filter every two months. I haven't bothered to take advantage of the reminder feature but probably should.
It's possible to set the thermostat to sense whether heat or A/C is needed for any particular day. I have that feature in my car, and actually prefer to set the thermostat myself on either heat or A/C.
One nice feature is the screen setting. Press screen to have thirty seconds for cleaning the screen. In this mode, there's no danger of turning off the heat or mistakenly changing any settings.
The entire unit pops off the wall smoothly, enabling one to comfortably sit in a chair while programming the thermostat or changing batteries.
There's even an option to buy remote units so that the user can see the outside temperature and/or the temperature in another part of the house by looking at the thermostat. We have no interest in this option. Finally
So far this has been a great thermostat that works well with our NuTone heat pump. It's wonderful to be able to set a given temperature for a specific morning time and wake up to that exact temperature every time. The thermostat learns how long it takes to reach that temperature and turns the heat on at the appropriate time before the target time. Amazing stuff.


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A unique, intuitive menu-driven touchscreen programming display makes the Honeywell VisionPro® 8000 programmable thermostat the ideal choice for homeowners who want a virtually effortless way to save money on energy bills.

Enter your custom temperature preference settings once, and then forget about it until you see your savings on your energy bills. You set the thermostat to adjust the temperature when you are away or asleep -- times when you don't necessarily need to heat or cool your home to optimum comfort -- and your heating and cooling equipment runs less.

Setting up your new thermostat is a breeze -- a digital menu on the touchscreen guides you step-by-step through customizing your temperature settings -- no instruction manual to worry about! Not only that, but you can even set up the VisionPro® 8000 from your sofa since the thermostat is specially designed to be removed from the wall for easy programming.

The blue backlight is easy to read even in dimly lit hallways and rooms. The early start function on this thermostat begins the heating/cooling of your home prior to your programmed times for maximum comfort.


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11/29/2011

Pentair 011012 IntelliFlo VF High Performance 230-Volt 16-Amp Pool Pump, Almond Review

Pentair 011012 IntelliFlo VF High Performance 230-Volt 16-Amp Pool Pump, Almond
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I've had this pump installed now for about three weeks. It is totally awesome! I programmed it to turn on in the morning for several hours and in the evening as well. After programming my pool size (16K gallons) and the number of turns per day (1) the pump calculates how slow it can run during the times I gave it. That's about 35 gallons per minute for me and at that rate the pump is incredibly quiet -- you no longer have to listen to a noisy pool pump when you're sitting outside. And it's only using about 450 watts of power -- no longer do I have to watch the dizzying spinning dials on my electric meter when my pool pump is on! I know it sounds strange but I'm actually looking forward to getting next month's electric bill! I believe this pump will easily pay for itself in under two years. And my local power company (SC Edison) will be mailing me a $200 rebate check for putting this in. I believe everyone with a pool should take a look at installing a super quiet energy efficient pump like this one.

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From the ManufacturerIntelliFlo High Performance Pump is the world's smartest swimming pool pump.Its onboard computer and intelligent software automatically calculate and program the minimum flow requirements for every pool task - filtering, heating, cleaning, spa jets, water features and more - to optimize performance and minimize energy use.As functions/tasks change, IntelliFlo self-adjusts to maintain optimal flow rates for further energy savings.

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ETQ TG32P12 4,000 Watt 7 HP 207cc 4-Cycle OHV Gas Powered Portable Generator Review

ETQ TG32P12 4,000 Watt 7 HP 207cc 4-Cycle OHV Gas Powered Portable Generator
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I am a Power Quality Technician for the local power company and I have much experience with electric power. This is one fine generator. I was worried the voltage would be all over the place. I placed a 2400 watt load using a Mega Beast on this and it varied by 1 volt! Nominal 120 volts. I was very happy. This will work in an emergency to keep the heat on and the beer cold as long the total watts is not exceeded. Recommended!

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The Eastern Tools and Equipment 3250-watt portable generator includes a portability kit to make this heavy-duty generator easily mobile. The onboard 7 HP engine delivers up to 13-hours of run time at half load, and it produces a mere 68-decibels at 21-feet, making this generator an ideal choice noise is a consideration. The generator also includes 125-volt 14A ground fault circuit interrupter receptacles and is backed by a 1-year limited warranty.

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11/28/2011

Pipe Heating Cables Style: Len.:3 ft, Color:Dark Green, Price Each (31003) Review

Pipe Heating Cables Style: Len.:3 ft, Color:Dark Green, Price Each (31003)
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Purchased to use with the water hose on our fifth wheel trailer when we had to spend a period of time in freezing weather, this heat tape not only kept our water supply flowing, it produced enough heat to slightly warm the water. Normally we would have purchased a shorter length for campground use but we were parked a distance from a water supply making a longer heat tape necessary. It worked very well when used with foam insulation tubing and we would consider buying a shorter length for use when staying at campgrounds during short spells of cold snaps.

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31003 Style: Len.:3 ft, Color:Dark Green, Price Each (31003)This item features: -Voltage: 120.00 V. -Includes: Thermostat.

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11/27/2011

Wayne PK2 550-Gallon Per Hour Low Volt Pond Pump Kit Review

Wayne PK2 550-Gallon Per Hour Low Volt Pond Pump Kit
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The pump is super for my pond and waterfall which is over 100 feet from the house and any 120 volt outlet. By using the low voltage wiring, the pump and light both provide exactly what I want for my garden at a very reasonable cost.

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Magnetic Water Treatment Softener - No Salt Water Conditioners Review

Magnetic Water Treatment Softener - No Salt Water Conditioners
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I was ready to buy the Clearwater electro-magnetic softner because I heard good things about it and then I saw this. It was significantly cheaper and required no power. I gave it only 4 * b/c it had no instructions in the package and even the description here was not that informative. Not that it is rocket science to install but I did pinch my fingers between the 2 magnents whilest trying to install it b/c I didn't realize the magnets weren't affixed to the brackets. they were very difficult to get back apart. I installed it around 9pm & ran the dishwasher. The dishes are already look better - less white residue and my skin is feeling less dry & cracked. I boiled some water and there was almost no white residue in the pot. I have no reason to believe it won't breakdown the existing residue as claimed but if it doesn't I will revise my review.

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Why buy the New & Improved Magnetic Water Treatment System? Hydro-soft is made with a Epoxy+Nickel+Copper+Nickel 4-layer coating, the most effective coating against corrosion. the 4-layer coating will last much longer than Nickel coating over time. Hydro-Soft system is made with the most powerful rare earth neodymium magnets. A very easy do-it yourself installation project that takes very little time & with no pipe cutting! The "Hydro-Soft" water softener devices are effective on city and well water alike. Why are "Hydro-Soft" water softener devices better than salt based water softeners? * Super duty solid steel back driver quadruple the magnetic strength * Requires No Salt and No Ongoing Expenses. * Requires No Plumbing Modifications. * Requires No Electricity. * Maintenance Free. * No Back Flushing & No Inconvenience. * Completely Silent Operation. * Requires No Water. * Improves Water Flow and Pressure by Removing Scale Build-up From Inside Pipes and Appliances. * Prevents and Removes Existing Lime and Scale Build-up. * Does Not Corrode Water Heaters, Pipes, & Fixtures. * Safe for Older Homes! * Does Not Harm Our Environment or Our Fresh Water Supply. * Feel Cleaner and Fresher After Bathing. * Legal To Use In All Areas of The U.S. * Safe For Heart Patients and Those With Hypertension. * Take Applied Magnets Water Softener Devices With You When You Move. * Retains Healthful Minerals. ****Results vary in different areas depending on water, effectiveness is not guaranteed.

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11/26/2011

Grabber Warmers Air Activated Toe Warmer 8 Pair/Pack 8 ea Review

Grabber Warmers Air Activated Toe Warmer 8 Pair/Pack 8 ea
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Little did I know when I purchased these toe warmers for our ski trip, that my husband had bought battery powered socks already. Day 1: below zero. Tried the battery socks. Froze! Day 2: below zero. Forget the battery socks! Wore thin socks, with one toe warmer stuck under my toes, and one on top of my toes, then a heavier pair of socks over that. My feet were sweating! At lunch, I completely dried the socks on my left foot & removed the toe warmers; while keeping my right foot just as it was- wet with 2 warmers. Didn't take long for the left foot to freeze.
Long story short.... I wouldn't cold weather ski without these again! My toes are ALWAYS cold anyway. The warmers have an adhesive strip that you attach to your sock. Product is thin enough that you won't even really notice it in a ski boot. You can wear it either under or above your toes, but one warmer per foot is enough. My toes were still a little cold, but not frozen & uncomfortable. And they really do last all day.

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Air activated Instant heat Lasts for 6+ hoursGrabber Toe Warmers are a non-toxic, environmentally friendly, odorless heat source using all natural ingredients.

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11/25/2011

Wall Hung Gas Combi Boiler 70,000 Btu/h Review

Wall Hung Gas Combi Boiler 70,000 Btu/h
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We actually called and spoke with the company before purchasing this unit in order to verify that it would work for our set up. We felt that we had asked the correct questions and initially felt comfortable with the purchase. Unfortunately, the one question we didn't think we needed to ask has turned out to be the most crucial. THERE IS NO WAY TO WIRE A THERMOSTAT TO THIS UNIT. Without a thermostat to control when and how much to heat the home this unit is grossly time (since you have to manually turn it on whenever you want heat) and energy inefficient. We've also had problems with inconsistent hot water availability; the shower often goes from scalding hot to luke warm and back again. The installation directions are poorly and incorrectly written, including giving plumbing diagrams for an entirely different unit. Customer service is questionable and the engineer we, and our electrician, have spoken with has left us with more questions than answers. We fully regret not purchasing the more expensive combi unit from an established company with a proven track record in the US.

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Adopting advanced connecting technology, interior structure becomes more reasonable and compact. Because of compactness, VOLCAN series can save space for installation. You can even set it in the closet and wall-salver. For example, the storeroom, bathroom or kitchen because there is no need to save the operating space at its side face.At the same time, VOLCAN series adopts a new type of electric control device, which can make the unit work normally even although installed in low water-pressure or unstable water-pressure places. It is provided with a special device of controlling and safe protecting, whichinsures the convenience and reliability when being used

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Watts Series 70AT Hot Water Extender Tempering Valve 1/2" (0215470) Review

Watts Series 70AT Hot Water Extender Tempering Valve 1/2 (0215470)
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The valve received was not the one ordered (and not the one shown above) The one above is a soldered version and I received the threaded version which I recall as being significantly less expensive. The soldered version would not have required any plumbing changes, but as I was having difficulty getting sufficient hot water for bathing, so I reluctantly made the changes and installed. Considering the price of the part, I would think that the right one could have been shipped. Seriously doubt that I would use this service again.
W.L. Wilson

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Product can not ship to California, Vermont, and outside United States. Watts Series 70AT Hot Water Extender Tempering Valve 1/2" (0215470)Series 70A, L70A Hot Water Extender Tempering Valves are used in residential water supply applications to mix cold and hot water to extend capacity of water heater storage tanks and hot water boiler tankless heaters. It features brass body construction, dial adjustment cap, replaceable thermostat, stainless steel spring and is available with either threaded or solder end connections . Series 70A temperature range: 120;F to 160;F. Series L70A temperature range: 100;F to 130;F. Maximum Pressure: 150psi (10 bar).Watts Series 70AT Hot Water Extender Tempering Valve 1/2" (0215470) Features:; 1/2 to 3/4 in. (15 to 20mm); Brass valve bodies; Simple maintenance thermostat assembly is easily removed and replaceable as a unit.; "FINGER TIP" Dial adjustment Cap; Sweat or threaded connections; Stainless steel springs* Not AB1953 CA/VT Compliant

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11/24/2011

Hot Water Heating Systems - Thermostat Review

Hot Water Heating Systems - Thermostat
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For three years we have had two of these Aube 7-day units controlling two zones of radiant heat from an oil-fired boiler. We have been very happy with their trouble-free operation. I later purchased another brand that was on sale but found it was not as convenient as the two Aube units I was using. I then decided to purchase a third Aube TH140-28-01 thermostat, and I again find it the easiest to program and use, and again it is a thermostat that evenly controls the room temperature. This new Aube unit is working adjacent to another radiant zone's manual thermostat and is connected to an LPG 3-sided glassed fireplace. We keep the radiant zone at 67F. The digital thermostat comes on at 6 AM abd warms the open living area and kitchen zone to 72F and maintains that temperature until evening when the digital drops back to 64F, which then allows the radiant portion to keep the floors warmed at 67F through the night. My result has seen a true cost savings of more than $200 half way through our cold Maine heating season. We are now the most comfortable we have been in the past four years. I truly recommend this Aube thermostat. It is easy to program and install.... and it looks nice on the wall. Also, if I over-ride the program momentarily, I leave the door cover open as a reminder that I need to return it to its programmed control.

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Automate your hot water heating system to work when you want it to, no matter what day it is! Unlike other thermostats that limit you to one weekday schedule and one weekend schedule, this versatile thermostat allows you to choose a different schedule for every day of the week. Select times and temperatures that best suit your family, and you won't need to run the heater all day long when no one's home!Program the thermostat to leave the heat on for your housekeeper on Thursdays, or to turn the heat off from 10 AM to 2 PM on Sundays while you're visiting Grandma. Simply program two different temperatures, one for comfort, the other for economy. Then choose four different program times each day, and your house will set itself to the comfort or economy temperature for waking up, leaving the house in the morning, returning home, and going to sleep. Simple push-button programming gets you going in just a few minutes. Plus, you'll still have full manual control any time you decide to make an adjustment! There's also a vacation mode setting: program a temperature for when the house will be unoccupied for an extended period, then when it's time to leave for vacation, a single press of a button will set your heating system to vacation mode. Once you're back home, another single button press will put your system back on its normal schedule.The Hot Water Heating Systems Thermostat is loaded with features, including 12- or 24-hour display, temperature display in Celsius or Fahrenheit, and adjustable regulation cycles from 5 to 20 minutes. During warmer months, the thermostat will start the system once a day to keep the water pump from seizing. It also reduces wear and tear on your heating equipment by preventing short-run cycles and forcing the system to rest for 10% of the last run time before starting up again. Compatible with all hot water heating systems, hot air systems with no ventilation control, MilliVolt systems, and electrical heating systems with relay.

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11/23/2011

Soleus Air Evaporative Portable Air Conditioner, Dehumidifier and Fan, 8,000 BTU, White/Blue, PE2-08R-62 Review

Soleus Air Evaporative Portable Air Conditioner, Dehumidifier and Fan, 8,000 BTU, White/Blue, PE2-08R-62
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I cannot get a window unit due to my window size, and this unit came with a window kit that fit my windows. It worked absolutely perfect for 2 months. Then, on a particularly hot day, the bucket filled up with water and the unit shut off. I drained all the water, which is an absolute pain in the rear to do due to the drain being less than half an inch off the floor. The unit leaks water like a faucet ever since, all over the floor. There is really no effective way to use it anymore. I ordered a different brand that doesn't have water leakage issues. I should have listened to all the reviews I read. I practically paid several hundred dollars for a few months use. What a waste. The unit cools great, but what good is that with water all over your carpet? Stay away from this product.UPDATE: The unit only leaks when moved. If the water reservoir fills up, and must be drained, the unit must be moved to do so because the drain plug is literally right on the floor and there is no pan or container you can get under it. The reservoir will fill eventually, the unit will have to be drained, will have to be moved, will leak. Once all the water leaks out that is going to leak the unit works great until its time to drain again. Like I said, it took 2 months before I had to drain, but this process was a major PIA. I would avoid this unit, but I still gave in another star because it does not leak except during the drainage process.

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8,000 BTU Evaporative Portable Air Conditioner with Dehumidifier and Fan has dual motors offering a 3 speed fan with oscillation, a 50 Pint evaporative dehumidifier, and adjustable thermostat with 24 hour programmable timer with memory, from 64° to 90°F.A washable and reusable air filter keeps circulation clean and loss of power protection with auto restart feature. Heavy duty casters and remote control offer you assistance in unit placement and controls.All in one appliance to fulfill all your comfort needs.

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Lux Products CAG1500-006 Clean Cycle Clean Air Programmable Thermostat Review

Lux Products CAG1500-006 Clean Cycle Clean Air Programmable Thermostat
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For the price you really can't beat it. It was cheaper than Hunter and Honeywell 7 day models. It looks nicer than the Hunter models as well.
Installation was very easy, and the programming directions are very easy to follow. Since it's a 7 day model, you can have a (different) program for each day.
You set the time/temp for MORNING, DAY, EVENING, and NIGHT. You can set this for each day, or use the COPY button to apply it to the next day.
I also like the backlight feature which stays on for 20 seconds at the push of the LUX button.
Check out the product manual for all the features. I definitely recommend it.

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The Lux CAG1500 Clean Cycle Programmable Thermostat is a dual-purpose seven-day programmable thermostat. The mercury-free CAG1500 not only controls temperature, but it also utilizes Clean Cycle technology to improve air quality. Compatible with most types of conventional heating and cooling systems, this thermostat is preprogrammed with a schedule developed to save energy and reduce costs. It also offers the convenience of four programmable periods per day.
Clean Cycle Technology Improves Air QualityThe CAG1500 is unique among programmable thermostats in that it offers patented Clean Cycle technology, a feature that allows you to program your home's fan to circulate air through the HVAC system's filter, reducing airborne particles such as pollen, dust, pet dander, and other allergens. You can program the fan to run anywhere between 9 and 60 minutes each hour.
Not only does this improve the quality of air throughout your home, but it also increases your energy savings and comfort. First, the fan only runs and uses energy when you program it to do so, preventing wasted energy and unnecessary use. Second, the fan is programmed to operate independently, using much less energy than it would take to circulate a home's air by running the entire HVAC system.
Seven-Day Programming with Four Periods per DayOne of the easiest ways to reduce utility costs is to program your thermostat to fit your schedule. The CAG1500 lets you create a different program for every day of the week, and you can enter four different time periods and temperature settings in a 24-hour period (Morning, Day, Evening, and Night).
User-Friendly Programming, Filter Monitor, and Key LockThanks to a large lighted multi-color display and the patented Lux Speed Dial the CAG1500 is incredibly easy to use. For further convenience, a graphic filter monitor indicates when the filter needs to be replaced or cleaned.
The CAG1500 also offers a keypad lock to prevent unauthorized changes to the thermostat settings.
Save Money and the EnvironmentLike all programmable thermostats, the CAG1500 helps reduce energy consumption, but this efficient device takes savings a step further. To maximize your home's energy efficiency, the CAG1500 comes preprogrammed with a default heating and cooling schedule that's designed to save up to $500 in energy costs over a year, and it can also help cut down on your carbon footprint. Because the CAG1500 is 100% mercury free, you can be sure it's a safe and environmentally conscious choice for your home.
Compatible with Most Heating and Air Conditioning SystemsThe CAG1500 is compatible with most heating and air conditioning systems, including one-stage heat and one-stage cool systems (gas, oil, or electric heating, and single-stage heat pumps), two-wire heat-only hydronic systems (hot water baseboard and radiator), and millivolt systems (wall heaters and gas fireplaces).
Two "AA" alkaline batteries are required for operation (batteries not included).
About Lux: Innovation, Quality, and ValueSince 1914, Lux Products Corporation has manufactured quality products for the home. It all began with turn-of-the-century timing devices, the forerunners of the now world-famous Lux 60-Minute Timers. Building on the success of these simple and utilitarian items, Lux grew into the multifaceted manufacturer and merchandiser it is today. The Lux name has always stood for innovation, quality, and value. The company's full line of electronic and mechanical thermostats offers models for nearly every heating and cooling application. See how you can save money and conserve energy with Lux.
What's in the BoxLux CAG1500 Clean Cycle Programmable Thermostat, mounting hardware, installation guide, and instruction manual.


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11/22/2011

Soleus LX-140 14,000 BTU Portable Evaporative Air Conditioner With Heat Pump Review

Soleus LX-140 14,000 BTU Portable Evaporative Air Conditioner With Heat Pump
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Before buying a portable air conditioner, it helps to understand what you can expect and not expect from it. There is no way it will provide the cooling of central air, ductless air or even a really good window unit. I have owned all of these and speak from experience. However, when you move into a condo with all kinds of restrictions about what can be visible from the exterior or constraints on the architectural structure, then the portable is the best answer.
I have owned 4 of these and three different brands. My condo has three separate major spaces, 2 smaller for bedroom suite and office/den. The main living space is larger than the max recommended for any 120 volt unit, and that is where I now have the Soleus LX140.
The two smaller spaces are cooled with GE 10,000 BTU units that I have had for 5 years. HE quit making these units the year after I bought them They are quiet and have held up and keep the spaces in the upper 70s when the ambient temperature is in the mid 90s.
I used to have and Edgestar in the main space. I live in the Seattle area so only need the cooling about 2 months a year, and then not every day. The Edgestar was the worst unit I have ever owned. It was the noisiest unit and it quit in the middle of the second season. I called the manufacturer in Texas and they said it only had a 90 day warranty. They also said they had no service reps in the Pacific NW and couldn't help. After lengthy searching, I found one person who said they fixed them. After spending over $300, it still didn't work. The service tech said he would take it to the shop and return it in "New Condition." That was a year ago and I have never seen him or the unit again.
So I bought the Soleus. I found a dealer in Portland where I knew I could get to if needed. The manufacturer is in California, I can get there pretty easily too. Also, the Soleus has a 1 year warranty. I ordered the unit and it was delivered in 7 days. I set it up immediately but found that you had to use the remote to turn on the fan oscillator. It had to be the receiver or the transmitter, but I didn't know how to tell. I called the dealer, and within a few hours I got a call back from the manufacturer. They said they would send a new remote. If it still didn't work, they would send a label and an RMA. I got the remote in three days and everything worked.
The Soleus runs about 10 db quieter than the Edgstar. My main living space has 594 square feet and with partial cathedral ceilings about 5565 cubic feet. I am on the top floor, facing southwest with ceiling to floor glass across the entire space. Without any AC, the space has reached 110 degrees when it was 95 outside in the late afternoon. Also, there are no opening windows or sliding doors, so I am venting the unit up the fire place flu.
One week we had three days in the 90's. When it reached 98 degrees outside, the Soleus kept the space at 81. When the temperature reached 85 today, the Soleus kept the space in the mid 70s.
CONS: The only con I have at this point is that the fan oscillation is vertical instead of side to side.
The next test will be longevity as to how long it will hold up. However, at this time, the Soleus LX140 has proven to be the best unit of its type that I have used and I am very impressed with the technical service assistance of the manufacturer.


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For the top of the line in portable comfort, look no further than the Soleus LX-140 portable air conditioner. It?s among the industry?s most efficient air conditioners available and lets you enjoy total comfort on the hottest days of the year. This 14,000 BTU AC covers medium to large rooms up to 450 square and features 4-in-1 technology that allows it to function as an air conditioner, heater, dehumidifier and fan.
Evaporative TechnologyThe Soleus LX-140 utilizes evaporative technology which not only increases cooling efficiency, but also reduces the need to drain the condensate that is collected in the unit's tank.
Cools and Heats in One Convenient UnitThis portable air conditioner comes with a built-in heat pump and doubles as a space heater in the winter. It also works as a dehumidifier and 3-speed fan, making it truly multi-functional.
No Permanent Installation RequiredThe Soleus LX-140 is designed to cool, heat or dehumidify spaces efficiently without permanent installation. This portable air conditioner comes with two exhaust hoses but can operate as either a single or dual hose unit.
Color Display with Advanced GraphicsThe LX-140 portable air conditioner features multi-color VFD display technology for enhanced graphics and readability.
WaveFlo OscillationThe Soleus LX-140 features patented WaveFlo oscillation, allowing to automatically distribute cool air throughout your entire living space.

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11/21/2011

NewAir AC-10000E 10,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner With AutoEvaporative Technology Review

NewAir AC-10000E 10,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner With AutoEvaporative Technology
Average Reviews:

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I rated this 3 stars which Amazon defines as "It's OK" which is how I feel about it :)
* Size/Weight/Move-ability 10/10 -- I think the size and weight are fine, the unit is heavy (~50lbs) but not so heavy that you can't lift it from the box, it does have handles on the side to grab, and rolls in any direction on casters. It's not very large, about the size of a modern dehumidifier or mini-fridge
* Front Panel/Controls 5/10 -- The controls are straight forward and easy to use, the exception being that when you're in the "AUTO" mode you can not adjust the fan speed, it's a little odd. The big problem, and why I rate it 5/10 is that there are six SUPER BRIGHT LEDs on the front of the unit, as far as I can tell they serve no purpose whatsoever, they are simply there and they are on whenever the unit is on. When it's bright in the room it's not a big deal, but at night when you're trying to sleep this is a big issue, I'm probably going to have to cut out little wedges of electrical tape or something to stick over them. It comes with an IR remote that lets you control it as well. The display on the front will show the room temperature normally and when you are adjusting the temperature controls up and down it will change to show the desired temp for a few seconds. One note here is that the unit seems to stop cooling even when you're a good 5*F or so away from the desired temp--Example, it was 78* in my room last night and I set the unit for 73* it was running for a while but when the temp hit 77* the compressor shut off for a very long time and the room started to feel hot, temp went back up to 78* and it clicked back on... this may just be a quirk with my unit or something, but my window-mounted a/c will keep running until their ambient temp sensors equal the desired temp setting.
* Window Adapter/Hose 8/10 -- This is a single hose model, that means that it sucks air from the room to blow over the condenser (hot part) and then that air is blown outside; something to keep in mind is that you are sucking air from the room which means you are blowing your "conditioned" air outside as part of the normal process, as a result this unit will not cool a room as efficiently as a dual-hose model or a window/wall unit which both use outside air to cool the condenser--so this 10kBTU model will not cool a room as well as a 10kBTU window unit (it might be more comparable to a 7-8kBTU?). The window/hose adapters are decent quality, the only complaint I have is that I wish the adapter were "taller", my window sill is about 1" high, as a result the hose hits the sill before it the adapter hits the base, this isn't a big deal, but just wanted to note it. Another thing to note, some people complain about the window adapters not sealing very well--this one seems to do an OK job, the window just closes on the flat top of the adapter as a seal. The thing to keep in mind w/ these portable a/c's is that having a fantastic seal is not really expected or needed for the unit to operate, you get just as much air leakage around window mounted a/c's. The window adapter, hose adapter and hose are all well constructed and made of good materials--one tip: first screw the hose onto the unit, then screw the wide-mouth adapter thing onto the hose, THEN put the wide-mouth adapter into the window adapter, if you buy this you'll see what I mean :)
* Cooling/Air Output 10/10 -- Works great! Very cold air, and it blows the air fast out of the vent, much better then my window mounted units which feel like they just dribble out air sometimes
* Noise 7/10 -- First: It makes noise, all air conditioners do, if you need silence to sleep then you need another solution other then window/portable a/c's, I can sleep with the "white noise" of a fan/motor running. The unit is no louder then my 8kBTU window-mount unit when operating with and without it's compressor running; however, the reason I give it a 7/10 is that the unit tends to make more noise when the compressor turns on and off then my window unit does, in addition the compressor cycles on/off very often and for short periods, which exacerbates the issue. So far it has been waking me up, and that's not good, it remains to be seen if I can used to the noise, or this will become an awake-only unit.
* Draining 5/10 -- With low room humidity this unit should be able to exhaust most of the water out with the waste air, which means no draining... but with high humidity you need to drain the unit, this an issue on this unit because unlike other units it does not drain into a bucket which can be removed and dumped out. With this unit you need to put a "shallow pan", as the instructions say, under the drain cock and open it... well this pan needs to be really shallow (see my user submitted image) because the drain cock is only about 1-2" off the floor! I can envision this being a real nightmare to empty and I'm not looking forward to really humid daysOverall I think this is a decent portable a/c, and I'm hopeful that it will work out.
Summarized my main concerns are:
1) Does not have a bucket to empty, if it needs draining that will be very difficult w/o a bucket
2) Front Panel LEDs are super bright and always on, makes it difficult to sleep
3) Compressor makes more noise then expected when starting/stopping, this wakes me up at night
Summarized the pro's are:
1) Very good air output--lots of volume and pressure
2) Cold output! Great for spot cooling, move the unit near you and you'll freeze your butt off even if the rest of the room is warmer then you might like
3) Easy to move around on the casters
4) Reasonable price

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R-410A Portable Air Conditioner Benefits Take a break from the summer heat with the new AC-10000E - NewAir's newest portable air conditioner! Featuring an incredibly compact size that takes up little room, this 10,000 BTU portable AC unit is the perfect spot cooling solution for bedrooms, small offices, and personal spaces. ; Patented self-evaporative technology results in hours of continuous operation without excessive condensate buildup. ; Best of all, the NewAir AC-10000E portable air conditioner eliminates excess moisture and comes with an air filter for cleaner, fresher air. Requires No Permanent Installation Forget about bulky window or wall AC units - the NewAir AC-10000E is fully portable. ; The extendable window kit (included) sets up in minutes. Compact, Space-Saving Design The NewAir AC-10000E portable air conditioner is incredibly compact and designed to fit most average-sized rooms. ; This unit is also ideal for areas short on space such as apartments and offices. Self-Evaporative Technology The self-evaporative condensate system allows for hours of continuous operation. ; The AC-10000E removes much of the collected moisture by evaporating it into the exhausted air. Intuitive Controls The AC-10000E features an easy-to-read LCD screen with push-button controls for easy operation. Adjustable Louvers This portable air conditioner has adjustable louvers for increased air flow and more evenly distributed cooling

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Grundfos UP15-10SU7P/TLC Comfort Series 1/25 HP Recirculator Pump (595916) Review

Grundfos UP15-10SU7P/TLC Comfort Series 1/25 HP Recirculator Pump (595916)
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My plumber installed a Grundfos comfort system ( pipe and valve) for a guest bath, meaning I had hoped to use the timer on the pump and not have the pump on 24hours a day 7 days a week, but rather on only when I had guests and other wise the pump would be would be off. Turns out my situation is not a good fit for this system's characteristics. Using it the way I hoped to I have ALOT of hot water in the cold supply when the pump is off. When the warm supply is cool to cold the Comfort Valve is Wide open (ie a gallon or so a minute flow) and puts way too much hot water in the cold water supply, for the faucet where it is installed and critically other nearby faucets, which suffer from back flow as well . So now rather than wait for the hot water supply to deliver warm water .We have to wait for the cold water supply to supply cold on nearby faucets. The product reference material from GRUNDFOS doesn't point this out, if it had I would have done something different. My Plumber and I both spoke to Grunfos tech support on this one. THUMBS DOWN to Grundfos for not identifying situations where this system is not a fit.

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Grundfos UP15-10SU7P/TLC Comfort Series 1/25 HP Recirculator Pump (595916)The Grundfos UP15-10SU7P/TLC Comfort Series 1/25 HP Recirculator Pump is a Comfort Series Instant Hot Water System. Includes timer and line cord. Grundfos Pumps is proud to bring the comfort and savings of hot water recirculation to the existing homes market with the Comfort Series Instant Hot Water System. The Comfort System includes a Grundfos UP15-10SU7/TLC circulator and the revolutionary Comfort Valve. The stainless steel circulator, complete with timer and 10-foot power cord, is installed directly to the hot water discharge on the water heater. The Comfort Valve is installed under the sink at the fixture furthest from the water heater, and the system uses the existing cold water line to return hot water to the water heater. The Grundfos circulator pumps, Series UP, are specifically designed for heating systems. The pumps are also suitable for circulation of hot domestic water and for circulation of liquid in cooling and air-conditioning systems.SPECIFICATIONS - Grundfos UP15-10SU7P/TLC Comfort Series 1/25 HP Recirculator Pump:; Flow range: 0 - 6.5 U.S. GPM; Head range: 0 - 6 FEET; Motors: Single Phase, 115 Volts; Maximum fluid temperature: 150;F (66;C); Minimum fluid temperature: 36;F (2;C); Maximum working pressure: 145 PSI; Connection: 3/4-inch M X 3/4-inch FNPT; TLC = Timer, Line CordCONSTRUCTION - Grundfos UP15-10SU7P/TLC Comfort Series 1/25 HP Recirculator Pump:; Stator Housing - Aluminum; Spherical Seperator - Stainless Steel; Rotor Can Complete - Stainless Steel/Tungsten Carbide; Rotor, Impeller - Stainless Steel, EPDM, PRO, PFTE, Graphite; Pump Housing - Brass MS 58; Isolation valve - PPO; Stainless Steel; Terminal Box Cover, Motor Cover- Pa66/6; Light - Lexan; Cable, Cable Relief - PVC; Insulating Cover - EPP 55; Orings - EPDM; Check Valve - POMMOTOR - Grundfos UP15-10SU7P/TLC Comfort Series 1/25 HP Recirculator Pump:; Insulation class: F; Power consumption: 25W; Volt

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11/20/2011

Comfort Line Products Spa Review

Comfort Line Products Spa
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Upside: The Spa is bigger than I expected. Generally comfortable, very easy to set up (once you figure out the instructions) and as portable as promoted. Once the spa reaches top temp 105 degrees on the indicator and you turn on the blower. You get a spa experience that is as pretty impressive. The water agitation is vigorous and well distributed around the spa.
The down side: The spa has no hot water jets. It uses a blower to churn the water. The problem is the blower churns and cools the water in the process. So after 15 minutes the spa has lost between 3 and 4 degrees. By the time you go through two of the automatic 15 minute cycles you drop from 105 to about 100 degrees. If you stay in for 45 minutes the spa will cool to about 97-98 degrees and will take 3-4 hours to return to 105.
If all you want is a quick 15-30 minute experience you'll probably be quite satisfied. If you like long spas sittings or have a number of family members who want to take turns. This rig will not do the trick.
Other issues: The heating pump runs so quitely you can't tell it's on. (very nice) But the blower is loud and sounds like a vacuum. The sound of the bubbles sort of masks the blower but if you're sensitive to sound it can be distracting. I found some other reviews on the Spa2go and about half of the people complained about the pump and the blower failing. I've had mine a month so far running everyday 24/7 and so far no problems with either. The reviews also said that getting customer service or replacement parts is difficult. One person reported waiting three months and still no part. I'm hoping I don't have to deal with this. There also seems to be a few degree discrency between the actual water temp and the indicated temp... About 2 degress less by my thermometer. but I need to get another one to confirm this. Also, the material used in the cover doesn't seem to be as thick as the material in the body. Mine sprung two holes on the first day and had to be patched. I now am very carful where I lay the cover.
Bottom line.. All things considered I would still make this purchase because the price is at least a third of the cost of a typical portable spa. If you think of this purchase as disposable or a stepping stone to a better spa...you'll probably not be disappointed. So not great but for $799 good enough.
Biggest disappointment was with how Amazon fulfilled the order.. Was supposed to ship overnight. Took over a week and at least 15 calls to customer service reps in the Philippines who had no ability to contact the warehouse and find our why the product has not shipped. after One lost shipment and many frustrating calls and emails It finally made it into the UPS system for shipment... Most surprising was that I was told that if I cancel the order it would take up to 5 days to get the $799 credited back to my card.. So my "overnight" purchase turned out to be a week in Amazon customer service hell. Stresses me out just thinking about it.. think I'll head to the spa after this.

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Inflate with the supplied power pack and air tube, fill with water, plug in to any standard 110 volt outlet, and you're ready to relax in turbowave-powered massaging water heatable to 104 degrees Fahrenheit

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11/19/2011

Mspa USA B-110 Bubble Spa, Blue Review

Mspa USA B-110 Bubble Spa, Blue
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The day i got this i was so excited! i set it up in the back yard and waited 3 days for the water to heat up. then i noticed that it was loosing air slowly. my husband mentioned that it might be from the difference in air temperature so i ignored it. there is no way i could have ripped a hole! now a month later it barely stays inflated for a whole day! and i cannot find a hole anywhere.also the heater doesnt work so well at all anymore it just makes the water warm... not hot. im really angry about this because it was very expensive and i feel like i wasted my money.

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B-110 -Smart drainage for quick and complete draining. -Smart inflation for convenience. -Stylish control panel for easy operation. -Safety cover lock. -I-beam structure provides more rigidity. -Pressure gauge included.

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