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Brand Highlight: Carrier (History, Products and More)

The History of Carrier

Approximately 87% of American households use air conditioning units, and these devices are actually more popular than garages, dining rooms, and dishwashers. Providing a way for homeowners to manage and maintain the temperature of their home, Air conditioning systems make life more comfortable for the masses.

Carrier, the company behind the birth of the modern air conditioner, is credited for giving the world some of the most innovative products it has ever seen in regards to home comfort. In fact, from the initial invention in 1902, Carrier have been consistently setting the standard for effective and efficient cooling systems across the United States. When you combine incredible performance with dedicated customer service, it’s no surprise that Carrier has remained a popular and beloved brand for over a century.

When it comes to air conditioning history, Carrier’s story may be the most important in the market. In 1902, Willis Haviland Carrier invented the very first modern air conditioner – developing design principles that are still used today. As a skilled engineer, Carrier began experimenting with humidity control in an effort to manage problems at a local printing plant in Brooklyn. He borrowed concepts established with the introduction of mechanical refrigeration in earlier years, sending air through coils filled with cool water to lower the temperature, while removing moisture to control humidity.

By the 1920s, the introduction of residential air conditioning helped to begin migration towards the Sun Belt, opening up a significant portion of the United States. In 1933, Carrier developed a new form of air conditioner using a belt-driven condenser and blower, which quickly became the model for emerging air-cooling systems throughout the U.S. Today, our current air conditioners still operate on the same science as Carrier’s 1933 systems, but incorporate new advancements in diagnostics, electronic sensors, vapor compression, materials, and of course, energy efficiency. In fact, Carrier’s “Infinity” air conditioner features some of the most advanced components for a quieter, incredibly efficient performance.

From 1902 all the way up to today, the Carrier Corporation has cultivated a history of innovation in the air conditioning, heating, and refrigeration industry.

Carrier Products

The modern Carrier product line is extensive, so as to provide a wide range of heating and cooling options to residential and commercial consumers. In order to cater for all buildings and applications, the systems provided by Carrier span from air handling units, to heat pumps, and Moduline air diffusers, the types of products offered include:

Air Handling Units – designed to deliver heating, cooling, humidity control and air filtration for various buildings.

Chillers – offered in a wide range of formats, capacities and created with features for high efficiency and high performance at a low price.

Heat Pumps – high efficiency contributions to the sustainability of green buildings, Carrier heat pumps offer industry-leading performance in three formats: air-to-water, water-to-water, and water-to-source.

HVAC Controls – intelligent integrated systems for efficient heat and cooling control.

Roof top units – compact and energy-efficient solutions for building ventilation and cooling.

Moduline air diffusers – quiet high-performing machines for superior indoor comfort.

Terminal devices – fan coil units and hybrid units designed to deliver the ideal cooling and heating solution for any building.

Why Buy Carrier Products?

Today, Carrier defines itself as the world-leader in high-quality and efficiency air conditioning, heating, and refrigeration solutions. Their goal is to deliver top-of-the-range choices for home comfort, providing services that create productive, healthy, and comfortable environments no matter the climate.

What’s more, Carrier differ from other companies in their dedication towards sustainable energy. Through the use of recycled carbon dioxide instead of synthetic refrigerants, Carrier is actively working towards balancing efficiency and performance with environmental sustainability in all of their refrigeration systems.

A company dedicated to quality, Carrier are committed to achieving excellence in everything from customer service, to the innovation and design of new products and services. From their original idea that changed the world back in 1902, Carrier use research and creativity to develop the way that we see air conditioning today.

Does Office Temperature Impact Employee Productivity?

Can a Comfortable Temp Produce More Work?

If the temperatures in your office have employees donning parkas and wool hats, or stripping down to the bare necessities, it may be time to consider turning the dial on that thermostat. In fact, according to a study from Cornell University, employees are more productive and less distracted when the temperatures in their working environments are better controlled. Overall, it was estimated that a company could save over 10% of their wage costs per worker by simply adjusting their offices’ heating and cooling system. Not only does productivity and communication fail in the face of a poorly regulated environment, but employees make more errors when office temperatures start to dip.

Keep Your Employees Comfortable

Studies show that changes in temperature lead to changes in our perceptions, and even our choices in the words we use. Our exposure to warmth leads us to experience a difference in our social proximity to others and changes the way we interact and regard each other. If the temperature in the office is cold, the chances are good that your employees’ interactions with each other are turning frosty as well.

But alas, we don’t have to turn to studies to tell us that the temperature can have an impact on our emotions. Anyone who has been too hot or too cold can attest to the fact that it can quickly begin to cause notable irritability and impair our ability to interact with our environment in a positive manner. A survey conducted by CareerBuilder also found that 22% of workers that found their environment too hot expressed difficulty concentrating, and 11 percent mirrored that remark in workplaces that were too cold.

Finding the Right Temperature Balance

Although no perfect temperature for the office has yet to be identified, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends temperatures ranging from 68 degrees to 76 degrees Fahrenheit to satisfy the comfort of employees wearing a normal amount of clothing. But the inherent challenge in obtaining a prime office environment can also be attributed to the physical differences between men and women. Current calibrations to determine the standard temperature for offices is only based on the heat production of men. Because the average metabolic rate of women is significantly lower, offices are often regarded by the female workforce as being too cold for comfort.

Although finding the perfect temperature for all employees can be a challenge, identifying a middle ground is in the best interest of every employer in their attempt to bring out prime productivity in their employees. It’s important to talk openly and candidly to employees about the temperature and to try to find a solution together. Have your office HVAC system serviced on a regular schedule to be sure it is working at peak efficiency. Encourage employees to assist in the matter by dressing appropriately for office conditions.

Comfortable Temperatures Keep Employees Productive

Building a good, productive, communicative, and positive office environment requires more than fair work, satisfactory wages, and good policies. It also requires a pleasant physical environment that helps promote our natural instinct to trust each other and share resources when we’re physically comfortable. Just as we keep our homes at comfortable temperatures and stay inside on days that are too cold or too hot, it’s no wonder that we are at our best in an office environment that meets our comfort needs. Bring out the best in your workers and promote productivity by keeping that temperature at an optimal level for employee productivity.

6 Things Most People Get Wrong About HVAC

Obliterating HVAC Misconceptions

Effectively running and maintaining your HVAC system is a crucial priority for every home owner. Not only does air conditioning help to offer a more comfortable environment for you and your family, but it can also help to circulate cleaner air – thereby reducing allergens and toxins in the home. While most people appreciate their HVAC system, there are numerous misconceptions surrounding these systems that can have an impact on the efficiency of your system.

Heating and air conditioning isn’t a topic that most people are highly educated about. For most of us — the only information we need is how to keep our systems working well, and reduce the costs of energy. However, if you’re working off myths in organizing your air conditioning service, then you may not be spending your money wisely, or getting the most out of your HVAC. Following are just some of the most common things people get wrong about HVAC.

Myth 1: People Who Can Handle Heat Don’t Need Air Conditioning

Numerous people convince themselves that if they can handle the heat in summer, they don’t need an effective HVAC system. However, the truth is that open doors and windows aren’t a reasonable alternative to proper air conditioning; as fresh air is let in, it can’t be circulated properly around the home. Technological developments in the recent decades have made air conditioning systems more effective than ever. They aren’t only available to help you cool down your home during the summer, but the included heat pumps mean that the right HVAC system can maintain comfort in your property all year around. Winter heating and summer cooling are all controlled through a single panel, making temperature management a breeze.

Myth 2: Over Cranking the Thermostat will Change the Temperature Faster

It’s easy to get home after a long day and turn to the thermostat in a desperate attempt to warm up a freezing home or cool yourself down after too much expose to the summer sun. However, it’s important to know that your thermostat is a regulator that can instruct your HVAC system when it should turn off and on according to the temperature you want your building to maintain. In other words, it’s not going to work any harder if you raise it drastically, or lower it, just in the same way that setting an alarm clock won’t make time move faster.

Myth 3: The Bigger the Unit, the Better the Results

When it comes to air conditioning, don’t assume that size is everything. Purchasing a bigger system could mean that you’re wasting your money. Instead of upgrading the size, think about purchasing an efficient, newer unit. Also, make sure that you’re getting tune ups — a clean air conditioner will always run more smoothly, and last longer than one that you fail to maintain.

Myth 4: Routine Maintenance Isn’t Necessary

Too many people run on the “if it’s not broke” mindset when it comes to keeping their HVAC system in good working order. Just as you wouldn’t continue driving your car for miles without replacing the brake pads, or changing the oil, you shouldn’t keep using your HVAC without any routine service and attention. HVAC units need regular maintenance — just like any other technology, and just because your system looks and sounds fine doesn’t mean it doesn’t need checking. Ongoing maintenance helps to ensure that small problems don’t mutate into huge ones, and this will save you time and money in the long-run.

Myth 5: A High-Efficiency HVAC Will Instantly Decrease Your Bills

One of the most common misconceptions that people have about HVAC systems, is that all they need to do to save cash is switch to an energy-efficient unit. Although to some degree, using an energy efficient unit can make a huge difference, it’s also important to remember that there’s a lot more to think about when getting your system to run at its optimum standard. For instance, you’ll need your HVAC to be installed and maintained by a professional to ensure it’s giving you the most for your money. What’s more, you may need help sizing the right air conditioner before installation, as one that is too small or too large may fail long before its expected lifespan ends.

Myth 6: Air Conditioning Is Bad for the Environment

Some of the earlier air conditioning models on the market had problems with environmental sustainability — just like old fashioned cars and refrigerators. However, like other technology, the HVAC technology has since evolved, and now their benefits outweigh their environmental costs. After all, a good air conditioning system can increase comfort and productivity, reduce illness, and lower the usage of less efficient cooling and heating systems such as portable heaters and desk fans.

Brand Highlight: Amana (History, Products and More)

The History of Amana

Using the most appropriate heating and cooling systems within your home can be the factor that determines the comfort you and your family experience on a daily basis. After all, without a reliable HVAC system, it would be impossible to have any control over the temperature of your home. With that in mind, it’s important to learn as much as possible about the different brands available, and the benefits they have to offer.

As the manufacturer behind the first walk-in cooler invented, the Amana brand has long been well-known throughout America – and the same innovation and quality they put into their initial products still fuels their air conditioning equipment today. The Amana brand sets the standard for air conditioning and heating equipment in the industry, thanks to cutting edge notions like the “SureStart” igniter, and “MillionAir” heat exchanger. What’s more, when you combine their high-quality products with top-of-the-line warranties and customer service, it’s easy to see how the brand has stood the test of time for nearly a century.

Today, Amana heating and air conditioning systems are widely considered a superior line of residential and commercial products. However, the history of the brand goes back much further than the HVAC industry. The name has been a symbol of ingenuity for a number of years — due the company’s production of industry-changing appliances.

During the Second World War, the Amana brand received the “E” award from the Army-Navy, defining their excellence in providing the military with essential walk-in coolers. After the war ended, Amana continued to develop refrigeration products, but also branched away from the field, and began to explore solutions in the manufacturing of innovative new residential and commercial appliances — such as HVAC systems.

During 1997, Goodman Global purchased the Amana brand, and sold part of it to Maytag — a company that is now part of “Whirlpool” in 2002. However, the Goodman label still kept hold of the Amana heating and cooling division, and was purchased by Daikin in 2012, a group that achieved net sales of around $15 billion during 2014.

Amana Product Selection

In the area of heating and cooling, Amana are known for directing their focus towards the priorities of durability, and reliability achieved through world-class manufacturing, superior craftsmanship, and stringent testing. Their belief in the value of their own products is what allows them to offer Lifetime Limited Warranties to their customers.

The most well-known segments of Amana’s product line for installation include a number of heat pumps, air conditioning systems, and gas furnaces.

Heat Pumps: Amana’s primary line of heat pumps provide cooling and heating elements within a single system in a variety of models that range from simple to complex. The units with naming codes that begin with “G” are products within the “Distinctions” line. Amana heat pumps provide quiet, compact, and effective temperature solutions, with acoustically engineered systems that include enhancements to reduce sound, and maximize performance.

Gas Furnaces: The Amana gas furnaces divide into “high efficiency” and “standard” categories. Furnaces such as the Amana AMV9 can range in efficiency from 92% to 95% AFUE. Constructed using heavy-duty stainless steel with high-quality testing systems in place, the majority of these furnaces are aesthetically attractive, while providing excellent heating solutions.

Air Conditioners: Finally, Amana constructs a range of air conditioners which are measured in efficiency according to the SEER rating system. These air conditioners range from 13 to 18 SEER, and all are AHRI certified, and ETL listed. For instance, while the Amana ASX13 is one of the most basic Amana models, with a SEER of 13, the Amana ASX18 and ASXC18 are two of the top brand models, with SEERs of 18

Why Buy Amana Products?

The aim of the Amana brand, as defined by Harold Goodman, the founder — is to “revolutionize the heating and air conditioning industry” through the use of the best equipment, manufactured to the highest standard, and sold at the lowest prices.

The goal of each product is to provide long-lasting and reliable service, and the Amana brand also delivers extra comfort to its customers through the administration of lifetime warranties – intended to represent their products’ enduring strength. Each new product the brand introduces is thoroughly tested and examined with tough quality assurance scrutiny, and their engineers are constantly working to evolve the product line with the latest efficiency, design, and technology.

Brand Highlight: Lennox – 120 Years of Cutting Edge Comfort Products

Lennox Heating and Air Conditioning: Why Buy this Brand?

Picking out a reliable heating and air conditioning unit is vital to the comfort and efficiency of your home. Going with a Lennox unit will not only provide you with both comfort and efficiency, but every Lennox unit also comes with one of the most reliable warranty programs in the industry. Let’s take a closer look at this trusted brand and why it is a great choice for your heating and air conditioning needs.

A brief history

In 1895, Dave Lennox build the world’s first riveted-steel furnace which was a significant advancement in the industry. Lennox coupled this technology with a new way of marketing, and by 1904 he was selling his equipment directly to installers – cutting out any middlemen and making the process more personal and cost-effective. By 1923, Lennox experienced its first expansion by building a warehouse in Syracuse, New York. A few years later a factory was built nearby.

During World War II, Lennox revamped its operations to be instrumental in support the effort overseas. When the war had ended, the company set its sights on global expansion, starting in neighboring Canada. By 1960, Lennox had a presence in England, Germany and Holland too.

The 1970s and 1980s were a time of rapid change in the company. The company’s spokesperson, “Dave Lennox,” first started appearing in ads in 1973. During the two decades, Lennox introduced the two-speed hermetic compressor, a 48-coil replacement system for air conditioning units, and the industry’s first high-efficiency gas furnace. The company also expanded into the commercial refrigeration and heat transfer markets and expanded into a two-step distribution of residential heating and cooling equipment with the acquisition of Armstrong Air Conditioning Inc.

In the decades since, Lennox has led the way in the heating and cooling with expansions into Europe, Asia and Latin America. With the environment at the forefront of every new advancement, Lennox will continue to improve its industry and the quality of life for its customers.

The Lennox iHarmony Zoning System

If energy efficiency and optimal comfort in your home are priorities, the Lennox iHarmony Zoning
System for heating and cooling is an excellent choice. With it, you can change the temperature throughout your house and adjust it based on certain rooms, or “zones,” with the simple tap of a button. You can even program it from your smartphone, laptop or tablet. Using a four-zone system, comfort is at its highest levels with this thermostat and energy costs are reduced because air is not wasted in unused rooms.

Bob Jenson has the expertise to install, maintain and repair the iHarmony system to keep the climate control in your home running properly and comfortably. Other Lennox zoning systems that Bob Jenson technicians can service include the HarmonyIII, LZP4 and LZP2 – along with a full array of other heating and cooling Lennox units.

Why Lennox?

When it comes to the heating and cooling systems of your home, you don’t want to settle for less than what your home needs. You also don’t want cumbersome, wasteful systems that will use more energy than necessary. When you go with a Lennox system, you have several advantages over competing products, including:

Innovative products: Lennox prides itself on delivering quiet, energy-efficient options for heating and cooling a home.

Warranty coverage: Lennox offers one of the best warranty programs in the industry and offers extended warranty protection when high-efficiency systems.

Reliable products: Lennox is synonymous with heating and cooling quality, with most of its products bearing the Good Housekeeping Seal.

Energy efficiency: Lennox has been named the ENERGY STAR Manufacturing Partner of the Year four times. The Lennox commitment to a cleaner global footprint is evident in the company’s use of SunSource® Home Energy System and SLP98V variable-capacity furnaces. Lennox also offers consumer guidelines on saving energy at home at ItPaysToLiveSmart.com.

Complementary products: Lennox offers items like air purifiers and cleaners that work along with heating and cooling units to provide the highest quality of home air circulation.

Excellent customer service: Lennox offers free phone support and dependable service information.
To learn more about how Lennox products can work in your home, contact Bob Jenson Air Conditioning and Heating at 619-440-5634.

Brand Highlight: Fujitsu – Leader in Ductless Air Conditioning

Facts To Know About Fujitsu

When most people hear the brand name “Fujitsu”, they think about computers, laptops, and communications devices. However, the truth is that Fujitsu, as a company, have a place within many different industries, from laboratories, to consulting, to semi-conductors. The Fujitsu General Corporation is a part of the Fujitsu group – a brand known across the world for developing some of the most significant electronic and engineering innovations ever produced. Ever since 1936 (when they were founded), the operations of Fujitsu General have developed into a thriving network across the globe.

Fujitsu General are now a leading provider of reliable and innovative products that pervade many aspects of most people’s daily lives – typically in ways that people don’t expect. While you’re checking your email on your Fujitsu laptop, you may not have been aware that the same company is supplying your air conditioning. Fujitsu have been creating air conditioning units for around four decades – prompted by a dedication to provide practical solutions for their customers’ needs.

Fujitsu Heating And Cooling Systems

A basic policy to deliver a comfortable atmosphere using environmentally friendly and high-quality products drives the Fujitsu General organization forward – allowing them to utilize years of creativity and technology in the development of new consumer solutions. When it comes to superior air conditioning, Fujitsu have established themselves as reliable manufacturers of energy-efficient mini-split ductless cooling and heating systems for both light commercial and residential applications. The brand currently offers the most efficient mini-split option in the world, in the form of the System 9RLS3H, which offers a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating of 33.0. The minimum SEER rating permitted by the government comes in at around 14.0.

A frequent misconception harbored about Ductless mini-splits is that they are only sufficient for “add-on” cooling and heating, or “spot cooling”. However, Fujitsu provide multi-zone adjusted systems that can cool or heat up to eight rooms at once – ensuring comfort throughout the entire house or property.

How Mini-Split Systems Work

One of the useful things about the Fujitsu mini-split systems is that, unlike conventional HVAC systems, Fujitsu halcyon systems outdoor condenser and compressor have a slim footprint and are far quieter, many times virtually silent. These mini-splits reduce requirements for large evaporator coils and complicated ductwork through the utilization of slim indoor units which condition the air right within the room. This advantage allows each room to have its own remote thermostat to separately control its temperature. With Fujitsu Ductless Mini-Splits you can have truly balanced comfort in any home. Mini-Split systems are available in a wide variety of different options, including:

  • Stylish and elegant wall mounted units that complement all interior designs.
  • Slim ducts that are mounted within framed enclosures below a ceiling, or within the ceiling itself.
  • Ceiling cassettes that are extremely discrete – showing only the grille in the ceiling.

Comfort For Any Home

For almost forty years, Fujitsu have been manufacturing air conditioning devices and ductless mini-splits with the aim of making the world a more comfortable place. If you’re seeking to control several indoor units with a singular outdoor unit in the form of a multi-split system, Fujitsu allow you to develop and build the system that is most beneficial to your specific needs – you can even mix and match options to create your own unique cooling solution. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a system that saves energy and protects the environment, you can look into the Fujitsu split systems.

Whatever your cooling or heating requirements might be, Fujitsu General offers a wide collection of products that are comfortable within any home or lifestyle. All that remains is choosing the option that appeals most to you. So what are you waiting for? Why not find out whether a mini-split system, or multi-split system by Fujitsu is right for you?

Save Energy, Improve Efficiency With A Ductless Mini-Split

What is a Ductless Mini-Split System?

Unless your heating and air conditioning system has been recently updated, chances are your home is using a ducted system for heating and cooling. Did you know there are more efficient and quiet options available? Ductless systems are a great choice because they don’t waste the energy typically lost through cracks and leaks in ducts.

If you’re looking for an eco-friendly heating and cooling system that will provide comfortable temperatures in your home year-round, perhaps it’s time to consider a ductless system. Check out what options are available to you below.

Overview of Mini-Split Systems

The concept of a ductless mini-split system is simple. Each system includes an outdoor compressor along with indoor air-handling units connected to the outdoor unit by a refrigerant line.

Installation is simple and unobtrusive since there’s no need for ductwork. Ductless systems also require less energy to run than traditional units. These systems usually only require a small three-inch hole in the wall to run the conduits between the indoor and outdoor units.

In general, there are three types of mini-split systems:

Single Zone

A single zone system consists of only one indoor and one outdoor unit. This is ideal for a single-zone space, such as a one-room addition to your home or if you’re installing heating and cooling for a garage or outbuilding.

Multi Zone

A multi-split system connects several indoor units to a single outdoor unit. Unlike the single split system, the multi-split system allows you to create multiple zones in your house where each one can be controlled independently.
You can choose a different style and capacity unit for each zone in the home, providing a customized experience for each room. These different styles include:

  • Wall mounted unit
  • Ceiling unit
  • Hidden unit

Each outdoor unit can usually accommodate 4 zones.

Flex Zone

A flex zone system gets a bit more complicated. Like a multi-split system, you can connect many indoor units to the same outdoor unit, but the flex zone system allows for more indoor units.

The difference is that in a multi-split system, each of the units has a line running back to the outdoor unit. That’s not the case with a flex zone system. Instead, you might have only two lines running back to the outdoor unit, and then each one “branches” so the system can accommodate up to 8 zones.

While the multi-split system must be controlled via each indoor unit, you can control your entire home’s temperature through a single control with a flex system, which allows for better management.

Heating and Cooling Options

Before you jump on buying and installing one of the above systems, it’s important to note that there are different options for each. The most common is an air conditioning only system. These systems function like your typical air conditioning unit—only without the ductwork. In other words, it only functions to cool your home.

If you live in a climate where heating and cooling are equally important, then you’ll want to consider a heat pump. The heat pump system not only cools your home, but it can reverse the functions and heat your home by reversing the refrigerant flow.

Which Option Is Best for Your Home?

Deciding which option is best for your home will depend on numerous factors. The size of your home, for instance, can help determine how many zones you need.

Also consider if you’d like to completely replace your heating and cooling system or if you can use your home’s current duct system to supplement temperatures changes throughout the home. For instance, you could place a single-split unit in the main living area of your house and then use your current system for the bedrooms when needed.

If you need to manage different areas of the home independently, then a single-split system isn’t going to cut it. For instance, upstairs bedrooms may need cooling power while the basement may need to be heated. In that case, a multi-split unit is ideal.

If you’re not sure which option is best for your home and needs, contact a professional in your area for personalized advice.

How To Prepare For Possibly The Hottest Summer Ever

El Niño’s Impact on Temperatures for Summer

As the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) defines it, the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle “is a scientific term that describes the fluctuations in temperature between the ocean and atmosphere in the east-central Equatorial Pacific.” There are two phases to ENSO: El Niño and La Niña.

La Niña refers to the cold phase of ENSO while El Niño is the warm phase. El Niño is marked by warmer-than-average sea temperatures in the Pacific Ocean near the equator. The phenomenon often causes warmer temperatures over central and western Canada along with areas of the western and northern United States. Depending on its severity, El Niño can also lead to more rainfall in areas like California and the Gulf region while dryer conditions occur in the Ohio Valley and the Pacific Northwest.

In March of 2015, the NOAA announced that El Niño had arrived. With a good chance that El Niño will continue throughout the summer, this means that North American residents should prepare for less-than-typical weather patterns in their region. Check out what this year’s El Niño is likely to bring in summer 2015.

Warm but Dry Conditions in California

In January, the governor of California declared a drought State of Emergency. But as Climate.gov points out, “only about 3 of the past 10 El Niño years exhibited above-average rainfall in California during March-April-May.” Unfortunately for California residents, El Niño hit later in the year and at a milder level than anticipated, so it’s unlikely that heavy rainfall will provide any drought relief for Californians.

Potentially the Hottest Year

Time.com reports that 2014 was the hottest year on record. While scientists can’t be certain, it’s speculated that rising global temperatures combined with the El Niño pattern could put 2015 in the lead. This is a real possibility since last year, there was no El Niño. However, El Niño years tend to be hotter on average than non-El Niño years. Put continuously rising temperatures together with a mild El Niño, and we may just see the hottest year on record.

Vox.com explains why this might be the case. Thanks to the release of greenhouse gasses, we’re trapping heat on Earth’s surface. Approximately 90 percent of that gets absorbed by the oceans. During times of La Niña, the heat is trapped below the ocean’s surface. In El Niño events, that heat is transferred to Earth’s surface, where we begin noticing the effects in precipitation and temperature changes.

Typically, temperatures peak about three months after an El Niño event, but everything considered, 2015 may pose some of the hottest temperatures on record.

How to Beat the Heat

If El Niño does bring a warmer-than-average summer this year, you’ll want to prepare for the heat, which can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and heat cramps among other complications. Get yourself ready for the summer with the following tips.

Prepare Your HVAC System

Before the heat hits, you’ll want to ensure your HVAC system is ready. Start by making sure your system is in working order by switching it on. The last thing you want is to turn it on during a hot day only to find out it doesn’t work. Chances are when you call for maintenance, half the people on your block will be having the same problem and you could be left to face the heat. Instead, be sure it’s working now so that if there is a problem, you can get someone in there quickly to fix it.

Even if everything seems to be working fine, be sure to check on parts like your air filter. A properly cleaned filter will help your air conditioner run more efficiently, which helps reduce costs and energy. You’ll also want to check your condenser unit and remove any debris that has accumulated over the winter. Remove the panels if necessary, and use a vacuum cleaner to clear away debris.

If anything needs repairs, be sure to call a professional instead of trying to tackle the situation on your own.

Ensure Proper Hydration

Hot days, especially when combined with exercise, can pose many health risks. Each year, almost 100,000 high school athletes alone experience heat-related complications. These heat-related illnesses can often be attributed to dehydration. During a hotter summer when you’re sweating more than normal, it’s crucial that you keep hydrated.

Knowing that this summer will be a hot one allows you to prepare for high temperatures like this. A few things you can do to keep yourself and your children hydrated this summer:

  1. Purchase a reusable water bottle. Keep this water bottle full and with you while you run your errands or attend events. The last thing you want is to be outside in the heat and unsure of where to find a drinking fountain or water vendor
  2. Avoid alcoholic and caffeinated beverages. Both alcohol and caffeine are diuretics, which means that they cause an increased passage of urine. While a drink might hydrate you for the time being, too much alcohol or caffeine in your body means you’ll pee more than normal, reducing your body’s water levels. Opt for straight water or sports drinks to preserve water levels
  3. Eat fruits and veggies for snacks. Fruits and veggies like watermelon, grapefruit, and strawberries are high in water, so they can help keep you hydrated even if when you’re not drinking plain water

Keep Your Electronics Off When Not in Use

You already know to keep lights and appliances off when not in use in order to save energy, but you’ll also be keeping your house cool since any energy you’re using is also producing heat. Furthermore, think ahead for what you’ll prepare for dinner. Plan for meals where you don’t have to use the oven or stove, which will only heat the house. Alternatives include salads—including fruit salads and other tasty combinations—sandwiches, and raw fruits and veggies.

While scientists can’t be certain about what summer 2015 will bring, there’s a good chance that the Northern Hemisphere will see high temperatures. How will you prepare for what’s likely to be one of the hottest summers on record?

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