Evening star., 1938-11-12
New Systems Bring
Air Conditioning TO
Low-Cost Homes
Operating Cost Held
Below Other Styles
Of Heating Plants

To bring air conditioning within
the range Of the small home owner
this winter members Of the Air Con-
ditioning Manufacturers Associa-
ton recently announced new equip
ment for residences, w. B. Hender-
son, executive vice president of the
association, has revealed.
The new systems provide all the
benefits of winter air conditioning
and have the added advantage that
when the home owner subsequently
decides to add summer air condi-
tioning. he may do so by purchasing
an auxiliary summer air conditioner
which utilizes the same air distribu-
ting ducts.
BY drawing upon their experience
with large summer air conditioning
installations, the designers have
been able to embody the same scien-
tific principles of temperature regu-
lation, moisture control, air distribu-
ton and publication that make the
air. conditioned Office such COM
Portable place in summer. And by
building the new winter air condl-
tioners on a mass production basis
the manufacturers have brought the
cost down within reach of the $4,000
home owner.
Complies With Standards.
The new equipment complies IN
every respect with the requirements
laid down by the National Better
Business Bureau for winter air
conditioner" In other words, 1t
heats the air as required, injects
sufficient humidity into the air, and
circulates it properly throughout the
whole house. In addition, it cleans
the air by passing it through filters.
As easily installed as the old con-
ventional heating system, the new
type of winter air conditioner is
usually placed in the basement and
can be operated with any type of
fuel-gaS, oil or coal. From this
central point in the basement the
warmed, humidified air is forced by
q fan through ducts which distribute
the air uniformly throughout the
home.
One of the striking features of
the new winter air conditioners is
that the operating cost is generally
lower than the cost of the old-style
heating plant. This has been ac-
complished by perfecting more ef-
ficient heating surfaces in the fur
mace itself and through the develop
ment of automatic controls which
eliminate overheating, a condition
which is not only uncomfortable but
also wasteful of fuel.
The benefits of conditioned air in
winter are manifold. Of primary
Importance is the general improve
ment in the health level. which
medical authorities attribute to the
uniformity of temperature in the
conditioned home and also to the
presence of proper humidity.
Colds Traced to Dryness.
Lack of humidity in the air of
heated, nom conditioned homes is
said to be responsible for a large
share of colds and other respiratory
disorders in winter. It is claimed
that conditioned air keeps the
membranes of the nose and throat
In healthier condition. and elm
mates this common source of sick
ness.
Addition of moisture to the air is
also desirable during the winter to
prevent the drying out Of furniture
and woodwork. Hot, dry air causes
furniture to shrink and floors and
staircases to develop squeaks
Cracked plaster is familiar result
when the wooden framework of a
house shrinks Dry air also robs
moisture from drapes, rugs and up
holstery. whose tiny fabrics lose
their normal resihency. crack and
disintegrate into dust particles.
Besides being warmed and humid
i1ed. the air gets thorough clean
ing when it passes through the
filters of winter air conditioner.
No housewife needs to be told that
there is plenty of dust and dirt
floating around in a seemingly clean
house.
This air-borne dirt is arrested by
the filter, leaving the house so
clean that housewives report that
with a winter air conditioner they
don't need to clean over their drap-
cries and curtains even after an
entire season. Walls don't become
dirt-streaked and household fur
niShinpS Stav n1,,ch c1eaner