Measuring For Doors: If you are measuring for a manufactured home door (single outswing door, no storm door), measure the outer lip of the door itself. You can stand outside the home and do this easily, make sure to measure the outer lip of the door itself, not the frame of the door. If you are measuring a house-type door (with storm door), you will need to measure the rough opening in the wall. This will be the hole that will remain when the full door is removed, including the storm door and frame. Make sure to give us your exact measurements, or pick the door that will be closest to your hole size, without being too large.

Determining Left-Hand or Right-Hand: To determine if your door is a left hand or right hand door, also referred to as left and right hinge, look at your door from the outside of the home. Whatever side the hinges are on looking from the outside determines your door type. If they are on the left it will be left hand, and the same for the right.

Measuring For Windows: To measure for a window you use the measurements of the opening when the window is removed. If your opening was 24.5" x 32.5" for example, you would need a window that is 24" x 32". Remember to keep in mind the several different styles of windows available, feel free to email any questions on their differences and advantages.

Measuring For Tubs: To measure for a tub you will need to measure the opening that remains once the tub is removed from the home. You will need to measure the width of your tub and depth from the wall, the height is not needed. This opening will determine the size of the new tub, be careful to make sure that both the old and new will fit through any doors or halls for installation. You will want to contact us regarding shipping to get the most exact quote, remember most of our tubs are fiberglass and are heavy and costly to ship, although many sizes are also available in plastic.

What consumers should know before they install central cooling systems. With summer heat underway, many central air conditioners units will be repaired or replaced. Additionally, the rise of summer heat also means a rise in electric bills. One of the most expensive appliances you'll purchase for a home is a central cooling system (only to be rivaled by the heating system). Finding the right central cooling system for your home is largely dependent on the contractor you choose.

The beauty of a central air conditioning system is that it can distribute cool air through the whole house as opposed to window units which are generally designed to cool a single room. Despite the larger initial cost, a central cooling system can still save you money by reducing your monthly utility bill. If new or modified ductwork is required, then your initial investment will rise. Central air conditioning units also vary in size and efficiency. A common, costly error is to install an oversized unit in your home.

Choosing the right unit for your home will largely depend on the contractor you choose because he will determine the capacity required. A good contractor will estimate the cooling loads and duct requirements by collecting detailed information in your home and using industry calculations to determine the correct size. (For more information on how to select a contractor, including what questions to ask him, see the article on choosing the right contractor.)

There are different models, sizes and efficiencies available on the market. The type of unit, for example, a split system versus a single-packaged unit, may depend on the region of the country you live in and the type of home you live in (e.g., basement house, slab foundation, crawl space, etc). Regardless of the type of central air conditioner you install, the size and efficiency can have the most impact on your costs.

Air conditioner sizes, also referred to as cooling capacities, are measured in British thermal units per hour (Btu). One ton is equal to 12,000 btus. A unit that has too little capacity may not keep the whole house cold, while an oversized unit will cost more and be more expensive to run.

A unit's energy consumption is rated in SEER (seasonal energy-efficiency rating). The higher the SEER rating the less energy required to run the unit. The Department of Energy standards are currently a minimum of 13 SEER for central air conditioning units. The ratings can range from 13 to 18 SEER. Units with a 13 SEER rating are typically installed in new homes and as replacement models. According to a survey of over 500 contractors, a rating from 13 to 14 are mostly recommended because they are the least expensive to own overall and require the least repairs.

The most expensive part of an air conditioner to replace is the compressor. Air conditioners typically feature a scroll or reciprocating compressor, depending on the unit size and efficiency. Check to see if the compressor has an additional warranty (e.g. 5 year compressor warranty), separate from the standard cooling system warranty.

Finally, if you are gone during long periods of the day (or night) invest in a programmable thermostat. With a programmable thermostat, your cooling system can use less energy while your gone and then adjust itself so the house temperature is comfortable when you arrive.

And if you are wondering whether you should turn off the air conditioner so you can open a window to enjoy a break in the warm weather, here is some advice: do not continually turn on and off your air conditioner to adjust to the changing warm weather patterns outside. If you want to open a window to get some fresh air, it is better to leave your air conditioner on rather than turning it off. If the inside of the house gets hot and you have to turn the air conditioner back on then your air conditioner has to work harder to cool down your house and everything in it.

What over 500 surveyed contractors say...

A top leading consumer magazine recently surveyed over 500 contractors and reported the following tips on purchasing a central air-cooling system.

• Choose the right-sized air conditioning system. If it is too small, then it won't cool properly; if it is too large, then it won't dehumidify properly.
• Invest in a 13-14 SEER model. 13-14 SEER are recommended for their combined performance in increased energy efficiency and product reliability.
• Beware of replacing only one of the two main components if shopping for a replacement system. Replacing only the indoor or the outdoor unit of a system may result in a mismatch that compromises efficiency. Contractors also said these systems are more repair-prone than systems where the two units have been bought and installed together.
• Look for an experienced contractor. One-fifth of the contractors surveyed said the primary reason for their service calls was improper application or incorrect installation.
• Maintain your system properly. At least 40 percent of surveyed contractors said that service calls were primarily the result of improper maintenance.