Topic: Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning

Atomic refrigerator could make coldest things possible even colder

The level of control over matter that scientists are now developing to create ultra-cold objects could also be used to create entirely new states of matter and super-powerful quantum computers, researchers added.  

Qaddafi blames 'donkeys of the gulf' for seeking to destroy air conditioners

Could the lowly air conditioner be the linchpin of Col. Muammar Qaddafi's regime? Libya is, after all, a very hot country.

Heat wave: federal program to help needy pay cooling bills is broke

Budget cutting means that the federal fund for helping needy Americans pay higher electric bills in the winter and summer had already run out of cash before the current heat wave hit.

Four ways to survive heat wave – and keep energy bills down

As America blasts its ACs and put its fans on overdrive to try to cope with the heat wave, it will use a lot of energy – which costs a lot of money. More than 40 percent of a typical home’s utility bill goes toward cooling costs.

Here are four tips for keeping energy costs down and still staying cool.

Heat wave: Four things that will rise with the temperatures

Slowing down because of rising heat is the expected response in any summer heat wave. But in a week like this one, where high temperatures fanned across the country, sizzling toward 100 degrees F. from Texas to Boston, some things also go up. Here are four things to expect to rise along with our desire to stay indoors and beat the heat.

Japanese stock up on gadgets to ease life without electricity

The Japanese government has asked the Japanese to scale back their energy use in anticipation of several more months of energy shortages.

Are you smarter than a 12th-grader? A reading comprehension quiz.

The National Assessment of Educational Progress has just released the results of math and reading tests that 12th-graders took last year. The average score on the reading portion was higher than in 2005, but lower than in 1992. What follows are six sample questions from the reading section. Overall on the test, 38 percent of students scored at or above a proficient level in reading. How many questions can you answer correctly?

Top 10 banned fashions

Most of the time we use the phrase "fashion police," we don't mean it literally. But in many places around the world, your sartorial choices can get you fined, imprisoned, or worse. Here is our list of the top 10 banned fashions.

How innovative financing will increase demand for electric cars

Leasing options with low monthly payments could convince car buyers to invest in electric cars, even though the initial investment is high.

Heat wave: a good time to be selling pool supplies and sunscreen

Like winter blizzards, a summer heat wave favors certain segments of the economy. When it feels like Death Valley in New Jersey, air conditioners, kiddie pools, and fitness drinks sell like crazy.

Will industrial production growth trend outlast stimulus funding?

With the the stimulus now waning, it will be important to watch the trend in industrial production to see how sustained the growth is.

Industrial production flashes recovery, but beware the temporary stimulus

Despite the positive reading for February, industrial production benefited from temporary factors such as inventory restocking and federal stimulus.

Wait! Daylight Saving Time will cost me money?

Turn your clocks forward Sunday morning. But Daylight Saving Time will cost you, according to one study.

Developing world's energy needs set stage for fight

Developing nations' urgent need for more energy has become a central issue this year as developed countries push for a global reduction in carbon emissions.

The latest on hydrofluorocarbons

A new study finds that hydrofluorocarbons could become a significant factor in future warming.

Earth Hour: Limbaugh to turn on Christmas lights to celebrate

A brief window opens into rarely seen Iraq Museum

The museum that was looted after the US invasion will open for a few hours Monday to highlight recovered pieces.

Detroit Auto Show: the highlights

Obama plans to 'green' the White House

President-elect Barack Obama says that he plans to make the White House more environmentally friendly to set an example for other Americans.

My basement has turned into an air conditioner museum

I've collected window units of all sizes, new and antique. Some are clean, others have filters loaded with dust mites and black mold spores.

My basement has turned into an air conditioner museum

Tired of high gas prices? Ten ways to save.

Properly inflated tires, driving slower, and emptying out the trunk among the best ways to avoid excessive trips to the pump.

How one town aids returning soldiers

Churches, schools, and families in Warroad, Minn., go to unusual lengths to help smooth the transition from military to civilian life.