Learn how to spend your money wisely! Tips and articles about appliances, including purchasing, appliance repair and more.
Q: We would like to move our washing machine to the basement. I am concerned about the waste water plumbing due to the sewer line location and height. The sewer line is about seven feet above the basement floor and about 20 feet away from the planned location.
Energy efficiency is a key factor to keep in mind when purchasing appliances but the energy efficiency of similar appliances can vary significantly. It is usually more cost effective to purchase appliances with high efficiencies. Determining and comparing the energy efficiency of different models is usually easy, because federal regulations require many types of appliances to display EnergyGuide labels.
In automatically defrosted refrigerator models, water from the melting frost flows out a drain in the floor of the refrigerator and into a pan, where it evaporates. Food particles can be carried along, clogging the drain and causing odors. Clean the refrigerator drain regularly by following these steps.
If you have a lot of iron in your water, over time the interior of your dishwasher will develop brown stains.
Here are some tips when shopping for some of the most widely purchased appliances.
When updating a kitchen or laundry room, you'll need to make important decisions about appliances. In a typical kitchen, the appliances represent a total investment of $3000 to $5000. Today, consumers face a wide selection of sizes, technologies, configurations and styles. This guide will explain your options and help you make informed decisions that make sense for your lifestyle and budget.
Q: My dishwasher is leaking into my basement, which is finished. I need to get my dishwasher out in order to repair it or to replace it. Our countertop which goes right up the wall is tile, therefore it can't be lifted. The previous owners installed a hardwood floor, which is preventing me from getting the dishwasher out. Any suggestions?
Here are some issues to consider when deciding whether to repair an appliance or replace it.
Here are some details about electric or gas refrigerators.
Temperature settings for refrigerator and freezer compartments are given arbitrary numbers for example (1 through 9, warmest to coldest) by manufacturers. Generally 37 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal for the refrigerator compartment and 0 degrees F for the freezer. If you suspect a problem, test the temperatures with a refrigerator or outdoor thermometer.
You need to clean your over-the-stove vent hood periodically. Here are some pointers.
This information can clarify and help answer some questions about purchasing and installing appliances.
Q: I am renting an older mobile home that has an ugly green bathtub and bathroom sink in it. They are made out of metal and I would like to repaint them if possible. What paint should I use and how do I do it?
Q: Is there anyone you can recommend for painting my oven? I recently remodeled my kitchen, and instead of buying a new oven to match my new refrigerator, I'd rather paint it if at all possible.
Washing machines have either a painted steel or porcelain-coated steel cabinet. It's perfectly safe to use a little dish detergent and a damp rag to clean all of its surfaces. If the surface is porcelain, you can even use a small amount of non-abrasive cleanser for stubborn stains.
Make sure ahead of time that you have a grounded 120-volt laundry receptacle. Some areas may require that the washer and dryer be on separate circuits.
Central vacuum systems include a central power unit located away from living areas, usually in the garage, basement, or even in a utility room or closet. It's connected by vacuum tubing to handy wall inlets which are strategically placed throughout the home. It's automatically turned on when the hose end is inserted into an inlet. All vacuumed dust and debris are deposited in the dirt receptacle on the power unit. Because the unit is away from living areas, noise in the house is kept to a minimum.
Your disposal can jam if something solid, tough or stringy gets lodged between the spinning plate and the inside wall of the disposal.
If your dishwasher cleans poorly, it could be caused by one of many things:
Dryers are classified according to the kind of power that provides their heat -- either electricity or gas. But even a gas dryer uses electricity for all its non-heating actions. When your dryer doesn't do its job, look first to the basics. Is it plugged in? Is the cord defective? Has the dryer's fuse blown or has the circuit breaker tripped?
Your choice of household appliances will hinge on your personal tastes, budget and what best matches your interior decor. Brushed stainless-steel appliances might be featured in all the fancy magazines, but that may not suit your style (or budget) at all.
Central vacuum systems can be installed in virtually any new or older home -- ranch, split-level, two-storey, split foyer or other -- with relative ease and no damage to walls. Installation usually takes just a few hours. Any design or style of home can accomodate a central cleaning system. They can be installed in new construction homes before the insulation and drywall are installed and it's less expensive to install during construction.
When purchasing an appliance ask the dealer if the appliance is covered by a factory warranty. Some dealers and retail chains purchase appliances from the manufacturers without factory warranty, to lower their costs. This can have several drawbacks.
Appliance refinishing is the process of turning an older, sometimes antique, stove or refrigerator into a newer looking model. Sometimes refinishing an appliance can save time and money, compared to replacement.
While appliances make our lives easier, they can also pose significant risks if not maintained properly. Use this guide to take a quick inventory of the health and safety of the appliances in your home:
While major appliances make our lives easier, they also pose significant risks if not maintained properly. This guide explains how you can best protect your family and property from some of the most common hazards.