Sponsors

energy star

December 3, 2010

Helpful Reminders In Using And Taking Care Of Your Refrigerator

The refrigerator is one of the top appliances in every household. It may not provide entertainment like the rest of your electronic gadgets but it nevertheless serves as a very important commodity. There is no doubt, that the refrigerator can make life easier and more comfortable. However, if you don’t know how to maintain it, it can also give you some headache. Check out these excellent tips when it comes to buying, maintaining, and using your refrigerator.

Buying a new refrigerator is a major decision and requires enough time for pondering before making the move. One of the first things you need to consider is the size. Avoid choosing one that is bigger than what you actually need. Also, choose from names that has the Energy Star Label on them. These refrigerators are designed to reduce pollution and energy consumption at the same time.

A regular checkup is required to make sure that all parts of your refrigerator are working at optimum level. Check first the door seals and see whether they have cracks and damages or not. For the condenser coils, a yearly check up is enough. Keep in mind also that you need to manually defrost the refrigerator when the ice in the freezer has thickened up to one inch.

A good energy saving tip for refrigerators is to place it with the back at least 4 inches far from the wall. Do the same thing with the sides as well. The space will prevent the appliance from exerting too much energy in keeping cool. Meanwhile, set the temperature up to only 42 degrees. Doing this will help maintain a normal energy consumption for the refrigerator.

Another way to save energy when using the refrigerator is by keeping it full most of the time. The refrigerator will spend more energy if it’s always empty. However, leave some space for the air to pass as well. A one-inch distance between the contents would be enough to keep them cold. Moreover, avoid leaving the door of the refrigerator open when it is not in use as it can cause the refrigerator to use more energy.

After applying these tips for a few months, you will notice a large difference in your electric bill. That is simply because these tips do not come primarily from users but from refrigerator companies who want to give people convenient lives through energy-efficient appliances.

Was this write-up of great benefit to yourself? You may very well like to view a few other content articles from this article writer about compact freezers as well as Amana refrigerator.

Filed under Kitchen Appliances by Mary Brown

Permalink Print

December 30, 2008

Ranges: 6 Things You Should Know Before You Buy

1: IT’S ABOUT STYLE

Ranges have become the status symbol of the kitchen and many treat them like a stage for performing. There are free-standing or slide-in models, or built-in. It is a smart move to select the same type of replacement range to avoid renovations. Larger professional type ranges add glamour as well as heat, but they need better ventilation and may need fireboards next to the adjoining cabinets.

2: COLOR IS STYLE

Most ranges come in white, black, metallic finish and stainless steel. Custom colors are available on many of the upscale models. If the dishwasher and refrigerator do not have custom covers then the stove should match them. Don’t assume the metal is really stainless steel, ask.

3: THE FUEL QUESTION

Electric and gas are both reliable and offer consistent heat. Gas allows you to select different levels of heat and when the burner is off, cooking stops. If you currently have electric and decide to switch to gas, you will need a gas hookup as well as 120 volt circuit for clocks and electronic ignition. Electric heat gives you very low heat, which is not always possible with gas, but it heats up and cools down slowly.

4: PERFORMANCE

There are several choices and feature options. Decide which are most important to you and then ask which will best suit your needs. Don’t waste money on options that you won’t ever use, i.e. melting chocolate on low heat for eight hours. It’s great marketing, but very few of us actually do it. Make sure to ask about even baking and custom broiling options. You may want to check out convection baking for superior baking results, low simmer and high heat options on cooktop.

5: LOW MAINTENANCE CLEANING

If you hate to clean the oven, select self-clean options. Continuous clean never really gets the oven immaculate. Smooth glass or ceramic cooktops need specific cleaners and care to maintain their good looks. Burners on professional ranges require more care, especially with drips pans.

6: MAKING SURE IT FITS

The bottom line is that is has to fit in the space you have allocated. Professional models measure between 36 and 60 inches. Freestanding ranges are generally 30 inches wide, but can vary from 24 - 48 inches.

About the Author:

Filed under Kitchen Appliances by Steven M. Fisher

Permalink Print