Decisions, decisions.
With all the different kinds of televisions on the market these days, it's important to make informed decisions so you select the best television possible for your needs.
Different TVs can pose different problems so it is a good idea to do some research on what to expect from different TV models.
Check out these helpful articles:
http://www.lcdtvbuyingguide.com/lcdtv-plasmavslcd.shtml
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LED-backlit_LCD_television
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plasma_display
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LCD_television
http://ledhdtvtelevisions.com/
http://hometheater.about.com/od/lcdtvfaqs/f/lcdtvfaq8.htm
http://www.hdtv.ca/plasma_lcd_projector/lcd_tv_versus_plasma_tv.php
http://ca.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20100610153931AAUIGva
http://hometheater.about.com/od/lcdtvfaqs/f/lcdfaq2.htm
Monday, December 20, 2010
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Surprising uses for your dishwasher
Here is a fun article that suggests some odd things you can - as well as things you probably shouldn't - put in your dishwasher.
Click here to read the article.
Click here to read the article.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Washing machine maintenance tips
Water-fill hoses: Over time, the water hoses that came with your new washing machine may leak or burst. It's a good preventive maintenance practice to check these hoses from time to time for any sign of wear or weakness. Often there's a small blister in the rubber of the hose, which could rupture. Most manufacturers recommend replacing the hoses every 5 years.
Note: If the hose ruptures, large quantities of water could gush from the hose. If it's the hot water hose that ruptures, the gushing hot water may scald anyone nearby. For more peace of mind, one alternative is to use high quality stainless steel fill hoses.
Leveling: Because your washing machine is so heavy, when it's not level, it can vibrate strongly during the spin cycle. If your washing machine is not perfectly level--with all four legs touching the floor--it can bang and rock back and forth, and even begin to "walk" across the room. This isn't good for the machine and may damage anything near the machine. Your washing machine has adjustable, front leveling legs with a lock nut. You adjust the leg to the proper height, then tighten the lock nut up against the body of the machine to keep the leg from rotating. Some machines have adjustable leveling legs in the rear also, and you can adjust them in the same way. Keep the machine as close to the floor as possible--the lower it is, the less likely it is to vibrate. Most machines, however, have "self-adjusting" rear legs. You set these legs by tilting the entire machine forward onto its front legs (with the rear legs 3 to 4 inches off the floor) and then setting the machine back down. The legs should adjust automatically. If they don't, you may need to tilt the machine forward and rap on the rear legs with the handle of a hammer to loosen them--a procedure that's easier to accomplish with a helper.
Surface cleaning: Your washer has 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 little non-abrasive cleanser for stubborn stains.
Lint disposal: Most washing machines collect lint during the wash cycle and send it down the drain during the drain cycle. If your machine is a Maytag, though, it may be different. Most Maytag washing machines collect lint in the center tube of the agitator. You need to lift out that tube and clean it periodically. Other machines have a lint filter near the top of the tub, which you need to slide out, clean off, and reinsert.
Note: If the hose ruptures, large quantities of water could gush from the hose. If it's the hot water hose that ruptures, the gushing hot water may scald anyone nearby. For more peace of mind, one alternative is to use high quality stainless steel fill hoses.
Leveling: Because your washing machine is so heavy, when it's not level, it can vibrate strongly during the spin cycle. If your washing machine is not perfectly level--with all four legs touching the floor--it can bang and rock back and forth, and even begin to "walk" across the room. This isn't good for the machine and may damage anything near the machine. Your washing machine has adjustable, front leveling legs with a lock nut. You adjust the leg to the proper height, then tighten the lock nut up against the body of the machine to keep the leg from rotating. Some machines have adjustable leveling legs in the rear also, and you can adjust them in the same way. Keep the machine as close to the floor as possible--the lower it is, the less likely it is to vibrate. Most machines, however, have "self-adjusting" rear legs. You set these legs by tilting the entire machine forward onto its front legs (with the rear legs 3 to 4 inches off the floor) and then setting the machine back down. The legs should adjust automatically. If they don't, you may need to tilt the machine forward and rap on the rear legs with the handle of a hammer to loosen them--a procedure that's easier to accomplish with a helper.
Surface cleaning: Your washer has 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 little non-abrasive cleanser for stubborn stains.
Lint disposal: Most washing machines collect lint during the wash cycle and send it down the drain during the drain cycle. If your machine is a Maytag, though, it may be different. Most Maytag washing machines collect lint in the center tube of the agitator. You need to lift out that tube and clean it periodically. Other machines have a lint filter near the top of the tub, which you need to slide out, clean off, and reinsert.
Washing machine efficiency tips
· 80 – 85% of energy used by a washing machine goes into heating the water. Switch the temperature setting from hot to warm and that will cut the energy used in half.
· Small loads use as much energy as large loads, therefore, whenever possible, wait until you have a large load.
· Make sure to select the correct water level for each load.
· Rinsing in cold water (as per Ontario Hydro) could save you up to $23.00 a year in energy cost.
· Check washer hoses and screens for wear and tear, and consider switching to metal hoses.
· “Suds saver” washers reuse water through successive loads, thereby conserving water and detergent.
· Front load machines use up to 40% less energy to run, they save up to 50% on water bills and uses ½ the amount of soap compared to a top loading machine.
· Front load machines also remove more water from clothes, which cuts down on the time it takes to dry clothing.
· Small loads use as much energy as large loads, therefore, whenever possible, wait until you have a large load.
· Make sure to select the correct water level for each load.
· Rinsing in cold water (as per Ontario Hydro) could save you up to $23.00 a year in energy cost.
· Check washer hoses and screens for wear and tear, and consider switching to metal hoses.
· “Suds saver” washers reuse water through successive loads, thereby conserving water and detergent.
· Front load machines use up to 40% less energy to run, they save up to 50% on water bills and uses ½ the amount of soap compared to a top loading machine.
· Front load machines also remove more water from clothes, which cuts down on the time it takes to dry clothing.
Washing machine FAQ
NOTE: When experiencing problems with any appliance, the first thing the customer should do is check to see that there is power going to the unit by checking the breaker box.
Does my washer really need to be level?
Yes. It is very important for washing machines to be level for proper operation.
How much detergent do I need for each load?
This depends on the hardness of your water and the soil in your clothing. Softened water requires quite a bit less detergent than hard water--yet the more soiled the clothes, the more detergent you need to clean them. See the instructions on the detergent package for specific guidelines.
Which detergent is best?
All modern detergents work quite well. However, some have been tested by consumer magazines--which you can consult--and found to be superior to others. Detergents that produce low suds are best for front-loading washers.
Where does the lint go from my washer?
If your washer doesn’t have a lint filter that you manually clean, the lint goes down the drain. This is usually safe for both city sewers and septic systems.
Are front-loading washers more efficient than top loaders?
Absolutely. In fact, the higher initial cost of a front loader can be recovered in just a few years through water, sewer, drying time, and soap-usage savings--also through reduced wear-and-tear on clothes.
The water in my washer's warm cycle isn’t very warm. Why?
The warm water for your washer is simply a mixture of the hot and cold water available from your home. If the hot water entering the machine isn't very hot, the warm is actually cool. Also, in northern climates, during winter months, the cold water entering the unit may be significantly colder than in the summer, which causes the warm water to be cooler. In some cases, the water inlet valve may be restricted, or there may be sediment on the screen that blocks the input of the hot water.
How delicate is the “delicate” cycle?
The systems used for delicate cycles vary widely. Units with at least a two-speed motor--one speed for regular and another for delicate--are usually more gentle than units with only one speed.
Why do items sometimes tear in my washer?
During the wash cycle, the agitator in the center of a top-loading washer rotates back and forth rapidly. If the unit is too full, or if the agitator happens to catch a piece of clothing in an unfortunate way, it may tear certain clothes. When washing fragile things, put them into a net laundry bag.
What causes those fuzzy balls on some clothing?
Many synthetic clothes shed small fibers that ball up and cling to the clothes. Remove these "pills," if you like, with a fuzz-removing device that you can get from your local clothing materials supplier. Overloading your washer can make this condition worse.
How do I know how many clothes to put into the washer?
For a top loader, a general rule of thumb is to lay clothes loosely inside the washer until they reach the top of the agitator. For a front loader, fill it until it's full, with minimal compression of the clothes.
Is it bad to let the machine run with an unbalanced load?
Yes. Washing machines are complex and have many functional components. It's always best to stop an unbalanced load, rearrange it, and re-start the washer.
Is it true that a nail, accidentally put in the washer, can break it?
Absolutely. So can a small chain or any other small metal object. That’s why it’s important to always empty all pockets before laundering.
How can I get rid of residual soap suds at the end of a cycle?
This is usually an indication that you're using too much detergent for the clothes you are washing. Try reducing the amount of detergent by half. Then, if the clothes aren't getting clean, increase the amount slightly for each load, until the clothes do get clean.
Why do some clothing dealers suggest washing clothes inside out?
In the washer, the clothes often turn inside out during the agitation cycle. Turning the clothes inside out first may be easier on the clothing. It limits abrasion on the “good” side of the fabric, reducing “pilling” and extending the life of some fabrics such as corduroy. In addition, any embroidery, decals, and so on are better preserved. It should not affect the performance of the cleaning action to have the clothes inside out during wash.
Does my washer really need to be level?
Yes. It is very important for washing machines to be level for proper operation.
How much detergent do I need for each load?
This depends on the hardness of your water and the soil in your clothing. Softened water requires quite a bit less detergent than hard water--yet the more soiled the clothes, the more detergent you need to clean them. See the instructions on the detergent package for specific guidelines.
Which detergent is best?
All modern detergents work quite well. However, some have been tested by consumer magazines--which you can consult--and found to be superior to others. Detergents that produce low suds are best for front-loading washers.
Where does the lint go from my washer?
If your washer doesn’t have a lint filter that you manually clean, the lint goes down the drain. This is usually safe for both city sewers and septic systems.
Are front-loading washers more efficient than top loaders?
Absolutely. In fact, the higher initial cost of a front loader can be recovered in just a few years through water, sewer, drying time, and soap-usage savings--also through reduced wear-and-tear on clothes.
The water in my washer's warm cycle isn’t very warm. Why?
The warm water for your washer is simply a mixture of the hot and cold water available from your home. If the hot water entering the machine isn't very hot, the warm is actually cool. Also, in northern climates, during winter months, the cold water entering the unit may be significantly colder than in the summer, which causes the warm water to be cooler. In some cases, the water inlet valve may be restricted, or there may be sediment on the screen that blocks the input of the hot water.
How delicate is the “delicate” cycle?
The systems used for delicate cycles vary widely. Units with at least a two-speed motor--one speed for regular and another for delicate--are usually more gentle than units with only one speed.
Why do items sometimes tear in my washer?
During the wash cycle, the agitator in the center of a top-loading washer rotates back and forth rapidly. If the unit is too full, or if the agitator happens to catch a piece of clothing in an unfortunate way, it may tear certain clothes. When washing fragile things, put them into a net laundry bag.
What causes those fuzzy balls on some clothing?
Many synthetic clothes shed small fibers that ball up and cling to the clothes. Remove these "pills," if you like, with a fuzz-removing device that you can get from your local clothing materials supplier. Overloading your washer can make this condition worse.
How do I know how many clothes to put into the washer?
For a top loader, a general rule of thumb is to lay clothes loosely inside the washer until they reach the top of the agitator. For a front loader, fill it until it's full, with minimal compression of the clothes.
Is it bad to let the machine run with an unbalanced load?
Yes. Washing machines are complex and have many functional components. It's always best to stop an unbalanced load, rearrange it, and re-start the washer.
Is it true that a nail, accidentally put in the washer, can break it?
Absolutely. So can a small chain or any other small metal object. That’s why it’s important to always empty all pockets before laundering.
How can I get rid of residual soap suds at the end of a cycle?
This is usually an indication that you're using too much detergent for the clothes you are washing. Try reducing the amount of detergent by half. Then, if the clothes aren't getting clean, increase the amount slightly for each load, until the clothes do get clean.
Why do some clothing dealers suggest washing clothes inside out?
In the washer, the clothes often turn inside out during the agitation cycle. Turning the clothes inside out first may be easier on the clothing. It limits abrasion on the “good” side of the fabric, reducing “pilling” and extending the life of some fabrics such as corduroy. In addition, any embroidery, decals, and so on are better preserved. It should not affect the performance of the cleaning action to have the clothes inside out during wash.
Appliance use and care
With care, appliances get shot at longer life.
That ancient hand-crank washing machine may have been an enormous pain for our great-grandmothers, but it was built to last.
Today's modern appliances are built for energy efficiency and convenience for the user, but they also have a shorter lifespan.
The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers says today's washers need to be replaced about every 12 years, and most other appliances don't last much longer.
And as far as specific brands, none lasts significantly longer the others, according to Consumer Reports. Their studies show that, across the board, appliances from a wide variety of manufacturers carry similar life spans.
All appliances can break down before their optimal end dates or fail to work at peak performance if not properly maintained. To make the most of the life they do have, follow the maintenance suggestions in the user manual or try these tips from Consumer Reports:
Refrigerator
Life expectancy: 14-17 years
• Clean the compressor coils every few months or so (typically, coils are at the bottom of the unit).
• Keep gaskets on the refrigerator and freezer doors clean with mild detergent and water, not bleach, to ensure a good seal and prevent wasted energy.
• Check the gasket seal by closing the doors on a dollar bill; replace the gasket if the bill falls out or can be easily removed without opening the door.
Stove
Life expectancy: 17 years
• Place heavy pots and pans gently on smooth-top models to avoid breakage.
• Never cover drip pans and bowls with foil; it can short-circuit the burner.
• Keep reflector bowls (beneath burners) shiny and clean, which affects how efficiently they reflect heat up to the pan or pot. Replace them when they can no longer be cleaned.
• Gas stoves: periodically clean burner ports with a needle and don't poke the igniter or spray it with oven cleaner.
Wall oven
Life expectancy: 17 years
• Check door seals for damage.
• If heat is escaping from an older oven, adjust or replace the gasket.
Washing machine
Life expectancy: 11-14 years
• Remove grit from the screens where the hoses attach to the water supplies.
• Don't overload the washer beyond its manufacturer-recommended capacity.
• Install the washer on a level and well-supported subfloor to prevent vibration and banging.
Dryer
Life expectancy: 13 years
• Clean lint filter after each use to keep air flowing freely.
• Each year, clean the entire exhaust duct to keep it from clogging and creating a fire hazard.
Microwave
Life expectancy: 9 years
• Avoid turning on when empty and avoid putting metal inside.
Dishwasher
Life expectancy: 11 years
• Replace a dish rack with worn or rusted tines.
• When loading, make sure silverware and dishes don't catch the spray arms to avoid damaging the arms.
• Inspect the spray arms for paper, glass or other debris, which can clog holes. Remove any obstructions. If you find glass, inspect the pump housing for glass, as well as any seals that it might have punctured.
• If your dishwasher has a manual-clean filter, clean the filter regularly, as per the manufacturer's instructions.
Projection TV
Life expectancy: 30,000-60,000 hours, about 3½ to 7 years if used 24/7
• Screens can scratch easily, so be careful when cleaning them.
Conventional tube television
Life expectancy: 30,000 hours, about 3½ years if used 24/7
• Keep out of direct sunlight and away from heat. Remove dust from screen and vents. Keep screen brightness (contrast settings) low to prolong picture life and reduce chance of "burn in," a permanent disfiguring of areas of the screen.
That ancient hand-crank washing machine may have been an enormous pain for our great-grandmothers, but it was built to last.
Today's modern appliances are built for energy efficiency and convenience for the user, but they also have a shorter lifespan.
The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers says today's washers need to be replaced about every 12 years, and most other appliances don't last much longer.
And as far as specific brands, none lasts significantly longer the others, according to Consumer Reports. Their studies show that, across the board, appliances from a wide variety of manufacturers carry similar life spans.
All appliances can break down before their optimal end dates or fail to work at peak performance if not properly maintained. To make the most of the life they do have, follow the maintenance suggestions in the user manual or try these tips from Consumer Reports:
Refrigerator
Life expectancy: 14-17 years
• Clean the compressor coils every few months or so (typically, coils are at the bottom of the unit).
• Keep gaskets on the refrigerator and freezer doors clean with mild detergent and water, not bleach, to ensure a good seal and prevent wasted energy.
• Check the gasket seal by closing the doors on a dollar bill; replace the gasket if the bill falls out or can be easily removed without opening the door.
Stove
Life expectancy: 17 years
• Place heavy pots and pans gently on smooth-top models to avoid breakage.
• Never cover drip pans and bowls with foil; it can short-circuit the burner.
• Keep reflector bowls (beneath burners) shiny and clean, which affects how efficiently they reflect heat up to the pan or pot. Replace them when they can no longer be cleaned.
• Gas stoves: periodically clean burner ports with a needle and don't poke the igniter or spray it with oven cleaner.
Wall oven
Life expectancy: 17 years
• Check door seals for damage.
• If heat is escaping from an older oven, adjust or replace the gasket.
Washing machine
Life expectancy: 11-14 years
• Remove grit from the screens where the hoses attach to the water supplies.
• Don't overload the washer beyond its manufacturer-recommended capacity.
• Install the washer on a level and well-supported subfloor to prevent vibration and banging.
Dryer
Life expectancy: 13 years
• Clean lint filter after each use to keep air flowing freely.
• Each year, clean the entire exhaust duct to keep it from clogging and creating a fire hazard.
Microwave
Life expectancy: 9 years
• Avoid turning on when empty and avoid putting metal inside.
Dishwasher
Life expectancy: 11 years
• Replace a dish rack with worn or rusted tines.
• When loading, make sure silverware and dishes don't catch the spray arms to avoid damaging the arms.
• Inspect the spray arms for paper, glass or other debris, which can clog holes. Remove any obstructions. If you find glass, inspect the pump housing for glass, as well as any seals that it might have punctured.
• If your dishwasher has a manual-clean filter, clean the filter regularly, as per the manufacturer's instructions.
Projection TV
Life expectancy: 30,000-60,000 hours, about 3½ to 7 years if used 24/7
• Screens can scratch easily, so be careful when cleaning them.
Conventional tube television
Life expectancy: 30,000 hours, about 3½ years if used 24/7
• Keep out of direct sunlight and away from heat. Remove dust from screen and vents. Keep screen brightness (contrast settings) low to prolong picture life and reduce chance of "burn in," a permanent disfiguring of areas of the screen.
Range hood FAQ
How can I clean the grease from my vent hood?
You can use standard household cleaners and degreasers on your vent hood.
Do all hoods vent to the outside?
No. Many vent hoods simply circulate the air within the room. Many building codes accepted this for a long time. Now many municipalities require outdoor venting systems, which are far more desirable than circulating systems.
Should my vent hood quickly clear smoke from the room?
No. Your vent hood is designed to carry away normal cooking odors and smoke produced while cooking. It's not well suited to clearing smoke from an entire room. If the room is filled with smoke, open a window.
When should I turn on my vent?
If you have the type of vent that's beneath a built-in microwave oven, follow the manufacturer's guidelines (in the owner's guide). Otherwise, it isn't ever really necessary to turn on your vent. Just turn it on whenever you want to keep cooking odors from permeating the room or house.
If I have a fire on my stove, should I turn the vent on or off?
OFF! Extinguish the fire as quickly as possible and, if you can, also turn off the vent fan. The fan could draw the flames up into the ductwork and create a greater fire hazard.
Do vent hoods get clogged?
Occasionally. Check the grease trap filters often, and clean them as necessary. Also, if the unit vents to the outside, check the vent on the outside of the house to be sure there's nothing obstructing the air flow.
Can a fire start in my vent?
YES! Over time, vent ducting systems can become coated with grease, which could catch fire if it's exposed to an open flame or other heat source. When there's grease coating the duct work, get it cleaned professionally.
Do "down-draft" venting systems work as well as the standard kind?
Some work quite well, others don't. In general, any ventilation system should be adequate for the typical needs of a household. However, during heavy cooking--when you're using several burners simultaneously, or when you're cooking in tall pots--the over-the-stovetop vent systems work best.
My vent doesn't seem to work well. How can I test it?
Here's how to test your vent:
1. Turn the stove burners off.
2. Cut an 8" x 8" square of newspaper.
3. Turn on the vent fan and hold the newspaper square over the vent filter.
If the vent holds the newspaper in place, it's probably working properly. Otherwise, it may be clogged--or the ductwork to the outside may be too long, which can cause poor venting performance.
Why won't my vent work on low (high)?
Most vent fans have a multi-speed motor. When you select High, Low, Medium, and so on, power goes to different parts of the fan motor. A problem with speed selection can be the fault of either the selector switch itself or the motor.
You can use standard household cleaners and degreasers on your vent hood.
Do all hoods vent to the outside?
No. Many vent hoods simply circulate the air within the room. Many building codes accepted this for a long time. Now many municipalities require outdoor venting systems, which are far more desirable than circulating systems.
Should my vent hood quickly clear smoke from the room?
No. Your vent hood is designed to carry away normal cooking odors and smoke produced while cooking. It's not well suited to clearing smoke from an entire room. If the room is filled with smoke, open a window.
When should I turn on my vent?
If you have the type of vent that's beneath a built-in microwave oven, follow the manufacturer's guidelines (in the owner's guide). Otherwise, it isn't ever really necessary to turn on your vent. Just turn it on whenever you want to keep cooking odors from permeating the room or house.
If I have a fire on my stove, should I turn the vent on or off?
OFF! Extinguish the fire as quickly as possible and, if you can, also turn off the vent fan. The fan could draw the flames up into the ductwork and create a greater fire hazard.
Do vent hoods get clogged?
Occasionally. Check the grease trap filters often, and clean them as necessary. Also, if the unit vents to the outside, check the vent on the outside of the house to be sure there's nothing obstructing the air flow.
Can a fire start in my vent?
YES! Over time, vent ducting systems can become coated with grease, which could catch fire if it's exposed to an open flame or other heat source. When there's grease coating the duct work, get it cleaned professionally.
Do "down-draft" venting systems work as well as the standard kind?
Some work quite well, others don't. In general, any ventilation system should be adequate for the typical needs of a household. However, during heavy cooking--when you're using several burners simultaneously, or when you're cooking in tall pots--the over-the-stovetop vent systems work best.
My vent doesn't seem to work well. How can I test it?
Here's how to test your vent:
1. Turn the stove burners off.
2. Cut an 8" x 8" square of newspaper.
3. Turn on the vent fan and hold the newspaper square over the vent filter.
If the vent holds the newspaper in place, it's probably working properly. Otherwise, it may be clogged--or the ductwork to the outside may be too long, which can cause poor venting performance.
Why won't my vent work on low (high)?
Most vent fans have a multi-speed motor. When you select High, Low, Medium, and so on, power goes to different parts of the fan motor. A problem with speed selection can be the fault of either the selector switch itself or the motor.
Fridge efficiency tips
· New refrigerators can be as much as 50% more efficient then older refrigerators; therefore, if you have a second fridge that is older and not being used as much you can save up to $100.00 per year in energy bills by unplugging the older fridge.
· The temperature reading in a fridge should be about 38 degrees fahrenheit in fresh food section and 0-5 degrees in freezer section. Any cooler means your fridge will be running longer and using more energy.
· Refrigerators are more efficient with air circulation, so do not overload it. If there is a lot of empty space use a jug of water or loaf of bread which will retain the coolness of the fridge better than empty space.
· Have the refrigerator away from any heat source such as a dishwasher, range or direct sunlight.
· Test the door seal to make sure that it is sealing properly.
· Try to limit how often the refrigerator door is opened.
· Do not place hot items into the refrigerator until they have cooled down.
· Cover liquids and wrap foods that are stored in the refrigerator - uncovered foods release moisture and can cause the unit to run longer.
· For refrigerators with a manual defrost, they should be defrosted whenever ¼ of an inch of frost builds up on the walls of the freezer.
· Refrigerator models that have a moisture switch will cost you approximately 5% more to run if left on all year; this switch needs to be on only when moisture is present on the exterior.
· Have the condenser coils on the back or bottom of the refrigerator cleaned every six months - 1 year (the crevice tool on a vacuum works). Your refrigerator will run for shorter periods with cleaner coils.
· The temperature reading in a fridge should be about 38 degrees fahrenheit in fresh food section and 0-5 degrees in freezer section. Any cooler means your fridge will be running longer and using more energy.
· Refrigerators are more efficient with air circulation, so do not overload it. If there is a lot of empty space use a jug of water or loaf of bread which will retain the coolness of the fridge better than empty space.
· Have the refrigerator away from any heat source such as a dishwasher, range or direct sunlight.
· Test the door seal to make sure that it is sealing properly.
· Try to limit how often the refrigerator door is opened.
· Do not place hot items into the refrigerator until they have cooled down.
· Cover liquids and wrap foods that are stored in the refrigerator - uncovered foods release moisture and can cause the unit to run longer.
· For refrigerators with a manual defrost, they should be defrosted whenever ¼ of an inch of frost builds up on the walls of the freezer.
· Refrigerator models that have a moisture switch will cost you approximately 5% more to run if left on all year; this switch needs to be on only when moisture is present on the exterior.
· Have the condenser coils on the back or bottom of the refrigerator cleaned every six months - 1 year (the crevice tool on a vacuum works). Your refrigerator will run for shorter periods with cleaner coils.
Range maintenance tips
Broiler pan: The broiler pan that comes with most range/ovens is porcelain-coated steel. Clean it with a non-abrasive cleanser.
Control panel: Most range/oven control panels are glass and/or painted metal. You can safely use non-abrasive cleaners on these surfaces.
Note: Never spray cleaners directly onto the control panel. Instead, put some cleaner on a soft, damp rag, then wipe the surface.
Cooktop: You can clean any porcelain cooktop with a non-abrasive cleanser.
Note: Don't pour the cleanser directly onto the cooktop. Instead, put some cleaner on a soft, damp rag, then wipe the surface.
Burner drip pans (bowls): You usually need to replace the drip pans or bowls beneath the grates on a gas stove/range and beneath the heating element on an electric stove/range every 2 to 3 years. That's because, once they're stained, it's usually not possible to clean them completely.
Glass cooktops and windows: Always clean glass and ceramic cooktops only with products made for this purpose. Clean your glass oven windows with any oven glass cleaner. Be careful not to clean glass surfaces that are hot!
Knob care: You may be able to safely clean the knobs on your range/oven with a little dish detergent and a damp rag. But, if the numbers or lettering have worn away, you may need to replace the knobs.
Light bulbs: You can replace the light bulb(s) in your range/oven, though you may need to remove a glass covering or dome to reach it. Most interior oven lights require a universal 40 watt appliance bulb.
Oven: If your oven is self-cleaning, consult the owner's manual for instructions on how to use this feature. The self-cleaning feature works by heating the interior of the oven to a temperature so hot that it incinerates the residue inside the oven. Normally, it is not a good idea to clean the interior of a self-cleaning oven with a spray cleaner; however, refer to your owner's manual or contact the manufacturer of your oven for further information.To clean a non-self-cleaning oven, use one of the many oven cleaners that are available at grocery and hardware stores.
Control panel: Most range/oven control panels are glass and/or painted metal. You can safely use non-abrasive cleaners on these surfaces.
Note: Never spray cleaners directly onto the control panel. Instead, put some cleaner on a soft, damp rag, then wipe the surface.
Cooktop: You can clean any porcelain cooktop with a non-abrasive cleanser.
Note: Don't pour the cleanser directly onto the cooktop. Instead, put some cleaner on a soft, damp rag, then wipe the surface.
Burner drip pans (bowls): You usually need to replace the drip pans or bowls beneath the grates on a gas stove/range and beneath the heating element on an electric stove/range every 2 to 3 years. That's because, once they're stained, it's usually not possible to clean them completely.
Glass cooktops and windows: Always clean glass and ceramic cooktops only with products made for this purpose. Clean your glass oven windows with any oven glass cleaner. Be careful not to clean glass surfaces that are hot!
Knob care: You may be able to safely clean the knobs on your range/oven with a little dish detergent and a damp rag. But, if the numbers or lettering have worn away, you may need to replace the knobs.
Light bulbs: You can replace the light bulb(s) in your range/oven, though you may need to remove a glass covering or dome to reach it. Most interior oven lights require a universal 40 watt appliance bulb.
Oven: If your oven is self-cleaning, consult the owner's manual for instructions on how to use this feature. The self-cleaning feature works by heating the interior of the oven to a temperature so hot that it incinerates the residue inside the oven. Normally, it is not a good idea to clean the interior of a self-cleaning oven with a spray cleaner; however, refer to your owner's manual or contact the manufacturer of your oven for further information.To clean a non-self-cleaning oven, use one of the many oven cleaners that are available at grocery and hardware stores.
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