New Appliances for Less Than $100? Yes, Please!
Your appliance colors were stylish when you bought them, but now they are dated. Or perhaps you want to inject some fun, bold color into your kitchen. If your appliances run fine and have plenty of life, you don’t have to trade them in for new ones. Instead, just paint them. Here’s how. A wide-ranging […]
Gorgeous Choices in Appliance Finishes
When you’re searching for appliances for a new or remodeled kitchen, today you’ll find an array of new textures and colors. Let’s find the perfect appliance finishes for your dream kitchen. Not your grandmother’s refrigerator In recent years, stainless steel appliances put an end to the days when your color choices were essentially white or […]
Seven Household Items You Should Replace Regularly
Many household items need replacing periodically to maintain your home and your personal care. Keeping track of them all can be overwhelming, so here’s a reminder list of seven household items it’s important to replace on a regular basis. HVAC filters Neglected, dirty return air filters cause your heating and air conditioning system to labor […]
Extreme Temperatures Affect Appliances
It makes sense that temperatures might affect outdoor appliances, but did you know that extreme temperatures can affect appliances inside your basement, garage or house as well? Here’s what you need to know about temperature’s effect on appliances and what you can do to prevent damage. Refrigerators and freezers A refrigerator can shut down in […]
Should I Take My Appliances When Moving Abroad?
While it’s commonplace for Americans to haul washers, dryers, and refrigerators to new homes across the country, it’s an entirely different scenario when moving abroad. Not only is the freight costly, but the electrical systems are also different. Here’s a guide to what appliances can be easily moved and what should probably be left behind. […]
Your Dishwasher, A Coronavirus Pandemic Workhorse
With families hunkering down and eating at home more often during the coronavirus pandemic, the dishwasher is definitely earning its keep. Politics may divide people online, but at home the proper way to load the dishwasher can spark domestic differences. Save yourselves from heated disputes with these commonsense directions for loading the dishwasher. How the […]
Is a Service Contract Worth the Extra Cost?
When purchasing a new appliance or electronic gadget, you’ll likely be asked to purchase a service contract for an additional fee. Are these policies worth the money? Or should consumers simply say no? What is a service contract or extended warranty? These policies, which also can be called protection plans or guarantees, offer additional coverage […]
Help Your Refrigeration Keep Its Cool
We take our refrigerators and freezers for granted until something goes wrong. No one can avoid long-term power outages during natural disasters, which can result in ruined food. But with a few simple steps, you can prevent a lack of maintenance from causing refrigeration failure. Here’s how to keep things chill. Vacuum the condenser coils […]
How to Keep Stainless Steel Appliances Smudge-Free
Stainless steel appliances are gorgeous — until they’re streaked, smudged and full of fingerprints. Want to keep them looking like they did in the showroom? Here’s how. Warm water with a little dish soap is a great first step. Using a microfiber rag, wipe back and forth with the grain of the brushed stainless. Afterward, […]
Five Countertop Appliances Worth the Money and the Space
Nearly every year, a new “must-have” countertop appliance appears on store shelves promising to transform your life. While some of these gadgets add convenience, others just take up valuable real estate in your kitchen. Before you buy that mini-donut maker, check out our list of five countertop cooking appliances you’ll actually use. Slow cookers are […]
Let’s Go Shopping for a Coffee Maker
If you start your day with coffee, buying a new coffee maker is a major decision. With so many options, finding the best one to suit your needs can be tricky. Here’s what you need to know before you shop. Drip coffee makers brews larger quantities (4 to 12 cups) of coffee, so it’s a […]
What Every Consumer Should Know About Energy Star
We’ve all seen the blue Energy Star logos on appliances, windows and even electronics, but what do they mean? Origins and purpose. The Energy Star program was launched in 1992 as a joint program of the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy. Energy Star encourages development of technology that reduces energy costs […]
5 Things to Consider When Buying a New Refrigerator
Buying a refrigerator is a significant investment. With all the options available, shopping for a new one can be overwhelming. We’ve compiled a list of the most important factors to consider when selecting a refrigerator that you’ll be happy with for years to come. Styles Modern fridges come in a variety of layouts. The most […]
What’s the Lifespan of Your New Home’s Big-Ticket Appliances?
Gone are the days when big-ticket home appliances lasted for decades. With some exceptions, the life span for most appliances is ten years or less. All the more reason to do your homework as a prospective buyer and check the age and condition of the appliances in any home you’re seriously considering. Here are a […]