More and more homeowners are turning to smaller, portable space heaters that allow them to heat more precisely and appropriately.  Rather than keeping the entire house warm all night long, families are turning off central heating, placing space heaters in the bedrooms and saving countless dollars.  Energy efficient garage heaters are also becoming the newest trend for transforming the “car garage” to a “livable garage” where families are making the most of every inch of space without having to move or add on.

But, as you look into the various types of heaters, it can be overwhelming to say the least.  In this article we’re going to break down heaters by the most common options.  What is the fuel behind the furnace?  Why pick one type over another?  These are the answers we’re going to go over.

Oil Heaters

Oil heaters are a type of convection heater (see below) and are considered to be one of the safest types of heaters and are typically chosen for this reason.  They are slightly more expensive to run than a fan gas heater and generally heat a smaller area, but when it comes to indoor areas, particularly bedrooms, oil heaters are the preferred option.  Gas fan heaters are not recommended for small spaces because there’s usually a definite lack of oxygen coupled with more emissions produced and both of these cons in a small, confined space.  Gas heaters also maintain a lower surface temperature than the rest of electric heaters and don’t need the same amount of air flow required by a fan gas heater, both of which aspects create higher levels of safety.  In fact, oil heaters tend to maintain surface temps low enough that even clothing could be laid on top to dry (although this is not recommended).

If you are seeking to heat a small, personal indoor space, an oil heater is likely your best and safest choice.

Convection Heating

The basis of a convection heater revolves around the process of convection: because cool air is denser than hot air and hot air rises, as air is heated, cool air continuously flows in to replace the hot air.  This makes a current of hot air created by a heating element that continuously cycles hot air out through vents and allows cool air to keep pouring in.  Convection heaters are also very safe options and are the best option if you need to leave a heater running for lengthy periods of time.  They are also beneficial for homes with children and pets, as there is little chance for burning from contact.  Because there’s no forced air, they are very quiet.

If you need to heat a room for long, extended periods of time a convection heater is the recommended option.

Ceramic Heaters

In addition to oil heaters, another popular form of convection heating is the ceramic heater.  It works much like an oil heater, except instead of oil, ceramic plates are heated, aluminum absorbs the heat and fans blow hot air out.

If you are seeking to warm a small, personal indoor space, a ceramic heater may be your top choice.

Fan Heaters

Electric fan heaters are one of the most popular options available for quick portable heating because of their intensity and efficiency.  Because all energy input goes into the room as heat, an electric fan heater can be deemed 100% efficient.  They perform by using strong fans to force air over a heating element.  As the air passes over the element, it is heated and then pushed directly out into the room.  This provides one of the most instant methods of heating.  They also typically boast a low upfront cost.  However, because the air is forced with a fan, they are also one of the noisier options.  Most families opt for electric fan heaters when it comes to garage heating.

For instant, efficient heating in large spaces, look into electric fan heaters.  The fall 2011 popular garage heater option:  New Air G70 garage heater.

Gas Heaters

Gas heaters run off of natural gas or propane, making them free from electricity dependence and the best option in cases of power outages.  Propane heaters have been quickly growing in popularity because of their efficiency.  One gallon of propane can generally power a propane gas heater for nearly six hours.  And, because natural gas abounds in so many areas, it can be a very smart option as well.  However, gas heaters are best used in outdoor heating.  If a gas heater is un-vented (many styles are), there is opportunity for carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide to form.  If a room itself is not properly ventilated in such instances, carbon monoxide poisoning can occur.

Gas heaters also propel heat that is absorbed by people and objects near it, as opposed to the air around it, as a convection heater would heat.  This makes it a poor choice for heating a room, but a great choice for heating guests at a patio table outside.

For heating outdoor areas or ensuring backup heating in case of power shortages or emergencies, consider a gas heater.  Gas heaters area also ideal in locations with ample natural gas sources where it becomes a very inexpensive option.

For more information or to purchase any types of the above heaters, please visit Air & Water.  Helpful staff are at your immediate assistance to answer any and all heating questions.

Keeping your energy costs low takes more than just running around your house and turning off the lights every time someone leaves a room. Here are some other things you can do to keep your energy bills at a minimum.

Install a Programmable Thermostat

How many times have you left your central air or your furnace running all day while you are at work so your home can be just right when you open the front door? It is a good feeling to walk in from a hard day at work and instantly be comfortable, but it’s a bad feeling once you get your energy bill at the end of the month. 

Instead of paying to heat and cool your home for 10 or more hours each day when nobody is in it, install a programmable thermostat. You can program it to turn your furnace or central air on about a half hour before you typically get home from work which will give it enough time to bring your home to the perfect temperature before you walk in the door without wasting all that energy while you are away. You can save between 20 and 30 percent on your monthly bill with this simple and affordable feature.

Dry Your Clothes Outside

Dryers are nice when you are in a hurry, but have you ever experienced the fresh scent of your clothes after letting them dry on a line outside? Not only do your clothes smell spring fresh after an afternoon in the open breeze, but you will save a good chunk of money each month by minimizing the use of your dryer.

Purchase Energy Star Products

Your large appliances are sucking up the energy like a sponge and adding to your electricity bill every month. The ones you don’t typically think about are the ones that are the worst culprits, such as your refrigerator and washing machine.

Did you know your refrigerator accounts for about 10 percent of your entire energy bill? Many utility companies are offering rebates to customers when they replace their energy guzzlers for Energy Star appliances, which can save you money instantly and in the end. Look online for a full list of Energy Star products that you can buy to replace your old and energy-sucking appliances.

Install Ceiling Fans

Many people think they can just turn on their air conditioner and that is all they need to do to cool off their home on those hot summer days. However, did you know running your ceiling fan could cool your house off efficiently, too?

Ceiling fans help get the air moving around your home, which makes it feel much cooler. This lets you set your thermostat a few degrees higher while still feeling the cool air hit you in the face. As a result, you save money on your monthly energy bills without suffering through the sweat.

Jessy is an eco-friendly and green blogger for Square Deal, the top source of Snapfish coupon codes (no fees, no registration required).

Choose Your Tone

Do you want a shiny, modern, clean kitchen with near-indestructible stainless steel undermount sinks and a huge stainless steel cooker with an extractor fan? Or, would you prefer a more homely kitchen with wicker vegetable baskets and oak counter tops? Perhaps a compromise, with granite work surfaces and matching granite undermount sinks, along with a concealed cooker and floor-to-ceiling cupboards on the back wall?

It’s likely that some of those design options will appeal, while others will horrify you. Pick the design that matches your preferences, and work from there.

Plan Your Layout

If your kitchen is quite small and cramped, then you probably want to find a compromise between storage and workspace – build up, rather than out – and cover your walls with as many cupboards as you can, whilst still giving yourself some counter space down below.

If your room is bigger, but you still feel like you never have enough space to work, consider an island layout. These are becoming quite popular, as they reclaim unused space in the middle of the room, helping you manage clutter and maximise workspace at the same time.

Don’t forget that stainless steel undermount sinks are a good way to reclaim counter space. You may only save a few inches on each side, but it’s amazing how quickly those inches can mount up. If you have granite counter tops, then granite undermount sinks not only help with saving space, they look nice too.

What Do You Use?

The biggest consideration you should have when planning a new kitchen layout is which appliances will get used most frequently. If you can’t live without your toaster, coffee maker, blender, sandwich maker, and microwave, then make sure that you’ll have enough space – and enough plugs – to use them all.

If you’re more a hob and pans kind of person, then make sure you’ll have space to store all your pots and pans, and that you have enough space to work with them all. There’s nothing worse than going to cook in your new kitchen, and finding that the space around the cooker is so cramped you can’t fit all your pans on the stove!

If you’re a hoarder, then it’s worth measuring up all your existing cupboard space, and making sure that you’ll be able to fit everything in your new kitchen. Don’t forget that stainless steel undermount sinks take up more room on the underside than traditional overmount sinks – so you may find that your gorgeous granite undermount sinks are an inconvenience in other ways. If you have enough cleaning products under your sink right now to run a hotel cleaning service, make sure you plan for that when calculating the amount of cupboard space you’ll need in your new kitchen!

This post was written by James Harper on behalf of the Kitchen Appliance Centre who can supply stainless steel undermount sinks and granite undermount sinks. James is currntly renovating his own home and enjoys writing on the subject of home improvements.

Appliances

Your kitchen appliances are probably amongst the biggest contributors to your energy usage. Indeed, estimates suggest that refrigerators alone can contribute to up to twenty per cent of the household electricity bill. Thankfully, most manufacturers are doing all they can to produce goods which are energy efficient. Companies such as Miele, produce A+++ rated appliances that will give customers the highest quality performance with the least impact upon the environment. Choosing to replace your washing machine, dryer, fridge and freezer with newer eco friendly models should also mean having to spend out less on spare parts and repairs, leading to further savings. In addition to this, more eco friendly appliances contain recyclable parts, meaning less impact on the environment, even after the products need replacing.

Recycling

Photo by net_efekt

Weekly rubbish collection have become a thing of the past as councils crack down on landfill waste. This has forced households to make recycling a part of their every day routine. However, often councils only supply outside recycling cartons/bins, which can be inconvenient to use. It is therefore worth investing in recycling storage bins for your kitchen and, even if your council do not require it, compost/food scrap recycling.

Food and Drink

There are many ways you can make food and drink more eco friendly in your kitchen. Why not grow your own veg or herbs, or just make a concerted effort to cut down on excess food packaging. Shop locally, and buy only what you need – throwing large amounts of food away each week is bad for the environment and bad for your wallet. An eco kettle is a must in an environmentally friendly kitchen, as is an accurate fridge/freezer thermometer.

Products

All the large retail supermarkets now stock plenty of environmentally friendly product alternatives, so there is no excuse

Image: scottchan / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

not to change your washing power, washing liquid and cleaning products right now. Also, consider natural products – you would be amazed what you can clean with vinegar and baking soda – it is better for your health and better for your environmentally friendly kitchen too!

Water

Ban single use plastic water bottles from your kitchen and invest in a water filter and reusable bottle instead. Boil only what water you are going to use in your (eco) kettle and do not leave the tap running unnecessarily. Keep your boiler temperature down and invest in tap faucet aerators – which claim they can reduce overall water consumption by up to 50%!

Energy Monitoring and Simple Savings

An energy meter will allow you to monitor all the hard work you have been doing and encourage you to carry on. Also, remember to make simple switches to low energy light bulbs, rely on more natural daylight, dry clothes outside (rather than in a dryer), bulk cook meals (freezing excess) and install draught excluder’s or invest in double glazing.

For more information about environmentally friendly kitchen appliances please visit Miele.co.uk.

The Oven

No one likes cleaning the oven, it’s one of the most dreaded cleaning jobs in the house but it’s one that still has to be done. If you run a busy household and have a large family to look after there’s a good chance that over is being used every day. It’s important not only for the taste of your meals but also from a health and safety perspective that your oven is kept as clean as possible.

Start by cleaning as much as you can with some warm soapy water then once it’s dry sprinkle some bicarbonate of soda over the baking trays and the bottom of the over, if the walls are still damp the powder will stick to the sides too. Spray a light coating of water over the powder and leave it to fizz and soak for an hour or two before wiping clean.

Most modern electric ovens have ceramic hobs which have to be cleaned with specialists ceramic hob cleaning solutions. They’re not usually very expensive and they’ve leave the top of your hobs gleaming like new without damaging the surface.

The oven door should be cleaned last; you don’t want to clean to door first only to get it filthy when you clean the inside. Getting the grease off a glass can be tricky and it will require a lot of elbow grease but you need to be careful not to scratch or mark the glass. Make sure the oven isn’t hot, but if the door is warm you’ll find the grease is much easier to remove. There are plenty of cleaning chemicals on the market that claim to leave you with a sparkling oven but if you’re looking to save some cash good old baking soda mixed with some vinegar will leave that door looking good as new.

The Bathroom

For a room that spends more time soaked in water than any other room in the house it’s surprising how easily it ends up looking a state. Lime scale, soap scum marks and dull taps can be a headache to get rid of but it’s no impossible. Vinegar is great in fighting lime scale, whether you’ve got a crusty shower head or those taps are looking dull try mixing one part vinegar to five parts water to remove that lime scale and get everything gleaming again. If you’re struggling to get rid of any mildew build up mix one part bleach to five parts water and spray onto the offending area. Whenever you’re using bleach make sure you start with a small area to ensure the bleach doesn’t do any damage.

Mirrors in the bathroom will gather watermarks very easily, make sure they’re cleaning on a regular basis to make the main bathroom clean a little easier. To stop streaky marks clean your mirrors with newspaper and stand back to see the light bouncing off to reveal any marks left behind. A mix of one part vinegar to five parts water is going to work here too, on any glass surface this solutions will always leave you with great results.

The Bedroom

The bedroom is usually going to be your private sanctuary it’s where you go to escape and get some peace and quiet. The chances are your kids feel the same about their bedroom too so you need to make sure the bedrooms in your house are as clean as possible. If you or anyone in your household suffers from asthma or allergies it’s even more important you keep these rooms as dust free as possible.

Bedding needs to be ideally washed on a weekly basis, obviously if you have a house to run and kids to look after on top of a day job you might not have the time to change three or more beds every week but studies show you get a better night sleep on clean sheets. If you can, flip the mattress every few months to stop your body creating a dent where you usually sleep. When your bed is stripped run the vacuum over it to get out as much as dust as possible before you make it up.

When dusting your bedroom make sure you start from the top and work your way down so you’re not brushing dust onto dusted surfaces. Get as much clutter tidied away as possible, you don’t want clothes out in the open when you’ve got dust flying everywhere.

If you have candles in your room the chances are you’re going to have candle wax on surfaces or stuck in the carpet. Place a piece of grease proof paper over the wax and very lightly run over it with an iron to remove it. If you are going to chip away at is always use a knife that has been left in boiling water for a few minutes.

Jessica works for Splash Direct who sells illuminated bathroom mirrors and shower enclosures and they’ll always be happy to help if you have any problems getting your bathroom looking spick and span.

Use non-toxic cleaners and other chemicals

There is a high likelihood that the cleaners and other household chemicals that are under your sink and in the garage

Image: scottchan / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

are pretty toxic. These chemicals have a negative impact on the environment, can have a negative impact on your home environment(particularly if you have small children or pets), and use more natural resources than other, more natural alternatives. Natural, non-polluting alternatives are available to replace many common cleaners and some products such as paints, paint strippers, and other solvent-based products. You can find them at most grocery stores.

One very easy way to practice sustainability in your home is to use bar soap (preferably natural Castille soap) instead of liquid hand soap, which comes in a plastic container and generally contains more chemicals.

Use cold water whenever possible

It takes energy to heat water. This extra energy is generated by using more fossil fuels. By using cold water to wash your hands and to do your laundry, you can decrease your energy use. Using cold water in the washing machine also helps decrease the likelihood that your clothes will shrink.

Replace incandescent light bulbs with LED light bulbs

LED light bulbs are a little bit more expensive than incandescent light bulbs, but they use less energy and can last up to 30 times longer, saving you money in the long run and reducing your impact on the environment. Energy is saved, and less fossil fuel is burned where LED lights are used and metal, glass, and fuel is saved in the production of longer-lasting light bulbs. LED lights are also completely non-toxic, containing no mercury.

Plants, trees and vegetables . . . outside and inside

It’s well known that trees absorb carbon dioxide in the environment and improve air quality, but most people don’t know that growing plants can have the same effect inside your home: absorbing indoor airborne pollutants such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide through the natural process of photosynthesis. Indoor plants have also been shown to absorb biological pollutants that carry germs, reducing the risk of illness.

Planting your own organic vegetable garden is also a great way to get cheap, healthy, pesticide free vegetables while reducing the environmental footprint created by commercial grown and transported vegetables.

Develop Energy Saving Habits

With just a little bit of extra effort, and common sense, the average household can significantly decrease its energy use, saving money and reducing its environmental impacts.

1. Turn lights off when leaving a room.
2. Turn off appliances when they’re not in use.
3. Unplug appliances and other electronic devices when they will go an extended period of time without being used. A device that is switched off but still plugged in still uses a little bit of electricity.
4. Turn the thermostat down in the winter, and up in the summer. Moving the thermostat up or down by even one degree can have a big impact.
5. Keep as many blinds and curtains drawn as practical on hot summer days. Outside light heats your apartment, making your air conditioner work harder.
6. Dry your clothes on a line, rather than in the dryer where practical. Dryers use electricity, clothes on a line use the sun.

Collect rainwater for watering your plants and garden.

Collecting rainwater is a great way to reduce your pumped, stored, and paid-for water by using it to water outdoor and indoor plants and gardens. Many parks and golf courses store rainwater for watering in retention ponds, but you don’t have to dig a pond: a portable bucket or basin or two placed discreetly beneath points where water runs off your house just as well on a smaller scale.

Promote Sustainable Living

Spread awareness of sustainable practices. If everyone knew about the small ways in which they could practice sustainable living and committed to even a few them, it would make huge difference. Practice sustainable living yourself, and then tell your friends some ways that they can, too.

In summary, sustainability is a lifestyle, but it doesn’t have to be difficult. Making small, common sense changes, such as avoiding toxic chemicals, using cold water, switching to more energy efficient LED lights, turning off the TV when you leave the room, and using rainwater to water your garden can have a big impact on your environmental footprint, and save you (and your friends) a lot of money.

This is a guest post by Rodney Warner a full time SEO with interests in LED Sign Supplies & LED Power Supplies.

Technology

Everywhere you looked this year there were companies doing awesome things with technology in their products. Delta’s line of Touch2O faucets provide a simplicity that is welcomed in the kitchen faucet market, and is perfect for the avid cooker that always has food on their hands. This line of faucets comes in many different styles and finishes and works flawlessly to control the water flow with the touch of your hand. Delta has also expanded the product line to feature Touch2O faucets for the bathroom as well

Kohler was not to be outdone and used this platform to announce their NUMI toilet which has features including in toilet speakers, integrated bidet, light up bowl and a motion activated seat, just to name a few. This toilet drew a lot of attention and was always crowded with on lookers trying to get a better view.

Moen also introduced a new line of their ioDigital shower system which provides even more reliability and function to a system which already allows the user to digitally control water flow and temperature with the touch of a button.

Water Saving

The Toobi collection of bathroom faucets from Kohler  has multiple aerators of different colors that ship with the faucet. These aerators can be switched out seamlessly to match the look and feel of the room the faucet is being installed in while still allowing the faucet to control release of the water for ultimate efficiency. Toto has a whole new series of water saving toilets and shower systems to go along with it already large offering, while Danze showcased a new low flow showerhead which when positioned next to showerheads with up to a gallon more water a minute and it was hard to even tell the difference between the flows. It is great to see all of these big companies truly embracing green technology as it is increasingly important to the ongoing health of our planet.

Other Standouts

Moen also showcased their series of bathroom faucets that all are installed on the same M-Pact valve system. These Moen bathroom faucets allow the user to seamlessly switch the look and feel of their faucet with limited work whenever they feel a change is needed. With hundreds of faucet options available your faucet can change as often as you would like with no need to call a professional plumber

Rev-A-Shelf is a great organization company that had some interesting products that can help organize any home. From shelves that pull out to utilize blind corner space and auto slow close cabinets to customizable kitchen sink drip trays, be sure to check out their new lines that will help with your organization. Also, the American Standard Cadet toilet was showcased at their booth, and you could even fill it with golf balls and watch it flush them. I had seen this on video but never in person, and it worked well, flushing the golf balls with ease.

These are some of the takeaways I saw from attending KBIS 2011, what about you? Where you able to go? What did you see that you liked? Make sure to leave it in the comments.

Variable Speed Fans

Efficiencies in new heating and cooling equipment is at an all-time high. The new modulating variable speed / variable 

Photo by Ardyiii

capacity 98% efficient furnaces will in many cases give you a reduction as much as one third on the gas consumption but the big surprise is the electrical efficiency on the new variable speed fan motors they use less power than a 75 W light bulb.  A typical home will cost about half a penny per hour for continuous low-speed fan operation that’s only $.12 a day, less than four dollars per month for continuous fan operation. The benefits of the continuous fans are far more even temperatures throughout the entire home.  Installing an air cleaner on the new furnace will mean continuous air cleaning of the air, removing many of the pollutants and undesirable particulates, pollens from the air that aggravate many people with allergies.

Producing Less Summer Heat

Another feature of the variable speed fan is with far less power consumption comes far less heat being produced by the motor. Now in the winter months that heat is not a big factor but when cooling, all that heat must be pumped out of the house. So by producing less heat we actually improve the efficiency levels of our new air conditioner and obtain 1 to 2 points higher SEER, which stands for seasonal energy efficiency ratio, think of it as miles per gallon, we are talking about how efficient the air conditioner is.

A Positive Impact

So when looking at new systems furnaces will be rated in BTUs, power and efficient, how much heat you keep. Air conditioners are rated in tonnage for capacity and  SEER for efficiency. Your new heating and air conditioning will easily pay for themselves over time and you will immediately have a positive impact on the environment.  The added cost of the better systems over entry-level standard efficiencies is usually recovered in a year or two so much value is returned to you.

Scott Follese is a co-owner at Golden Valley Heating & Air, a Minneapolis air conditioner and heating contractor.  For over 70 year Golden Valley Heating & Air has been ensuring comfort for families in the Twin Cities with full HVAC services.

In all cities, not just San Antonio, air conditioning technicians can inspect indoor air quality in your home. Air pollutants are circulated throughout your home by your air conditioning system. Some of these pollutants include pollen, smoke, chemicals from cleaning products, mold and mildew, dirt and dust, pet dander and other allergens.

Health Effects of Air Quality

Poor indoor air quality can actually affect your health. Everyone reacts to various air pollutants differently. While it may be a huge issue to one person, it might not even affect another. Some symptoms of exposure to indoor allergens include: headaches, itchy skin and/or eyes, tiredness, nausea, dizziness, and stuffy or runny nose. Mold is one allergen that is not to be taken lightly. Prolonged exposure to mold spores can result in severe sickness or even death. Overall, any prolonged exposure to pollutants, even if there are no symptoms, will take a toll on an individuals health. Some of these symptoms may seem minor, but why continue living with them when action can be taken to improve?

Air-Conditioning Maintenance for Cleaner Air

Most of the interiors we inhabit use recycled air. Air conditioning units take the air from inside our homes, cool it, and

Clean Air Ducts for Filtered Air

send it back through the house through the air conditioning vents. This air needs to be constantly filtered and an air conditioning unit can help with exactly that. AC filters are very effective at removing many of the pollutants mentioned. Each time the air is cooled and pushed back into your home through the AC filter, it traps those allergens in the AC filter. It is important to regularly change your AC filter to ensure the efficiency of your air conditioner and your indoor air quality. Make sure you routinely have your AC cleaned and serviced and that your air ducts are thoroughly cleaned. This ensures that the air is being cleaned by the filter before it enters your home.

Achieve Proper Ventilation for Good Health

Proper ventilation is important to any enclosed space. With proper ventilation, indoor air quality is greatly improved and humidity is kept low. If indoor humidity is high it can be the perfect breeding ground for mold. As mentioned earlier, mold is serious problem. Keep humidity at bay by utilizing exhaust fans during and after you take a shower or when you are cooking on a stove top. Some AC units even have built in dehumidifiers to take any excess moisture out of the air. During the hot summer months ventilate your home by turning off the air conditioner unit and opening windows early in the morning or late at night when it is cool. This will give your home a dose of fresh air while maintaining a cool interior. Be sure to turn your air conditioning unit back on before it gets too hot outside so the HVAC system is not struggling to keep your home cool.

Some other simple tips to help improve your indoor air quality are to prohibit smoking, avoid using aerosol sprays, and regularly bathing pets to reduce dander. All of these tips are referred to as source control. Source control is limiting the amount of pollutants that are being released into the air by directly effecting the source (i.e. pets, aerosol sprays, smoke, etc.).

These simple tips will not only keep you healthier but will create a home with efficient and clean air conditioning system. This means less air conditioning repair bills, which saves money, and cleaner air in your home.

Photo by Luisus Rasilvi

In an emergency situation, access to a reliable power source is incredibly important. We never know when something is going to go wrong, and so we have to be prepared for any situation. Modern generators and power sources come in a variety of different models, and each one has some benefits and drawbacks for different situations.

I began writing this article a while before the terrible earthquake and tsunami struck Japan, and at the time it was simply intended to be a simple discourse on the types of generators and inverters available for those “what if” situations. Now, though, with the massive crisis in Japan, suddenly the effects of natural disasters on us are startlingly real. We don’t like to think about it, but the absolute worst case scenario could happen to us any day, and we should take steps to protect our homes and family.

There are literally millions of people in Japan that don’t have any power right now. I’m not going to make any sort of claim that their own personal power supplies would have been an option because, frankly, they weren’t. I lived in Japan for two years and when you live in an apartment that has a kitchen, a bathroom, and one space that serves as living room and bedroom depending on whether your beds are in the closet or on the floor, there’s not a lot of room to store a personal power source.

Sometimes the situation may be so bad that it is completely beyond our control. However, now I live in the West and we are always being warned of the next earthquake. It would be foolish if we didn’t do everything possible to prepare for unforeseen events.

Portable Generators

A portable generator is usually the most economical way to get temporary power during an outage. They are often much more affordable than the other options on the market, and they are often implemented in many different situations. If you need to take your power source to a new location, this model is your best option, and as long as it can produce over 4,000 Watts it should be able to power most of your household items.

There are a few drawbacks to a portable generator, though. For example, they are not suited for an extended power outage. First of all, they don’t have a very large fuel tank, and you may have to refill it several times throughout the day to keep it running. Second, if there has been a major disaster, chances are the gas stations will be closed or inoperable as well, so you may not have access to more fuel when you need it. Still, there is something to be said for convenience and portability.

Stationary (Standby) Generators

A stationary generator isn’t going anywhere. It stays in place where that it can receive fuel from an external source like a natural gas line. It is easy to use, and easy to maintain, and it will start at the push of a button or, in some cases, automatically when it sense the utility power has cut off or dropped to an unacceptable level.

These generators can run for extended periods, and they can easily power the appliances and emergency devices in your home. If you are going to run it for days at a time, though, you may need to shut it down occasionally to check the engine and change the oil. And if there is no fuel line that your generator can use, it is possible to install a large propane tank that can hold large fuel reserves almost indefinitely (which may even be better in case the city’s fuel line is somehow compromised).

Battery Backups and Renewable Power Sources

Image: Suat Eman / FreeDigitalPhotos.net<

Solar and wind power are good alternatives for people who want to start reducing their dependence on power from the utility grid even before something bad happens. These systems can give users access to renewable energy at certain times (when the sun is out or the wind is blowing), but the amount of power they can provide beyond those times is dependent on the size of the battery backup. These systems can only store so much power for so long, and then it will need to be recharged.

When you draw power from the batteries it will be in DC current, which is not compatible with most of the appliances and machines in your home. So if you are relying on any kind of battery backup system you will also need the right inverter and high quality inverter cables to connect them to your appliances or emergency devices.

Maintenance and Preparation

Whatever generator or power source you eventually use, it is extremely important to maintain your system and keep it in top condition. You never know when a disaster could strike, or when you will need access to a power supply. Sometimes you will have some notice, but even that may not be sufficient if you aren’t prepared. After the tsunami struck Japan, for example, a warning went out to the people on the west coast of the United States to prepare for their own possible disaster. It didn’t hit, but even with that warning there wouldn’t have been enough time to completely develop and implement an emergency plan that would take care of all your needs. Not unless you already had access to the proper resources.

Take the time to plan for emergency situations. If you do purchase a generator of some kind always make sure that it has plenty of fuel and that the inverter is dry and in working shape. Regularly check up on your system and perform routine maintenance. The middle of a disaster is the wrong time to learn that there’s a short in one of the wires.

Image: Gregory Szarkiewicz / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

We are not strangers to energy efficient appliances. Since the realization of our increasingly depleting resources, experts have taken it upon themselves to device new household appliances to help lessen the use of electricity and water.

How Much Energy Do Inefficient Appliances Consume?

Quite a lot, if you ask me. But since we are going for figures here, the following can give you a better idea.

1. Your heating and cooling appliances contribute 60% of your household energy consumption. Devices with heating and cooling elements such as refrigerators, washing machines, drying machines and air conditioners tend to consume more energy.

2. Clothes dryers, when used weekly, can consume up to $85 per year.

3. Your refrigerator, when used 24 hours a day, 7 days a week can contribute to the consumption of up to 13% more energy.

It depends on a lot of things such as the rate of electrical costs, the season and the number of times you are going to use your appliances.

Imagine an inefficient washing machine being used every single day. Even if you have the money to cover the costs of electricity, you have to think about the long-term effects of excessive energy consumption to the environment.

That being said, the quest for the most efficient appliances is on. Here are the latest trends in energy efficient appliances:

Bigger Capacity, Bigger Loads

This is the case with washing machines. A top loader might seem like it belongs to the dinosaur period but there are actually more efficient top loaders today. They are different in the sense that the agitator is missing and is replaced by a washer plate.

The washer plate will keep your clothes clean. What is great about this machine is that it gives more space for clothes. The agitator tends to take up a lot of space inside the washer drum.

But with it missing, you can now load more clothes. More clothes in one washing cycle mean more chances for you to maximize the use of your machine.

Sensors

Household appliances have been equipped with sensors. The washer with a sensor, for instance can now determine how much dirt is in the clothes so it can figure out a way to clean it more efficiently. The machine can pretty much determine the right level of water to use and the right time to clean the clothes correctly.

It reduces under washing or over washing. This is similar to the dryers that can sense the amount of moisture in clothes. It can prevent over drying and under drying.

Sensors can also be seen in air conditioners. Instead of cooling the whole room, which pretty much consumes a lot of energy, the air conditioners with sensors will sense the part of the room that needs cooling. It detects the presence of a person so it will cool only those areas.

Direct Drive Technology

The motor system that powers appliances, particularly washers, has got a lot to do with its efficiency. Excess energy is consumed because the washer motor breaks down in the middle of the cycle. The owner has to re-do the cleaning cycle in another way or using another washing machine.

Thankfully, the direct drive technology is here. It has fewer parts in motion when the washer is running so it does not wear out quickly. It also performs smoothly so the machine is less likely to vibrate.

Other appliances that have been incorporated with this technology include fans, wind turbine and sewing machines.

If you haven’t made your home a lot more energy efficient yet, you might want to start doing so. Make sure you also contribute to the reduction of energy consumption.

Check out LG washing machine reviews to find out why you should invest in those machines. For more relevant information, visit us at http://www.washingmachineadvisor.com.

Store Appliances Seasonally

Image: winnond / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

When it comes to the use of small kitchen appliances, it is no secret that some are used more during one season and less during another. Take winter for example. If you cook like I do in the winter, then I’m sure you rely on appliances like a slow cooker and a soup pot for warm comfort foods like chili, stews and pot roasts. But when the warm summer weather arrives, my slow cooker and soup pot go on a much needed hiatus. The same can be said for appliances that are more popular in the summer months like ice cream makers and blenders.

To maximize counter and storage space, keep appliances that are appropriate for the season close by and move others to another location.

Make Use of Unused Space

Every kitchen has little nooks and crannies that could be used much more effectively. One of best secret spaces to store uncommonly used appliances is the space between kitchen cabinets and the ceiling. This space is usually quite substantial and yet barely used by homeowners.

To keep your appliances looking neat and tidy atop your cabinets, use decorative baskets or boxes to store them. You could even add other décor elements like plants or artwork to further camouflage the appliances.

Rearrange Shelving

Many cabinets have removable shelves and by simply reconfiguring the height, you may be able to store small appliances behind cabinet doors. This is a great solution for coffee makers and toasters because it keeps them at arm’s length for those busy mornings.

Borrow Storage From Other Places

Sometimes freeing up storage space in the kitchen is impossible. For those living in condos, cottages and small

Image: Michal Marcol / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

apartments, kitchen space is limited and makes storing appliances very difficult. For these situations it may be necessary to borrow space from another room in the house.

Take advantage of any unused storage space you can find for your appliances. It may mean you have to retrieve them from another room when you want to use them, but at least they will be out of sight.

Add Your Own Storage Solution

If there simply is nowhere for you to keep your small appliances, then you may have to resort to creating your own storage solutions.

A small portable kitchen island strategically placed in your kitchen will not only add an abundance of storage but additional counter space as well. Or add a stand alone pantry. These upright units do can do double duty as appliance and food storage and will keep your kitchen looking neat and tidy for years to come.

When you want to keep your kitchen looking uncluttered and organized, finding a way to effectively store your small appliances is a must. With these easy storage ideas, you can enjoy the everyday convenience of toasters and coffee makers without the headache of where to store them.

Article courtesy of MomsKitchenGadgets.com – a great resource for helpful, honest and in-depth reviews on products like the Cuisinart 7 Cup Food Processor and the most popular KitchenAid Attachments.

Using 3D modeling software and a CNC milling machine to laboriously take the project from design to completion, Husby, an Oslo School of Architecture and Design student, describes the entire creation process on his blog. While you may not see one on the shelf at Starbucks anytime soon, we have no doubt that Husby will be designing more very unique products in the near future!

Choosing appliances for the kitchen is essential in tying your home’s interior together. There are several things to keep in mind. The kitchen should always complement the rest of the house, so make sure your appliances do the same. If you’ve got a modern home with blacks and whites, modern stainless steel appliances look absolutely great. Not only do they not age, they are easy to replace as you don’t have to worry about finding matching colors.

If your flooring is black and your counter tops and cabinetry white you can experiment a bit with bright colors. Bright

reds may be a nice touch, but if you’re unsure about it, resist the urge. Instead, go for color in your smaller appliances like the toaster or tea kettle. Bosch and Whirlpool offer a variety of great hoods and exhausts in bright colors, if your kitchen has black marble flooring, black cabinetry and black counter tops, be daring and add an orange or bright red hood to give your kitchen a more contemporary feel.

If you’ve got a wooden kitchen like my friend, your cabinetry and flooring are likely to match. In that case, go for earth tones. Most shades of green are likely to look great. Wooden houses are generally styled to give a homey and warm feel, so stainless steel or black appliances will clash. White appliances also look great and go with wood.

From ovens to coffee makers to refrigerators, all kitchen appliances and accessories are now available in a variety of colors and styles. Keeping my suggestions in mind, don’t forget that these appliances are very pricey and will stay with you for a while. Look around, read up on customer reviews, visit stores and ask questions before you purchase. If you know you might be moving soon, stick to neutrals as they will more attractive to a potential home buyer.

About the Author:

J. Steeple is writer, blogger, and homeowner. She wishes her appliances were orange. Maybe someday.

1) Plan Ahead

You’re probably aware that remodeling your kitchen will require a lot of time and energy. Still, most people tend to underestimate the effort it will take. Carefully outline all phases of the process, make a list of required materials, and schedule phases that will prevent you from rendering the entire kitchen useless all at the same time.

2) Prioritize

Take into consideration what matters to you most. Money never stretches as far you’d like it to, so carefully consider what elements you can and can’t live without. If you love to cook, for example, you will want to set aside more money for appliances.

3) Embrace Quirks

Every kitchen has a personality, so don’t try to hide the peculiar elements that are already in place. Rather, embrace them and allow those quirks to accentuate your kitchen’s personality.

4) Appliance Location

If you are planning on re-arranging the location of your appliances, remember that function is just as important as appearance. Experts recommend that the fridge, oven and sink be arranged in an imaginary triangle. This allows for maximum efficiency while also providing aesthetic appeal.

5) Cabinets

The cabinets are perhaps the most visually impactful element of the kitchen, and changing cabinet fronts can transform the look of the entire room. If replacing the cabinet doors altogether is out of the question financially, there are a wide variety of dyes, panels, and stains that can accomplish the effect just as well.

6) Focal Point

Establishing a focal point is one of the most important steps to achieving an attractive aesthetic. The most natural focal point in your kitchen is probably the island. Try a darker dye on the island and a lighter dye on the surrounding cupboards.

7) Lighting

Both the quality of lighting and the lighting fixtures themselves can greatly enhance your kitchen’s appearance. Avoid single fixture lighting and consider contemporary lighting. Task lighting, such as an over-the-sink fixture, can enhance the functionality of the kitchen as well.

About the author:

Diane Johnson enjoys writing articles about online courses, reading books and traveling.

It wasn’t until we sold that house and moved into our second home that we discovered how much we had come to rely on this simple piece of equipment in our daily lives. An instant hot water dispenser is a valuable addition to any kitchen. Once you’ve used an instant hot water dispenser on a regular basis, it can be difficult to go without one.

Why Instant Hot Water?

Conveniently located at your kitchen sink next to the main water faucet, a hot water dispenser provides instant, near-boiling water for a variety of needs, including:

These are many more uses for an instant hot water dispenser – this product soon becomes one that you take for granted!

What are Instant Hot Water Dispensers?

Instant hot water dispensers are like electric hot water heaters that are mounted inside the cabinet underneath your kitchen sink. The tank holds water that is approximately 190 degrees that is ready for immediate use at this temperature, although the temperature can be adjusted. Water is released through a fixture separate from the faucet, usually through a twist or lever mechanism.

The instant hot water dispenser heats water through an electric coil inside the mounted tank. Cold water travels from a cold-water pipe directly into the tank and up through the spout. Once the heated water comes out through the top of the tank and out of the faucet, more cold water fills the bottom of the tank.

What to Look for in an Instant Hot Water Dispenser

Not all hot water dispensers are the same. While they generally operate the same way, there are basic differences in options, faucet finishes, price, and warranty. It might help to start with a faucet and finish that complements your kitchen decor, then thoroughly research the brand and specific product, including reviews. Other elements to look for in an instant hot water dispenser include:

There are a few popular brands of instant hot water dispensers, including Waste King, Franke, Quick & Hot, and KitchenAid. These represent a range of cost and quality, so research your desired instant hot water dispenser thoroughly before making a purchase.

Nowadays, cooktops have progressed from the basic four-burner type to more elaborate types like the gourmet commercial grade ones with griddles, grills and various different burner configurations. In fact, with all the features available it is next to impossible not to find one that best fit your needs and your budget.

Whether your kitchen has a gas or electric cooktop is not a problem because both types offer exact same countertop cutout. When choosing one that will match the arrangement and design of your new kitchen, consider the following features and options:

• Compared to the models sold a few years back, cooktops nowadays can be cleaned effortlessly, are aesthetically appealing, and offer more flexibility because of added features (e.g., more precise temperature control).
• Ceramic cook tops are both offered in gas and electric.
• It should be easy-to-clean and not trap food. Look for models with a frameless edge or easily removable components.
• Available optional accessories like interchangeable burners and grilling grids.
• A downdraft exhaust, which is ideal for kitchen islands without overhead exhaust, is offered in some electric and gas cooktops.

Why choose electric cooktops? Here are some of the benefits:

• Easy-to-clean, smooth ceramic cooktops offer a glossy façade.
• Offered in a range of colors, ceramic cooktops can match any kind of kitchen there is.
• The ribbon elements on a smooth top get hot as rapidly as the old coil elements. An adjustable element that can fit large and small pans is also available. A triple element, however, can accommodate a casserole dish or a 9” x 19” griddle.
• A number of sealed ceramic cooktops are recessed and so they are almost flushed with the countertop.
• An attractive electronic touch-control cooktop with no knobs creates an added decoration to your kitchen. This type comes with other additional components to offer.
• For less serious cooks, an electric cooktop offers ease-of-use and quick cleaning!

Of course, gas cooktops have advantages as well:

• Sensors, one feature of the cooktop, will automatically detect and turn off an unoccupied element that is left on.
• The sensors also regulate the size of the element to the pan’s size.
• The control-lock is a safety feature that puts a stop to its elements when set in motion by accident.
• A digital timer is a feature that warns you when cooking time has finished.
• By innovatively recessing the sealed burners below the surface of a countertop, a lot of cooktops nowadays contain spills, making them easy to clean.
• There are also types that have “gas-on-glass” feature. Cleaning an electric smooth top with gas is made easy by mounting the sealed burner straight on to the ceramic top.
• Cooking delicate food is made easy by using sealed “simmer” burners rather than a double boiler.
• Cooking temperature is regulated using precise temperature controls, thus, fitting every cooking need. You don’t even have to worry scorching dishes that need to be cooked at very low temperatures.
• Some “high-powered” burners can heat up to 15,000 Btu’s making you finish high temperature frying, boiling or cooking with a wok easily.
• Cast-iron, porcelain enamel-coated grates that are easy-to-clean and dishwasher-friendly are also available.
• Most serious chefs consider gas the only true option in selecting a cooktop!

The first thing that you need to give especial attention to is your kitchen.

You should make your kitchen the heart of your home because here is where you’ll feed your family and food is an expression of your love.

If you’re someone who likes to cook or loves to eat, the kitchen would matter much to you. A one-of-a-kind gastronomic experience does not only depend on your cooking skills, the cooking instruments you use are also a crucial factor.

Even more so when you love to bake or roast you’re the perfect Thanksgiving turkey.

To give you uncompromising control over your ovens temperature, you must have a sophisticated, easy to operate, reliable built-in oven to do the job.

One can do loads of stuff with an oven. You can have your own Thanksgiving turkey. You can bake cookies, bread, cakes, and other pastries. If you have a sweet tooth and you know how to bake, you’d find yourself inseparable from your oven of choice. Instead of spending a lot of money on expensive desserts, you can produce your own sweet delicacies.

Ovens have been a part of the household for hundreds or maybe even thousands of years. Nowadays, ovens are designed using the most advance technology, which appliance companies are able to get their hands on. More efficient ways of heating, easier cleaning procedures and other features are now fast-becoming staples in the ovens that are in the market today.

In selecting a built in oven, one must not only look at the color and look of the oven but also at its baking features.

Built in ovens can be either single or double, stainless steel or colored. The color or the outside material of the oven ultimately depends on the taste of the buyer, may it be his or her favorite color or it goes well with the kitchen decor.

The decision of it being either single or double depends on what you are going to use it for. Utility of an appliance is one of the first things to be considered before buying it. If you plan to start a baking business at home then a double oven would be a must.

You might also opt for a double oven if you have a big family and meals are a big fuss with two or more of everything is being baked at the same time. However, if the oven will only serve 2-5 people, then a single oven would do.

Size of the oven is also important. Not that you should buy a gargantuan one, but just the right size where everything you ordinarily bake will fit in. You must also make sure that there is enough space for it in your kitchen. Measure first the maximum width and height that your kitchen space can accommodate.

You should also choose between a gas and an electrical oven. While it’s more environment friendly to use an electric built-in oven, it is, on the other hand, cheaper to operate a gas-run.

Opening the oven door, you must then make sure that everything inside is sturdy. Make sure that the shelves won’t fall off. Get ones that has light inside it so that checking your recipe while it’s cooking will be easy. Make sure that the window is large enough for you to see everything that is inside, making sure that nothing is going to get burnt.

If you’re going to buy a brand new oven, then choose one that has a convection system. While this kind of oven will cost more, it would ensure a faster, thus a more efficient, baking process.

An oven with a convection system uses a fan that circulates the hot air inside the oven, allowing faster baking or roasting. This will help you save on gas or electricity.

You might also want to buy a self-cleaning oven. This makes the cleaning process easier and faster. Most of the popular oven brands offer this kind of feature in its newer models.

There are also other features that add to the excitement of browsing for a new oven: digital switches, timers, heat settings, LED displays, etc.

Finally, make sure that there is a solid warranty for your new oven.

Though it is just the most basic necessity in your kitchen, it can be overwhelming when you are already faced with so many different kinds of refrigerator models and features.

About 10 million refrigerators are purchased each year according to American Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers. Of these, four million are side by side models and about five million will be top freezer types. One million are bottom freezer versions.

So, top freezer and side by side models tend to sell about equally, shifting in recent years toward the side by side models. Side by side models have become more affordable, driving up sales.

These days, you can find side by side refrigerators with door-mounted water, ice and crushed ice dispensers, as low as $700 or $800.

The features that most people want:

• Ice and water dispensers on the door – the ice and water dispenser features found in most side by side models has driven up the demand for these products.
• Water filtration – Probably 90% of side by side models now include a water filter system to remove chlorine taste and the odor.
• Spill-proof shelving – contains spills and clean up more easily.
• Capacity – people want more space in their refrigerators today to put milk and juice, leftover pizza, and all the other various foods family members like to keep on hand.
• Color and style – stainless steel is very popular today and homes with whole appliance package in stainless are perceived to have higher value, even though in many cases stainless steel kitchen appliances are as affordable as other styles and colors.

Here are some tips that you could help you in choosing the right refrigerator for you and for your family:

• The first thing you should do is set your budget. Since there are many models that offer different features or additional features, you need to remember that the more features, the more it costs. Determine what you and your family need in terms of refrigeration and choose the best refrigerator that meets your needs.
• The second thing you need to consider is the dimension of the area where you want to place your refrigerator. In this stage, you need to be accurate in measuring the width, the depth, and the height of the area where your refrigerator is allocated. You don’t want to buy an oversize refrigerator and make a fuss on where to put it in your kitchen later on.
• After considering your budget and getting the measurements, the next thing you will consider is the design of your new refrigerator.

There are many different designs available in the market today:

• Side by side combo door -  the freezer is on one side and the refrigerator on the other side.
• Single-door refrigerator – known as the top mount type. This is the type of refrigerator where the freezer is on top, and the refrigerator is at the bottom.
• Freezer on bottom, refrigerator on top -  convenient access to refrigerated items, but requires stooping down to get at frozen items.
• Built-in refrigerator – generally either a side by side or fridge on top, freezer on bottom configuration, one of these babies will set you back a lot more but look great since they blend into the cabinetry seamlessly.

If you are on a tight budget, remember that our golden rule is not to exceed your set budget. A single door refrigerator is much cheaper compared to a two door refrigerator.

Aside from the design that you want, you also need to determine the features that you want in your new refrigerator.

Are you looking for a refrigerator with an ice maker? Do you want your new refrigerator to have a water dispenser? Are you looking for a refrigerator with water filtration?

Or do you want a refrigerator that have specific layout inside? These are only few features the new refrigerators have. The features should meet your needs. Assess what you and your family usually put on your refrigerator, are you stockpiling foods?

Do you usually have more vegetables and fruits? So, before you shop you need to list down all the features that you want and you need. You also need to remember that features also affect the price of the refrigerator.

Another important feature you need to consider is how energy efficient the model can be. This is not a problem for new models as they are pretty much all Energy Star rated. Remember that the best models to purchase are the ones with the most efficient Energy Star rating.

If you are buying your new refrigerator, you also need to consider your family members. If you have a toddler in the family, you might want to consider a refrigerator with a lockout safety feature for ice dispensers and indoor water dispensers.

If you are already window shopping for your new refrigerator, you might as well consider asking for the manufacturer’s warranty that comes with the refrigerator you are considering on your list.

If you are buying a refrigerator, you might as well go window shopping your nearest appliance center instead of just window shopping online. When you buy a refrigerator, you need to inspect the actual unit.

The great thing about a new dishwasher is that it’s no problem if your kitchen remodeling plans have already been made; you can find a new model will complement most any kitchen design.

The emerging trend is toward stainless steel kitchen interior décor, so finding a dishwasher that matches your other kitchen appliances makes sense.

You can find models with a stainless steel exterior or select an exterior cabinet-faced model to blend seamlessly with your cabinetry. This does require coordination with your cabinet manufacturer or installer and will add some expense.

Most manufacturers have introduced models with long-lasting stainless-steel tubs. While they are more expensive than models with plastic tubs, they are easy maintenance, quiet and have more efficient drying cycles due to the higher reflectivity of the metal tubs.

Stainless models also use low-wattage heating elements, conserving energy and protecting heat-sensitive objects placed on your lower rack. Using a stainless-steel interior with superior insulation, these dishwashers typically use a 450-watt element instead of the higher 600 to 750-watt type found in plastic tub models.

A stainless tub allows your dishwasher to run at hotter water temperatures. While 140 degrees Fahrenheit is typically recommended for plastic tubs, a stainless model can handle water temperatures over 165 degrees Fahrenheit, better sanitizing glassware, silverware and dishes.

Your new stainless steel dishwasher will be much quieter than an old plastic-tub unit so that you can operate it while you dine without any disturbance. Stainless steel dishwashers come in many different styles and sizes to fit your kitchen space, yet accommodate all your pots, pans, and dishes.

Prices range from about $400 to $1000. If you want to get the best deal, you might consider shopping online. You can compare prices and choose the best deal that fits your kitchen remodeling budget.

Models like those from Asko are designed to be super efficient, highest Energy Star-rated dishwashers. While you’ll invest more up front, the long term savings can make these models worth the extra expense, not to mention you’ll be helping to conserve our energy and water resources!

Most stainless steel dishwashers come with self-installation instructions. If you are the do-it-yourself homeowner type, this helps greatly with your budget because you can just follow the simplified instructions on how to install your new stainless steel dishwasher on your kitchen without hiring a professional plumber or contractor.

The Energy Star program is a voluntary labeling program sponsored by the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency.

The Energy Star label helps businesses and consumers easily identify highly efficient products, homes, and buildings that save energy and money, while protecting the environment.

Appliances labeled with the Energy Star logo save you money by using less electricity and water than other appliances. Although energy efficient models sometimes cost more to purchase initially, any extra up-front cost can often be made up with savings on your utility bill.

Home improvement products found with the Energy Star logo include appliances, heating & cooling equipment, home electronics and lighting. In terms of appliances, the Energy Star program includes clothes washers and dryers, refrigerators, dishwashers, and window unit air conditioners.

An appliance receives the Energy Star rating if it is significantly more energy efficient than the minimum government standards. The amount by which an appliance must exceed the minimum standards is different for each product, and depends on available technology. Energy Star rated products are always among the most efficient available on the market.

The refrigerator is the single biggest energy user in most households, aside from the heating and cooling system.

A typical refrigerator made around 1990 uses over 900 kilowatt hours per year—that’s the same amount of energy you would use by leaving a 1,250 watt hair dryer on for a month. And the older your refrigerator is, the more power it burns. Energy Star refrigerators incorporate a number of advanced features to save energy while keeping your food fresh.

To make a better refrigerator, manufacturers use:

• Better insulation
• More efficient compressors
• Improved heat transfer surfaces
• More precise temperature and defrost mechanisms

With improved insulation, the compressor needs to run less often. Since the compressor runs less often and therefore produces less heat while it is running, the kitchen remains cooler. This in turn reduces the need to air condition as much to maintain the same comfort level. Energy Star refrigerators must exceed minimum federal standards for energy consumption by at least 20%.

Energy Star dishwashers save by using both improved technology for the primary wash cycle, and by using less hot water to clean.

Construction includes energy efficient motors, and other advanced technology such as sensors that determine the length of the washing cycle and the temperature of the water necessary to clean the dishes.

A significant savings can be realized by minimizing the amount of hot water needed. Dishwashers use built-in electric heaters to heat water to a temperature hot enough to clean the dishes effectively. Energy Star dishwashers minimize the amount of water needed, saving the energy required to heat it in addition to other efficiencies.

Water heating represents between thirteen and seventeen percent of residential energy consumption, making it the third largest energy end use in homes, behind heating and cooling and kitchen appliances.

Water Heaters are the only major appliance that the Energy Star program does not address. The U.S. Department of Energy is in the process of establishing an Energy Star residential water heater program.

Also not directly addressed by the Energy Star program is cooking appliances such as ranges, cooktops or ovens. This is because these use less energy than refrigerators and freezers, which run 24-7, or dishwashers, which have to heat a lot of water.

Here’s another fact to think over; if every American home replaced just one light bulb with an Energy Star bulb, enough energy would be saved to light more than 3 million homes for a year, would save more than $600 million in annual energy costs, and prevent greenhouse gas build up equivalent to the emissions of more than 800,000 cars. These light bulbs are called Compact Florescent bulbs, and can last for years and use up to 70% less energy than traditional light bulbs.

So, remember to look for the Energy Star label when shopping for major home appliance products to be sure you get the most efficient models available. You’ll save money and help conserve our natural resources!

You don’t think about it, but it dries load after load of laundry, day after day. Ideally, you should have your clothes dryer inspected and serviced by a certified professional once a year. But if you choose to clean your dryer vent on your own, here is what you need to know!

Clothes washers and dryers used to be installed in the basement of a home. The dryer vent only had a short distance to be run outside through the basement wall. Nowadays, however, laundry rooms are usually located on the main floor of a home. In addition, the laundry rooms are often located in the middle of the home. This means that the dryer vent needs to be run a longer distance. Because of the twists and turns that the venting pipe needs to take in these instances, lint can build up and cause your dryer to work harder, as well as pose a fire hazard!

To clean a dryer vent out yourself, you can buy a brush that’s specially made for the job. The brush is a long, flexible wire with a handle on one end, and a round bristled head on the other end. To use the brush on a short dryer vent, all you have to do is remove the flapper from the dryer vent on the outside of your house. Then, unhook the vent line from your dryer. Push the brush completely through the line a few times to remove built-up lint. To finish the maintenance job, reconnect the vent to the dryer and replace the flapper on the outside of your house.

If your dryer vent is longer than three feet, you can still use the same brush. You’ll just need to attach it to an electrical fish tape. An electrical fish tape allows electricians to feed wires through conduit where they otherwise couldn’t reach. It can work the same for you by feeding the dryer vent brush through the pipe.

How often you perform maintenance on your dryer vent should depend on how often you use your clothes dryer. But, inspecting it, and cleaning it out with a brush, if necessary, on a monthly basis, is a better idea. This way, lint won’t be able to build-up in the vent pipe. And, you can check to make sure there are no other obstructions in the pipe, such as birds building a nest in the end, for example.

There are several types of trash compactors, and you should evaluate what your needs and your budget are.

• A freestanding compactor has a finished top and can be used for additional counter space. Make sure you don’t place anything breakable on top of the compactor.
• An under-the-counter compactor doesn’t have a finished top and can be installed between cabinets. Trim kits are available for a flush console look. Make sure your measurements include the trim kit when installing your under-the-counter compactor.
• A convertible compactor can be installed as freestanding or under-the-counter.

The exact width, height and depth will vary on each compactor. Make sure you measure the area you want to install your trash compactor in before you make your purchase. Don’t forget to allow room for trim work!

Also, be sure to look for the following safety features:

• Anti-jam system (to prevent the compactor from jamming)
• Tilt sensors (to prevent compactor from operating if it is not level)
• Removable key knob control (to prevent accidental operation)
• Keep children away from the trash compactor.

Except for occasional cleaning, compactors are virtually maintenance free.

• Always wear thick, sturdy gloves when cleaning your compactor.
• Unplug the compactor.
• Remove the bag and caddy, or bin, and follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions.
• Periodically, check and replace the air freshener or charcoal filter.

Have your plumbing system checked to see what kind of garbage disposal unit is compatible with your sewer and other plumbing hookups. Nothing is worse than buying a unit only to find out you can’t use it!

Choose the amount of horsepower you need in your garbage disposer. Usually, in-home disposals have 1/2 – 1 horsepower.

The former is fine for a small family with moderate disposal use, while the 1-horsepower garbage disposal is designed for larger families or more trash.

Be sure the disposal has a dishwasher drain connection. This will allow food from the dishwasher to be ground up and flushed out through the disposal system.

Look for special features such as overload manual reset, corrosion protection shield, sound baffles, self-service wrenches and anti-splash baffles. Many people are concerned about noise level, and some units and noise mufflers on them.

Make sure you check local regulations regarding garbage disposals. In some areas, disposals are not allowed because the town or city sewage system can not handle the additional garbage.

If you have a septic tank, make sure it can handle the additional waste generated from a garbage disposal. The best way to do this is to have your septic tank inspected by a professional.