Buying a new refrigerator

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With so many styles, options, and prices available, buying a new refrigerator is no easy decision. Here’s what you need to know to make the right choice.

Today’s refrigerators are the most energy efficient ever, and they’re loaded with cool technologies that can extend the shelf life of fresh foods. We’ll tell what you need to know so you can pick the best refrigerator for your home and budget.

First Things First: Refrigerator Types and Costs

The best refrigerator for your home is right-sized to your household’s needs. Here’s a breakdown of the standard refrigerator types, capacities, and price ranges.

Top freezer: This classic style offers homeowners the most bang for their buck. The freezer compartment is at the top of the unit, with the refrigerator below.

  • These unfrilly fridges pack lots of useable storage space for their size, especially compared with refrigerators with features, such as beverage dispensers and ice-makers, that eat up inside space. Average capacity is 20 cubic feet.
  • They’re some of the slimmest; typical widths range from 30 to 33 inches.
  • They’re the most efficient, and use 10% to 25% less energy than bottom-freezer and side-by-side door models.
  • They’re the least expensive. Prices start at about $500.

Bottom freezer: They’re convenient because they keep the refrigerator compartment at eye-level and contents within easy reach.

  • A double-door model has a single refrigerator door on top, and a large freezer door on the bottom. Their average capacity is 22 cubic feet, and widths range from 30 to 33 inches.
  • A French-door model has two side-by-side doors on top, and a single door freezer on the bottom. They’re generally wider than double-door fridges. Average capacity is 24 cubic feet, and widths range from 33 to 36 inches.
  • Prices start at about $700.

Tip: A fridge with 19 to 22 cubic feet of storage space is a good choice for a family of four.

Side-by-side refrigerator: These are ideal for households that don’t mind sacrificing some fridge space for a lot more freezer space.

  • They’re split in two vertically; one side of the appliance is a freezer and the opposite side is the refrigerator.
  • Typical widths range from 32 to 36 inches.
  • Although average capacity is about 24 cubic feet, they may be short on utility when equipped with a beverage dispenser and ice maker that eat up interior space. The center divider between freezer and refrigerator also takes away storage space from the middle of the unit.
  • Prices start at about $900.

Four-door refrigerators: These are ideal for large families.

  • They’re loaded with compartments that can keep groceries fresher longer. Average capacity is 28 cubic feet.
  • They’re equipped with a French-door-style fridge on top, a middle door that conceals a drawer for the items you reach for most, and a bottom freezer.
  • They’re equipped with temperatures controls and beverage dispensers.
  • Prices start at about $2,000.

Tip: Homeowners can expect about 80% of a four-door fridge’s total cubic square footage to be functional storage space.

Cabinet-depth and counter-depth refrigerators: These have a shallow profile (depth front to back) so they won’t stick out beyond standard cabinets and counters.

  • They come in two styles: bottom freezer with French doors and side-by-side.
  • Both styles offer about 28 cubic feet of storage.
  • Many models include features like compartment temperature controls, and water and ice dispensers.
  • To create a built-in seamless look for the fraction of the price, theses fridges can be customized with an overlay cabinetry panel.
  • Prices start at about $2,000.

Tip: Not sure which way your refrigerator door should open? A unit with a reversible door will allow you to change the swing direction.

Tip: If your refrigerator is being squeezed into a predetermined spot, here’s how to get a perfect fit:

  • Measure the height, width, and depth of the area. Plan a clearance of at least 1 inch at the sides, back, and top. If it’s being placed next to a wall, the two sides will need at least 2 inches of clearance so the door can fully open.
  • Keep door clearance in mind. An obstruction like a sidewall or counter may determine if your new fridge’s door should swing left or right.

The Facts About Energy Efficiency

As of Sept. 15, 2014, both Energy Star and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) upped the ante on energy-efficiency requirements for refrigerators (standards set by the DOE are mandatory; Energy Star is a voluntary program).

DOE’s new minimum standards require top-freezer, bottom-freezer, and side-by-side refrigerators to be 20% to 30% more efficient than previous generations. The Appliance Standards Awareness Project, which champions improved standards for appliances and lighting, estimates the energy savings between 1990 and 2014 models this way:

•    Top Freezer: $80 per year

•    Bottom Freezer: $100 per year

•    Side-by-side refrigerator: $130 per year

New refrigerators that meet the current standards set by Energy Star are 10% more efficient than their earlier counterparts. They also must be at least 9% more efficient than DOE standards.

FYI: The bigger the fridge, the more energy it may consume. The most energy-efficient models you can buy have 16 to 20 cubic feet of capacity, according to Energy Star. Compare that with the size recommended for a four-person household: 19 to 22 cubic feet.

Tip: Got a second fridge in your basement or garage? If it’s more than 10 years old, it could add as much as $100 to your yearly utility bill. You could cut that cost by 40% with a new Energy Star-certified model.

Want to Color Your World?

Refrigerators sold in big-box stores are available in staid shades like white, black, gray, and stainless. You’ll have to compromise on fridge type to get one in an eye-popping color like red, orange, or green. Jazzy units like these are typically available only in retro styles that mimic refrigerators from the 1950s and 1960s; you’ll find them through specialty retailers or appliance dealers.

A colorful 9.2-cubic-foot, single-door retro-style refrigerator costs about $2,000, while a 20.6-cubic-foot, two-door fridge can cost $3,000 and more.

Features and Functions You Should Have

Lots of storage compartments and flexible storage options. You can’t go wrong with storage features like gallon door bins that free up interior shelf space, split shelves that create room for tall bottles, adjustable shelves that make room for oversized things, and flexible bin dividers that make it easier to group items.

Humidity-controlled compartments. Leafy greens typically require a much higher humidity level than apples or figs. This feature allows you to store produce at the appropriate humidity levels so they stay fresh longer. A refrigerator with humidity-controlled compartments starts at about $1,200.

Enhanced lighting. Energy-efficient LED lights placed in corners and over bins make it easier to find what you need.

Door alarms. It’ll beep or chime when the fridge door isn’t fully shut, helping to prevent energy and food waste.

Tip: Once you’ve found the perfect fridge, don’t be afraid to haggle over the price. Doing so can save you up to $100.

Features and Functions You Shouldn’t Pay More For

Automatic water, beverage, and ice dispensers. Although features like these boost convenience, they increase yearly maintenance costs. On an annual basis, expect to pay about $20 or more for electricity and up to $100 for water filter replacements. Dispensers also raise the purchase price for a new refrigerator by as much as $250 while reducing storage space.

Fast-cooling compartments like a blast chiller. When activated, the feature chills lukewarm beverages. It takes about eight minutes to get two cans of soda or a single bottle of wine icy cold. Because using a fridge’s automatic ice dispenser can boost energy costs by up to 20%, we suspect that a feature like this can also increase electricity use especially if used on a daily or weekly basis.

Wi-Fi enabled. Although a touchscreen with apps or a TV sounds nice, the technology won’t enhance performance. They’re usually found on models that cost more than $3,000.

REFRIGERATOR CLEANING TIPS

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Don’t be afraid — cleaning a refrigerator (and keeping it clean) isn’t a herculean task if you follow these tips:

  1. Create a homemade all-purpose cleaner by combining the following in a gallon of hot water: 1 cup clear ammonia, ½-cup vinegar and ¼-cup baking soda. Pour into a spray bottle, or use from a bowl with a sponge. This no-rinse formula is a degreaser that prevents mold and mildew. Wipe down the entire refrigerator with this solution, including the drawers and shelves.
  2. To prevent grease and odor buildup on top of the refrigerator after you’ve cleaned it, just buff some paste wax into the surface.
  3. Use toothpaste to remove tough stains. It contains a gentle abrasive and has a pleasant odor.
  4. To get those dust bunnies out from under the refrigerator, remove the grill and run a yardstick covered with a pair of pantyhose underneath. Also check the pan of water under the unit, since it can hold unpleasant-smelling water.
  5. To combat household odors, fill a clean old sock with activated charcoal from an aquarium store, tie a knot in the top and place it in the back of the refrigerator. This will last a month or two, depending on the size of your refrigerator and how heavily you use it.
  6. For a faster fix for odors, sprinkle vanilla extract on some cotton balls, place in a shallow dish and put in the refrigerator. Orange extract also works.
  7. Eliminate lingering odors in your vegetable bins by putting a crumpled piece of a brown paper grocery bag inside and leaving it for 48 hours. The paper will absorb the odor.
  8. Check for adequate tightness of the insulating seam around the door by placing a lighted flashlight inside the refrigerator and closing the door. Turn off the lights in the room (this should be done at night) and see if any light escapes from the seams. This will help you pinpoint any leaks.
  9. If you don’t keep your refrigerator full, fill a large bottle (at least a gallon) with water and leave it in the refrigerator. It helps keep the refrigerator cool and running efficiently.
  10. Keep your refrigerator at 37 degrees.

Call Absolute Appliance Repair NOW if you have any problems with your Refrigerator or Freezer!

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CONVENTIONAL vs. CONVECTION – oven comparison

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CONVENTIONAL vs. CONVECTION Oven Comparison

If you are in the market for a new oven, there are two types that you can choose from conventional or convection. Consider the pros and cons before investing your money. Knowing and assessing the differences between the two will help you make the right choice that will work best for your needs and budget.

Heat Source

So what’s the difference (CONVENTIONAL vs. CONVECTION) ? Technically, all ovens cook by convection, where the hot interior air does the cooking. Standard or conventional ovens use natural convection and radiant heat to cook food. The burners heat the air inside the oven and transfer the heat to the surface of the food. With convection ovens, an insulating layer of air that is cooler than the overall interior of the oven surrounds the food. Convection ovens have an additional heating element and an extra motorized fan, which blows heated air throughout, diminishing the cooler air next to the food. A convection oven has upper, lower and back heating sources.

Internal Temperature

Regulating the internal temperature is easier with convection ovens because the fan circulates the hot air continuously. The third heating element located near or around the fan in the back of the oven heats the air to a uniform temperature before it enters the oven cavity. The balanced heat circulation prevents hot spots. Conventional ovens tend to have hot spots. Food on the bottom rack tends to overcook or burn because it is close to the heat source. In similar fashion, placing food near the top of the oven often overcooks it because it is close to the upper heat element. Furthermore, the rising heat tends to accumulate at the top. Placing food near the center of the oven will yield better cooking results.

Cooking Time

Foods cook much faster in convection ovens. Convection cooking speeds up the chemical reactions of food during cooking. Baked goods release steam quicker, roasted meats render fats sooner and sugars in vegetables caramelize faster. A convection oven cooks food 25 percent faster than a conventional oven.

Cooking Quality

Convection ovens cook food more evenly compared to conventional ovens. Meats cook faster with more juice retained inside. Convection ovens cook meats with deeper flavors, crispier edges and are tenderer inside. In some cases, cooking with conventional ovens can result in drier meats, with a burnt outer part and not cooked well inside. Convection ovens can cook different foods evenly in different pans on different racks at the same time without transferring tastes, while conventional ovens cannot.

Types

Conventional ovens come in two types — range and deck. A range oven, also known as the general-purpose oven, is a part of a cooking system. It usually has a stove on top and an oven at the bottom. Some models may come with an incorporated microwave or convection oven at the center. A range oven may use electric or gas heat source. Deck ovens save space. They can be freestanding or built-in. Deck ovens may use electric or gas heat source. You can choose from single, double or triple deck ovens. Convection ovens may come in a range or deck along conventional ovens to allow cooking preferences. There are also portable or countertop convection ovens that you can buy if you have a conventional oven but would like to use a convection oven to cook small amounts of food.

Price

Most convection ovens are pricier than conventional ovens; however, consumers find they quickly recoup the higher initial cost from the energy savings achieved with faster cooking time.

Call Absolute Appliance Repair NOW if you have any problems with your oven!

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DISHWASHER NOT CLEANING?

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If your dishwasher is running but the dishes aren’t getting clean, one of these simple fixes could solve your problem. Start by consulting your manual to be sure you’re using the right detergent, loading the dishes correctly and maintaining the right hot water temperature.

Insufficient water in the dishwasher also can cause poor cleaning. If the float gets stuck in the raised position, the dishwasher won’t fill with water. Another likely cause is a clogged inlet screen or faulty inlet valve. To determine if your dishwasher is getting enough water, start a wash cycle. Open the door when you hear the machine stop filling. The water should reach or come close to the heating coil. If it doesn’t, first make sure the float valve is operating freely. If this doesn’t solve the problem, check the inlet valve and screen.

Inlet valves that are starting to fail sometimes make a hammering noise. If you hear this, replace the valve. But before you start any work on the dishwasher, unplug it or turn off the power at the shutoff switch or main circuit panel. Test to see if the power is off by turning on the dishwasher and making sure it doesn’t run. You’ll also have to shut off the water before removing the inlet switch. Usually you’ll find a shutoff valve under the kitchen sink or in the basement or crawl space under the dishwasher. Otherwise, close the main water valve.

Whether you’re replacing the valve or simply cleaning the screen, you’ll have to unscrew the brass fitting that connects the water line to the valve. Remove the four screws that secure the valve to the bracket to access the filter screen. Reassemble and reinstall the valve in the reverse order. Wrap Teflon tape around the fitting threads before screwing the fitting into the valve.

Call Absolute Appliance Repair NOW if you have any problems with your dishwasher!

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MAJOR APPLIANCES REPAIR

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Appliances are built to perform.

They work hard, year after year, usually without too many problems. They’re easy to take for granted. The result is that when an appliance breaks down, you may be completely at a loss — you don’t know how it works, you have no idea why it stopped working, and you certainly don’t know how to fix it.

Absolute Appliances Repair is specializing in major appliances repair.

What can you do? You can pay a professional to fix it, or you can fix it yourself and save money.

Most appliances operate on your home’s electrical system: They use AC current from the circuit wiring in your home. Small appliances work on 110-120-volt circuits, and the plugs on their cords have two blades. Large or major appliances, such as air conditioners, dryers, and ranges, usually require 220-240-volt wiring and cannot be operated on 110-120-volt circuits. Large appliances are wired with a grounding wire; their plugs have two blades and a prong. This type of appliance must be plugged into a grounded outlet — one with openings to accept both blades and grounding prong — or grounded with a special adapter plug. All appliances are labeled — either on a metal plate or on the appliance casing — with their power requirements in watts and volts, and sometimes in amps.

Small appliances are usually fairly simple machines. They may consist of a simple heating element, a fan, a set of blades, or rotating beaters attached to a drive shaft; or they may have two or three simple mechanical linkages. Repairs to these appliances are usually correspondingly simple. Large appliances are more complex — one major appliance, such as a washing machine, may have a motor, a timer, and a pump, as well as various valves, switches, and solenoids. With this type of appliance, problems can occur in either the control devices or the mechanical/power components. Failure of a control device may affect one operation or the entire appliance; failure of a mechanical/power device usually affects only the functions that depend on that device. When a major appliance breaks down, knowing how to diagnose the problem is as important as knowing how to fix it.

Because major appliances are so complex, it usually isn’t obvious where a malfunction is.

(Many newer appliances include electronic diagnostics that can be interpreted from the owner’s manual.) The first step is to decide whether the problem is in a control device or a mechanical device. In a dryer, for example, the control devices govern the heat, and the mechanical components turn the drum. Which system is affected? If the drum turns, but the dryer doesn’t heat, the problem is in the control system. If the dryer heats, but the drum doesn’t turn, the problem is mechanical. This kind of analysis can be used to pinpoint the type of failure — control system or mechanical system — in all large appliances.

 

Appliance Problem?
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Conventional vs Convection

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What’s The Difference?
Unlike conventional ovens, which cook food by surrounding it with hot air, convection ovens circulate the air. Convection ovens are built with a fan placed in the back of the oven. When you turn on the convection setting, the fan blows warm air all around the inside of the oven, promoting rapid and even heating. The hot air in conventional ovens just hangs around and sometimes leads to uneven results.

Cooking With Convection
Since convection ovens work so fast, the foods don’t have to be cooked for as long a time as in conventional ovens. Plus the temperature can be set lower, at about 25 degrees less than specified in a recipe. Oftentimes, baking in a conventional oven leads to uneven browning because of hot spots in the oven. Usually the way to fix this problem would be to rotate the food at least once during baking. But you don’t have to do that with a convection oven. Convection ovens also allow you to cook multiple items at once. This comes in handy during the holidays when time is of the essence. But be sure not to overload the oven, because too many pans will keep the air from circulating.

How To Maximize The Benefits
Because convection ovens circulate heat, certain baking vessels might interfere with proper cooking. Pans with low sides are the best. Cookies, cakes and roasted meats and vegetables turn out the best in a convection oven. You would’t want to use the convection setting to bake a casserole, for instance, or anything that might be in a high-sided and/or covered dish. Bake these foods with the convection setting turned off. It’s also a good idea not to use aluminum foil to cover foods when using convection. You’ll discover the best results by experimenting a little bit and testing the results.

Which Oven To Buy?

For those readers who are interested in purchasing a convection oven, watch the video below for some tips. If a new oven is not in your budget, we love the new countertop convection ovens that are available.

Read article

 

HOME APPLIANCES

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Through the years, there have been lots of technical advances that have enhanced our every day lives. The progression that has demonstrated to have the finest effect is the making of home appliances, accessible to the normal customer. These domestic devices, for example washing machines, ovens and refrigerators, have made the lives of their holders easier, for decades. As time passes by, these domestic devices have turned out to be superior, cheaper, and more energy efficient, too, which makes it easier to have one. Moreover nowadays, it is almost impractical to come across a house that doesn’t have at least, one large or else small electrical device.

There are appliances to meet almost any every day need. There are electrical devices that can rinse your clothes, clean your serving dishes, bake your food, cool your foodstuff, clean your home, and almost anything else that you can imagine. One of the most all the rage domestic devices is the refrigerator. It is a piece of equipment that keeps whatever food placed inside of it at an inferior temperature than the temperature of the area it is in.

To offer relief from the scorching summer days, market offers you with the broad collection of diverse air conditioning systems, for example split air conditioners, window air conditioners etc. These days, these aircons have turned out to be an essential part of most people’s lives, as with these systems; you are able to take pleasure in comfort and perfect temperature inside, regardless of the climate outside.

Washing Machine is one of the stylish and useful Major Home Appliances that relieve your boring laundry work. There are two kinds of washing machines ‘Semi Automatic’ and ‘Fully Automatic’. Semi Automatic needs some physical hard work for rinsing and shifting the laundry after a rinse cycle from washing container to dryer. The Fully Automatic is comparatively highly-featured and mechanically determines the water.

Microwave ovens boast a number of remarkable benefits and put forward great cooking experience, too. Though, one should always get a combination, rather than a usual model. There is a small cost increase; however the return on investment that you can get from these is a lot superior. Grill microwave are more multipurpose than the usual ones and offer you a grill, microwave and oven.

A microwave convection oven is an amalgamation of a usual microwave and a convection oven. It allows food cooked in it to be cooked fast, yet come out browned or else crisped as in a convection oven.

R O Water purifier is essential these days as well; particularly if you make use of underground water for drinking as it can have toxins.

Call Absolute Appliances Repair NOW if you have any problems with your home appliances!

STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES

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The problem with any remodel is that within a few years it may have already gone out of style. This is especially true in kitchens, where the newest fashion trends seem to come and go on a whim. One minute wood paneling is the hottest stuff on the market and then a few years later it looks dated and out of place. But in many kitchens, it’s actually the household appliances that age quickest. Remember when pea-green and avocado were hip and chic. Remember when the biggest refrigerator or microwave meant the best quality of product. Trends always change over time, so when remodeling a kitchen the best design philosophy is to stay as neutral as possible. And installing state-of-the-art stainless steel appliances is the smartest way to stay stylish and to keep it that way.

The Stainless Steel Solution
In today’s modern kitchen, stainless steel appliances are treasured investments. If you own them, you’re proud of them. If you don’t have them, you want them. Why? Well, they’re sleek and simple, yet still look tough and durable. Also, their elegance can come in any shape or size. From can openers to stoves, microwaves to refrigerators, this material can be found on any kitchen utensil. Plus, just turn on the TV and you’ll see a million shows where professional cooks attempt to turn everybody into a gourmet chef. Therefore, many homeowners want to imitate the look of these shows as well. Stainless steel appliances help to replicate the look of real restaurant kitchens, giving an authority to any amateur cook by making the room itself feel luxurious and special. And unlike other trends, this is doesn’t look to be a fad. Since they’ve always been considered high-end products, they’ve always been in style and this fact won’t change anytime soon.

The New Neutral
Though stainless steel appliances add a more contemporary, industrial appearance to a home, they can also blend in with any pre-existing décor. White surfaces were once thought to be the ultimate neutralizer: since it’s actually the absence of color, everything else can match it. However, the same can be said for metal: its naturally reflective material allows it to echo the look of any surrounding material. It’s the best of both worlds. Due to their shine, they can really pop; but they can also fade into the background. Even if you don’t like the “industrial” look and prefer wooden cabinets, linoleum floors, and Formica countertops, metallic veneers can still fit in with any personal design choice.

Metallic Maladies
But like any other design choice, these products aren’t perfect. Here are some things to consider while making your decision.
Excessive Expense: They’re popular but not cheap, sometimes costing up to twice as much as standard models.
More Matching: Yes, they can fit it to any pre-existing décor, but they can’t stand alone. It looks strange to have a metal stove next to a black, plastic dishwasher. It’s always a good idea to match your machines. So when you buy one, you may have to buy more.
Tough but Tender: Though durable, they can be damaged. Scratches are always a problem but can be eventually be filled in with special products. Dents can also occur, though sometimes this can add to their authenticity.
Maintenance: They can easily smudge and fingerprint. So you’ll need to constantly clean them with hot, soapy water and occasionally apply a special polish to keep them shiny and looking new.

Call Absolute Appliances Repair NOW if you have any problems with your Appliances!

 

Help Your Appliances Last Longer

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Do your appliances die before their time? Here are ways to keep them humming longer. Is it just me or does it seem that appliances don’t last as long as they’re supposed to?

Our dryer died after 11 years (two years before a typical dryer’s lifespan is up), and we repaired our refrigerator three times before it reached its 12th birthday (it’s supposed to live for 13 years).

Full disclosure: I wouldn’t give myself an A in appliance care. But in the future, I vow to keep up on regular maintenance that’ll keep my new dryer running longer than my last one.

Rob Carpenter, owner of a Mr. Handyman franchise in Maryland, shares some insider tips about how to extend the life of home appliances.

Refrigerators That Last

Refrigerators break down when doors don’t close tightly, forcing motors to work overtime to keep food cold. To test your door seal, close the door on a dollar bill: If the bill slips, you’ve got a problem that requires refrigerator maintenance.

Magnetic strips embedded in gaskets around refrigerator doors make doors close snugly, but they routinely wear out and should be replaced or re-magnetized every couple of years. If you’re handy, re-magnetizing is a DIY job — just run a powerful magnet along each side of the gasket, in the same direction, about 50 times.

If messing around with the refrigerator door is beyond your pay grade, call a professional. Pros typically charge around $242 to repair door problems.

Washing Machine Endurance

Loose change banging around your washer drum can cause dents, chipped paint, and rust, so make sure to empty pockets before washing clothes.

Also, maintain your washing machine by regularly cleaning or replacing filters that trap water sediment before it enters your machine. Filters, which look like thimbles, are located in the back where supply hoses attach to the machine. Remove hoses and either poke out debris with a tip of a flathead screwdriver, then remove and wash the filter, or replace it.

Dryers That Keep on Drying

In addition to regularly cleaning out your dryer’s lint trap and exhaust hose, inspect the exterior vent — hot air must escape your house unimpeded.

Make sure the hinged exterior vent pops open when the dryer runs. If it doesn’t, open the cover and scrape out lint with the end of a hanger or dryer vent brush ($13). If your vent is louvered, clean slats with an old toothbrush.

When my dryer recently lost its heat, we called a repair guy who discovered a family of sparrows living in the vent. He sucked the birds out (poor birdies), and then we covered the vent opening with a wire mesh.

Dishwasher Extenders

Here are ways to keep your dishwasher stress-free and long-lasting:

  • Prime your dishwasher by running the hot water in your sink before you begin the cycle. This will clean your dishes with hot water from the very start of the cycle.
  • Once a week, run your dishwasher empty except for a cup of vinegar, which will keep it shining and smelling fresh.
  • Clean out food traps regularly.
  • Wipe clean the seals around dishwasher doors.

Read more: http://www.houselogic.com/blog/appliances/make-appliances-last-longer/#ixzz43OUtmhUK

Microwave Was Invented by Accident

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The dull halogen light. The spinning glass plate. The humming that terminates in a “BEEP.” Today the sights, sounds, and smells of the microwave oven are immediately familiar to most Americans. There’s a microwave in 90 percent of American homes heating everything from popcorn to pork rinds in a hurry. ..

Read more here