What to Look for When Buying Air Conditioners

GURU says this about buying an Air Conditioner!
For efficient cooling of smaller spaces, a room air conditioner is a great choice. Today’s energy-efficient models can also handle larger areas with ease. The key to choosing the right air conditioner is matching the proper unit to the space you want to cool.

BTUs
The British Thermal Unit (BTU) is the international measurement of energy. Here’s the definition: a BTU is the amount of heat required to raise one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit. In AC jargon, BTU’s measure the amount of heat an air conditioning unit can remove from the room. As the BTU rating increases, so does the size, weight and cost of the air conditioner. Room air conditioners are generally 5000 – 24,000 BTU’s. Matching BTU requirements to room size is important. The room(s) won’t cool efficiently if the BTU rating is too low or too high for the size of the room.

EER
The Energy Efficiency Ratio is calculated by dividing the Btu’s by the number of watts. The higher the EER number the more efficient the unit should be. A higher EER rated air conditioner will also be more expensive, so decide if the higher price tag is worth the energy savings you may be getting. The ratings range from 8-11.5. If it’s really hot where you are, go for a rating of 10 or higher.

Thermostat
The heat-sensing thermostat adjusts the temperature of the air coming from the air conditioning unit. They can be programmable or manual. An adjustable thermostat combined with a variable-speed fan is an effective cooling machine. AC units are available with such features as remote control, 24 hour delay timers and digital temperature readouts.

Filter
Clean air is essential for efficient operation. Look for units with filters that can be easily cleaned or replaced.

Fan
Here’s the thing that moves the air. A variable speed fan combined with an adjustable thermostat is an effective cooling machine. Look for louvers that adjust up/down and right/left.

Chassis
A fixed chassis is characteristic of a lighter weight, smaller unit that’s easy to remove for winterization. A slide out chassis is found on larger, heavier models. The unit slides out easily for maintenance.

Measure the Room
Determine the square footage of the room (multiply length x width). There are lots of variables to consider when choosing a room AC — number of windows, number of people in the room, which direction the room is facing, ceiling height, etc. Energy Star has this chart on finding the right size room air conditioner to meet your needs.

Area To Be Cooled (square feet)	Capacity Needed (BTU’s per hour)
100 to 150	5,000
150 to 250	6,000
250 to 300	7,000
300 to 350	8,000
350 to 400	9,000
400 to 450	10,000
450 to 550	12,000
500 to 700	14,000
700 to 1,000	18,000

Remember, bigger is not better. A unit that’s too large will cycle on and off too frequently, using too much energy and causing unnecessary wear on the electrical components.

Measure the Window Dimensions
Most window air conditioners are designed to fit double-hung windows. Measure the inside dimensions (the lower part of the window that raises). Take an exact measurement, not just an estimate.

Take your room dimensions and window measurements with you when you go shopping.

Check the Power Supply
What kind of plug does the unit have? What kind of plug is your wall outlet? Make sure the circuit can handle the operation of the unit. Smaller ones work with a standard 115-volt outlet. Larger 115-volt units may need a dedicated circuit. The largest AC units require a 230/208-volt circuit.

Safety Note:
When adding a new circuit, always have a licensed electrician connect the power to the panel box. Also make sure your air conditioner is properly grounded. Never alter a plug to fit your outlet.

Weight: How heavy is it? Get some help when carrying and installing the unit. An AC unit can easily weigh over 100 pounds.

Noise: Although newer units are much quieter than older models, be prepared for some additional noise in the room.

Installation: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully when installing a window unit. It’s essential that the unit be stable for safety reasons. It’s also essential that the unit be tightly sealed to keep the cool air inside where it belongs. Apply weatherstripping as needed to prevent airflow around the unit. Put the AC in a shaded window if possible for added cooling efficiency.

GURU says this about buying a Laptop – 14″ and Under!

What to Look for When Buying Laptops – 14″ and Under

GURU says this about buying a Laptop!

There are an abundance of choices to make in purchasing a laptop. It can be an overwhelming purchase to make! The first step in making a laptop purchase is to determine how it is going to be used. Is it for home use, student use, travel, business, or gaming? If the laptop’s usage can be determined, the selection process can be narrowed down. It can be narrowed down further by determining the appropriate budget and sticking to it. For example, a laptop for home use with email and word processing requirements does not need dedicated graphics and a high speed processor. So, again assessing needs is a smart step in the process.

There are also many buying options to choose from. There are off the shelf laptops to be had at any big box store and are typically configured for the average user. They are a popular choice among consumers. For the more sophisticated user, specific configurations can be designed on many manufacturers’ websites allowing for a custom design. Here, particular configurations can be played with and pricing options can be explored.

In purchasing a laptop, here are some basic features to keep in mind and look for: screen size, weight, battery life, performance, memory, hard drive, communication ports, optical drive, and ergonomics.

A larger screen size will be easier on the eyes and allow multiple viewing of web pages for example. It will also offer better resolution although a larger screen can sometimes mean a heavier laptop. A 17” or greater screen might be suitable for a desktop replacement or a gaming machine.

Performance is also a consideration and this is where needs should be assessed. A dedicated gaming machine will need high RAM, a fast CPU and dedicated graphics. These are different requirements than a laptop for home use for email, word processing and web surfing.

Battery life is also important for the student and travel laptop. Supplemental battery options should be considered for this type of use and general battery life.

Most laptops today are configured with a multitude of communications ports. Again, knowing what is important for usage is key in making the right selection. There are so many options from multiple USB 2.0 ports, Ethernet, Bluetooth, multi-format flash card readers to HDMI ports.

The last piece of advice is to do a test drive before making a purchase. The keyboard on a 14” laptop might not be as comfortable as one on a 16” laptop. It is smart to check out the keyboard layout and feel to see if it is the right fit. Also, check out the screen display in various lighting scenarios. If the laptop is going to be used outside, a high gloss screen might not be appropriate. The buying process should be simple and fun if needs and budget are kept at the forefront.

GURU says this about buying a Refrigerator!

What to Look for When Buying Refrigerators

GURU says this about buying a Refrigerator!

General

The first step in purchasing a refrigerator is to determine the cubic capacity for the usage. Most refrigerator buying guides recommend approximately 10 Cubic Feet per two people, adding an additional 1.5 cubic feet for each additional person. These numbers are based upon actual space available to store perishables. The average family has a 21 cubic ft. refrigerator/freezer. Empty refrigerators are LESS EFFICIENT than those that are fully stocked. Ice makers and other features take up some of the available capacity.

Three main styles of refrigerator/freezer combos: Top Mount (freezer on top), Bottom Mount (freezer on bottom) and Side by Side. The best-selling models are by Kenmore (manufactured by Whirlpool, mostly made in Mexico) and LG (mostly made in Korea) which are the French door style coupled with a bottom freezer.

Consumers tend to purchase refrigerators based upon value, color to coordinate with other appliances and size. Refrigerators that come with automatic icemakers or water dispensers need to have the water lines hooked up. To have the lines installed, you can purchase them at a hardware store and install yourself, or you can arrange installation from a local appliance service company for what is usually a nominal cost.

Key Specifications

Physical Dimensions – The next step is to determine the physical dimensions which will fit into the space. For space planning purposes, it is critical to measure the refrigerator space and analyze the area required to open the doors of any particular style. Be sure to take into account the swing radius of the refrigerator door.

To ensure proper ventilation for your refrigerator, allow for 1/2″ (1.25 cm) space at the top and behind the refrigerator for ease of installation. When installing your refrigerator next to a fixed wall, leave 2-1/8″ (5.4 cm) minimum on each side (depending on your model) to allow for the door to swing open. If your refrigerator has an ice maker, allow extra space at the back for the water line connections.

Cabinet-depth – Most refrigerators are 28 to 34”, while most counters are 24″ deep, causing the refrigerator to protrude slightly from the counter edge. This prevents bumping and allows you to open doors completely.They are available mostly in side-by-side styles, with some top- and bottom-freezers and French-door models available. Many accept extra-cost panels for a custom look, but cabinet-depth models have less usable space than deeper freestanding models and cost more. Price: $1,500 to $3,200

NOTE: Do not install the refrigerator near an oven, radiator, or other heat source, nor in a location where the temperature will fall below 55°F (13°C).

Energy Efficiency Rating (EER) – ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerators require about half as much energy as models manufactured before 1993. ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerators provide energy savings without sacrificing the features you want. ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerator models use at least 20% less energy than required by current federal standards and 40% less energy than the conventional models sold in 2001.

Check this link for rebate options prior to purchase: http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=rebate.rebate_locator

Battery life – estimated time between charges.

Features and Options

Ice Maker – Ice/Water Dispenser – The most convenient dispenser will be on the outside of the door. The most affordable and energy efficient method of making ice is in a cubed tray and doing without an automatic icemaker. Icemakers and water dispensers have a tendency to break down and are a major factor in the reliability of a refrigerator. Most models have an icemaker in the freezer or give you the option of installing one yourself, though these eat up roughly 1 cubic foot of freezer space. The ice bin is usually below the icemaker, though some are inside of the freezer door and rob a bit less space. Lower-end models may have non-dispensing ice-makers available for an additional $50-100.

Adjustable Shelves – More economical models will feature plastic, straight edged, stationary shelves. Various degrees of convenience ensue at each price point – spill-proof, glass, split, crankable, adjustable and pull-out shelves are all designed to increase ease of use. Adjustable door bins and shelves can be moved to fit tall items. Elevator shelves crank up and down without your having to remove the contents, while split shelves can adjust to different heights independently. A few models have a wine rack that stores a bottle horizontally. Glass shelves offer easy cleaning and usually have a raised, sealed rim to contain spills. Pull-out freezer shelves or bins improve access. An alternative is a bottom-freezer with a sliding drawer.

Gallon Storage Door Shelf – Gallon accommodating door bins are nearly a basic feature in most refrigerators.

Temperature-Controlled Meat/Deli Bin – These store meat and fish several degrees cooler than the rest of the fridge are also becoming more popular. Crispers have controls to maintain humidity, while see-through drawers show what’s inside at a glance. On the higher-end French Door/Bottom Freezer models and extra-wide bin stores whole deli trays, terrific for the frequent entertainer.

Water Filtration – Often, the icemaker and/or water dispenser includes a water filter designed to reduce lead, chlorine, and other impurities. These need to be replaced every 6 months or so. You can also add a filter to a fridge’s water-supply line. Some higher-end models will feature a filter replacement indicator light. Filter replacements vary in cost from $30-50, plus shipping.

GURU says this about buying a Dishwasher!

What to Look for When Buying Dishwashers

GURU says this about buying a Dishwasher!

General

Shopping for a dishwasher has become more complicated with the number of appliance brands in this market. Truly, most dishwashers spray soapy heated water well enough to get dishes clean. This is not new technology, yet the interior amenities and exterior finishes can be combined to make over a hundred slightly different models from which to choose. The total dimensions do not vary greatly enough to make a difference, while the interior rack lay-out can create a range between 12 to 16 place setting capacities.

In addition to reviewing your budget for a new dishwasher, you need to determine the daily use projection. Will you run a load each day or just twice a week? What time of day or night will you be running a load – this may determine a couple of optional features such as delayed start or noise insulation. One of the best features to pay extra for is the noise reduction or added insulation, especially for homes with a great room or smaller kitchens located close to a television-viewing area. The greater selection of wash cycles leads to greater water and energy savings. Door controls vary from integrated to semi-integrated to rotary dial modes of control. Performance is directly based on how the machine is loaded. It is quite important to follow the loading diagram provided with the manual to maximize satisfaction. The rack material is related to the price: higher-end models feature heavy-duty nylon racks which protect dishes from scratches and damage while resisting rust.

Types

Built-in – These are the most common and most affordable. Modern kitchens are set up to plumb and power a built-in model to conveniently operate without blocking counter space or dominating the water supply.

Portable – These work well in historic homes before a serious remodel. The flooring needs to be smooth and easy to navigate a portable dishwasher to hook up to the water, usually at the sink. So the inconvenience factor is the faucet is in use while the dishes are washed. Due to the extra wheels and 4-sided finishing to a portable, the possibility of a less expensive model is not likely for the same features.

Drawer – These provide the most flexibility and energy savings opportunities; for a higher price. For families that are down-sizing, this type allows a small load to be cleaned, dried and stored, while still loading dirty dishes into a second drawer for a later small batch washing. The loading of dishes is different than a two-rack built-in, but a review of the manual should resolve any problems.

Countertop – Countertop Or Portable?
The only real difference between the two is how many people you are doing dishes for coupled with how much space you may or may not have. These are real machines, with pumps, heaters, timers and all the other controls and conveniences of built-ins. Generally speaking, a portable unit will easily do eight full place settings with all the glasses and accoutrements, a countertop will do four.

Even if you already own a full-sized dishwasher, a countertop dishwasher is still a welcome addition to a home due to its frugal use of water, soap, and electricity. In some parts of the U.S. that experience summer droughts such as the West and South, countertop dishwashers can still be used daily and fall within water use restrictions.

Retirees use the countertop unit for daily use, and the larger units when the children visit. And who wants to do dishes while on vacation? A countertop dishwasher traverses wonderfully from home use, to RV, to boat, and to cottage!

College students will have more time to study if they have fewer chores and newlyweds will love the space they save.

Features and Options

Food disposer – is a timesaving device as well as water saving and is not essential to the dishwashing process, plus it makes extra noise.

Energy use – is predicated on the temperature of the wash cycle and the drying mode, the least use of energy is the air-dry mode which some economy model’s only feature.

Adjustable racks – can be energy-saving devices since they allow the user to load more or larger dishes which may create a second load. Nylon is the preferred and more expensive material for racks.

Wash cycles – can be a water and energy saver. Most models feature three cycles for light, normal and pots and pans (heavy). Higher-end models may feature a rinse and hold cycle as well as a china and crystal cycle. Sanitizing…

Noise reduction – or added insulation, especially for homes with a great room or smaller kitchens located close to a television-viewing area. One of the best features for which to pay extra, usually over $100 or so more.

Drying mode – heated, thermal and air-dry modes are often found in the higher-end machines. Clearly the heated option will speed-dry the clean dishes, but it will exact a toll on your electric bill. The most economical mode is to air-dry over time. A good rinse-aid will facilitate even drying of the glassware.

What to Look for When Buying Washing Machines

GURU says this about buying a Washing Machine!
A washing machine is one of the longest-lasting appliances in the house — and one that can make the most difference in energy bills. Select your new washer carefully, taking into account how often you wash clothes, what kind of laundry you do, and your space constraints.

Front Load vs. Top Load
The biggest trend in washers today is the front-load machine. These washers open from the front, like a commercial washer in a Laundromat. In contrast, a traditional washer opens from the top. How to buy the best washer depends on your space and needs.

For buying a clothes washer, keep in mind each type has specific features.

Front Load:
Can be stacked with a dryer on top to conserve space.

Spins clothes faster than a top-load, extracting more water. This saves energy (and money), because it allows you to dry a load of clothes in a shorter amount of time.

Uses a wash process that is more gentle on clothing.

Requires a special type of detergent made for front-load machines. These detergents are becoming more common on grocery store shelves, but they might not be available everywhere. They also might cost a little more.

Costs more. Prices vary, but expect to pay 30 percent to 40 percent more for a front-load machine than you would for a comparable top-load machine.

Uses less water, which lowers utility bills. This savings can offset the additional cost of the machine, but it usually takes several years for the numbers to balance.

Top Load:
Includes a wider variety of available models, colors and features.

Costs less initially, but is less energy-efficient.

Offers easier access to the wash tub.

Uses regular detergent.

Cannot easily be stacked to save space.

Features to Consider:

Capacity: Since manufacturers define capacity differently, one “extra large” washer may not be the same as another. When comparing capacity, use the cubic foot measurement to make comparisons.

If your space is limited, you might want to look for a stackable washer-dryer unit. These are available either full-sized — with a front-load washer — or in smaller, apartment-sized sets.

Match the capacity of your washer to your dryer. You will defeat the purpose of increased efficiency if you have a super-sized washer, but only a regular dryer.

Like most large appliances today, a washer will last for years, so plan for the future and consider possible changes in your family size.

Tub Material: Some tubs are made of porcelain-coated steel, which can deteriorate if the porcelain chips. In higher-end models, look for a plastic tub that will last the life of the machine. The best models have stainless steel tubs.

Water levels: The most efficient wash uses only enough water to cover the clothes. A washer with several water level settings allows you to use small amounts of water for small loads of clothes.

Cycles: Many models include permanent press, delicate and extra soak or extra rinse cycles. Look for a model with options that will give your clothes the care they need.
Different wash/spin speed combinations allow you to wash more types of clothing in ways that are safest for the fabric.

Water temperature: Using the correct water temperature will make your garments look better and last longer. Detergents, bleaches and fabric softeners work best at specific temperatures. Many of today’s washers include several wash/rinse temperature options.

In situations where the water coming into the washer is particularly cold, automatic temperature regulators make sure the wash water stays at a constant, correct temperature. For example, the standard hot/cold mix that a washer uses to create “warm” water might not give warm enough results if it is winter in Minnesota and the water coming from the cold pipe is frigid. Temperature regulators add different amounts of hot water as needed to make sure “warm” is the correct temperature.

If you will be washing items that require sanitizing, look for a model that offers a temperature boost function. Even an all-hot wash from a regular home hot-water heater might not reach a high enough temperature to kill germs.

Noise level: If your washer will be in or near a living area, the noise the unit makes will be a consideration. Some newer models offer additional insulation and reinforced frames to reduce operating noise.

Safety: Front-load machines include an automatic lock function that prevents the door from opening while the drum is spinning. The same feature is available on certain top-load models.

Controls: Washing machine controls have become more sophisticated and generally easier to use. Digital displays and one-touch selection can be programmed and preset to meet your washing needs. For a simpler wash process, choose a machine with dial and/or push-button controls.

Bleach and fabric softener dispensers: The chemicals (detergent, bleach, fabric softener) you use are a key part of garment care. Dispensers will automatically disperse them at the correct time.

Energy Star Rating: The Energy Star label — conferred by the U.S. Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency — indicates that a washing machine uses 35 percent to 50 percent less water and 50 percent less energy than a non-labeled machine. That makes the machine better for the environment and better for your wallet.