Appliance, Freezer, Refrigerator
What To Consider When Shopping For Undercounter Refrigirators
April 14, 2011
Like many people you may find yourself short of refrigerator space. You may also wish to find a solution to the hassle of interrupting your meal preparation to walk to your full size fridge every time you need something from it. A mini fridge offers you extra refrigerator space. The size makes it convenient to place virtually anywhere you want to. It is great for a small apartment or an office, as it is for a family home.
Undercounter refrigerators are an asset to every kitchen. They are also great to place under the counter at a bar or a restaurant. Such an appliance allows you to use the available space under a counter in an efficient and versatile manner. There are several issues that you would need to keep in mind when shopping for a mini fridge.
The first and most important, of course, is how you expect to use the refrigerator. Do you intend to use it to store beverages, fruits and vegetables, or do you want to use such a fridge for extra freezer space? If you are looking for additional freezer space then you need to shop for a freezer that can be accommodated under the counter. Do choose a model that doesn’t open outwards as you would find it difficult to open and access.
Your choice of refrigerator and the brand would depend on your requirements and your budget. You also need to consider the space where you intend to place the undercounter fridge. It is important that the size of the fridge is such that it can be easily placed under the counter, with some space to spare.
You would need to think about which side the door of the refrigerator would open from. You don’t want to risk banging the door against a wall when you open it to take out or put food in. Some brands offer undercounter refrigerators that allow the door to be installed on either side, while others don’t have such a feature. Others have drawers. So, you would need to make your choice rather carefully.
It is best to choose from frost free undercounter refrigerators. This would ensure that you don’t need to defrost it to clear it of excess ice. A refrigerator that doesn’t offer such a feature would be difficult to clean and defrost. You would need to take it out from under the counter in order to drain away the water from the melted ice. It is recommended that you do an online research that will help you choose the model and brand that meets your specifications.
Appliance, Dryer
Dryer Venting
March 14, 2011
| THE BAD VENT WARNING SIGNS |
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| THE FLEET TECHNICIAN KNOWS WHY |
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| WHO NEEDS DRYER VENT CLEANING? |
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| YOUR DRYER VENTS ARE ALL-IMPORTANT |
| There are many things that contribute to the proper operation of a clothes dryer. The venting is perhaps the most critical. Below we describe a dryer’s functions and how its venting plays a part. |
| MOISTURE |
| One of the most important functions of a dryer is the elimination of moisture recovered during the heating of damp clothing. This moisture is held in the warm air produced by the dryer as humidity, and is normally expelled to the outdoors through the dryer’s vent. If this air can not be adequately removed, poor drying will result.
This moisture can also condense into pools of water in the dryer vent, eventually leaking out. Any moisture accumulation inside the dryer ducting is a sign of poor venting which should be looked into. Schedule the Dryer Vent Wizard for a dryer vent cleaning and inspection. |
| HEAT |
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The heat is another important function of a dryer. Many current dryer models have a ‘one-time’, non-resettable, thermal fuse or safety. These safety devices will open should the dryer’s vent not be installed properly, or if it becomes restricted. Once this happens, the dryer will no longer heat and will require the part to be replaced to correct the condition. On some dryer designs (usually gas) failure of one of these thermal fuses will totally stop the dryer operation altogether. On older models without one of these thermal safeties, poor venting can cause the dryer to cycle on its safety thermostat, instead of the temperature control thermostat. This usually contributes to poor drying and can cause overheating. On some models, the malfunctioning of the timer operation affects some cycles. |
Appliance, Washer
How to Keep Your Front Loader Washing Machine Odor Free
February 9, 2011
Front loaders are all the rage, and rightly so. They are easier on your clothes, they can handle very large loads of laundry and some even have steam cycles for delicates and removing wrinkles. But none of this is any good if the washer is making your clothes smell worse instead of better. What’s worse than drying off after a shower with a fresh, fluffy, warm towel that smells like mildew?
Don’t worry — not all is lost. You can keep your front loader — and clothes — odor free.
Leave the door open whenever there are no clothes being washed. This allows moisture to escape. After a wash, the tub is warm and wet, which is a hotbed for mold and mildew to grow. When the door is closed, the water has nowhere to go, except down farther under the tub. Opening the door allows it to evaporate.
Use HE or "high efficiency" detergent all the time. Super concentrated, this detergent produces fewer suds and has less fragrance than regular detergents. The volume of suds produced by regular detergents acts like sludge to water draining out of the tub.
Rub a cloth over the inside of the washer at least once a week. Keep a cloth nearby, and wipe down the glass on the inside of the door. Then, gently move the rubber door seal and clean inside there. You’ll notice little grooves where water can sit. Combine 3/4 cup liquid chlorine bleach with a gallon of warm water. Dip a rag in the solution and clean in the grooves of the door seal once a month.
Clean the tub. Some front loader washers have a "tub clean" feature. If yours does, pour bleach into the detergent area. Then run the tub clean with an empty washer. If your front loader doesn’t have this feature, pour the bleach and run it empty on its hottest cycle. When it’s done, wipe it dry and leave the door open. Do this about once a month, or as often as you deem necessary.
Bob Dougherty
Appliance, Dishwasher
History of Dishwashers
January 14, 2011
Dishwashers are so popular nowadays, for it’s such an amazing invention that can extremely save you time in cleaning your dishes leaving you with more time to spend on other important matters in life.
The birth of this popular home appliance dates way back in 1850, when an American inventor named Joel Houghton obtained a patent on a hardly workable wooden machine that had a hand-turned wheel that splashes water on dishes. That was just the machine’s humble beginning that spiraled many advancements soon after.
Taking this invention to the next level was L.A. Alexander who, in 1865, patented a device that utilizes a hand crank and gearing to spin a rack of dishes through a dishwater. However, it still did poorly in cleaning dirty dishes.
It was not until 1886 that a first-ever hand-operated practical dishwasher was built. Amazingly, it was a woman who finally did it. Her name was Josephine Cochrane, a wealthy grand-daughter of John Fitch who invented the steam boat. She made known her invention in 1893 during the World Fair in Chicago where she took the fair’s highest recognition. The company she started that manufactured her dishwashers eventually became known as KitchenAid. Other companies also popped up making their own versions of dishwashers, such as using a conveyor belt or spinning basket that passes the dirty dishes under jets of hot water.
It was in 1920 when dishwasher models where installed with permanent plumbing, yet it was just restaurants, hotels, and wealthy families who were able to take advantage of it due to it’s bulky setup and expensive cost. It was not until 1937 that a smaller version fit for a household was made by William Howard Livens. It was in 1950s that the dishwasher caught on with the general public for it became cheaper and smaller. It then became common to every household in the U.S. by 1970s.
Today, dishwashers are made available in different shapes, sizes, and functionalities to every households by a number of manufacturers. Among the most notable dishwasher brands in the market today are Fisher and Paykel, KitchenAid, Whirlpool, GE, Bosch, and Kenmore Elite.
Appliance, Dryer, Dryer Vent
Dryer Vent Cleaning
December 20, 2010
| THE BAD VENT WARNING SIGNS |
|
| THE FLEET TECHNICIAN KNOWS WHY |
|
| WHO NEEDS DRYER VENT CLEANING? |
|
| YOUR DRYER VENTS ARE ALL-IMPORTANT |
| There are many things that contribute to the proper operation of a clothes dryer. The venting is perhaps the most critical. Below we describe a dryer’s functions and how its venting plays a part. |
| MOISTURE |
| One of the most important functions of a dryer is the elimination of moisture recovered during the heating of damp clothing. This moisture is held in the warm air produced by the dryer as humidity, and is normally expelled to the outdoors through the dryer’s vent. If this air can not be adequately removed, poor drying will result.
This moisture can also condense into pools of water in the dryer vent, eventually leaking out. Any moisture accumulation inside the dryer ducting is a sign of poor venting which should be looked into. Schedule the Dryer Vent Wizard for a dryer vent cleaning and inspection.
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Appliance
McHappy Day
November 21, 2010
A Little Help Goes a Long Way Changing Children’s Lives Around the World.
McHappy Day continues to be McDonald’s® signature fundraiser benefiting RMHC and other children’s causes around the world.
This fundraiser is just one more way McDonald’s, its employees, owner/operators, suppliers, and customers demonstrate how small contributions can add up to make a huge difference in the lives of children. Since 2002, countries around the world have raised more than $170 million during McHappy Day® events. Here are some examples of how McHappy Day will be celebrated this year around the globe:
McHappy Day and “Give A Hand®” in the U.S.: Bringing Hope and Happiness to Families in Need
McHappy Day is November 10 and kicks-off McDonald’s annual “Give A Hand” fundraiser to support RMHC. The fundraiser will be in participating U.S. restaurants November 10 – 20, for customers to show their support for the Charity by purchasing a paper Hand for $1, $3, or $5. All proceeds from the paper Hand sales will be donated to RMHC. And, with every purchase of a McDonald’s Happy Meal® or Mighty Kids Meal® throughout the year, a donation is made to RMHC. These fundraisers are a few ways McDonald’s encourages customers to give back and help bring happiness to families in need.
McHappy Day Hong Kong: Run for Fun, Run for Love
To raise awareness among children and families about RMHC Hong Kong, McDonald’s Hong Kong hosted the seventh annual McHappy Day Kidathon on November 6, 2011. This signature fundraising event not only raises money for the Charity, it also encourages children to not just run for the love of running, but to run with a purpose; running for children who are sick and need support from their families. Children trained for the event with the help of a partner athletic club and they also were able to join in other fun runs.
An athletic club and a professional coach were invited to train some of the Hong Kong Kidathon participants.
The seventh annual Hong Kong McHappy Day Kidathon promoted an active balanced lifestyle among children and raise funds for RMHC of Hong Kong.
McDonald’s Hong Kong has been supporting McHappy Day events for years. From 2007 onwards, McDonald’s customers and the Company have collected and donated almost US$2.7 million for the organization. Year-round Happy Meal donations, in-store promotions, RMHC Donation Boxes in restaurants and merchandise sales have also been implemented to raise funds for the Chapter. RMHC Hong Kong has served over 1,000 families for the past 15 years through their Ronald McDonald House program.
Besides McHappy Day, year-round Happy Meal donations, in-store promotions, RMHC Donation Boxes in restaurants and merchandise sales have also been implemented to raise funds for the Hong Kong Chapter.
McDia Feliz Brazil – Exceeds 2010 Record
Some countries like Brazil have already celebrated McHappy Day in true style. McHappy Day, coordinated nationally by Instituto Ronald McDonald, the RMHC Chapter in Brazil, surpassed the record set in 2010 raising US$10.8 million in 2011.
On August 27, one hundred percent of proceeds of Big Mac sandwiches sales were donated to support children and adolescents with cancer. McDonald’s restaurants sold 1.6 million Big Mac sandwiches in one day throughout Brazil. Proceeds will benefit 59 institutions across the country whose mission is to fight cancer in children. It’s estimated 30,000 children will benefit from the money raised.
McDonald’s employees, officers and volunteers gathered at a restaurant in Rio de Janeiro to kick off the 2011 McHappy Day.
McDia Feliz in Guatemala: Turns BigMac Sandwiches into Smiles!
McDia Feliz in Guatemala is considered a national celebration, a holiday, and every year citizens anxiously wait to participate and make a difference. This year, McDia Feliz took place on October 5 and presidential candidates along with celebrities, celebrities, journalists, sports personalities and national media actively supported the Day by promoting it and volunteering at McDonald’s restaurants. From the time that the doors opened at 9 AM till they closed at midnight, a total of 438,513 Big Macs were sold, raising US$1.2 million to benefit children and families served by the Fundación Ronald McDonald Guatemala. McDia Feliz certainly turned Big Mac sandwiches into smiles!
For the past 13 years, McDia Feliz has raised US$6.5 million benefiting children and families in Guatemala. Funds raised this year will support the operations of two Ronald McDonald Houses and a Ronald McDonald Family Room benefiting over 11,000 children and families.
The average sale of Big Mac sandwiches per restaurant was 6,200.
Appliance, Range/Oven
Feng Shui Kitchen Tips – Oven Placement
October 14, 2010
The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in the house from a Feng Shui perspective as it is where food, the body’s fuel is prepared. With importance comes responsibility however and so great care should be taken to ensure that energy is allowed to flow around the kitchen in a natural, balanced and positive way.
A lot of advice is published on the web around where your kitchen should be situated, how a kitchen should be decorated, where your oven should be positioned, the direction your workshops should face and so on. A lot of the advice given warns of dire consequences and problems you may experience in your life if you do not adhere to good kitchen placement. The problem with a lot of the advice given is that it assumes that you are either building a house and can therefore choose where your kitchen is to be located or have an enormous kitchen and a large budget to totally redesign it. It is true that the kitchen can be one of the most problematic areas of the house but like everything in Feng Shui any problems can be very simply overcome without having to resort to a sledgehammer or a bank loan.
The main reason that the kitchen can be problematic is because it can encourage a destructive flow of energy. The focal point of the kitchen is the oven which represents fire. However the majority of the other large items in the kitchen are all water based. Think about the average kitchen. Normally it will contain a refrigerator, sink and dishwasher. The fire energy from the oven can be overcome with water energy if steps are not taken to provide the oven with some much needed support, leading to jerky and destructive energy in the kitchen and possible fractious relationships between the occupants of the home.
Fortunately there are a number of ways in which to provide support to the oven to promote a positive flow of chi. Some of these support tools may already be in place without you having to do anything at all. If your oven is on a south facing wall then it will automatically be strengthened by it’s placement in the fire area of the room. In the same way strength will be gained if the kitchen is in the south east or south areas of the home. If your oven or kitchen is not in one of these directions then you can use colour to provide support. Green is an excellent colour for a kitchen as green represents wood which supports fire while taking it’s own energy from water. To introduce green to your kitchen you do not necessarily have to paint the walls. Introducing some green kitchen items like utensil jars, cups, plates and bowls can work just as well. Red can also work well in a kitchen but should be used sparingly as you do not want to overdo the fire element. In our own kitchen which faces south I have a large red and green fruit bowl displayed in one corner to help strengthen the fire element.
One of the most important problems that needs to be overcome relating to the oven is if it is directly next to water, for example if the oven and sink are next to each other. If this is the case you will need to bring in some sort of barrier between them. This can be done by placing crystals in a bowl between oven and the sink. Excellent crystals to use are crystals which represent the element wood or fire like Carnelian and Citrine which can be placed in a small decorative wooden bowl or box. If there is really no room between the oven and the sink, fridge or dishwasher then you will need to place the crystals on top of the water based element, or in the case of the sink behind the sink.
As the oven is seen as the heart of the kitchen it goes without saying that it should be kept clean and in good repair. Any faulty burners should be replaced immediately. If you keep your oven well maintained and clean and use it often and with love then the energy around your kitchen will be healthy even though some items may not be perfectly placed. By following these simple guidelines even the slightest enhancements can make a big difference to the fortunes of your home.
