They don't make them like they used to is a common refrain. It is however somewhat inaccurate especially in the appliance industry. Product has always been manufactured well with notable exceptions....The GE compressor recall in 1988 and The Maytag Neptune issues of 1996, but in general appliances last about 10-12 years.
You probably have not kept cars, clothes or furniture as long.
Over the last 10 years, there has been a push towards efficiency in appliances. California mandated it in 1986 (our present Energy Secretary) and the EnergyStar program was publicized. If you were replacing a 10 year old side by side with a new french door, what would be the savings?
With the recession, its a pretty interesting answer. First, there is $110 in energy savings. Secondly, there is a $50 Nstar rebate. For many manufacturers, there is an instant $100 rebate in May with a Yale matching rebate of $100. Then there are a few with individual rebates of $50. If you buy a refrigerator as part of a kitchen package, there could be yet another package rebate of $150-300.
Quick answer: At least $350 in energy savings and rebates on side by sides and french doors and up to $750 in packages.
Not a bad time to change your refrigerator.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
How To Buy An Air Conditioner
25 Years ago, the standard rule for an air conditioner BTU was square footage times 30. This, of course, is dead wrong.
No two spaces are alike. Here are some general rules..
1. 5000 BTUs is adequate for a bedroom of 175 square feet or less...add 1000 BTU per 50-60 square feet
2. add 1,000 BTU for sunny exposures, add 2,000 to 4,000 for cathedral ceilings and 4000 for a kitchen (hottest room in the house)
3. Do not overcool. The air conditioner will not dehumidify and will freeze (cold air will blow back into the unit itself)
4. Air conditioning does not turn corners well...Buy 2 smaller ones instead of a larger unit
5. EER is a measure of energy efficiency. Each point is a 10% savings in operations. Thus a 10.7 EER ac is 10% better than a 9.7
6. Through the wall acs require a slideout chassis or a liner.
No two spaces are alike. Here are some general rules..
1. 5000 BTUs is adequate for a bedroom of 175 square feet or less...add 1000 BTU per 50-60 square feet
2. add 1,000 BTU for sunny exposures, add 2,000 to 4,000 for cathedral ceilings and 4000 for a kitchen (hottest room in the house)
3. Do not overcool. The air conditioner will not dehumidify and will freeze (cold air will blow back into the unit itself)
4. Air conditioning does not turn corners well...Buy 2 smaller ones instead of a larger unit
5. EER is a measure of energy efficiency. Each point is a 10% savings in operations. Thus a 10.7 EER ac is 10% better than a 9.7
6. Through the wall acs require a slideout chassis or a liner.
Labels:
Slide-In Ranges
Monday, April 27, 2009
A $1200 Pendant?
This post is more about what not to buy. Most of what we sell is of this variety:
Cost is between $85 and $300 on average. Lighting is intriguing and so different than appliances. Instead of dealing with major industrial companies like GE and Whirlpool, we buy from individual owners and simple partnerships.
As you can imagine, the quality can differ greatly, and once a light flickers, malfunctions or hangs crooked, consumers usually have no warranty (we warranty in home for life). Even if you did have a warranty, electricians loath these types of jobs.
Which brings us to a $1200 pendant....Why
Extreme quality....Hand blown glass, authentic details and great components. Would I buy it? In the right room, it certainly would be a consideration.
Cost is between $85 and $300 on average. Lighting is intriguing and so different than appliances. Instead of dealing with major industrial companies like GE and Whirlpool, we buy from individual owners and simple partnerships.
As you can imagine, the quality can differ greatly, and once a light flickers, malfunctions or hangs crooked, consumers usually have no warranty (we warranty in home for life). Even if you did have a warranty, electricians loath these types of jobs.
Which brings us to a $1200 pendant....Why
Extreme quality....Hand blown glass, authentic details and great components. Would I buy it? In the right room, it certainly would be a consideration.
Labels:
Extended Warranties,
Lighting,
Whirlpool
Thursday, April 23, 2009
How To Vent a Pro Properly
So many Vents...So many Choices
We show about 50 or so vents...Here is what you need to know about venting a professional or high output range so your house does not smell like the last thing you cooked
1. Capture area or depth is important, at least 24 inches
2. Vent straight...either straight up or back with as few elbows as possible
3. Use the appropriate duct...4 inch duct is for dryers not hoods
4.CFM should be:
1200 or higher for 48 inch
900 for a 36 inch with grill
600 for anything else
As I write this, the difference between a 600 and 1200 cfm blower is about $250. If you grill or wok, consider upgrading your blower cappacity accordingly.
We show about 50 or so vents...Here is what you need to know about venting a professional or high output range so your house does not smell like the last thing you cooked
1. Capture area or depth is important, at least 24 inches
2. Vent straight...either straight up or back with as few elbows as possible
3. Use the appropriate duct...4 inch duct is for dryers not hoods
4.CFM should be:
1200 or higher for 48 inch
900 for a 36 inch with grill
600 for anything else
As I write this, the difference between a 600 and 1200 cfm blower is about $250. If you grill or wok, consider upgrading your blower cappacity accordingly.
Labels:
Dryer,
Hoods,
Professional,
Ranges,
Ventilation
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