Appliance . net -- Home and Kitchen Appliances news, reviews, ratings, repair centers, store locator and community forums

My computer stays on through the week, only getting shut off on the weekend.  My answering machine and TV stay plugged in, their little red lights glowing in the night.  I do turn off the treadmill between uses and the DVD player too. My energy habits are probably similar to many Americans.  If you’re wondering [...]

If you are wondering which Department of Energy (DOE) rebates are available in your state, just check out this interactive map.  There is also a simple table listing the individual states along with the total rebate dollars available, websites and phone numbers. DOE has approved the appliance rebate programs for the states and territories linked [...]

Name of product: Superior VFGL Vent-Free Gas Log Sets and VF Vent-Free Fireplaces Units: About 5,700 Manufacturer: Lennox Hearth Products, of Nashville, Tenn. Hazard: The front burners of vent-free gas log set fireplace inserts and the vent-free fireplaces can fail to ignite allowing gas to escape and posing a fire or explosion hazard to consumers. [...]

The good news is  that the US Government’s appliance rebate program has finally begun.  The bad news is that you have a bit of footwork to do before you get it. Under the federal program, the rebates can go to buyers of new central air conditioners, room air conditioners, heat pumps, boilers, furnaces, washers, dishwashers, [...]

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following products. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. Name of Product: Portable Dehumidifiers Units: About 98,000 Manufacturer: LG Electronics Tianjin Appliance Co., of China Hazard: The power connector [...]

Those yellow energy guide labels we all rely on to pick energy efficient appliances, have come under scrutiny from the US Department of Energy (DOE). As we wrote about in November, manufacturers covet the EnergyStar label and use the yellow sticker to entice buyers. Those labels may not be as accurate as you think. A [...]

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Name of Product: Packaged Terminal Air Conditioner/Heat Pump (PTACs) Units Units: About 30,000; previously recalled in August 2008 Manufacturer: Goodman Company, LP, of Houston, Texas Hazard: The power cords [...]

Shopping for a new air conditioner? maybe one of these. Shop safely with Appliance.Net Soleus LX-140 14000 BTU Portable Air ConditionerDigital Controls – With Timer – With Automatic Shut-Off – Width: 23 in – With Heater Function 8 Sellers ($467.99 to $594.99) Sunpentown 9000 BTU Portable Air ConditionerCooling Area: 250 sq.ft – Energy Efficiency Ratio: [...]

Our article about the government’s $300 million dollar rebate program which is part of Obama’s economic stimulus package hasn’t begun and consumers across the nation are wondering if it is ever going to happen. Unlike the $3 billion clunkers rebate blitzkrieg that boosted new-vehicle sales last summer, this program has proceeded more slowly and is [...]

Having a broken appliance is annoying, not knowing whether or not to fix it is frustrating. We’ve found some questions to ask yourself before you decide what to do, along with appliance lifespan estimates and some simple maintenance advice. Read on. 10 questions to ask: – Is it really broken? The trouble may be a [...]

It can happen to anyone, anytime. The washer overflows, the dryer doesn’t dry or -gasp- the fridge stops cooling. Many common household appliance problems can be avoided by following some basic maintenance routines. Regular maintenance will prevent prevent breakdowns, saving you money on costly repairs, or even higher insurance costs if you have water damage. [...]

The phrase “you don’t appreciate what you have until it’s gone” can apply to many things in life, but it’s particularly relevant when the heat goes out on the coldest day of the year. In these situations, most homeowners will do practically anything to restore the indoor comfort level of their homes as quickly as [...]

Name of Product: 208-Volt and 240-Volt Thermostats Units: About 30,000 Importer/Distributor: OJ Electronics, of Chicago, Ill. Hazard: The recalled thermostat’s floor sensor or its cable can be damaged from cutting, drilling, or nailing. This poses a risk of electric shock to consumers if the power supply is not disconnected. Incidents/Injuries: None reported. Description: The recall [...]

The hot, humid weather of summer is about to meet Americans’ continuing desire to cut costs this cooling season. Room air conditioners are a practical way to cool down when temperatures heat up, especially if you want to save money by only cooling the rooms you use the most. New room air conditioners are significantly [...]

Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are often out-of-sight and out-of-mind when you’re looking to buy a new home, moving into one or just making sure your current home is in good repair. However, updating your HVAC system now can increase the comfort and energy efficiency of your home, and might even qualify you [...]

We’ve found your step-by-step guide to saving energy at home. Many of these suggestions are appliance related, but even if they’re not, saving energy is always a good idea. You can start today with these simple changes: To Do Today: Turn down the temperature of your water heater to the warm setting (120°F). You’ll not [...]

Here’s a great line I just read at bhrealestate.com Every appliance has two prices: the sticker price, and the one you pay to run the appliance year-round. When purchasing a new appliance, buyers might be tempted to buy the unit with the lowest sale price while ignoring the long term costs of running it. Choosing [...]

 Many Americans are finding themselves looking for ways to save money. The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) has come up with a list of five appliances that may already be in your home, which can help you save money. Coffeemakers —Save on pricy coffeehouse blends by brewing your morning cup at home. Resisting a [...]

Name of Product: Rheem, Ruud and United Refrigeration Oil-Fired Furnaces Units: About 14,000 Manufacturer: Air Conditioning Division of Rheem Manufacturing Co., of Fort Smith, Ark. Hazard: If the furnace is not properly wired, the oil burner can continue to operate when the blower shuts off, posing a fire hazard to consumers. Incidents/Injuries: Rheem has received [...]

Name of Product: Napoleon Propane Gas Fireplace Inserts Units: About 1,200 Manufacturer: Wolf Steel USA, of Crittenden, Ky. Hazard: Delayed ignition due to a build-up of propane gas can cause the insert’s glass cover to break, posing a laceration hazard to consumers. Incidents/Injuries: Wolf Steel has received one report of a consumer who suffered minor [...]

Is this an idea who’s time has come?  The Smart Home. The new Nokia Home Control Center, a Linux-based platform that will control your house’s resources via your mobile phone. According to Nokia, the platform is open allowing third parties to integrate their own smart home solutions and services; its core consumer value is the [...]

GE is asking for federal approval to use, in the U.S., a type of refrigerant that has low global warming potential and is widely used in Europe and Asia. The company has filed a petition with the Environmental Protection Agency to allow it to use isobutane, a hydrocarbon, in household refrigerators. Hydrocarbons like propane and [...]

Name of Product: Vitodens 200 Boilers Units: About 4,600 Manufacturer: Viessmann Manufacturing Co. Inc., of Canada Hazard: The boiler can leak gas, posing a fire hazard to consumers. Incidents/Injuries: None reported. Description: The recall involves the Vitodens 200 boiler. The gas-fired boilers are white, wall-mounted and have “Viessmann” and “Vitodens 200” printed on the exterior [...]

It’s really heating up outside and if you are like me, you want your home to be a respite from the heat. An air conditioner that is properly serviced runs more efficiently providing you with a cooler home for less money. You’ll ensure that you come home each day to a pleasantly cool house and [...]

It’s only June, but around here it feels like the height of summer.  Everyone is discussing their air conditioning or the lack of it.  If you are considering purcahsing a new air conditioning unit, we have some advice for you courtesy of the NY Daily News.  You need to sure the unit you purchase is [...]

Looking for ways to save money? Look no further than your kitchen. The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) offers these simple energy savings tips to consumers looking for ways to cut energy bills this summer. The energy consumed by home appliances has dropped sharply since 2000. Refrigerators, dishwashers and clothes washers combined account for [...]

Name of Product: Fireplace Gas Valves Units: About 12,000 Manufacturer: American Flame Inc., of Fort Wayne, Ind. Hazard: Gas can continue to flow into the fireplace pilot light area after the switch has been turned “off,” posing a fire or explosion hazard to consumers. Incidents/Injuries: American Flame has received two reports of incidents involving valve [...]

If you’ve been thinking about whether it is time to replace your aging appliances, or if you are wondering whether you could be saving the big bucks in energy costs if you had an all new suite of kitchen appliances,  Alina Tugend at the New York Times has some thoughts to share. One of the [...]

If you are lucky, you rarely need to pay much attention to the appliances that run, some of them 24 hours a day, in your home. But to keep everything trouble free, it’s good to follow some basic guidelines for care and safety when using or installing appliances in your home. Handymanclub.com offers some simples [...]

The Air-Conditioning  and Refrigeration Institute (ARI) is the trade association representing manufacturers of more than 90 percent of the air conditioning and commercial refrigeration equipment installed in North America.  They offer their advice on how save money and energy while using your heat and air at home. A typical home cooling system has two parts: [...]

U.S. factory shipments of residential cooling and heating equipment declined in February, compared with the same month a year ago, while the commercial market for these products maintained steady growth, according to the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI). Central Air Conditioners and Air-Source Heat Pumps Combined U.S. factory shipments of central air conditioners and [...]

If you are confused by the different claims of energy efficiency by appliance manufacturers, JamesDulley of the Detroit Free Press has some helpful advice. Depending upon the type of product and the fuel it uses, efficiency ratings can mean different things. Also, some manufacturers and/or salespeople play fast and loose with the accuracy of efficiency [...]

I think it’s good to be reminded regularly to look after these appliances we spent so much to acquire.  So I feel justified in offering this list from the Sun Herald that nudges you to take a minute and check up on your household appliances. It could add years to their lifespan. Refrigerator Average life span: 14 years [...]

Carbon monoxide is a silent, odorless killer. As a household dweller, you are responsible for preventing the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO) from harming you or your loved ones. Many household appliances emit CO, or can if they are not functioning properly. Carbon monoxide is produced whenever fuel such as gas, oil, kerosene, wood or [...]

Programmable thermostats automatically adjust your home’s temperature settings, allowing you to save energy while you’re away or sleeping.  Some features are:  more convenient and accurate than manual thermostats and improve your home’s comfort contain no mercury save energy and save money on utility bills — when used properly, about $150/year are better for the environment, [...]

If you are interested in saving energy, the government’s Energy Star program offers their seal of approval on programmable thermostats as well as a variety of household appliances.  Programmable thermostats automatically adjust your home’s temperature settings, allowing you to save energy while you’re away or sleeping. They: are more convenient and accurate than manual thermostats [...]

Who better to tell us all we need to know about programmable thermostats than the government’s Energy Star, part of the Department of Energy. Programmable thermostats automatically adjust your home’s temperature settings, allowing you to save energy while you’re away or sleeping. They: are more convenient and accurate than manual thermostats and improve your home’s [...]

Name of Product: Direct-Vent Wall Furnaces, Models RHFE 431 and RHFE 556 Units: About 52,000 Manufacturer: Rinnai America Corp., of Peachtree City, Ga. Hazard: A gasket in the unit can fail, posing a risk of poisonous carbon monoxide gas leaking into the home. Incidents/Injuries: Rinnai has received 11 reports of carbon monoxide leaking from the [...]

Name of Product: Portable Electric Heaters Units: About 152,000 Importer/Distributor: Aloha Housewares Inc., of Arlington, Texas Hazard: The portable electric heater can overheat and melt plastic parts, posing a fire hazard to consumers. Incidents/Injuries: Aloha Housewares has received 29 reports of the heaters melting, smoking or catching fire, including 18 reports of property damage. One [...]

We may be halfway through the winter, but it’s never to late to check your furnace for safety and efficiency. Following some basic routine maintenance is one of the easiest ways to save money and hassles with your heating, and will also help with the air quality in your home. You can schedule a check-up [...]

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced today that a liquidating trust acting on behalf of a now-dissolved manufacturer of heaters has agreed to pay the government a $500,000 civil penalty. The penalty settles allegations that Vornado Air Circulation Systems Inc., formerly of Andover, Kan., failed to report in a timely [...]

Name of Product: Whole-house Exhaust Fan Electric Motors Units: About 6,300 Manufacturer: A.O. Smith Electrical Products Co., of Tipp City, Ohio Hazard: The fan’s electric motor can be miswired and overheat, posing a fire hazard. Incidents/Injuries: None reported. Description: The recalled electric motor is part of a residential whole-house exhaust fan that is typically mounted [...]

Many people believe that an air cleaner will help their family be healthier.  Using an air cleaner or air purifier in your home supposedly helps reduce dust, pollen and other respiratory irritants.  There are three types of air cleaners,  High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters, electrostatic precipitators, and ozone generators. From the Arizona Daily Star: [...]

If you are shopping for eco-friendly appliances, here’s some good news from Twice.com: Whirlpool will increase its commitment to environmentally-sound business practices by reducing total greenhouse gas emissions 6.6 percent by 2012, the company announced last week. The world’s largest majap maker will make these global, voluntary reductions while at the same time increasing production [...]

Name of Product: Heat Recovery Ventilators Units: About 1,100 Manufacturer: Venmar Ventilation Inc., of Quebec, Canada Hazard: The thermal protector in these units can fail, posing a potential fire hazard to consumers. Incidents/Injuries: None reported. Description: This recall involves heat recovery ventilators made between October 2006 and August 2007, and have the following brand names [...]

Many people believe that an air cleaner will help their family be healthier.  Using an air cleaner or air purifier in your home supposedly helps reduce dust, pollen and other respiratory irritants.  There are three types of air cleaners,  High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters, electrostatic precipitators, and ozone generators. From the Arizona Daily Star: [...]

As the days get colder, many people are bringing their electric heaters out for the season. The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM), the “best source of information about home appliances and the industry www.heatersafety.org. Tip number seven is one people might not be aware of: Unless the heater is designed for outdoor use or [...]

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. Name of Product: Packaged Terminal Air Conditioners (PTAC) and Heat Pumps (PTHP) Units: About 185,000 Manufacturer: Carrier Corp., of [...]

Berko Electric Toe-Space Heaters Recalled Due to Fire Hazard WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. Name of Products: Toe-Space Electric Heaters Units: About 84,000 Manufacturer: [...]

Electric Heaters Recalled by Aloha Housewares Due to Fire Hazard WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. Name of Product: “Aloha Breeze” Portable Electric Heaters Units: [...]

Global warming aside, it seems that the “big box” stores have impacted corporations such as Fedders to the extent that they have changed direction and started producing a “broad line of residential, commercial and industrial IAQ and HVAC equipment” “Founded in 1896, Fedders Corporation is a leading global manufacturer of air treatment products, including air [...]

No its not your NANA’s silver its NANO silver from Samsung. Samsung, the monster Korean manufacturing conglomerate is taking advantage of silver’s ability to inhibit bacterial growth. By using Nano technology to drop create a mist of silver ions 1/75,000th the width of a human hair Samsung has created a surface coating resistant, and supposedly [...]

The Holmes Group Recalls Oil-Filled Electric Heaters Due to Fire Hazard Name of product: Holmes® Oil-Filled Electric Heaters Units: About 300,000 Distributor: The Holmes Group, of Milford, Mass. Hazard: A poor electrical connection within the heater can lead to overheating. This poses fire and thermal burn hazards. Incidents/Injuries: The Holmes Group has received reports of [...]

Name of product: Holmes® Oscillating Tower Fans Units: About 300,000 Distributor: The Holmes Group, of Milford, Mass. Hazard: Electrical arcing in the fan’s wiring can cause a fire hazard. Incidents/Injuries: The Holmes Group has received 16 reports of property damage, including one reported injury involving minor burns and smoke inhalation. Description: The recall involves the [...]

Name of Product: Weil-McLain Ultra Series Gas Boilers Units: About 16,000 Manufacturer: Weil-McLain, of Michigan City, Ind. Hazard: These boilers were manufactured for use with natural gas, but could have a blue tag incorrectly indicating to installers that they are intended for use with LP (propane) gas. If an installer connects one of the boilers [...]

With summer heat and threats of air conditioner supply shortages, if you can’t buy a unit, then keeping yours working is the way to go. An air conditioner’s filters, coils, and fins require regular maintenance for the unit to function effectively and efficiently throughout its years of service. Neglecting necessary maintenance ensures a steady decline [...]