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KitchenAid, is now offering induction cooktops in its Architect Series II Collection. If you are not familiar with induction cooking and the difference between cooking with induction technology rather than conventional heating methods, you can read more about them in Conduction Cooking is Hot- and Cool and How Food Cooks - Conduction, Convection [...]

Here are some rules everyone should be aware of before using outdoor power equipment. They come straight from the folks who know how to use them, The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI).
1 . Know how to operate the equipment.
Read the operator’s manual before using any power equipment. Know where the controls are and what they [...]

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: an [...]

Name of Product: Electric Simmer Pots
Units: About 830,000
Importer: Waxcessories® Inc., of Dracut, Mass.
Hazard: The simmer pots have wire connections that can become loose, posing a risk of fire and electric shock to consumers.
Incidents/Injuries: There have been 161 reports of discolored cords, loose wires, and wires separating from the pot. No injuries have been reported.
Description: The [...]

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 air-source heat [...]

Bissell introduces a handy little deep cleaner for use around the house. It’s portable and can be used in the car as well. It has a long power cord and since it can be hand-held, you can easily clean in hard to reach areas and on stairs. It can be used on [...]

Electrolux, makers of premium appliances for fine homes and restaurants in Europe for over 70 years and Europe’s leading premium appliance brand, is introducing a new line of stylish, high-performance kitchen appliances exclusively for North America. Called Electrolux, the new line of premium kitchen appliances is designed to help today’s multi-tasking moms do what they [...]

According to a survey conducted by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), about 15 million televisions will be replaced by 2010 because over-the-air reception will no longer be available beginning next year.  The study also says that about 95% of those TVs will be sold, recycled or donated.  Forty-eight percent of households plan to keep their televisions and [...]

With the biggest change in over-the-air television since the 1930’s coming in February 2009, some seniors may need to take steps to continue watching their favorite programs once the digital television transition is complete. To encourage baby boomers to help their elderly parents, relatives, and neighbors get ready, the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)® enlisted actress [...]

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 claims.
A [...]

Appliance Design magazine has announced the winners of its 21st Annual Excellence in Design competition.
Entrants were evaluated by an independent panel of three experts in the field of design. The products were judged by four criteria: aesthetics, human factors, innovation, and technical merits.
Products were entered into one of several categories. The winning entries, listed by [...]

Whirlpool Corp. has been recognized with its third consecutive ENERGY STAR Sustained Excellence award. Provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the award honors Whirlpool Corp.’s contribution to providing innovative efficient products that help consumers reduce utility bills and greenhouse gas emissions.
Whirlpool will accept the award at [...]

Name of Product: Serenity Spa Hot Tubs
Units: About 1,670
Manufacturer: Gecko Alliance of Quebec, Canada
Hazard: The hot tub’s spa control can overheat, posing a fire hazard.
Incidents/Injuries: Gecko Alliance has received 28 reports of the spa control overheating, including one incident of damage to spa equipment. No injuries have been reported.
Description: This recall involves the Hydropool Serenity [...]

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
What you need [...]

Here’s something that sounds good in theory, but doesn’t seem to work in practice- The people at Electrolux thought that putting a vacuum in a pair of shoes might appeal to the overworked multi-tasker. Well, it’s been over a year since this concept debuted and we’re waiting to see if our local discount store will [...]

Here’s some bad news for appliance dealers (if they haven’t already noticed the effect in their own markets)
 Twice.com reports that according to AHAM (Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers), January shipments of major appliances fell 17 percent to 3.9 million units compared with the 4.7 million major appliances sold during the year-ago period.
Taking the biggest hit was the home-comfort [...]

Computer keyboards are one of the dirtiest, germiest surfaces in the house. (So is the mouse.) Take a few minutes to clean your keyboard using supplies you probably already have around - just unplug it first. Next, turn it over a trash can and lightly shake out any dirt or dust that has accumulated. Clean [...]

Name of Product: Progress Lighting Outdoor Ceiling Light Fixtures
Units: About 1,000
Importer: Progress Lighting, of Greenville, S.C.
Manufacturer: Pegtom, of Hong Ding, China
Hazard: A weld that affixes a mounting bracket to the ceiling pan can fail, which can cause the fixture to fall and injure nearby persons.
Incidents/Injuries: Progress Lighting has received six reports of fixtures [...]

News from appliancemagazine.com a trade magazine, reports:
LG Electronics has entered into a cross licensing agreement with GE Consumer & Industrial that will allow LG and GE to use one another’s patents for refrigerators and cooking appliances without paying licensing fees.
“We believe that this licensing arrangement with GE will enhance our ability [...]

Name of Product: Toggle Switches and Rotary Switches
Units: About 19,000
Distributor/Importer: Disconnects of Florida Corp., of Tampa, Fla.
Manufacturer: Ensto Control Oy, of Finland
Hazard: When switched OFF, one electrical pole may remain energized, posing a risk of electrical shock hazard to consumers.
Incidents/Injuries: Ensto Control Oy has received 13 reports of the switches not functioning properly. [...]

Smoke alarms are proven life savers. There are more than 300,000 residential fires every year, so when there is a fire, smoke alarms buy families valuable escape time.
Unfortunately, about two-thirds of fire deaths take place in homes with no smoke alarms or with non-working smoke alarms. The most common reasons why [...]

If you have carpets in your home, it has probably occurred to you that despite regular vacuuming and scheduled cleanings, they likely harbor a great variety of unsavory bacteria.  I know that even though we all take off our shoes when we come home, I can’t require that visitors do the same and so the [...]

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, [...]

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, since using less energy [...]

A hot shower. Few rituals bring as much pleasure as does standing beneath a warm spray. And few things can spoil that ritual as much as finding that the person who showered before you has used up every drop of hot water.
The new line of GE® tankless gas water heaters provides a continuous supply of [...]

It can hard to find a paper shredder that fits your needs.  Many require a specific size trash can or are too big for household use. 
The MailMate which is available at Staples is so compact it can fit on a countertop, in a cabinet or under a table.  Also, the lightweight bin is easy to [...]

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 furnace. No injuries have [...]

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 consumer reported minor burns [...]

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 [...]

This may stretch the appliance theme a bit, but since so many of us are switching to compact fluorescent light bulbs to save energy, I think it is worth sharing. According to Dr. Isadore Rosenfeld at Parade Magazine, new research suggests some dangers:
Flickering bulbs have been reported to precipitate migraines or even seizures, though manufacturers [...]

Name of Product: Crafters Square Hot Melt Mini Glue Guns
Units: About 253,000
Retailer: Dollar Tree Stores Inc., of Chesapeake, Va.
Importer: Greenbrier International Inc., of Chesapeake, Va.
Hazard: The recalled glue guns can short circuit, causing the gun to smoke and catch fire. This poses fire, burn and shock hazards to consumers.
Incidents/Injuries: Dollar Tree is aware of seven [...]

Here’s some news from appliancemagazine.com  about saving energy and how the appliance industry is working to make some changes.
In late December, President Bush signed into law the “Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007,” a comprehensive energy bill that includes several historic provisions supported by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) to dramatically improve energy efficiency [...]

If you need hands-free security and media access in a compact unit, Nutone’s drop-down monitor will fit neatly under your kitchen cabinets. The system comes with one camera. A second camera (either recessed or surface-mount) can be added to monitor the back door. Lower the color LCD panel to watch cable TV with the integrated cable [...]

Name of Product: Portfolio Incandescent Torchiere Lamps
Units: About 90,000
Importer: L G Sourcing, Inc., of North Wilkesboro, N.C.
Manufacturer: Field Smart Lighting Co. Ltd., of China
Hazard: A short circuit in the lamps’ wiring can pose a fire hazard to consumers.
Incidents/Injuries: L G Sourcing has received two reports of lamp fires. No injuries have been reported.
Description: The recalled [...]

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 on the floor of an [...]

Name of Product: Intermatic DT27 Digital Self-Adjusting Timers
Units: 8,500
Importer: Intermatic Inc., of Spring Grove, Ill.
Manufacturer: Ewig Industries Macao Commercial Offshore Ltd., of Macau, China
Hazard: The recalled timers could have been wired incorrectly, which poses an electrical shock hazard to consumers.
Incidents/Injuries: None reported.
Description: This recall involves the Intermatic DT27 digital self-adjusting timer with a date code [...]

Taking a bath is relaxing, checking in frequently to see if your bathtub is full or getting the water temperature right is not. The Ondine Ess Tub-Electronic Faucet, a bathtub and shower system with an electronic touch pad will prepare your bath for you.
You can set the water level to half-full tub, full tub and [...]

Name of Product: Counterfeit Circuit Breakers labeled as “Square D”
Units: About 50,000
Distributor/Retailer: North American Breaker Co. Inc. (NABCO), of Burbank, Calif.
Hazard: The recalled circuit breakers labeled “Square D” have been determined by Square D to be counterfeit and can fail to trip when they are overloaded, posing a fire hazard to consumers.
Incidents/Injuries: None reported.
Description: The [...]

Do you need a HEPA filter on your new vacuum?  First, it helps to know what a HEPA filter is.  HEPA is an acronym for “High Efficiency Particulate Air”, which means that it traps smaller dust particles than an ordinary filter.  A vacuum with a HEPA filter should not blow as many dirt particles back [...]

Tis the season for too many empty boxes around the house.  Tis also the season for trying to figure out what to do with the kids home from school.  If you are feeling adventurous, here are the step-by-step instructions for using some of those boxes to create your own solar oven. 
Things You’ll Need

Aluminum Foil
Cardboard
Large And [...]

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:
1. High [...]

The San Mateo County Fire Department has some important safety tips for cooking during this busy holiday season.
How often has the doorbell rung or a child interrupted you while you were cooking, causing you to forget about the chicken you left sizzling on the stove - until smoke filled the house?  If this scenario or a [...]

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 by [...]

Name of Product: DEWALT Cordless Drills
Units: About 346,000
Manufacturer: DEWALT Industrial Tool Company, of Towson, Md.
Hazard: The trigger switch of the cordless drill can overheat, posing a fire hazard to consumers.
Incidents/Injuries: DEWALT has received 11 reports of trigger switches overheating. No injuries or property damage have been reported.
Description: This recall involves DEWALT individual cordless drills listed [...]

Most of us want to save energy.  It’s good for the environment and good for our pocketbooks.  By choosing a new appliance with an Energy Star rating you are off to a good start.  How much you will save though, depends on the type and age of the appliance you are replacing.
 One thing seems certain [...]

AmericanChronicle offers this review of the toastmaster bread machine which is an option if you are looking for a less expensive bread machine than the Cuisinart that we reviewed here.
A Toastmaster bread machine is cheap to buy. This combined with their standard features makes these appliances attractive to buyers. But there are other cheap bread [...]

A while ago we asked readers to let us know which small appliances they think are most important in their kitchens. Little-known-food-facts.com has compiled a list of their choices:
When it comes to small appliances, there are 6 must haves to every kitchen. Yes an automatic Can Opener is nice as is the plug in cutting [...]

I didn’t see this on TV- but apparently it’s everywhere- the One Touch can opener. I couldn’t escape it. Bed, Bath and Beyond has been stacking them in the aisle and the check-out lines and I finally gave in. I can’t resist the idea of an easy to use can opener; mine is finicky and [...]

A new washing machine can not only be a big investment, if it’s not used properly, it can have the power to cause great damage with floods of water. We’ve gathered some helpful tips for washer usage here:
Water taps for the washing machine should be shut off when the washer is not in use. Most [...]

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 and model numbers:
Brand Models
Venmar 40225
Venmar [...]

I recently overhead someone ask a friend: ‘how did we ever find out anything before Google?’. I gave away my internet age when I said “with altavista” and added for good measure - in a gopher guide. But nevertheless, the point stands. Google is just the greatest mindshare search tool, but its just a gateway [...]

Name of Product: Billy Goat MultiVac Outdoor Vacuums
Units: About 1,600
Manufacturer: Billy Goat Industries Inc, of Lee’s Summit, Mo.
Hazard: The vacuum’s fuel tank could crack and leak fuel. If gasoline leaking from the fuel tank is ignited, a fire or explosion can occur. This poses a fire and burn hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.
Description: The recalled [...]

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:
1. High [...]

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 [...]

Name of Product: Black & Decker® brand Infrawave™ Toasters
Units: About 70,000
Distributor: Applica Consumer Products Inc., of Miramar, Fla.
Hazard: An electrical component in the toaster can overheat and ignite the circuit board, posing a fire hazard.
Incidents/Injuries: Applica has received two reports of the toasters igniting, including one report of fire that damaged a kitchen countertop and [...]

The Sansa Shaker is a little, pink or blue, kid’s dream come true. I’ve listened to it with my kids-it comes with ports for two headsets- and the sound is fabulous! It retails for around $29-$39 depending on the memory you want. Check out a comprehensive review at TechTalk.net. This MP3 player is fun, [...]

If you take a minute now to visit www.howstuffworks.com, you will be prepared the next time a small child asks you how the vacuum works.  This site gives a clear, and very detailed description of a vacuum’s mechanics.

When you plug the vacuum cleaner in and turn it on, this is what happens:

The electric current operates [...]

As the population ages, many people choose to move to smaller homes or condos for ease of maintenance.  Some Baby-Boomers are purchasing smaller, second homes that can become retirement homes in the future. 
Marriette Mifflin at about.com advises:
Take a serious look at your appliances, large and small, and consider their age, general condition, capacity, performance, and [...]

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: Yamaha AC Power Adaptors
Units: About 49,000
Distributor: Yamaha Corporation of America, of Buena Park, Calif.
Hazard: The housing [...]

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: Portable DVD/CD/MP3 Players
Units: About 12,000
Importer: Coby Electronics Corp., of Maspeth, N.Y.
Hazard: The portable DVD/CD/MP3 players can [...]

Straight from PR Newswire: J.D. Power and Associates Reports: High Reliability of Major Home Appliances May Reduce Need for Extended Warranties
According to J.D. Powers and Associates 2007 Major Home Appliance Study, most major appliances these days are quite reliable, yet many consumers continue to purchase extended warranties.
The study measures customer satisfaction in nine segments of [...]

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 products. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.
 Name of Product: Warm Mist Carefree Humidifier
Units: About 84,000
Manufacturer: Hunter Fan Co., of Memphis, Tenn.
Hazard: Water used in the humidifier [...]

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: C9600 Series Digital Color Printers
Units: About 400
Importer: Oki Data Americas, of Mount Laurel, N.J.
Manufacturer: Oki Data [...]

Can this be true?
In 1986, Silo (a chain of home electronics stores) ran a television commercial in 23 markets nationwide, offering stereos for “299 bananas.” They never thought anyone would take them at their word; after all, “banana” is a widely accepted, if playful, term for greenbacks. Who could possibly mistake one for [...]

Name of Product: Toshiba AC Adapters Sold with Portable DVD Players
Units: About 142,000
Distributor: Toshiba America Consumer Products LLC, of Wayne, N.J.
Hazard: The AC adapters can fail, causing the portable DVD player to overheat, posing a burn hazard to consumers.
Incidents/Injuries: Toshiba has received two reports of minor damage to the bottom of the DVD player. No [...]

I have often thought that the little green lights on the computers, monitors and printers in my home office were handy little night lights but today I started seeing them differently. Warren Swil writes in the Los Angeles Times Opinion Section about the tremendous amount of energy that is wasted by leaving [...]

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: Berko Electric, of Peru, Ind., now known [...]

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: About 281,000
Importer/Distributor: Aloha Housewares, Inc. [...]

I know some people have those toasters with the slots on top that pop the toast up, and I remember having a toy one for my play kitchen as a child, but as an adult with a family to feed, I always choose a toaster oven over the pop-up.  My mother had a toaster oven [...]

One of the easiest ways I have found to get calcium and vitamins into my kids is to offer them smoothies as an after school snack.I just throw a variety of frozen fruit, yogurt and some milk into the blender and produce a treat they love. This is a great time of year to pull [...]

I recently overhead someone ask a friend: ‘how did we ever find out anything before Google?’. I gave away my internet age when I said “with altavista” and added for good measure - in a gopher guide. But nevertheless, the point stands. Google is just the greatest mindshare search tool, but [...]

Coby Electronics Recalls Boomboxes Due to Fire Hazard
Name of product: Coby-Brand USB/MP3/CD Boomboxes
Units: About 13,800
Importer: Coby Electronics Corp., of Maspeth, N.Y.
Hazard: When left plugged into an electrical outlet and the off switch is not firmly in place, these boomboxes can overheat, posing a fire hazard.
Incidents/Injuries: Coby Electronics Corp. has received 18 reports of these boomboxes [...]

From Forbes magazine:
Fifteen years ago, you needn’t look further than the ice cube-maker on the door of your Whirlpool refrigerator to find innovation. But these days, we expect a bit more than crushed ice when it comes to high-end, high-tech gadgets.
And we’re not afraid to spend on these domestic devices. Consumers worldwide forked over $301 [...]

Name of product: Travel’N Baby Mini Hair Dryers
Units: About 18,000
Importer: Detour Corp., doing business as Version-X, of Studio City, Calif.
Distributor: Metropolis Beauty Inc., of Los Angeles, Calif.
Hazard: These electric hair dryers are not equipped with an immersion protection plug to prevent electrocution if the hair dryer falls into water. Electric shock protection devices are required [...]

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 Holmes HT30 Oscillating Tower Fan.
The [...]

Earlier this month, the news reported the latest craze, cellphone Ringtones that only teens can hear. The National Public Radio (NPR) article Teens Turn ‘Repeller’ into Adult-Proof Ringtone describes how:
The war between teens and authority figures has a new — or old — front: ears. British shopkeepers tired of teenage loiterers have turned to [...]

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 comfort
contain no [...]

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 and improve your [...]