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Stop Playing Games and Save Energy

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We’re all trying to save money these days.  Using less energy by turning off lights and lowering your thermostat are goo ways to cut down on your energy bill, but here is a small step that can help you save a little more – Turn of your Wii, or Xbox when you are done playing.

Video game consoles nationwide use about as much electricity in a year as every home in San Diego combined, and can significantly add to consumers’ electric bills, according to a new report released by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). Much of this energy use is consumed by machines that are left on, but not in use.

“If you leave your Xbox 360 or Sony Play Station 3 on all the time, you can cut your electric bill by as much as $100 a year simply by turning it off when you are finished playing,” said NRDC Senior Scientist Noah Horowitz. “With so many struggling in today’s economy – it’s important to realize there are simple steps gamers can take to lower their energy costs. And if manufacturers make future systems more energy efficient, they’ll be doing the right thing for consumers’ pockets, for our clean energy future, and for the environment.”

Looking at the “big three” video game consoles – Sony Playstation 3, Microsoft XBox360 and Nintendo’s Wii – the report measured the amount of power they use when they are active, idle and turned off. It found these systems use nearly the same amount of power when you are playing them as they do when you leave them on and walk away. The Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 also operate as high-definition video players. When they are used this way, the consoles continue to operate at nearly peak energy levels, even after the movie ends, unless the device is turned off.

National video game energy use is growing as more and more homes have these devices and additional features are added. The report offers solutions for individuals to cut their game console-related energy costs and offers recommendations on how manufacturers can dramatically improve the efficiency of the next generation of consoles that are being developed. NRDC is working with the leading video game hardware and software designers to help make these improvements. In particular, NRDC is working to make sure users will be able to automatically save their settings and place in the game before they shut down the systems.

How to Remove Refrigerator Odor

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We’ve all experienced power outages and the mess of melted and spoiled food that must be cleaned once the power is restored. If the power is out for an extended period of time, the smell of rotten food can be hard to remove.

Here are step-by-step instructions from inrich.com for getting the smell out:

Start by cleaning the refrigerator compartment thoroughly. Anne Field, an emeritus extension specialist with Michigan State University Extension, suggests this method: Unplug the appliance, remove all food and removable interior parts, and wash the interior with a solution of 1 to 2 tablespoons of baking soda in 1 quart of warm water. Rinse and wipe dry.

Leave the door open and let the refrigerator air out, with a fan directed toward the inside. If weather permits, open the kitchen windows.

Field recommends washing removable shelves and other parts in a warm detergent solution. Don’t put glass or plastic parts in hot water, she cautions. They might crack, especially if they’re cold.

Clean the door gasket with a detergent solution, too.

Next, clean the freezer compartment following the instructions that came with the appliance manual. If you don’t have a manual, contact the manufacturer. Some can be found online.

Ways to absorb odors: If odor remains, Field suggests trying one or all of these removal methods:

  • Spread baking soda on shallow pans and place them on the shelves of the empty refrigerator to absorb odors. Leave the door open and the refrigerator unplugged.
  • Spread activated carbon, also called activated charcoal, in shallow pans and place the pans on the shelves. Turn the refrigerator on low and run it empty a few days till the odors are absorbed.
  • You can also try the same method with cat litter spread on shallow pans, several ounces of imitation vanilla (not pure vanilla extract) poured into a saucer or fresh ground coffee in cereal bowls. With the coffee method, a slight coffee odor might remain, but it can be removed by cleaning the refrigerator again with baking soda solution, Field says.
  • Pack each shelf of an empty refrigerator with crumpled newspaper. Set a cup of water on the top shelf or sprinkle the newspaper lightly with water. Allow the refrigerator to run for five or six days. This method takes longer, but Field says it can be effective in removing strong odors.
  • Buy a commercial odor remover. One brand Field suggests is Odors Away by Wrap-on Co., available at some hardware and hospital supply stores.

    • If none of the methods removes all the odor, Field says it probably has penetrated the insulation. You can contact an appliance service company for an estimate on the cost of removing the liner and replacing the insulation, but replacing the refrigerator may be a better choice, she says.

    Still Have a Landline? Me Too.

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    On a recent Sat- urday night while my hus- band and I sat watch- ing a movie, my home was invaded by two men looking for a quick steal. I surprised them in action and they ran off empty handed. The first thing I did as they ran away was grab the landline phone we keep in our home office and call 911. I was able to get help in under 30 seconds. My other phone was left lying around the house and it would have easily been a few minutes to find it. The police were able to respond and catch the men that night.

    According to a recent Nielsen Company survey, more than 17 percent, or 20 million, of all U.S. households lack landline phones and use only a cellphone. The research suggested that 20 percent of U.S. households could be wireless-only by the end of the year, the company said.

    Nielsen also determined that:

    • smaller households with just one or two residents are more likely to cut the cord than larger households;

    • moving or changing jobs contributes to the decision to drop landline service. Thirty-one percent of cord cutters moved before they dropped landline service, and 22 percent changed jobs; and

    • although cord cutters tend to use their mobile phones more than landline households, they still save an average $33 per month in a household with only one subscriber, minus $6.69 for each additional wireless subscriber in the household.

    Turning exclusively to wireless isn’t for everyone, however. Ten percent of landline customers have experimented with cellular-only communications in their household but returned to landline service, Nielsen said. The primary reason is the need to use a landline for such services as security systems, satellite TV, pay-per-view, fax machines and the like.

    We have always felt that a landline was an investment in safety. Keeping the phone near the kitchen in case of a safety emergency was part of our plan, we never thought we would be using it to catch criminals, but being prepared was what the landline was all about.

    Avoid a Service Call – Troubling Shooting the Freezer

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    We’ve just taken delivery here of a new Frigidaire Gallery upright freezer which we plan to review for you in depth. While sorting through all the paperwork that comes with a new appliance, I found a handy tip sheet that Frigidaire includes to help you prevent the need for a service call. Some of the tips may seem obvious, but hey, if it’s one that might have been forgotten, I want to be reminded of it.

    To be certain your appliance is running properly:

    The outside walls of the appliance should be warm. They can be up to 30 degrees warmer than room temperature.

    You should be able to hear the compressor running ( as long as the surrounding noise level is low).

    Check to see that the appliance is leveled and installed properly.

    • Be sure the wood shipping base is removed
    • Level the appliance from side to side
    • Tilt it slightly backward to insure proper door seal
    • Allow enough air space around the appliance and avoid high temperature locations.
    • Do not store items on top of or close to the appliance

    The appliance must be plugged into a proper circuit.

    • It should not be plugged into a cicuit that is protected by a ground fault interrupt. If it is tripped, it will disconnect power to the appliance.
    • Use a properly grounded three prong outlet.
    • If you are unsure about the outlet, have it checked by an electrician.

    So go check your fridge, see if it’s warm and has enough air space, then come back and see what we have to say about the Frigidaire freezer.

    Washing Machine Care From Whirlpool

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    Last year at this time, Whirlpool introduced Affresh, the tablet that cleans the inside of high efficiency washers, helping to reduce the musty smell that some washers get.  Now, Whirlpool introduces the Affresh washer cleaning kit. The kit includes Power Puck tablets and Grit Grabber cloths to more effectively remove and prevent odor-causing residue than using bleach alone. The Power Puck tablets use oxygenated bubbling action to penetrate and remove residue that can accumulate where it is hard to reach — behind the washer drum. The specially formulated Grit Grabber cloths give consumers added power to clean where they can reach by breaking up residue around the rubber door seal and detergent dispenser and locking it into the cloth.

    “While not every washer will experience odor, it’s possible in all washers. Due to their efficient design, modern HE machines seal more tightly and use less water than older, less efficient washers which increases the potential for residue to build-up,” said Mary Zeitler, home economist for the Whirlpool Institute of Fabric Science.

    Odor may occur when residue from detergents, lint, sloughed off skin cells and soil accumulates in areas of the washer where water cannot rinse. The new Affresh kit offers a comprehensive approach to odor-causing residue by enabling consumers to clean both around the washer door and hard-to-reach areas behind the washer drum. Use of the new Affresh kit should not replace routine washer maintenance recommended in the washer’s Use and Care Guide. Routine measures such as leaving the door open after each load and using only high-efficiency detergents in the proper amount can also help reduce the occurrence of odor.

    The Affresh washer cleaning kit includes three septic system-safe Power Puck tablets and six pre-moistened hypoallergenic Grit Grabber cloths and is packaged in a reusable container to make routine maintenance a snap. It is available at retailers nationwide with an MSRP of $10.99. For more information, please visit www.affresh.com

    Bread Bakers Can Use the Microwave

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    Now that my title has your attention, I’ll be a little more specific.  Whirlpool suggests that it’s Speedcook microwave can be used as a proofing box for maintaining an appropriate and steady temperature while proofing breads.  Home bakers who are trying to create their own artisan breads often find the loaves rising either too quickly or too slowly depending on the ambient temperature of the room.  Whirlpool suggests these steps to help bakers keep a proper temperature:

    Using the convection setting:
    Place dough in a lightly greased ovenproof bowl, and cover
    loosely with shortening-coated wax paper.
    1. Place a shallow, ovenproof container, such as a pie plate,
    filled with 2 cups (500 mL) boiling water on the turntable.
    2. Place the convection rack on the turntable, and then place
    the bowl of dough on the convection rack and close the door.
    3. Touch “Time/Temp/Power” on the Main Menu, then select
    “Bake.”
    4. Follow instructions on the display to program the proofing
    time (about 45 minutes).
    5. Touch “Temp 350°,” and then set a temperature of 100°F
    (38°C) using the “-” control or number pads.
    6. Touch “Start Preheat,” and then touch “Skip Preheat.”
    7. Touch “Start” on the touch screen, or START control.
    The display will count down the proofing (baking) time.
    Check dough after 20 to 25 minutes. Proofing time may vary depending on
    the type and quantity of dough. Proofing time may be
    changed during the countdown by touching “Adjust
    Settings,” and then following the instructions on the display.
    When the cycle ends, the end-of-cycle tones will sound,
    followed by reminder tones.
    When proofing is done, remove bowl of bread dough and continue with your recipe as desired.

    If you own the Speedcook and would like to let us know how this works, we’d love to hear from you.

    Time For a New Lawn Mower?

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    The End of Season sales are a good time to replace that old mower you’ve been dragging out all summer.  Newer models are more energy efficient and the gas models burn cleaner too.  Before you head out to your local home store, take a few minutes to brush up on your lawn mower knowledge.

    One of your first decisions is whether you want a gas or electric mower.  Gas mowers are powerful and can handle long, dense grass.  There are many different models available.  On the downside, they require oil, air filter and spark plug changes.  They use a pull start and are often quite noisy.  You need to have a ready supply of gasoline.  Electric mowers are quiet with no fuel or exhaust emissions and require little maintenance other than sharpening the blades.  They start with a simple switch or push button and are generally lightweight.  The negatives of electric mowers include the limits of mowing within 100 feet of an electrical outlet- the length of the cord.  Cordless machines require a rechargeable battery with a limited run time, on average, of 45 minutes.

    Both gas and electric mowers come with the option of being push or self-propelled.  Self-propelled mowers are easy to use, they move automatically when you pull a lever and stop when the  lever is released.  ( A safety feature to keep it from running away from you as they do in bad comedies.)  They come in a variety of models, but are more expensive than push mowers.  Push mowers will give you a workout and burn calories.  They are tough to use on hills or yards larger than 1/4 acre.

    Side-discharge mowers leave lawn clippings to be raked.  Bag equipped models collect the clippings but add to the weight being pushed.  Mulchers finely chop the clippings and leave them behind to fertilize the grass.

    One last tip: measure your gates to be sure the new mower can get into your yard.

    Keep Your Lawn Mower Running Smoothly

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    The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) offers their advice on maintaining your lawn tools for a greener yard and a greener world. Proper maintenance will also extend the life of your mower, trimmer or tiller.

    • Change your equipment’s oil seasonally and be sure to recycle the old oil.
    • Replace the spark plug and air filter, and check for proper carburetor adjustment … a properly tuned engine helps burn fuel more efficiently, thereby reducing emissions.
    • Be sure to use replacement parts recommended by the manufacturer.
    • Avoid gasoline spillage when you’re refilling the tank. Also, keep fuel tanks and containers sealed tight, leaving room (approx. 3/4 full) for expansion.
    • Tighten loose nuts, bolts and belts so that your mower runs a little quieter, too.
    • For mowers, sharpen cutting blades and keep decks cleared of all grass clippings to further enhance performance.
    • Replace old worn out equipment with the latest models offering low-emission engines that run 70% cleaner than 1990 models. Electric or rechargeable battery power is also available.

    Today’s lawn mowers and power equipment are designed for lower emissions, you can help by practicing proper maintenance.

    Laundry Tips From Whirlpool

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    If you want good advice, go to the experts. I know I’m not alone in my opinion that laundry takes up way too much of my time. Whirlpool, a leading manufacturer of washers and dryers offers their advice on getting your clothes clean with the least amount of hassle.

    • As your laundry accumulates, pre-sort it into designated baskets for lights, darks and whites. This way, a load will be ready to throw in the washer whenever you have a minute to spare.
    • While sorting, don’t forget to close zippers, clasp hooks and check pockets to prevent snags and avoid washing tissues, money, lipstick, etc.
    • Streamline the laundry process by incorporating storage solutions and flat working surfaces into your laundry room. This will keep laundry where it belongs and eliminate the need to treat, sort and fold in other rooms of the house.
    • Wash small loads as needed between laundry days. Today’s high efficiency washing machines use substantially less water and energy than a conventional top-loading washer. Which means you can do small loads when you have time, rather than waiting for the basket to fill up.
    • Don’t overload the washer or dryer. Clothes come out cleaner and less wrinkled when given room to move freely.

    Air Conditioner Maintenance Tips

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    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 that you will not tax either the unit or your budget. Here are some simple things you can do to keep your cool.

    Replace or clean the filter every month

    Air conditioners are outfitted with a simple electrostatic filter in the front grill area to filter the air that passes through them. If your unit has a filter you should replace/clean it once a month during the cooling season.

    Inspect cooling coils for frost or ice build-up

    If the temperature outside the room where the air conditioner is placed becomes cool — approximately 60 degrees Fahrenheit or lower — check the coils on the front of the air conditioner to be sure they are not icing up. If they are, turn the air conditioner off until the temperature rises. Also, make sure the filter is clean.

    Don’t short cycle the cooling system

    Air conditioners have a cooling system identical to a refrigerator’s. It’s important not to turn the unit off and then back on right away. Wait at least ten minutes after shutting the unit off to allow pressure in the refrigeration system to equalize once again. This will prolong the life of your air conditioner.

    Store the unit in a basement or utility room, not a garage

    Mice and other small animals love to nest in air conditioners. Thay can cause serious damage to the unit by chewing on wiring and insulation. Also, wasps and birds like to nest in uncovered units left in windows. Avoid these problems by storing units in a protected area, away from small animals, or by installing a cover on the part of the air conditioner that is outside.

    Clean condenser coils annually

    Condensing coils on an air conditioner will get very dirty over time. Dirt tends to accumulate on the inside of the coils, out of site. Remove the entire cover of the air conditioner to gain access to the coils. They can be cleaned by blowing compressed air at them or by using a soft bristle brush to wipe the dirt off. Be sure to also clean any dirt or lint build up in the bottom of the air conditioner so condensate water will be picked up by the condensing fan slinger properly.