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Archives for 2008

Black & Decker In- Car Charger

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Having a dead battery is never fun. Having one late at night or in the freezing snow is bad. How about late at night and in the freezing snow? Okay- enough! Dead batteries happen, but being prepared can make the situation easier.

Black & Decker has a gadget called Simple Start that can jump start a car with you not even having to get out of it. Plug the charger into your cigarette lighter and in about ten minutes, you’re good to go. To be sure it is always ready, recharge the starter once a month through your car’s cigarette lighter, or an electrical outlet.

The Simple Start also has a built in LED light and a 12 volt DC charging port for charging cell phones.

I’ve found the Simple Start online for about $40.

Buying an MP3 Player?

By

There are so many MP3 players out there, how do you know what to look for when you’re out shopping? One of the first things to decide is how much you want the player to hold. If you are using it for music, how many songs do you want on it? Gigabites(GB) are the units in which the memory is measured. The more GB, the more songs the player will hold. A model with 80GB will store up to 20,000 songs, while a model with 2GB will store about 500.

Knowing your budget helps too- the more memory, the higher the price tag.

In general, models with more memory use microdrive technology. Microdrive technology is basically a tiny little harddrive with a spinning disc and a magnetic head reading it. These MP3s have moving pieces that can be damaged by shaking. You might want to go for a solid state model like the Sansa Shaker or others that are less likely to be damaged if used while exercising- or if you plan to loan it to your kids.

Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

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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 charcoal is burned. The amount of CO produced while using fuel-burning appliances is usually not harmful. It becomes hazardous when appliances are used improperly or are not functioning adequately.

Residential sources:

  • furnaces
  • woodstoves
  • water heaters
  • gas stoves
  • fireplaces

Even at low levels of exposure, carbon monoxide can cause serious health problems. There are a number of symptoms that are indicators of possible carbon monoxide poisoning. These symptoms vary depending on the amount of exposure to the actual poison. Recently, studies have been performed to show that chronic carbon monoxide poisoning can result in long term, residual effects on our bodies. Symptoms such as nausea, headaches and light-headedness should be checked by a physician especially when more than one person in the home is showing symptoms. Although everyone needs to be aware of the dangers, some people are more susceptible than others. The following are more susceptible to carbon monoxide poisoning.

  • Foetuses
  • Infants
  • Elderly People
  • Those who suffer from anaemia, respiratory or heart disease

Precautionary Measures
Routinely at the beginning of every heating season home owners should have their fuel burning appliances checked by a qualified technician. Appliances deteriorate with time and can be a health risk to those who live in the home.

Besides having your appliances inspected, those using fuel-burning appliances should have their homes equipped with carbon monoxide detectors to provide added peace of mind. Appliances can break down any time of year so it is important to have a back-up system in place to keep you informed when CO levels increase. A CO detector should be placed on every floor in the home to provide the best protection.

Save Money with a Programmable Thermostat

By

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 helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with energy production

    • Programmable thermostats earn the ENERGY STAR by meeting strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the government. These units save energy by offering 4 convenient, pre-programmed temperature settings — settings that try to anticipate when it’s convenient for you to scale back on heating or cooling.

    If you are like many homeowners and work outside the home during the day and have a different schedule on the weekend, a programmable thermostat can offer many benefits, and the return on your investment is usually within 1 year.

    On the other hand, if you are home throughout the day, seven days a week, then a programmable thermostat will offer more limited benefits.

    Through proper use of a programmable thermostat (using the 4 pre-programmed settings) you can save about $150* every year in energy costs.

    Rules of Thumb for Proper Use:

    1. Keep the temperature set at its energy savings set-points for long periods of time (at least eight hours), for example, during the day, when no one is at home, and through the night, after bedtime.
    2. All thermostats let you temporarily make an area warmer or cooler, without erasing the pre-set programming. This override is cancelled automatically at the next program period. You use more energy (and end up paying more on energy bills) if you consistently “hold” or over-ride the pre-programmed settings.
    3. Units typically have 2 types of hold features: (a) hold/permanent/vacation; (b) temporary. Avoid using the hold/permanent/vacation feature to manage day to day temperature settings. “Hold” or “vacation” features are best when you’re planning be away for an extended period. Set this feature at a constant, efficient temperature (i.e. several degrees warmer temperature in summer, several degrees cooler during winter), when going away for the weekend or on vacation. You’ll waste energy and money if you leave the “hold” feature at the comfort setting while you’re away.
    4. Cranking your unit up to 90 degrees or down to 40 degrees, for example, will not heat or cool your house any faster. Most thermostats, including ENERGY STAR qualified units, begin to heat or cool at a programmed time, to reach set-point temperatures sometime thereafter. Units with adaptive, “smart,” or “intelligent” recovery features are an exception to this rule — they reach desired temperatures by the set time, since they use formulas that are based on your historical use.
    5. Install your unit on an interior wall, away from heating or cooling vents and other sources of heat or drafts (doorways, windows, skylights, direct sunlight or bright lamps).
    6. Many homes use just one thermostat to control the whole house. If your home has multiple heating or cooling zones, you’ll need a programmed setback thermostat for each zone to maximize comfort, convenience and energy savings throughout the house.
    7. Don’t forget to change the batteries each year. Some units indicate when batteries must be changed.

    *The $150 savings assumes a typical, single-family home with an 8 hour daytime setback and a 10 hour nighttime setback of 8°F in winter and 4°F in summer.

    Features

    ENERGY STAR qualifies these types of units:

    7-day models are best if your daily schedule tends to change, say, if children are at home earlier on some days. They give you the most flexibility, and let you set different programs for different days – usually with four possible temperature periods per day.

    5+2-day models use the same schedule every weekday, and another for weekends.

    5-1-1 models are best if you tend to keep one schedule Monday through Friday, and another schedule on Saturdays and Sundays.

    All ENERGY STAR qualified programmable thermostats include:

    • Four default program periods per day, allowing you to save money while you’re away or sleeping
    • +/- 2 degree accuracy to keep the temperature at an even level, keeping you comfortable

    ENERGY STAR qualified programmable thermostats typically come with:

    • Digital, backlit displays
    • Touch pad screen programming
    • Voice and/or phone programming
    • Hold/Vacation features
    • Indicators which tell you when its time to change air filters
    • Indicators that signal malfunctioning of heating/cooling systems
    • Adaptive Recovery/ Smart Recovery features – control features that senses the amount of time it will take to reach the next set-point temperature, and reach desired temperatures by the set time

    Installation

    Programmable thermostats are a low voltage wiring installation (however, you should shut down your electricity during the replacement), and involve anywhere from 2–10 wires, depending on your type of heating and cooling system. The previous attachment points will reconnect your new unit. Read all instructions and proceed carefully.

    If the job requires more than just a replacement, call your certified HVAC professional to ensure proper installation, as well as operation of your heating and cooling system. It’s a good idea to upgrade an old manual thermostat to a programmable unit, if you’re replacing a CAC or heating system given that programmable units are far more accurate and will maximize the efficiency of your new system For heat pumps, you may need a special unit to maximize energy savings year-round. Talk to your retailer or HVAC contractor before selecting the unit.

    Also, if you’re replacing a conventional thermostat that has a mercury switch, be careful not to break the tube that holds this toxic substance. Contact your local recycling/hazardous materials center, or the manufacturer of your new thermostat, for advice on proper disposal.

    Cooking Safely in the Microwave

    By

    Microwave ovens can play an important role at mealtime, but special care must be taken when cooking or reheating meat, poultry, fish, and eggs to make sure they are prepared safely. Microwave ovens can cook unevenly and leave “cold spots,” where harmful bacteria can survive. For this reason, it is important to use the following safe microwaving tips to prevent foodborne illness.

    Microwave Oven Cooking

        * Arrange food items evenly in a covered dish and add some liquid if needed. Cover the dish with a lid or plastic wrap; loosen or vent the lid or wrap to let steam escape. The moist heat that is created will help destroy harmful bacteria and ensure uniform cooking. Cooking bags also provide safe, even cooking.
        * Do not cook large cuts of meat on high power (100%). Large cuts of meat should be cooked on medium power (50%) for longer periods. This allows heat to reach the center without overcooking outer areas.
        * Stir or rotate food midway through the microwaving time to eliminate cold spots where harmful bacteria can survive, and for more even cooking.
        * When partially cooking food in the microwave oven to finish cooking on the grill or in a conventional oven, it is important to transfer the microwaved food to the other heat source immediately. Never partially cook food and store it for later use.
        * Use a food thermometer or the oven’s temperature probe to verify the food has reached a safe minimum internal temperature. Cooking times may vary because ovens vary in power and efficiency. Always allow standing time, which completes the cooking, before checking the internal temperature with a food thermometer.
        * Cook foods to the following safe minimum internal temperatures:
              o Beef, veal, and lamb steaks, roasts, and chops may be cooked to 145 °F.
              o All cuts of pork to 160 °F.
              o Ground beef, veal and lamb to 160 °F.
              o Egg dishes, casseroles to 160 °F.
              o Leftovers to 165 °F.
              o Stuffed poultry is not recommended. Cook stuffing separately to 165 °F.
              o All poultry should reach a safe minimum internal temperature of 165 °F.
        * Cooking whole, stuffed poultry in a microwave oven is not recommended. The stuffing might not reach the temperature needed to destroy harmful bacteria.

    Microwave Defrosting

        * Remove food from packaging before defrosting. Do not use foam trays and because they are not heat stable at high temperatures. Melting or warping may cause harmful chemicals to migrate into food. ( There is some controversy about this.)
        * Cook meat, poultry, egg casseroles, and fish immediately after defrosting in the microwave oven because some areas of the food may begin to cook during the defrosting time. Do not hold partially cooked food to use later.
        * Cover foods with a lid or a microwave-safe plastic wrap to hold in moisture and provide safe, even heating.
        * Heat ready-to-eat foods such as hot dogs, luncheon meats, fully cooked ham, and leftovers until steaming hot.
        * After reheating foods in the microwave oven, allow standing time. Then, use a clean food thermometer to check that food has reached 165 °F.

    Containers & Wraps

        * Only use cookware that is specially manufactured for use in the microwave oven. Glass, ceramic containers, and all plastics should be labeled for microwave oven use.
        * Plastic storage containers such as margarine tubs, take-out containers, whipped topping bowls, and other one-time use containers should not be used in microwave ovens. These containers can warp or melt, possibly causing harmful chemicals to migrate into the food.
        * Microwave plastic wraps, wax paper, cooking bags, parchment paper, and white microwave-safe paper towels should be safe to use. Do not let plastic wrap touch foods during microwaving.
        * Never use thin plastic storage bags, brown paper or plastic grocery bags, newspapers, or aluminum foil in the microwave oven.

    Save Money with a Programmable Thermostat

    By

    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 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 helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with energy production

    Programmable thermostats earn the ENERGY STAR by meeting strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the government. These units save energy by offering 4 convenient, pre-programmed temperature settings — settings that try to anticipate when it’s convenient for you to scale back on heating or cooling.

    If you are like many homeowners and work outside the home during the day and have a different schedule on the weekend, a programmable thermostat can offer many benefits, and the return on your investment is usually within 1 year.

    On the other hand, if you are home throughout the day, seven days a week, then a programmable thermostat will offer more limited benefits

    Through proper use of a programmable thermostat (using the 4 pre-programmed settings) you can save about $150* every year in energy costs.

    Rules of Thumb for Proper Use:

    1. Keep the temperature set at its energy savings set-points for long periods of time (at least eight hours), for example, during the day, when no one is at home, and through the night, after bedtime.
    2. All thermostats let you temporarily make an area warmer or cooler, without erasing the pre-set programming. This override is cancelled automatically at the next program period. You use more energy (and end up paying more on energy bills) if you consistently “hold” or over-ride the pre-programmed settings.
    3. Units typically have 2 types of hold features: (a) hold/permanent/vacation; (b) temporary. Avoid using the hold/permanent/vacation feature to manage day to day temperature settings. “Hold” or “vacation” features are best when you’re planning be away for an extended period. Set this feature at a constant, efficient temperature (i.e. several degrees warmer temperature in summer, several degrees cooler during winter), when going away for the weekend or on vacation. You’ll waste energy and money if you leave the “hold” feature at the comfort setting while you’re away.
    4. Cranking your unit up to 90 degrees or down to 40 degrees, for example, will not heat or cool your house any faster. Most thermostats, including ENERGY STAR qualified units, begin to heat or cool at a programmed time, to reach set-point temperatures sometime thereafter. Units with adaptive, “smart,” or “intelligent” recovery features are an exception to this rule — they reach desired temperatures by the set time, since they use formulas that are based on your historical use.
    5. Install your unit on an interior wall, away from heating or cooling vents and other sources of heat or drafts (doorways, windows, skylights, direct sunlight or bright lamps).
    6. Many homes use just one thermostat to control the whole house. If your home has multiple heating or cooling zones, you’ll need a programmed setback thermostat for each zone to maximize comfort, convenience and energy savings throughout the house.
    7. Don’t forget to change the batteries each year. Some units indicate when batteries must be changed.

    *The $150 savings assumes a typical, single-family home with an 8 hour daytime setback and a 10 hour nighttime setback of 8°F in winter and 4°F in summer.

    Features

    ENERGY STAR qualifies these types of units:

    7-day models are best if your daily schedule tends to change, say, if children are at home earlier on some days. They give you the most flexibility, and let you set different programs for different days – usually with four possible temperature periods per day.

    5+2-day models use the same schedule every weekday, and another for weekends.

    5-1-1 models are best if you tend to keep one schedule Monday through Friday, and another schedule on Saturdays and Sundays.

    All ENERGY STAR qualified programmable thermostats include:

    • Four default program periods per day, allowing you to save money while you’re away or sleeping
    • +/- 2 degree accuracy to keep the temperature at an even level, keeping you comfortable

    ENERGY STAR qualified programmable thermostats typically come with:

    • Digital, backlit displays
    • Touch pad screen programming
    • Voice and/or phone programming
    • Hold/Vacation features
    • Indicators which tell you when its time to change air filters
    • Indicators that signal malfunctioning of heating/cooling systems
    • Adaptive Recovery/ Smart Recovery features – control features that senses the amount of time it will take to reach the next set-point temperature, and reach desired temperatures by the set time

    Installation

    Programmable thermostats are a low voltage wiring installation (however, you should shut down your electricity during the replacement), and involve anywhere from 2–10 wires, depending on your type of heating and cooling system. The previous attachment points will reconnect your new unit. Read all instructions and proceed carefully.

    If the job requires more than just a replacement, call your certified HVAC professional to ensure proper installation, as well as operation of your heating and cooling system. It’s a good idea to upgrade an old manual thermostat to a programmable unit, if you’re replacing a CAC or heating system given that programmable units are far more accurate and will maximize the efficiency of your new system For heat pumps, you may need a special unit to maximize energy savings year-round. Talk to your retailer or HVAC contractor before selecting the unit.

    Also, if you’re replacing a conventional thermostat that has a mercury switch, be careful not to break the tube that holds this toxic substance. Contact your local recycling/hazardous materials center, or the manufacturer of your new thermostat, for advice on proper disposal.

    Kenmore Brings Microban Antimicrobial Technology to Refrigeration

    By

    Kenmore unveiled the addition of crisper drawers with Microban antimicrobial product protection in new Kenmore refrigerators. Featuring Microban antimicrobial technology, the new crisper drawer will remain fresh longer between cleanings. In new Kenmore refrigeration models, the crisper drawer is infused with Microban antimicrobial protection to continuously inhibit the growth of stain and odor causing bacteria. The technology is available in more than 750 products worldwide.

    While the Microban antimicrobial feature is not a replacement for regular cleanings, it ensures the surface of the crisper bin doesn’t harbor stain and odor causing bacteria between cleanings. The protection lasts the lifetime of the refrigerator and does not wash or wear away over time.

    Kenmore refrigerators with Microban antimicrobial technology will be available exclusively at Sears stores nationwide in April 2008. They are offered in white, stainless steel, biscuit, satina, and black. Prices range from $1,099 to $1,399, depending on color and model.

    Cooking Safely in the Microwave

    By

    Microwave ovens can play an important role at mealtime, but special care must be taken when cooking or reheating meat, poultry, fish, and eggs to make sure they are prepared safely. Microwave ovens can cook unevenly and leave “cold spots,” where harmful bacteria can survive. For this reason, it is important to use the following safe microwaving tips to prevent foodborne illness.

    Microwave Oven Cooking

        * Arrange food items evenly in a covered dish and add some liquid if needed. Cover the dish with a lid or plastic wrap; loosen or vent the lid or wrap to let steam escape. The moist heat that is created will help destroy harmful bacteria and ensure uniform cooking. Cooking bags also provide safe, even cooking.
        * Do not cook large cuts of meat on high power (100%). Large cuts of meat should be cooked on medium power (50%) for longer periods. This allows heat to reach the center without overcooking outer areas.
        * Stir or rotate food midway through the microwaving time to eliminate cold spots where harmful bacteria can survive, and for more even cooking.
        * When partially cooking food in the microwave oven to finish cooking on the grill or in a conventional oven, it is important to transfer the microwaved food to the other heat source immediately. Never partially cook food and store it for later use.
        * Use a food thermometer or the oven’s temperature probe to verify the food has reached a safe minimum internal temperature. Cooking times may vary because ovens vary in power and efficiency. Always allow standing time, which completes the cooking, before checking the internal temperature with a food thermometer.
        * Cook foods to the following safe minimum internal temperatures:
              o Beef, veal, and lamb steaks, roasts, and chops may be cooked to 145 °F.
              o All cuts of pork to 160 °F.
              o Ground beef, veal and lamb to 160 °F.
              o Egg dishes, casseroles to 160 °F.
              o Leftovers to 165 °F.
              o Stuffed poultry is not recommended. Cook stuffing separately to 165 °F.
              o All poultry should reach a safe minimum internal temperature of 165 °F.
        * Cooking whole, stuffed poultry in a microwave oven is not recommended. The stuffing might not reach the temperature needed to destroy harmful bacteria.

    Microwave Defrosting

        * Remove food from packaging before defrosting. Do not use foam trays and because they are not heat stable at high temperatures. Melting or warping may cause harmful chemicals to migrate into food. ( There is some controversy about this.)
        * Cook meat, poultry, egg casseroles, and fish immediately after defrosting in the microwave oven because some areas of the food may begin to cook during the defrosting time. Do not hold partially cooked food to use later.
        * Cover foods with a lid or a microwave-safe plastic wrap to hold in moisture and provide safe, even heating.
        * Heat ready-to-eat foods such as hot dogs, luncheon meats, fully cooked ham, and leftovers until steaming hot.
        * After reheating foods in the microwave oven, allow standing time. Then, use a clean food thermometer to check that food has reached 165 °F.

    Containers & Wraps

        * Only use cookware that is specially manufactured for use in the microwave oven. Glass, ceramic containers, and all plastics should be labeled for microwave oven use.
        * Plastic storage containers such as margarine tubs, take-out containers, whipped topping bowls, and other one-time use containers should not be used in microwave ovens. These containers can warp or melt, possibly causing harmful chemicals to migrate into the food.
        * Microwave plastic wraps, wax paper, cooking bags, parchment paper, and white microwave-safe paper towels should be safe to use. Do not let plastic wrap touch foods during microwaving.
        * Never use thin plastic storage bags, brown paper or plastic grocery bags, newspapers, or aluminum foil in the microwave oven.

    Everything You Need to Know About Programmable Thermostats

    By

    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 mercury
    • save energy and save money on utility bills — when used properly, about $150/year
    • are better for the environment, since using less energy helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with energy production

    Programmable thermostats earn the ENERGY STAR by meeting strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the government. These units save energy by offering 4 convenient, pre-programmed temperature settings — settings that try to anticipate when it’s convenient for you to scale back on heating or cooling.

    If you are like many homeowners and work outside the home during the day and have a different schedule on the weekend, a programmable thermostat can offer many benefits, and the return on your investment is usually within 1 year.

    On the other hand, if you are home throughout the day, seven days a week, then a programmable thermostat will offer more limited benefits.

    Through proper use of a programmable thermostat (using the 4 pre-programmed settings) you can save about $150* every year in energy costs.

    Rules of Thumb for Proper Use:

    1. Keep the temperature set at its energy savings set-points for long periods of time (at least eight hours), for example, during the day, when no one is at home, and through the night, after bedtime.
    2. All thermostats let you temporarily make an area warmer or cooler, without erasing the pre-set programming. This override is cancelled automatically at the next program period. You use more energy (and end up paying more on energy bills) if you consistently “hold” or over-ride the pre-programmed settings.
    3. Units typically have 2 types of hold features: (a) hold/permanent/vacation; (b) temporary. Avoid using the hold/permanent/vacation feature to manage day to day temperature settings. “Hold” or “vacation” features are best when you’re planning be away for an extended period. Set this feature at a constant, efficient temperature (i.e. several degrees warmer temperature in summer, several degrees cooler during winter), when going away for the weekend or on vacation. You’ll waste energy and money if you leave the “hold” feature at the comfort setting while you’re away.
    4. Cranking your unit up to 90 degrees or down to 40 degrees, for example, will not heat or cool your house any faster. Most thermostats, including ENERGY STAR qualified units, begin to heat or cool at a programmed time, to reach set-point temperatures sometime thereafter. Units with adaptive, “smart,” or “intelligent” recovery features are an exception to this rule — they reach desired temperatures by the set time, since they use formulas that are based on your historical use.
    5. Install your unit on an interior wall, away from heating or cooling vents and other sources of heat or drafts (doorways, windows, skylights, direct sunlight or bright lamps).
    6. Many homes use just one thermostat to control the whole house. If your home has multiple heating or cooling zones, you’ll need a programmed setback thermostat for each zone to maximize comfort, convenience and energy savings throughout the house.
    7. Don’t forget to change the batteries each year. Some units indicate when batteries must be changed.

    Features

    ENERGY STAR qualifies these types of units:

    7-day models are best if your daily schedule tends to change, say, if children are at home earlier on some days. They give you the most flexibility, and let you set different programs for different days – usually with four possible temperature periods per day.

    5+2-day models use the same schedule every weekday, and another for weekends.

    5-1-1 models are best if you tend to keep one schedule Monday through Friday, and another schedule on Saturdays and Sundays.

    All ENERGY STAR qualified programmable thermostats include:

    • Four default program periods per day, allowing you to save money while you’re away or sleeping
    • +/- 2 degree accuracy to keep the temperature at an even level, keeping you comfortable

    ENERGY STAR qualified programmable thermostats typically come with:

    • Digital, backlit displays
    • Touch pad screen programming
    • Voice and/or phone programming
    • Hold/Vacation features
    • Indicators which tell you when its time to change air filters
    • Indicators that signal malfunctioning of heating/cooling systems
    • Adaptive Recovery/ Smart Recovery features – control features that senses the amount of time it will take to reach the next set-point temperature, and reach desired temperatures by the set time

    Installation

    Programmable thermostats are a low voltage wiring installation (however, you should shut down your electricity during the replacement), and involve anywhere from 2–10 wires, depending on your type of heating and cooling system. The previous attachment points will reconnect your new unit. Read all instructions and proceed carefully.

    If the job requires more than just a replacement, call your certified HVAC professional to ensure proper installation, as well as operation of your heating and cooling system. It’s a good idea to upgrade an old manual thermostat to a programmable unit, if you’re replacing a CAC or heating system given that programmable units are far more accurate and will maximize the efficiency of your new system For heat pumps, you may need a special unit to maximize energy savings year-round. Talk to your retailer or HVAC contractor before selecting the unit.

    Also, if you’re replacing a conventional thermostat that has a mercury switch, be careful not to break the tube that holds this toxic substance. Contact your local recycling/hazardous materials center, or the manufacturer of your new thermostat, for advice on proper disposal.

    GE Tankless Gas Water Heater

    By

    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 hot water* when and where you need it. No more dipping the finger into the spray to see if the temperature is just right, or standing in a cold bathroom waiting for hot water that’s been drained from the tank.

    Unlike conventional water tanks that heat and store hot water around the clock, GE’s tankless gas water heater only activates when you start to use hot water, and immediately de-activates when you are done. The result is a more energy-efficient system; using a tankless gas heater can save homeowners up to 25% annually on water heating costs on their energy bill over a standard 40-gallon gas tank water heater.** Those savings are a result of eliminating standby losses–the energy lost from warmed water sitting in a tank. GE’s tankless gas heaters have an Ef rating of. 82, whereas a standard gas water heater has an Ef rating of just .53–.62.

    The tankless system delivers continuous hot water at the precisely heated temperature to every faucet, fixture or appliance in the home. The electronic digital control allows the homeowner to adjust the hot water temperature at the touch of a button, while the Precise Temp feature keeps water temperature within three degrees (+/-)of the heater’s set point.

    Another advantage of the tankless gas water heater is that with proper sizing, it is capable of providing continuous hot water even when multiple showers, tubs, sinks or appliances are in use at the same time.

    GE’s tankless gas water heaters also fit in small spaces. Available in both outdoor and indoor models, the tankless gas water heater’s compact footprint (approximately 23-inches height x 14-inches width x 10-inches; deep, and weighing 50 pounds) allows installation in attics, garages, closets or other out-of-the-way locations. For the ultimate in convenience, units can be equipped with an optional remote controller, which allows the user to monitor and adjust hot water temperature in the bathroom, kitchen, laundry room or any other room. Outdoor units are equipped with ceramic heaters that prevent them from freezing at temperatures as low as –30°F.

    Available June 2008, the GE tankless gas water heater is available in two sizes (7.5-gallon-per-minute flow and 9.4-gallon-per-minute flow), indoor and outdoor. The 7.5-gallon-per-minute flow is available in natural gas; the 9.4-gallon-per-minute flow is available in natural gas or LP gas.