Home Appliances

KitchenAid appliances are trendy, attractive, practical and extremely useful. Many homeowners choose to use all KitchenAid appliances when remodeling or building a home. KitchenAid appliances include major appliances such as stoves and refrigerators as well as small appliances such as coffee makers, blenders, egg beaters and toaster ovens. Here is how to shop for KitchenAid appliances for your own home. You can also follow these steps to buy KitchenAid appliances as wedding gifts.

Instructions

1 Choose KitchenAid appliances for cooking needs, such as a built-in oven, cooktop, freestanding range, hoods vents for the cooking area, built-in and countertop microwaves, warming drawers and other items. The stainless steel line of KitchenAid cooking appliances is especially popular.
2 Buy KitchenAid appliances for your refrigeration needs. Consider the extensive line of built-in refrigerators for a classic seamless look in your kitchen. There are always freestanding refrigerators for a more economical replacement to your current fridge, as well as beverage centers if you love to entertain and need the extra space for cold drinks. KitchenAid also makes ice makers, under counter and drawer refrigerators, wine cellars and more. Visit the KitchenAid site online to view the full line.
3 Buy a KitchenAid appliance dishwasher and compactor to help with your meal clean-up. Trash compacts efficiently in the KitchenAid compactor while you load dishes into a KitchenAid built-in dishwasher or new in-sink dishwasher model.
4 Add a KitchenAid sink disposer appliance to outfit your KitchenAid sink and fixtures, such as faucets and instant hot water dispensers also made by the company.

Electric surges, also called power surges, occur almost daily in most homes. Depending on the source of the electric surges and the type of appliances in the home, the electric surges may or may not cause any damage. Fortunately, you can protect vulnerable appliances from damaging electric surges.

Understanding Surges

An electric surge is a destructive power disturbance to the normal electric delivery to a home. Typically, homes receive voltage in an oscillating pattern, from a low of zero volts to a high of 169 volts. Electric surges cause an increase in the voltage. The increase in voltage is usually only a few hundred volts. However, sometimes the voltage increases to a damaging level of several thousand volts. The brief spike of increased voltage, or electric surge, lasts only a few millionths of a second.

Sources

Small electric surges happen every day. Certain appliances, such as air conditioners and refrigerators, cause small spikes in voltage when they cycle on and off. Short-circuits in home wiring also cause electric surges. Electric surges may occur when the electric company performs power grid switching or when an animal touches two power lines at the same time. Accidents involving power poles or power lines, usually as the result of bad weather conditions, can result in damaging power surges. Lightning is responsible for most damaging electric surges, as a lightning strike near a home can send excess voltage through the ground and into a home's electrical service line.

Damage

An electric surge can cause an arc of electrical current inside an appliance. The arc creates heat that can damage the circuitry within the appliance. The arc can get so hot that it starts a fire. The higher the voltage increase, the higher the probability of appliance damage. However, even small, repeated electric surges may harm the integrity of circuitry and shorten the life of appliances. Appliances with electronic controls, such as key pads, electronic displays and programmable functions, are particularly vulnerable to power spikes. Appliances with mechanical controls, such as rotary dials and on/off switches, fare better during electric surges.

Protection

Surge protectors use the home's wiring to divert the extra voltage of a power surge to the home's electrical ground wire. Homeowners can easily install point-of-use surge protectors. These surge protectors plug into wall outlets and protect individual appliances from small electric surges. Surge protection installed at the electric entrance panel provides a higher level of protection for the entire house. This method of surge protection requires a licensed electrician for installation. Another whole-house solution is a surge protector installed on or next to the home's electric meter. The power company installs this type of surge protector. Whole-house surge protection only works on excess voltage entering the home, and does not protect appliances from electric surges occurring within the home.

Kitchen fires can be as simple as a scorched potholder or can be the catalyst for a major house fire. There are many potential areas for a home kitchen fire to start, in the oven or on the stove, and in the many small appliances typically plugged in and operating in a home kitchen. This article looks at a number of ways to prevent a fire from starting in a home kitchen.

Instructions

1 Inspect appliance wiring for wear. Make sure potholders and towels are not worn thin, which makes it easier for them to burn through. Unplug appliances that are not being used.
2 Clean up spills, especially grease, immediately. Clean crumbs out of the toaster regularly. Clean the oven at least once a week to remove spills.
3 Remove empty pots from hot burners and empty coffee carafes from hot coffee makers. Place them on a thick potholder or towel to cool. Keep plastic containers away from the stove.
4 Monitor cooking food on the stove and in the oven. Watch for liquids that might boil over the top of the pan and spill onto the stovetop or into the burner eye.
5 Install a smoke alarm and check the batteries every twelve months. The smoke alarm should be positioned in the kitchen between the stove and the door. Keep a working fire extinguisher within easy reach.

Homeowner's insurance policies do not cover appliance damage and repairs, according to the Arizona Department of Insurance. Depending upon the age and amount of appliances in their home, homeowners may be hard hit by unexpected repair or replacement costs when their appliances break. With an appliance insurance plan, commonly known as a home warranty plan, an insurance agency will pay the full cost of repairs and replacements of broken appliances so that the owner of the property does not have to pay these costs out of pocket.

Considerations

According to the Arizona Department of Insurance, homeowners' insurance plans typically cover structural property damage resulting from fire, windstorms, lightning and hail. Home warranty plans can cover damage to heating, plumbing, electrical and ductwork systems. In addition, these plans cover damage to ranges, ovens, trash compactors, dishwashers, fans, sump pumps and water heaters, regardless of the age or model of household components and appliances. Insurers usually offer both a basic coverage package and an enhanced package, with the enhanced package covering a greater variety of appliances and systems.

Benefits

Home warranty policies typically cover normal wear and tear and repairs not covered by manufacturer warranties. According to American Home Shield, the cost of a furnace can average $270 to repair in the U.S. and $2,671 to replace, and an air conditioner costs an average of $2,069 to replace and $368 to repair as of 2010. Even small appliance repairs can quickly add up to over a thousand dollars annually. To ensure the job is completed properly, home warranty insurers subcontract repair and replacement work out to licensed local mechanics.

Fees

Appliance insurance policyholders will pay a yearly premium to receive protection. According to Fidelity Nation, the average cost for a home warranty usually runs between $250 and $400 as of March 2011. In addition, policyholders typically pay a small service fee to have an appliance repaired or replaced to prevent frivolous claims. After paying the fee, the insurer will cover the full cost of repair or replacement.

Claims

An appliance insurance plan typically provides claim service seven days a week, according to Wells Fargo. After an appliance breaks, the homeowner will call his insurance agency to report the problem. A skilled mechanic or technician prescreened by the insurance agency will then travel to the plan holder's home and fix the appliance. If a technician cannot fix the appliance, the insurance agency will write the policyholder a check to cover the cost of buying a similar model appliance.

Moving to a new home? Appliances are one of the most difficult items to pack for a move. Unless you hire commercial movers to pack and deliver your appliances to their destination, you will need to prepare the items yourself for their oftentimes-rough journey. With these few simple packing tricks, you can improve the odds that your appliances will reach your new home unharmed and in good working condition.

Instructions

1 Bring in a professional if necessary. If you're not knowledgeable about unplugging and uninstalling ovens, washer-dryers, dishwashers, home theaters, computer systems and other appliances, call a professional for help.
2 Unplug the refrigerator at least two days before the move. This will give you enough time to remove the contents, clean and dry the interior and defrost and dry the freezer if necessary.


3 Secure the electrical cord of each appliance. Roll or fold the cord into a small bundle and secure with a twist tie or adhesive tape, then tape the bundle onto the back of the appliance to prevent it from getting in the way of your packing. Use blue painter's tape, because it will be easy to remove when you unpack. Heavy-duty packing tape will provide a more secure hold, but may be more difficult to take off.
4 Tape or tie down movable parts. Tape down all appliance doors. If your microwave has a carousel, tape it down or wrap it in bubble wrap, then cushion it inside the microwave with dishtowels, tablecloths or bath towels. Secure the loose items of your rotisserie and grill. Pack them separately if necessary (but label them clearly to avoid getting misplaced).
5 Pack electronics securely, preferably in their original packaging. Remove CDs, DVDs and flash drives and shut down computers properly.
6 Wrap major appliances like TVs and washer-dryers with moving pads or blankets and secure with heavy-duty tape, cord or rope.
7 Wrap small appliances and electronics individually with bubble wrap and pack together in big heavy-duty boxes or cartons, cushion-filled with crumpled newspaper or foam peanuts.
8 Label all boxes with a list of the contents and the destination room in the new house. Attach a big and colorful "FRAGILE" label on each box or appliance.

Maybe you're trying to determine the high-energy appliances in your home with the idea that you'll use them less and be a little more environmentally friendly. Or perhaps you're looking at those appliances with the idea that you want to save a little money on utility bills. Finding the wattage of the appliances is the first step to analyzing your home energy usage.

Low Wattage

Your house is full of low-wattage appliances. Clock radios, for instance, draw an average of about 10 watts. DVD players use about 20 to 25. A laptop computer uses about 50 watts of energy to recharge. An electric blanket uses 150 watts, and a window fan uses about 200 watts of energy. A 19-inch television uses around 110 watts, and larger televisions, like those with 53-inch projection screens, use about 170.

High Wattage

Air conditioners, hot water heaters and other appliances with heating or cooling elements are generally high-wattage items. A 40-gallon water heater, for instance, draws between 4,000 and 4,500 watts. The average hair dryer uses more than 1,200 watts and a simple clothes iron can use as many as 1,800 watts to operate. Clothes dryers can use up to 5,000 watts of energy.

Monitoring Wattage

The settings that you use for each product will greatly affect how much energy the appliance is using. Using the small burner on the stovetop, for instance, draws just more than 700 watts, while the average large burner draws more than 1,200 watts. The volume settings on a radio, or the difference between the low and high settings on an electric blanket, also determine how much energy the appliance is using.

Associated Costs

Ultimately, the more wattage an appliance draws and the more frequently it is used, the more it will cost you to operate. To calculate an appliance's annual cost, take the average wattage, and multiply it by the number of hours it is used per day. Divide that number by 1,000, and multiply that number by the per-kilowatt-hour rate you find on your utility bill. Multiply that total by the number of days you expect to use the appliance in the course of a year. This figure will be your estimated annual cost.

Compressed air comes in metal cans with the air tightly compacted inside. A small tube on the outside of the can lets you aim the air at a specific location. While manufacturers design the cans for cleaning computer keyboards and other electronics, the compressed air is also suitable for home repairs. A small can contains more than enough air for repairing minor dents in stainless steel appliances, including refrigerators, stoves and even toasters.

Instructions

1 Dunk the cloth in cool or cold water and squeeze, removing most of the liquid. Rub the cloth over the dented area of the appliance, which wipes off any dust or debris and begins lowering the surface temperature of the stainless steel.


2 Shake the can of compressed air gently between your hands, and insert the included tube if you have dents in a smaller appliance. For larger appliances, place the tube to the side. The tube lets you aim the air at a smaller location, but for larger pieces or larger dents you want more surface sprayed.
3 Turn the can upside down, and position the air hole a few inches from the dent. Press on the nozzle, which releases the air and aims the air directly at the dent. Spray the dent for a few seconds or until you freeze the area. You should notice a light film covering the dent, which is moisture.
4 Set the hair dryer on its highest setting, and immediately turn it on. Aim the hair dryer at the dent, keeping the air a few inches from the steel. The hair dryer warms the stainless steel up quickly, which forces the contract and expand process.
5 Repeat the process if the dent remains. As you aim the hair dryer at the dent, gently press down on the steel around the dent. The pressure of your hands, combined with the heat, should help force out the dent.

Appliance repair technicians install and fix dishwashers, stoves, refrigerators, and washers and dryers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of May 2008, appliance repair technicians made a median hourly wage of $16.20.

Types

Courses for appliance repair are available at some high schools, trade schools or community colleges, according to Career Overview. Manufacturers also provide appliance training courses.

Features

Formal training at a college or trade school typically takes one to two years, according to the BLS. Students take courses in electricity and electronics, and participate in shop classes where they work on demonstration appliances. Manufacturer courses provide supplemental instruction in two to three weeks.

Considerations

To keep their skills up to date, many appliance repair technicians take periodic classes, according to the BLS. The Environmental Protection Agency requires all repair technicians who work with refrigerants to pass an exam and gain certification. Some organizations offer courses to help with this certification.

Whether you are replacing old ones or need some for your new home, major appliances can be expensive. If you have to borrow money to buy what you need, there are several ways to go about getting a loan. After you shop around a little and know how much money you need, it's time to assess your financial situation and determine what is best borrowing method for you. When it comes to getting loans, one size doesn't fit all.

Instructions

1 Borrow against the equity in your home if you have it available. A home equity line of credit is a great way to do that. You can use the line however you want, whenever you need it and in some cases the interest is tax deductible.


2 Charge the home appliances to your credit card. If your limit is high enough, this is an instant way to get what you need quickly. If you have a decent rate on your card, you can leave it there and pay the balance off in time. Otherwise, use the card to make the purchase and then seek cheaper financing and use it to payoff the credit card balance.
3 Refinance your home with a cash-out mortgage. If you're planning a refinance of your first mortgage anyway, have your lender add the additional funds you need to purchase your appliances. Then at the closing, you get the cash you need to make your purchase.
4 Borrow money from a friend or family member. Just be careful to clearly state the expectations regarding the timing of the repayment and offer them interest in appreciation of their generosity.
5 Talk to your banker about a personal unsecured loan. Rates on these types of loans are slightly higher than loans secured with collateral, but they're relatively quick and easy to obtain if you have a good credit history.

Appliances are essential tools for everyday living. When one breaks down, it needs to be replaced or fixed. For economic reasons, it is usually better to fix an appliance, making a technician service business a great choice. Here's how to start an appliance technician business.

Instructions

1 Plan your business. Determine which types of appliances and brands you'll be able to service. Decide if you'll only service residential-grade appliances, restaurant-grade or both.


2 Create a business. Give the specifics about the service you'll offer including the types and brands, same-day service, etc. Highlight how your service will differ from other appliance technician services. Also provide details about your target market and how you'll market to them; your financial situation including assets, liabilities, and projected expenses and income; and your business goals for the next 12 months.
3 Get financing. Visit banks or potential investors with your business plan to inquire about start-up money. Contact appliance-related associations or manufacturers to see if they have financing options. The Small Business Administration has more information on how to finance your start-up appliance technician business.
4 Set up your business. Obtain permits and licenses as required by your city or county. Create your business structure, such as LLC. Set up office space to manage daily business operations, such as taking phone calls and sending out technicians. Get needed tools and equipment including van(s) or truck(s) to transport technicians and tools to customer locations.
5 Launch your business. Send press releases out to local media and announcements to your contacts. Create a marketing plan that includes advertising and other marketing strategies.

Buying a large appliance can be expensive, and while you might not want to add the cost of an extended warranty, sometimes it can be the best decision you make. There are many ways to get an extended warranty, and you might not know all the different avenues you can take when purchasing one. Here are a few helpful hints to get you started.

Instructions

1 Take the extended warranty offered by the store. This is the first option that will be offered to you. Find out what the warranty covers and how much it will cost. Extended warranties typically last one to three years and cover certain items, so be sure to read the fine print, even if youre in line at the store. Never purchase without having full knowledge of what youre getting.
2 Take out an extended warranty from the manufacturer. Both GE and Frigidaire offer warranties. They provide easy payment plans and will come directly to your home if there is a problem with your appliance. Just call them at the number provided and you will usually have to schedule an appointment with a local service technician. They will provide you with the phone numbers to contact these technicians.
3 Check into getting a warranty through a service that specifically offers warranties for home appliances. American Home Shield offers warranties on most major appliances. Once you take out the warranty, call and the company will have the local service technician call you directly and schedule a service call.
4 Consider whether a warranty is worth the cost. Sometimes a warranty can cost more than what you paid to purchase your item. Weigh the cost of the warranty against the purchase price of your item. If the purchase price is lower than the warranty, it might be best to just buy a new item if the one you own breaks. However, if you have the funds at that time, it might be best to get the warranty on a small item. If you have an iPod that breaks and you have the store warranty, usually you can just bring it in for a replacement. If you dont have the warranty and your iPod breaks, you might not have the replacement funds available to you at that time.

Energy efficiency saves money as well as energy. Large and small appliances are significant energy users in the home. A heating unit is the largest energy user in most areas, and cooling is second. Other appliances using significant amounts of energy are a water heater, washer, dryer and refrigerator. Smaller appliances include your iron and toaster, along with a television and electronics. Energy-efficient appliances often have better insulation and wiser use of the energy within.

Energy Star

The Energy Star program is a joint effort of the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy. This program grades homes and large appliances for energy efficiency. In recent years, Energy Star provides ratings on some electronics. An Energy Star rating shows that the appliance or even the home meets the federal standards for energy efficiency. The Internal Revenue Service gives tax credits for some Energy Star products in a principal residence with emphasis on geothermal and solar energy users.

Large Appliances

The three large appliances that consume the most energy in the home use 50 percent of your energy, reports the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy. Heating, cooling and water heating also have the greatest impact on your energy use when they are energy efficient. Energy Star rates large appliances with the Energy Star label and an Energy Guide card attached to the appliance when new so you can compare units side by side. Appliances such as heating units and water heaters may be available in gas. If gas is available in your area, the most energy-efficient appliance for you may be gas operated.

Small Appliances

Refrigerators and freezers consume about 8 percent of your energy use while a washer and dryer combined with the cooking unit use another 8 percent. The National Resources Defense Council reports that the newer refrigerators consume 75 percent less energy than those produced in the late 1970s. An Energy Star refrigerator purchase may actually save money with energy savings, particularly if you purchase the right size. A large refrigerator costs more to operate and is wasted energy for small families.

Electronics

A key to energy efficiency in electronics is in the power saver or sleep mode. Energy Star and energy-efficient electronics may require the same power when in use but draw less power when not in use. The Natural Resources Defense Council reports that ink jet printers are more efficient than lasers, and LCD televisions and monitors consume less energy than plasma or CRT screens. Small electronics with heavy transformers are less energy efficient than those with lightweight power supplies. Once you purchase energy efficient electronics, activate the energy-saving features like sleep mode and standby.

Appliances, especially large or broken ones, can seem daunting to recycle. There are too many different kinds of materials and parts to be dropped in a recycling bin, and dismantling them yourself can be both time-consuming and potentially dangerous. Seattle is one of the greenest cities in the country and has many recycling programs for large and small appliances. For functioning appliances, you can even donate them so they can be reused.

Instructions

1 Donate appliances that still work to one of the local thrift stores. The downside to this is that thrift stores usually don't do home pickups for large appliances. However, you can call and request one, especially if you're recycling multiple appliances. The Salvation Army is at 206-624-0204. St. Vincent de Paul South Seattle Store specifically takes large appliances and can be reached at 206-767-9975. Habitat for Humanity ReStore, which takes large and small appliances, furniture, and other household items is at 206-297-9119.
2 Call Happy Hauler at 206-784-0313 to arrange a pickup for large appliances, both working and broken. They make pickups in most of the greater Seattle area, and are a good option for places like Renton or Federal Way.
3 Call Dave's Appliance Rebuild, located downtown and at 206-324-3270. They take large and small appliances, and and in some cases will do home pickups.

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For many homeowners, the kitchen is the hub of family home life. This makes it important to select appliances that combine form and function. Kitchen appliances range from larger items that serve as the cornerstone of a kitchen design, to countertop appliances that are utilized for everyday food preparation.

Refrigerator

Refrigerators come in several different varieties. Top-freezer models are ideal for shoppers on a budget who need plenty of storage space for fresh and frozen foods. However, the freezer compartment can be difficult for children or shorter adults to access, notes CNET in its refrigerator buying guide. Bottom-freezer models solve this problem by placing the freezer compartment below the fresh foods. Side-by-side models are ideal for smaller or galley-style kitchens because they require less clearance for the doors. If you need additional storage space, consider a French door refrigerator, which combines a side-by-side fresh food compartment with a bottom freezer. For the serious home chef, a designer refrigerator from a manufacturer such as Viking or Sub-Zero offers maximum space and features functional items such as crisper and meat drawers. But these premium units come at a premium price: In 2009, designer refrigerator prices ranged from $5,000 to more than $13,000, according to CNET.

Stove

Stoves and ranges are available with a variety of options. Ranges can be inserted into a countertop, freestanding or dropped in between a pair of cabinets. Gas ranges are more expensive to buy but less expensive to operate than electric ranges, notes CNET's online buying guide. They can be powered by natural gas or propane, and a bonus of gas ranges is that they can still be used for cooking during power outages. Electric ranges come in different coil types, including the traditional open-coil and smooth-top. Convection ovens use fans to circulate heat through food; trivection ovens use thermal heating and microwave power. Both cook food fast while using less energy and heat than their gas and electric counterparts.

Dishwasher

When selecting a dishwasher, you can choose from the standard built-in or, if space is an issue, a portable or in-sink model. Today's dishwashers offer more features than their predecessors. For example, advanced dishwasher models have a number of wash and rinse cycles, including ones for china and crystal. Digital displays have become the norm for newer dishwasher models, along with delayed-start settings and noise insulation. Filters and food disposers mean you don't need to rinse dishes before putting them into the dishwasher. CNET's buying guide notes that pre-rinsing uses up to 20 additional gallons of water. For energy efficiency, seek out a dishwasher that is Energy Star-certified and uses 4 gallons of water per cycle instead of 6.

Countertop Appliances

Homeowners turn to countertop appliances to make cup of coffee in the morning, whip up a batch of smoothies for the kids or prepare batter for a birthday cake. The number of countertop appliances you incorporate into your kitchen may depend on how much cooking you do or the types of foods you prepare. Someone who does less cooking may be happy with a microwave, coffeemaker and toaster, but if you love to bake, a stand mixer is a must. Countertop appliances are available in many colors and finishes, such as stainless steel and copper, that complement various design themes.

What is it about kitchen appliances that make them so attractive? They have the ability to make cooks swoon. Whether they are major appliances or small ones, something out there will become someone's favorite. For some folk, it's the coffee maker, or the blender. For bakers, it's the double-dutch oven. One thing is for certain, there are enough different ones to choose from that you could search for days just to find that perfect one for you.

The Facts

Even in today's market, kitchen appliances run on electricity. A few models are available that have a rechargeable battery, but for the most part, they use electricity. This means that special care has to be taken to keep them in top shape. If you need to clean interior parts with water, be certain to give them ample time to dry thoroughly. Kitchen appliances can last as long as you need them to with the proper care. Most toasters burn out due to bread crumbs in the bottom of the toaster. Open the tray on the bottom of the toaster to get the crumbs out.

Benefits

There's nothing like making bread dough with the proper kitchen appliance. Mix the ingredients, set the bowl on the appliance, turn it on, and let it mix and knead that bread for you. Good blenders will turn ice into shaved ice. This is good for all your favorite beverages. Bread machines are common in most homes and are the easiest way to make bread. It is truly a timesaving device. Go to the kitchen appliance section in a department store and face the latest technology in kitchen appliances.

Evolution

Mixing cakes and breads no longer has to be done by hand, turning foods in a microwave is outdated, and rushing home from church on Sunday in an effort to keep the roast from burning has also faded into the past. Technology has been the friend of the kitchen appliance. Timers have been built into everything from roasters to coffee makers. As technology progresses, so will kitchen appliances. The vacuum sealer is great for storing food items for an indefinite length of time.

Risk Factors

With kitchen gadgetry being what it is today, it behooves the consumer to know the risks involved in using them. Timers will only go off at the right time if they are set correctly. Self-cleaning features on ovens need to be used often enough that they won't be expected to clean overspills that have been in them for months. Using kitchen appliances for things other than what they were created to do runs a risk of injury.

Features

All the bells and whistles. Coffee makers with no pot, ovens that clean themselves, dishwashers that are so quiet it's hard to tell if they are working. The features that come with kitchen appliances will astound you. One of the best features in kitchen appliances is the refrigerator with the LCD television in the door. In addition, a voice-activated grocery list maker will store and print your grocery list. Now if it would just deliver them to the door.

A generator is a great benefit for times when the electricity goes out due to weather, roving black-outs or other service interruption. There are many different types and sizes of generators, although choosing the right one to meet your needs requires only a little research. Once you have calculated the anticipated electrical output requirements for a generator for your house, you can decide on the type, size and installation options.

Calculate Anticipated Use

Choose a generator that meets the requirements of the appliances you plan to power when electrical service is interrupted. If you only plan to run a few appliances, such as a refrigerator, freezer and other small appliances for basic necessities, you can choose a smaller generator. If you plan on switching to generated power for your entire house, you will need a larger system.
To determine the size of the generator that will meet your needs, calculate the wattage of the appliances you plan to power with the generator. Most appliances will have the wattage required on the appliance on the UL label. Some appliances will have this information in the owner's manual or user guide. You can calculate the watts required for an appliance even if you can only find the amps and volts. Simply multiply the amps times the volts. (watts = volts x amps). Generators are sold by the number of kilowatts they generate. One kilowatt equals 1,000 watts.
If you cannot find the wattage or amps and volts for an appliance, enter the make and model in an online search engine and type "PDF" after the make and model information. This will often return a link to the product PDF file provided by the manufacturer. Add the wattage of all of the appliances you plan to use together and add 20 percent to get a rough idea of how much electricity will be required to meet your needs.

Decide on Portable or Permanent

A portable generator is smaller, easy to use and can power many appliances when there is a power interruption. There are models that can be fueled with gasoline, propane or natural gas. Portable generators require extension cords to reach the appliances and can take some time to set up in an emergency. However, this is a great choice for emergency power for most families.
A permanent standby generator can supply power to the whole house, but should be installed by a professional. It will need to be installed outdoors, preferably close to the electrical panel for ease of installation. When choosing this option, the dealer will probably include an assessment of your needs and suggest the right generator for your home. Similar to portable generators, stand-by systems can be fueled with gasoline, propane and natural gas. Larger generators are available to run with diesel. Your generator dealer should be aware of any permits that may be required for installation of a stand-by generator for your area. A stand-by generator will generally start automatically if the power fails.

Safety

All generators should be set up outdoors. The fumes from the exhaust contain harmful gasses that can make you and your family sick or even cause death. Most generators come with safety features that shut down the generator in the event of overheating or other malfunction. Be sure to check all safety features for the generator you choose for your home.

Appliances are a big part of everyday life whether they are large or small. However, for some homebuyers, being able to identify major kitchen appliances versus those that convey with a property purchase can be new territory, requiring advice and guidance to navigate successfully.

Instructions

1 Look at the size of the appliance. A good rule of thumb is that if an appliance is too large to fit on a countertop it is a major home appliance. For example, free standing ranges, dishwashers and refrigerators all qualify as a major kitchen appliances.
2 Note if the appliance is affixed to counters or walls. In real estate, appliances that are affixed to a home --- or bolted down --- become an automatic conveyance. In other words if a property has a smooth cook top bolted into a counter, it conveys with the property unless other wise noted, making it a major kitchen appliance.
3 Do not make assumptions when it comes to small appliances. Be careful about special appliances like wine refrigerators and microwaves. These items can be tricky to identify as major appliances in a kitchen, and are often items a seller will take with them. If there is any question about whether a major appliance conveys, the buyer should always take the precaution of writing the wish to retain the appliance or appliances as part of the contract.

Caring for small appliances, such as irons, helps to keep them in the best possible condition, extending their lifetime. Though it's all too easy to simply unplug it and put it away, there are a few other aspects of care that many people don't consider. Proper care of your iron can help ensure that you reap the full benefit of its potential and keep it for many years to come.

After Each Use

After you are finished ironing, unplug the iron and empty out the water reservoir immediately so that the residual heat from the iron can help to dry it out. Set the iron aside in a safe place, where it won't get knocked over, until it is cool enough to put away. Store your iron in a cool, dry place when it is not in use.

Cleaning Your Iron

Cleaning your iron should be done as frequently as it looks like it needs it. Making sure that it is cool and unplugged, rinse out the water reservoir with hot water. Dampen a clean cloth with warm water and wipe down the entire iron including the cord (but not the prongs). Take a second clean dry cloth and wipe down the iron again to remove any excess moisture and leave it in a cool dry place to finish air drying. Be sure the iron is fully dried before use.

Cleaning Out the Water Reservoir

If hard water deposits are clogging your iron, or you just want to do a routine cleaning, pour white vinegar into the water chamber and turn it on high. Leave the iron to sit for three to five minutes to heat up the vinegar before turning it off and unplugging it. Pour the white vinegar out and allow the iron to sit in a cool dry place to air out and cool off. Refill with clean water and rinse out before use. Doing this regularly can help to avoid hard water buildup.

Cleaning the Soleplate

Wipe down the soleplate of your iron with a clean cloth dampened with white vinegar to clean it of any residual starch or dirt. Make a paste of baking soda and warm water and use it as a scrub for stubborn dirt. The residual paste can be wiped rinsed away with a clean damp cloth. If the soleplate feels sticky or waxy, dampen a clean cloth with ammonia and wipe it clean. Run a clean, damp cloth over the soleplate to wipe off any cleaning residue. Allow to air dry completely before use.

Home appliance wattage is important information not just for those who are looking to shave a few bucks off of their electric bills, but for anyone running a generator or installing new electrical into an existing circuit. Understanding the difference between starting and sustained load is equally important if you're running numerous large appliances on the same circuit.

Wattage

Most appliances have a tag that contains at least four pieces of information: the operating voltage, the required amperage, the power consumption in watts, and the starting load if applicable. Wattage is equal to volts multiplied by amps; almost all household appliances run on 120 volts, so to get the wattage you multiply the amperage by 120.

Starting Load

Also known as surge load or initial load, starting load refers to how much power it takes to get the appliance going. If you've ever had to push a car, you know that getting it moving is a lot harder than keeping it moving. Most appliances that use an electric motor work the same way; surge load can be anywhere from two to four times the sustained load.

Large Outdoor Appliances

A well pump will consume between 750 watts (1,400 and 3,000 surge watts) and 1,000 watts (2,100 and 4,000 surge watts). Air conditioners are typically rated in British thermal units; if you divide your air conditioner unit's Btu rating by 3.5, you get a ball-park estimate of its sustained wattage. Surge amps are difficult to determine because of air conditioner design, so check your unit's service tag for "locked rotor amps" and multiply that by the voltage.

Large Indoor Appliances

A refrigerator consumes around 600 to 700 watts, while a dishwasher will use between 1,200 and 2,400 watts (depending on whether or not you use the drying feature). A water heater burns through around 5,000 watts when it's running, and a washing machine requires between 350 and 500 watts. An electric dryer will eat a whopping 1,800 to 5,000 watts. All of these with the exception of the water heater impart a surge load of two to four times their sustained ratings.

Small Appliances

A microwave uses between 500 and 1,500 watts depending on size. Your coffee maker percolates to the tune of 900 to 1,200 watts, and the toaster burns through 800 to 1,400 watts. Your computer is currently eating about 250 watts, the ceiling fan between 65 and 175 watts, and your TV/DVD player around 110 and 25 watts, respectively. Surprisingly, a large aquarium can consume as much as 1,200 watts and an average clothes iron will steam through about 1,800 watts.

Tools

A portable drill uses between 500 and 750 watts, and a shop vacuum will suck around 1,000 watts from the plug. A portable grinder will eat its way to between 750 and 1,500 watts. Various saws will consume between 1,200 and 1,800 watts, and an air compressor will need about 1,000 watts per 1 horsepower. Welders are by far the hungriest of all shop tools; a big one can burn through a shocking 55,000 watts.

People are always left with a lot of things to do with very little time. Appliance manufacturers create a variety of electric appliances to make people's lives easier and more efficient.

Time-Saving

Most electric appliances focus on saving time for consumers. Dishwashers allow people to avoid cleaning their dishes, while washers and dryers mean that people don't have to take their clothes to other places to get cleaned.

Convenience

Small kitchen appliances come in handy for people who do a lot of cooking. Appliances such as electric can openers, toasters and stoves make cooking more convenient.

Easy to Use

A few strokes of a curling iron or straightener can help women with their hair. Most beauty appliances are simple and easy to use. Many other products only require the user to press a button to use it.

Portable

Many electric devices are portable, such as hand-vacuum cleaners that can be used in cars and other small areas.

Modern

Electric appliances now come in various shapes and colors. This allows you to decorate your home or kitchen when choosing styles of appliances.

Small kitchen appliances are designed for their compact size, efficiency and affordability. They increase convenience in the kitchen and decrease preparation time for busy chefs and families. Smaller kitchen appliances such as blenders, steamers, mixers and food processors, can be transported from one location to another with ease and stow away neatly in the cupboards when not in use.

Cooking

Slow cookers are perfect to make meals that you can throw in and allow to simmer all day long while you're at work or school. Throw your ingredients in before you leave and allow them to cook all day long for a full meal without any other preparation. You can also get models that work in a buffet setting to bring to gatherings or function with a timer for maximum convenience. A stand-alone roaster is sufficient to cook large items like hams and turkeys, without the space needed for an oven; plus, doesn't heat the whole house during the summer. A countertop toaster oven is a smaller electric oven that has a door on one side and a tray inside. It's useful for cooking smaller items, such as garlic bread, and require longer cooking times than traditional ovens.

Beverages

Blenders and juicers are convenient for making fruit smoothies, milkshakes and will also crush ice. Juicers allow you to squeeze natural juices from fruits and come in multiple sizes with various speeds and settings to suit any beverage needs. Food processors, often included in a blender's features, mix foods into chunks or purees, which is useful for making your own baby food. Coffee makers range from basic models that make a pot of coffee to single cup. Some have a reservoir to hold an additional pot of hot water for faster brewing or have timers so your coffee automatically brews at a certain time. Fancier machines make espresso and cappuccino as well.

Utilities

Kitchen mixers take the work out of beating ingredients together for cakes, cookies, pies and breads. They range from cheaper hand mixers with one set of attachments to expensive models with various attachments for different tasks or hands-free operation. Vacuum sealers come in handy to store large quantities of fresh meat or prepared meals for freezing, for long periods. They suck air out of packages to prevent freezer burn. If you prefer freshly ground coffee, a coffee bean grinder with a sharp blade on it makes it possible. A bean grinder can double as a spice grinder, although it may be difficult to clean.

Specialty Food Preparation

Some appliances are designed with one specific purpose. A bread maker is a machine with a bread pan in the center and multiple controls to bake several varieties of bread. An ice cream maker allows you to make small amounts of ice cream from home, using either a hand-crank or an electric motor. Some have their own freezing capabilities, while others need to be placed inside the freezer. A rice cooker allows you to cook rice easily without risk of sticking or burning by automatically controlling the heating, timing and cooling process. Most take from 30 minutes to an hour to properly cook rice.

You've had it with your malfunctioning microwave, blender or washing machine but you know it can still be of some use to someone, somewhere. Several people or places right in your area may be tickled pink to receive an appliance, even if it's broken.

Instructions

1 Check out local charity shops and organizations. Some second-hand stores or charity groups may be interested in your old appliance, even if it's broken. They sell things at rock bottom prices to those in need, and someone who has the ability to fix it may come across the appliance and have it working again in no time. Make sure you tell the shops that the appliance is broken.


2 Post it on FreeCycle. The website FreeCycle allows people to give away or obtain a host of items that others no longer want or need. (See Resources below to find a group in your area.)
3 Visit your local salvage yards. Some salvage yards will accept or even purchase broken appliances, depending on their needs. See what those in your area are willing to take.
4 Contact artist and theater groups. Broken appliances always come with a parts that can be made into other things. Check some of the more innovative artists or theater groups in your area to see if they are interested in your appliance. Talented artists can make breathtaking work out of what some consider junk, and innovative theater groups can turn just about anything into a prop.
5 Turn to repair shops. Some shops will rely on workable parts from broken machines to fix others. Call around to places that usually repair the type of appliance you have and see if they want it. You may be surprised.

Thermostats control many types of small and large home appliances. A thermostat is an electrical switch that opens and closes in response to temperature changes. Thermostats incorporate temperature sensors to measure temperature. These sensors command an electromechanical switch to turn a device on or off as needed to maintain a specific temperature level.

Tabletop Appliances

Thermostats are found in electrically heated tabletop appliances such as irons, fryers, broilers, toaster ovens, crock pots, coffee makers, hotplates and food warmers. They also are in glue guns, space heaters and personal care appliances like hair dryers, says the ATCOnline.com appliance parts website.

Heat Regulation

Most tabletop appliances use bimetallic thermostats that incorporate a metal strip that's a sandwich of metals that expand at different rates, says ATCOnline. The strip bends in response to temperature changes to make or break an electrical contact. Many models have a control knob that applies or releases tension on the strip to change the temperature point at which the strip will bend. This regulates the appliance's heat.

Large Appliances

Bellows or pressure thermostats are built into large appliances such as refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, gas and electric ovens and clothes dryers, says the Fuzing.com appliance parts website. This type has a long, thin, flexible tube filled with a liquid or gas that changes its volume at a known rate in response to temperature changes. The tube connects to a bellows that moves as the fill substance expands or contracts, opening or closing electrical contacts. A knob applies or releases tension on the bellows to control the temperature at which the thermostat acts.

A kitchen appliance refers to a wide range of devices aimed at making life easier in the home. Some are big and help clean our dirty dishes, some cook and bake our foods, while others are small and help prepare our foods to be cooked or baked. They come in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes. And one thing is for sure, we live in a world where kitchen appliances are as important to us as the food we eat.

Stoves and Ovens

A stove top cooks and boils. It is meant to heat whatever is placed on top of it, from a pot of water to a frying pan with scrambled eggs. A stove top is one of the primary appliances in any kitchen. Stove tops are fueled by natural gas, electric or, in some cases, propane. They also come in a variety of colors and sizes to fit into any kitchen's decor. An oven bakes and warms our food. Ovens cook the Thanksgiving turkey, bake the chocolate chip cookies, and keep the french toast warm after is has been cooked on the stove top. Most of the time the stove and oven are combined into one appliance, however many come separate too.

Dishwashers

Dishwashers clean our dirty dishes. They have high powered sprayers with very hot water that gets everything clean. Not all dishes are dishwasher safe (such as plastics). Dishwashers also dry the dishes once they have been washed.

Refrigerators and Freezers

There are many foods that need to stay cool such as dairy products, lunch meats, and condiments. These things are placed inside a refrigerator to help them to stay cold. and prevents them from spoiling. A freezer keeps foods frozen, such as ice cream, frozen dinners, and ice. Freezing our food helps preserve it for months. Both the refrigerator and freezer are staples in nearly every home. They are usually combined into a single appliance, however they can be sold separately and in a variety of styles, depending on the need.

Microwave Ovens

Microwave ovens heat and reheat foods quickly. They can cook as well as boil water. Microwave ovens also pop popcorn, bake a potato, and can even bake brownies (in a microwave safe dish). Microwave ovens have only been a common household appliance for the past 25 years, but they are found in nearly every home now. They can sit on top of the counter or hang above the stove top. They come in a variety of colors and styles.

Small Appliances

A small appliance is generally something that is used to help prepare foods to be baked or cooked. These appliances generally sit on top of the counter or can be put away in a cupboard for occasional use. Some examples of a small appliance would be mixers, blenders, coffee makers, can openers, electric knives and toasters. These appliances can be electric or manual, depending on what it is. Even small appliances are made to match the style and color of any kitchen.

Kitchen Appliance Manufacturers

There are many manufacturers out there that specialize in kitchen appliances. A few examples are GE (General Electric), Kenmore, Whirlpool and KitchenAid. Most of these manufacturers' products are sold at most major department stores, such as Sears or Home Depot, or can be ordered on-line.

Remodeling a kitchen is a dream of many women. In fact, the two most important rooms when trying to sell a home are the bathroom and the kitchen. This is because people want beautiful bathrooms, and state of the art kitchens. Not all houses, however, are large enough to accommodate every kitchen desire. Many homes have extremely small kitchens. You don't have to have a dark and dingy kitchen if it lacks size. This article will give you some things you can do to remodel a small kitchen and make it a dream.

Instructions

1 Consider an creating an L shape to your kitchen to add space. If need be, take a bit of room from the existing kitchen and some space from an adjoining room. In a small kitchen and house, an L shaped kitchen provides a designated area for a small breakfast table.
2 Choose lighter colored appliances that all match. Light colors give the illusion of more space. Although your appliances do not have to perfectly match your flooring, walls and counters, they should be in the same light colored family. Dark contrasting colors could break up your kitchen too much and make it appear even smaller.
3 Add a space saving microwave above your oven range. Do not waste counter space on a microwave. Manufacturers now provide microwaves that attach to the walls and double as range hoods. They save a ton of space.
4 Examine the size of your current cabinets. Look in every cabinet you own. Are they overflowing? Can you use every shelf, or are some too short to hold certain cooking appliances. Are your cabinets too shallow, or are they just the right depth. Remodeling a small kitchen doesn't usually include adding more cabinet space because there is simply not enough room. You can, however, install cabinets that are better sized to fit your needs. Taller and deeper shelves tend to work great.
5 Add recessed lighting. One way to give your kitchen a modern, larger look, is to add recessed lighting. This means there would not be a light fixture hanging below your ceiling. instead, there is a small alcove where a light sits flush with the rest of the ceiling.

Walk into almost any department store, home retail store or appliance store and you'll be confronted with a wide variety of items under the banner "Home Appliances." But what is a home appliance? There are both large and small appliances and most of them are items that are used in all rooms of the home. Appliances use electricity and perform a function for the household.

Refrigerators

That ice box in your kitchen falls under the category "large appliance" because of the sheer size of the item. Refrigerators come in a variety of sizes, finishes and formats and have many different features, including adjustable bins and shelves, variable temperature control, ice and water filtration and dispensing, and even an LCD display panel.

Dishwashers

Dishwashers are another large appliance that is common in many homes and apartments. Dishwashers can be installed under the counter or are portable, meaning they can be stored elsewhere and then wheeled to a nearby sink and power supply when needed. Dishwashers also come in different sizes, finishes and have many features, like cycles for delicate items and pots and pans, as well as various time and temperature settings.

Blenders

Blenders are an example of a small appliance because it can be stored easily in a cabinet and used on a countertop or other smaller space. Blenders can be purchased in a variety of stores and can blend, mix or chop a variety of items to create drinks, sauces or other soft substances.

Coffee Makers

Coffee makers are yet another example of a small household appliance because it uses electricity and performs a function but can be easily stored, moved and used in small spaces. Several companies manufacture coffee makers and these appliances range from simple to sophisticated, with a variety of settings, automatic programming and even an LCD display.

Many urban homes and apartments feature small kitchens without much storage or countertop space. If you enjoy cooking, as well as all the new kitchen gadgets and tools, the lack of space may be an issue. Rather than resigning yourself to microwave dinners and takeout menus, use creativity and ingenuity when choosing and organizing the ideal appliances for your small kitchen.

Choosing the Ideal Appliances

Practice restraint when choosing appliances for your small kitchen. Determine what you really need and will actually use on a regular basis. For example, if you don't drink much tea, don't buy a large iced tea appliance. If you're not a baker, you probably won't need a large stand mixer; you can get away with a few mixing bowls and a handheld mixer. Look for appliances that can serve several purposes at once. Choose a good blender that will work as a food processor and a smoothie maker. If you enjoy fresh ground coffee, purchase a coffeemaker that has a built-in grinder rather than wasting space with both a coffeemaker and a coffee bean grinder. If you have to have an electric can opener, get one that you can install under the cabinets.

Storage Ideas

Make the most of your cabinet, pantry and under-the-counter storage areas to save precious countertop space in your small kitchen. You can add additional storage space by installing shelves on bare walls as well as storing appliances in the space between the cabinets and the ceilings. Store appliances based on how often you use them. For example, if you use the coffeemaker every day, keep it on the countertop. If you only use your blender or toaster every once in awhile, store them in an upper cabinet. Heavier appliances, such as a waffle iron or countertop griddle, should be stored in the bottom cabinets.

Display Ideas

If you don't have much storage space and need to keep most of your appliances on the countertop, designate an area for them, such as a corner space. Place your newest, most attractive appliances on display. If you can afford it, invest in an appliance garage. Appliance garages are generally installed below the upper cabinets and blend into the rest of the cabinetry work.

Cord Tips

Organize your appliance cords to help a small kitchen look organized and clutter free. You can use old bread or garbage bag ties to wrap up extra cord length. An even better idea is to unplug all appliances when they are not in use, which will save you space and money on your energy bill.

Solar photovoltaic panels produce electricity from sunlight and you can store this energy and use it to power a wide range of household appliances and equipment. However, all solar panels produce direct current (DC) electricity. Household appliances, on the other hand, run on alternating current (AC). This means that the electricity from a solar panel has to be converted to AC power using a device called an inverter. You also need batteries to store the electricity from the solar panels, and a charge controller to protect the batteries from being overcharged.

Instructions

Preparation

1 Look at the installation manual that came with the solar panel. Note the maximum power voltage in volts and the maximum power current in amps. If the maximum voltage is between 16 and 19 volts, the panel is designed to charge a 12-volt battery. If the panel produces between 30 and 40 volts, it is designed for a 24-volt system. A photovoltaic system intended to power household appliances should be designed for 24 volts. Check that your solar panel is set up for 24 volts.
2 Place two 12-volt batteries and a 24-volt battery charge controller inside the house in a well-ventilated space. Measure the distance in feet from the solar panel to the batteries. tracing the line the connecting wires will follow. Multiply this distance by two.


3 Read the label on the back of the microwave. It will tell you how much power in watts the microwave uses. If other household appliances are to be operated at the same time, check the power of each appliance in turn and add up the total amount of power in watts that you will need to provide from the batteries.
4 Determine what size inverter you will need. The inverter will convert 12-volt DC electricity from the batteries to 110-volt AC electricity that will power the appliances. Inverters are rated according to the power in watts they provide. As an example, if the total power required by the appliances is 1,400 watts, then choose a 24-volt inverter rated for continuous operation at not less than 1,400 watts. Decide where you are going to install the inverter -- usually not too far from the appliances. Measure the distance in feet between the charge controller and the inverter. Multiply this distance by two and add this number of feet to the length of wire you calculated in step 2.
5 Buy the total length of copper cable you calculated. It is very important to buy the right thickness or gauge of copper cable. Check what the equipment supplier recommends and purchase this gauge of wire.

Installation

6 Connect the negative terminal of the first battery to the positive terminal of the second battery with the battery interconnect cable. If you have bought four 6-volt batteries, you must link them together in series using three interconnect cables.
7 Mount the charge controller on a wall close to the batteries. Cut the copper wire into two equal lengths. Connect the solar panel to the charge controller following the instructions in the controller manual. Connect the controller to the batteries. Switch on the charge controller and check that it is working correctly. The charge controller will show the voltage of the batteries.
8 Mount the inverter on a wall inside the house close to where you want to operate the microwave oven. Read the instruction manual that came with the inverter and connect the inverter to the terminals inside the charge controller that are marked "load." Switch on the inverter and check that it is working correctly.
9 Give the batteries a day to get charged when there is plenty of sunshine. Connect the household appliances one at at time to the inverter, starting with the appliance that takes the least amount of power. Small appliances should work fine. But appliances that take a lot of power, like a microwave oven, may not work for long before the battery voltage falls and the charge controller cuts off the power to the inverter.