Frigidaire FAD504TDD 50-Pint Dehumidifier

Ever experience a summer day that was so humid that it felt like you were walking through a rain cloud? Dehumidifiers keep the house free of unwanted moisture in the air and solve problems such as stickiness and window condensation associated with high relative humidity. They are also frequently used in damp basements or laundry rooms to prevent mold and rot from eating up the furniture, books, and boxes. Dehumidifiers can be expensive to purchase and operate, and must be maintained to prevent other problems from developing, it’s therefore essential that you are properly informed before purchasing one. We’ve put together this guide to teach you everything you need to know to choose the right dehumidifier for you.

Why Get a Dehumidifier?
The first step is to decide if a dehumidifier is necessary for your home at all. Anyone who usually leaves their window open throughout the spring and summer will find that their house accumulates with moisture during the summer months. This moisture gets trapped in when windows are closed up in the fall, which could result in damaging humidity. Similarly, houses without central air conditioning that reaches to the basement, may find dampness in the walls and air that will eventually condense and cause irreparable damage to furniture, books, and storage and will also foster the growth of mold. In both these cases, a dehumidifier may be the perfect solution. Nonetheless, sealing up any internal or external leaks is the first priority.

There are a number of different types of dehumidifiers on the market. Here are some of the pros and cons of each of them:

Heat-pump Dehumidifiers
Heat-pump dehumidifiers are the most common type of unit. They work by chilling the incoming air so that massive condensation occurs. This dries out the air that passes through the system and is eventually returned to the atmosphere of the house. This dehumidified air is slightly warmer than the rest of the air, which also has a drying effect on the rest of the house. The resulting condensation from the dehumidifying process is either collected in a bucket that must be emptied on a regular basis or is automatically drained into a sink, or out of the house.

Heat pump dehumidifiers can be relatively expensive to buy and utilize a substantial amount of electricity to run. They can also be pretty noisy, which isn’t a problem if the unit is placed in the basement. Nonetheless, heat-pump dehumidifiers are the preferred way to go in most circumstances.

Chemical Adsorbent Dehumidifiers
Chemical adsorbent dehumidifiers are designed for hot, humid climates and absorb moisture from the air by using a drying agent. The hot, humid air is then expelled from the house through an exhaust pipe.

Dehumidifying Ventilators
Dehumidifying ventilators work by bringing fresh air from the outside in through a vent. The fresh air is filtered and dehumidified before it is introduced into the house. When only filtration is desired, some units possess dampers that can be set to seal off the fresh air duct and simply re-circulate and filter the indoor air. Many units have a built-in sensor to start the motor when humidity rises above the programmed level. Dehumidifying ventilators use less electricity than a heat pump dehumidifier, but are not effective in hot, muggy weather since they work by bringing fresh air in from the outside but they are good in cold weather. Dehumidifying ventilators can cause depressurization to occur in the basement, causing combustion gas from fuel-fired furnaces and domestic hot water tanks to be sucked back into the house. It’s important to ensure that all of your combustion appliances are properly vented before buying a dehumidifying ventilator and it is also recommended to purchase a CO detector as well. In case of doubt, a professional contractor should be hired.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE >>

Popularity: 5%

Maytag Gas Built-In Single Wall Oven

An oven is arguably one of the most useful kitchen appliances, cooking everything from meat to cakes and anything in between. When it comes time to buy a new oven, there are a number of different types on the market as well as numerous different features. Although some differences are merely stylistic for aesthetic purposes, others have actually qualitative and quantitative differences that will provide convenience, better results, and may save you money in the long run. That’s why it pays to be informed before shopping for a new oven. Here are some of the pros and cons of the basic items out there to help make your decision less heated.

The first decision to make is between a gas or electric oven. Here are some of the pros and cons of each:

Gas Ovens
A gas oven is only an option if a natural gas or propane line is easily available in the area in which you live. Although gas ranges are highly recommended (link to Ranges or ovenranges), gas ovens are not as popular as electric ones, since their sensors are less accurate. Nonetheless, gas ovens heat food more evenly, so there is less chance of uneven results such as burning whatever is on the bottom rack before the item on the top rack has finished. The moister heat of gas is also desirable for such things as baking bread, cakes, and roasts. Finally, gas is cheaper to run than electricity, costing as much as 50% less to operate which could lead to a huge savings over time.

Electric Ovens
Although there are plenty of people who swear by gas ovens alone, electric ovens are definitely the preferred type of oven according to professional consensus. Therefore anyone who prefers the superior quality of a gas range but wants the advantage of an electric oven, can purchase a dual range with gas stovetops together with an electric oven. Electric ovens provide a more accurate heat, since their built-in sensors are designed to react to even a one degree drop in temperature, whereas gas ovens only start reheating once the temperature drops by ten degrees. A down side of electric ovens is that in most models the main heating element is a coil, in the very bottom of the oven, to introduce heat into the chamber. This means that heat tends to concentrate towards the bottom, so dishes can easily get burned on the bottom. An easy solution is to simply place items on a middle to upper rack, greatly avoiding this problem.

The next decision to make is what type of oven style you are looking for. This decision is purely aesthetic and will not affect the functioning of your oven.

Slide in/Free Standing Ovens
Slide in ovens and free standing ovens are the most traditional type of oven with the range built above the oven. Simply slide them between two cabinets or next to a wall. As long as you have an empty space in your kitchen, no additional renovation is necessary. Whereas freestanding ranges have the controls on a raised backsplash, slide-in ranges have them on the front section of the range. Both have finished sides.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE >>

Popularity: 6%

Kenmore Built-In Microwave

Microwaves have become a regular part of life for quite some time. They make things much easier, heating up or defrosting food in a fraction of the time that it would take using conventional methods. In our fast-paced world, this is a tremendous convenience. Today, for most Americans, microwave ovens are no longer a luxury, but a necessity. In fact, most people have had one in their homes for so many years that’s it’s already time to purchase a second or third replacement. Whether it’s your first time buying a microwave or you’re already on the second or third generation, it’s important to know what’s out there before you go shopping so that you don’t get fried. Here’s a list of some of the basic considerations to make your shopping experience more enjoyable.

Placement
Wherever you are planning to put the microwave will determine what type of unit to buy. Countertop models are most popular. The most challenging thing is to find a spare counter or empty cabinet to put it on. Afterwards, simply plug it in and start cooking. If your cabinet or counter space is limited, smaller models are available.

Built-in microwaves require professional installation and can be installed directly into the wall so that the door is flush with the surface of the wall. Microwaves can also be placed over the range, saving valuable counter space. It’s also possible to purchase a combination system with an over the range microwave and ventilation system together, (link to ventilation) making even more efficient use of your space.

Wattage
One of the most important things to consider when purchasing your new microwave is the wattage. More powerful microwave ovens will cook foods faster. Most microwaves range between 600 to 1200 watts. Anything between 800 to 1000 watts should be sufficient to cook food evenly.

Features
Microwaves today come with a variety of different features, some more useful than others. Some models come with sensors that automatically shut off when food is fully cooked based on the humidity in the oven from the amount of steam that is released. Programmable settings allow you to start cooking with one touch. Simply select the food you are cooking and the microwave will remember the previously selected time and power. If you are a light microwave user, primarily using it for reheating, defrosting, and making occasional popcorn, there’s no need for you to pay for any extra features. If you use your microwave to prepare entire meals, you may want to invest in the latest innovations. Additional features include combination microwave/convection ovens that utilize a fan to more evenly distribute heat like a convection oven to brown and crisp food. This is highly expensive, although useful. Others are equipped with a built-in coffee maker or toaster and one even has a rotisserie.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE >>

Popularity: 2%