WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CALIF. — J.D Power and Associates, the market research firm, said consumers are largely happy with the performance, features, styling and price of their major appliances.According to the results of its 2007 Major Home Appliances Study, only one in 10 consumers report some kind of problem with their major appliance during the first two years of ownership, and many of those problems can be resolved by following instructions in the owner’s manual or on the manufacturer’s web site. Relatively few problems actually require a service visit, the report said.Top satisfaction scores went to Bosch in dishwashers, Maytag in freestanding ranges, GE in built-in cooktops and wall ovens, Whirlpool intop-mount refrigerators, Samsung in side-by-side and French door fridges, Kenmore in O-T-R microwaves, GE in countertop microwaves and LG in washers and dryers.The study was based on 22,637 responses from consumers who purchased one or more new major home appliances through a retail store, their new-home builder, or received one through other means (such as a gift) during the previous 24 months. Customer satisfaction was measured based on performance in six factors: operational performance (including how well the appliance functions, noise level and energy efficiency); operational features (such as the number of settings available and appliance capacity); ease of use; styling and feel; price; and warranty.
Archives for 2008
How to Move Your Appliances
Moving appliances is a big job. Before you start, be sure you are aware of the work involved and that you really want to be the one to do it. Some of us are handy with installations and large unwieldy hulks of metal and some of us aren’t. To decide what type you are, read on and then either go for it yourself, or hire someone to help you out.
The first step in moving an appliance is disconnecting it from its power and water sources. Some disconnections, such as natural gas lines, should be handled only by qualified technicians. Even if you decide to hire a mover, preparing for the move is something you can do. After the appliance is disconnected, has properly disconnected them, make sure your appliance is clean and dry.
Other tips from Better Homes and Gardens include:
If you’re moving the appliances to a new home, on moving day load major appliances into the truck first. This ensures that the center of gravity will be closest to the driver, where it belongs. NOTE: If you don’t have an appliance dolly to do this safely, you can rent one from truck rental companies, hardware stores, and home centers.
Also, check to see if you saved the appliance installation instructions that you’ll need to reinstall the appliance. If not, call a local appliance dealer or the manufacturer for a new copy. You may also be able to find this information on the manufacturer’s web site.
You’ll also want to be prepared to protect the surfaces of appliances when you move them. Even simply moving an appliance in the remodeling process raises the possibility of scratching and denting. Especially when moving appliances from one home to another, be sure to have plenty of blankets and towels to protect the surfaces; also have stretch cords to hold the blankets in place.
The following tips for specific appliances are from Maytag:
Washing Machine
- Disconnect washer from electrical supply.
- Shut off the water supply and disconnect inlet hoses from their hot- and cold-water faucets, taking care not to lose the small piece of screening fitted in the end of each inlet hose. Have a bucket handy to catch water remaining in the hoses. Clean screen of sediment.
- Remove drain hose from the standpipe; empty drain hose of any remaining water.
- When you call the dealer for cartons, ask for the plastic shipping ring that fits inside the washer lid and holds the washer tub in place.
- Tape washer lid closed with several pieces of masking tape.
Dryer
- Disconnect from power source. Move dryer away from the wall and disconnect venting material.
- If the dryer operates on gas, contact a gas technician to shut off gas and disconnect the gas line in accordance with local codes. On electric models, be sure you take the power cord with you. Tape door shut.
- Disassemble the venting system and clean it — animals and insects are drawn to the warm air when the appliance is running and may have made a nest in opening.
- Remove any lint buildup. Be sure not to use any plastic venting or other combustible ductwork in your new home.
Dishwasher
- Unplug the appliance and close the water shut off valves. Remove the lower access panel below the door to disconnect electric and water lines.
- Remove the lower access panel below the door to disconnect electrical connections, if you are comfortable doing this; otherwise, contact an appliance service company to do this work.
- Disconnect the water lines and drain line, keeping a towel and small bucket handy for water spillage.
- Open doors and unscrew the mounting brackets to free from countertop.
- Make sure all racks are empty, then latch door securely. Once the appliance is free of the cabinets, you may wish to use masking tape to ensure the door is secure.
- Bring leveling legs up into the appliance and pull dishwasher slowly from opening. To keep the appliance from damaging floor, tip the dishwasher back slightly, slip a large piece of cardboard under it, and gently slide the appliance out.
Range
- Have a technician shut off gas and disconnect range from gas line and/or electrical power.
- Remove broiler pan and racks from oven; on gas range, remove surface grates. Clean storage drawer below.
- On ranges with standard gas burners, lift the top and secure burners to burner box support rod. On electric ranges, tape coil elements to the top of range.
- Remove or tape down all knobs. If a knob is stuck, insert a washcloth behind the knob to help dislodge it. Tape the oven door shut.
Refrigerator
- Turn off the refrigerator according to the instructions, and unplug it. You may have to move it out slightly from the wall to do this.
- If you have a water dispenser, a plumber may be needed to disconnect it. If you want to attempt doing this yourself, be sure to carefully follow the instructions in your owner’s manual.
- Empty all contents and clean the inside of the refrigerator, including all bins and racks.
- Thoroughly clean the outside and back of the appliance.
- Remove refrigerator handles only if the appliance doesn’t fit through the door of your old or new home.
- Tape doors shut securely with masking tape or duct tape, and remove toe board.
It’s all pretty straightforward, plan ahead, get your supplies in order and make sure you are physically ready for a day of heavy lifting.
Bright Lights, Bad Headaches?
This may stretch the appliance theme a bit, but since so many of us are switching to compact fluorescent light bulbs to save energy, I think it is worth sharing. According to Dr. Isadore Rosenfeld at Parade Magazine, new research suggests some dangers:
Flickering bulbs have been reported to precipitate migraines or even seizures, though manufacturers say the new models have been improved. Fluorescent light can also aggravate skin rashes in people with lupus, eczema, dermatitis or porphyria.
Perhaps most important, the bulbs contain mercury. If one breaks, don’t vacuum the debris- that can release toxic dust into the air. Leave the room for 15 minutes. Then, wearing gloves, place the fragments into a plastic bag, seal it and take it to a recycling center.
Repairing a Toaster or Toaster Oven
If you haven’t read our article on How Toasters and Toaster Ovens Work, you might want to do that before you start any repairs. If you feel ready to tackle a smallish job like this, then read on…
How to Repair a Toaster
In many homes, toasters malfunction more than any other small appliance. There are two reasons for this. First, toasters are typically built economically to be a throw-away appliance. Replacement models start at $10.
Second, malfunctions are frequently not the fault of the toaster itself but of food particles that interfere with its operation. Excess pieces of bread broken off by carriage movement fall into the base of the toaster and accumulate, obstructing carriage movement, shorting out heating elements, plugging the latch release, and interfering with solenoid operation.
That’s why most pop-up toasters have a large crumb tray and door at the bottom of the toaster. By sliding or unlatching this crumb door you can release food particles trapped in the bottom of the toaster.
For a toaster that is used daily, this should be done once a week. Simply unplug the toaster, hold it over a trash container, and unlatch the door. Once the primary food particles have fallen out, move the toaster around to release other particles that may be trapped at the edges. Periodically clean out the toaster using a can of compressed air, making sure you don’t damage sensitive heating elements or switches.
How to Repair a Toaster Oven
Toaster ovens operate much like toasters. However, a toaster oven is more complex and is typically more expensive to purchase. The higher cost means that repairs are easier to justify. You will probably think twice before tossing a $75 toaster oven into the recycle bin. And because toaster ovens are less compact, they are often easier to work on than pop-up toasters.
Some toaster ovens simply toast bread and related food products horizontally rather than vertically as with pop-up toasters. Other toaster ovens are actually miniature ovens. The differences are identified by the wattage used — broilers require more watts of electrical power to operate — and by the controls. Some toaster ovens allow you to bake and broil foods, offering precise temperature and function control.
Typical toaster oven repairs include servicing the main switch, the thermal fuse, the heating element, and the solenoid.
Step 1: Remove the side panel and, if necessary, the power cord.
Step 2:Check the contact points for pitting or discoloration. If they are not making good contact, carefully rub them with very fine sandpaper, then clean them with an electrical contact cleaner spray or isopropyl alcohol on the end of a cotton swab. Be careful not to bend the contact leaves out of alignment.
 ©2006 Publications International, Ltd. The two dark rods along the base of this toaster are the heating elements. |
Step 3: Once the heating element has been removed, replace it with one of identical rating and structure. Be very careful not to distort the shape of the new element as it is installed. Element wires are fragile and can be damaged easily. Higher-wattage elements are of thicker wire, much like the element in your conventional oven.
How Toasters and Toaster Ovens Work
I like to know how things work. Sometimes I can figure things out by observation, but other times I want someone to explain the details to me. Toasters and toaster ovens are pretty straightforward appliances, but for those of us who want a bit more information, howstuffworks.com offers this:
How Toasters Work
Most electric pop-up toasters all operate in the same manner. A slice of bread, a frozen waffle, a toaster strudel, or some similar food item is placed through a slot in the top of the toaster and into the carriage. The carriage is lowered into the chassis using the lever at the side of the toaster.
When it reaches the bottom, the carriage latches in position and an internal switch is activated to start the heating process. A thermostat determines how long electric current will be sent from the power cord to the heating elements.
The person who is operating the toaster sets the thermostat using a control knob or lever calibrated between light and dark. When the desired temperature is reached and the heating process is completed, the solenoid turns the current off, then unlocks the latch and allows the carriage to spring up to its original position. At this time, the toasted food is easily reachable and can be removed by the operator of the appliance.
 ©2006 Publications International, Ltd. This cross section of a toaster indicates the various elements that make a toaster work. |
How Toaster Ovens Work
To operate a toaster oven, controls are set, the door is opened, food is placed on a tray, and the door is closed. If set for toasting, a toaster thermostat operates the upper and lower heating elements as selected by the color controller. If set for baking or broiling, the baking thermostat operates the heating elements as selected by the temperature controller and possibly by a timing mechanism.
 ©2006 Publications International, Ltd. The cross section of a toaster oven. |
So there it is, simple, yet indispensable in our kitchens.
Thermador’s Freedom Collection Refrigerators and Freezers
The Freedom Collection features counter-depth 24” and 30” fresh food columns, and 18”, 24” and 30” freezer columns, including dispenser freezers. Additionally, the industry’s first fully integrated and flush-mounted three-door 36” bottom-freezer, as well as a two-door version, are available within the collection. Unique 18” and 24” wine preservation columns have see-through glass doors and an interior that can hold up to 98 bottles of both red and white wine in two separate temperature zones.
As a result of its ingenious design and flexibility, the Freedom Collection recently was awarded with a 2007 Platinum Award for Design Excellence (ADEX) from Design Journal and Gold Award from Appliance Design Magazine’s Excellence in Design Awards. Other notable distinctions include a prestigious 2006 American Kitchen and Bath Award from Home Magazine, and a 2006 Merit Award from Kitchen and Bath Business’ Product Innovator Awards. The Collection was also awarded with honorable mention in the 2007 Woman’s Day Specials Best New Product (KB) Awards.
Each Freedom column has its own compressor and evaporator to eliminate odor transfer and air exchange between the refrigerator and freezer – sometimes a concern with traditional models – and perfectly regulates the interior temperature with a variance of only 1.5 degrees. When combined, this system preserves “market fresh” foods longer. The collection is available in stainless steel or can be matched to existing kitchen cabinetry for a seamless, fully integrated look.
“You have the total freedom to design your kitchen any way you want with Thermador’s new column refrigeration. For example, you can place different sized fresh food and freezer columns side-by-side, or put the fresh food column adjacent to the sink for convenient access to your fruits and vegetables. The freezer can then go on the opposite side of the kitchen, right next to your oven, for easy thawing and cooking,” said Chuck Bryant, senior refrigeration product manager. “To preview all the different types of configurations you can have, we developed a special interactive software program that’s currently available online at Thermador.com for consumers and designers to plan their layouts featuring the Freedom Collection.”
In addition to the infinite design possibilities, Thermador’s Freedom Collection offers an unrivalled assortment of exclusive features, including:
The unique Freedom® Hinge allows all the columns to be fully flush mounted to cabinetry – without sacrificing accessibility to the interior and the full extension drawers. In fact, the hinge opens the column doors up to an amazing 115 degrees. It can also accommodate a variety of custom panels up to 220 pounds in total door weight.
No longer will you have to unload a shelf to gain extra interior space. The fresh food column’s motorized Liberty ShelfT™ conveniently moves a fully loaded shelf of up to 22 pounds with the simple touch of a button. 
Also available on bottom-freezer models.
The FreeFlowTM Air System (fresh food column) results in superior temperature regulation and air distribution that helps keep “market fresh” foods longer. Cool air continually travels the length of the column door, ensuring that these items are just as cold as those on the interior shelves. A carbon air filter also absorbs any unwanted odors for fresher and more hygienic food storage.
The freezer’s FreeFlow™ Ice System regularly rotates the filtered ice in the icemaker to avoid clumping, while the UltraClarity™ Water Filter dispenses crystal fresh ice and water. The external dispenser also features an exclusive pull-down flip tray that accommodates pitcher-size containers to facilitate bulk amounts of ice or water. The Luminous Light System™ features bright halogen light towers and spotlights that fully illuminate foods, so everything can be clearly seen while creating a beautiful interior look.
Rounding out these industry exclusives are a number of additional performance features, including a convenient digital display that allows for precise temperature adjustments; multiple specially-insulated compartments that keep delicate and perishable foods fresher, longer; and an adjustable toe-kick that can range in height between 4-7 inches.
The entire Freedom Collection is ENERGY STAR® qualified and is among the quietest refrigeration units in the built-in category. Models are available with an MSRP of $2,899-$6,999; wine columns have an MSRP of $3,899-4,399.
Vornado Trust to Pay $500,000 Civil Penalty for Failure to Report Defects and Hazards with Electric Heaters
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced today that a liquidating trust acting on behalf of a now-dissolved manufacturer of heaters has agreed to pay the government a $500,000 civil penalty. The penalty settles allegations that Vornado Air Circulation Systems Inc., formerly of Andover, Kan., failed to report in a timely manner incidents of fire and overheating from defective heaters. In August 2004, CPSC and Vornado announced the recall of about one million portable electric heaters.
From January 1993 through February 2004, Vornado received more than 300 reports of units overheating, melting, smoking, or catching fire. The firm failed to report these incidents to the CPSC in a timely manner. Vornado finally reported the incidents to the CPSC in February 2004, but only after information was requested by the Commission staff.
Federal law requires firms to report to CPSC immediately after obtaining information reasonably supporting the conclusion that a product contains a defect which could create a substantial product hazard, or creates an unreasonable risk of serious injury or death.
“The law is clear and exists for a reason,” said CPSC Acting Chairman Nancy Nord. “Any delay puts consumers at greater risk. The quicker we know about a dangerous product, the faster we can act to protect consumers.”
In agreeing to settle the matter, the liquidating trust denies that Vornado violated federal law.
Is the Washer Eating Your Socks? -Missing Socks Form One of Life’s Little Mysteries
Two socks enter the washer. Two socks exit the dryer.
As household tasks go, what could be simpler? A pair of socks goes from drawer to feet to dirty clothes to washer and dryer and back into the drawer.
Of course, anyone associated with a social group that faintly resembles a family knows the truth. Socks do disappear. Virtually every residence in the free world has a drawer, pile or basket of mismatched socks. Millions – no, billions – of socks drift aimlessly without mates.
“Washing machines and dryers eat socks,” says my wife of 27 years, who oversees the laundry in our seven-person family. There are other theories, of course. Sock heaven is one. A Bermuda Triangle for socks is another.
For whatever reason, our family’s mismatched-sock pile grows and grows, like an expanding cotton-blended Blob. Two or three times a year we try to match socks. Far too often, they remain alone, sentenced to the rag pile, one wipe closer to the garbage.
Today, sock sales in the U.S. are about $4.9 billion annually. Perhaps because I seem responsible for about a $1 million of those sales, I just lose it over mismatched socks. As frustration builds, I erupt, like any normal, sock-wearing person.
Once, when my daughter Allyson was playing competitive soccer, her black game sock came back from the wash inexplicably partnered with one of my black dress socks. When I put them on, the sports sock reached my knee; the dress sock climbed past my ankle. “Who in their right mind would put these two socks together?” I shouted in a rage.
My wife, returning clean clothes to drawers at the time, answered: “If you don’t like how we do socks, you can do the laundry.” By emphasizing “you” and modifying “laundry” with a word unsuitable for print, my wife revealed to me for the first time that she is truly capable of murder.
Since no matches existed for these black socks, they, too, were exiled to our pile.
“I share your pain,” says Gail Hammond-Gibson, who manages the laundry in her Long Island Freeport household of four that includes husband, Bill, daughter, Nowell, 15, and son, Julian, 13.
The family has a bag of lonely, single socks. “The problem is the bag of mismatches is larger than our supply of good socks,” she says.
Although she has no proof, she wonders if socks are made specifically to disappear, or whether there’s a conspiracy between the weavers of socks and appliance manufacturers. “It’s all about buying new socks,” she says.
Hammond-Gibson’s son seems to be the only family member who has a plan for keeping his socks together; he folds the tops of one open end into the other. “At least they get to the washing machine paired up,” mom says.
The youngster is on to something, says Audrey Reed-Granger, a marketing and public relations executive at Whirlpool, a Michigan-based manufacturer of appliances. The journey from hamper to laundry room is fraught with danger for socks.
Contrary to popular opinion, washers and dryers do not eat socks, Reed-Granger says, and she insists there is no conspiracy between the hosiery industry and the appliance manufacturers.
There are logical explanations for single-sock phenomena. First, Reed-Granger says, most socks do not make it to the washer in pairs. “Boys shoot dirty socks into hampers like they’re shooting basketballs,” she says, “so socks end up behind furniture or under the bed.”
Then she asks me if I’ve ever followed my wife as she carries a load of clothes to the washer.
I reluctantly admit that my wife often leaves behind a trail of single socks, T-shirts and unmentionables.
“The logic is based on research by Whirlpool’s Institute of Fabric Science, which studies how consumers use things like washers and dryers. The institute also claims static cling causes socks to divorce. Even when a pair gets through the washer and into the dryer, static cling can split them up. A single sock can be swallowed by a pillow case or a pant leg, which hints of textile cannibalism.
“The laundry room has been unfairly identified as a Bermuda Triangle for socks,” Reed-Granger says. “But, really, it’s not the fault of the room or the machine. It’s you.”
Well, not me. And certainly not Mary Ellen Zimmermann of Kings Park. After 20-plus years of laundry, she knows exactly why socks go single: “They escape to sock heaven.” If you were a sock, she asks, wouldn’t you be looking for greener pastures?
Reed-Granger understands.
“Before joining Whirlpool, I had a lot of missing socks, too, and I thought I was going crazy.”
One solution is using mesh laundry bags, which keep socks together before they reach the laundry room, Reed-Granger says.
Experts like author Linda Cobb, the self-professed “Queen of Clean,” says clips and rings – sold as SockCops and SockPro and designed to link single pairs as they wash and dry – also prevent socks from disappearing. Reed-Granger prefers the mesh bags, because she says such plastic items could loosen and potentially damage the appliances.
To heck with bags and organizing clips, scoff those who launder regularly. Especially those who have large families. Bags, clips and rings are too much work. Plus, deep down, they are true believers in the household legends of sock heaven and sock-munching appliances.
Again, Reed-Granger understands. So much so that she grudgingly reveals there is a rare – an extremely rare – opportunity for a washing machine to gobble up a sock.
Under the lid of the traditional machine is a gap between the tub and the drum, Reed-Granger says. “You have to really, really overload a top-end machine, so when the cycle starts, a small item could be flipped up into that gap and be lost.”
To those who toil under mountains of grimy clothes, all the while haunted by the ghosts of single socks, it finally makes sense. “What did I tell you?” my wife says.
Recall: Campbell Hausfeld Air Compressors Following Fires
Name of Product: Campbell Hausfeld and Husky Air Compressors
Units: About 233,000
Importer: Campbell Hausfeld, of Harrison, Ohio
Hazard: Protective covers on the compressor’s motor are not made from proper flame retardant material and can ignite, posing a fire hazard to consumers.
Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received 11 reports of fires. No injuries have been reported.
Description: The recall involves the following Campbell Hausfeld and Husky brand air compressors:
| Capacity | Model Numbers | Serial Numbers |
|---|---|---|
| 8-15 gallon | HL410100, HL421000 HL421500, HL431500 |
The first four digits of the serial number indicate a date code from July 2005 (0705) through March 2007 (0307) |
| 4 gallon | HL5402 | Have a prefix of HY, KB, or HU followed by a date code from November 2006 (1106) through November 2007 (1107) |
The model and serial number are located on the back of the tank.
Sold at: Home improvement and hardware stores nationwide from September 2005 through November 2007 for between $170 and $200.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumers should stop using the air compressor immediately and contact Campbell Hausfeld for a free repair kit.
Consumer Contact: For further information, contact Campbell Hausfeld at (800) 241-0448 between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.chpower.com
Recall: Glue Guns by Dollar Tree Stores Due to Fire, Burn and Shock Hazards
Name of Product: Crafters Square Hot Melt Mini Glue Guns
Units: About 253,000
Retailer: Dollar Tree Stores Inc., of Chesapeake, Va.
Importer: Greenbrier International Inc., of Chesapeake, Va.
Hazard: The recalled glue guns can short circuit, causing the gun to smoke and catch fire. This poses fire, burn and shock hazards to consumers.
Incidents/Injuries: Dollar Tree is aware of seven incidents in which these glue guns short circuited resulting in two injuries, including electrical shock and burns.
Description: The glue guns dispense hot glue and are intended for craft projects. The recalled glue gun is black with a yellow trigger and is approximately 4 1/2 inches from the back of the gun to the tip. Attached is a 44-inch electrical cord. “Crafters Square” and product number 818261-72 or 818261-75 are located on the guns’ packaging.
Manufactured in: China
Sold at: Dollar Tree, Dollar Bill$, Dollar Express, Greenbacks, Only One $1, and Deal$ stores nationwide from February 2007 through August 2007 for about $1.
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled glue guns and return them to the store where purchased for a full refund.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Dollar Tree Stores Inc. at (800) 876-8077 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.dollartree.com
