Home Appliances
Home appliances are the essence of convenient, contemporary living. They define how we take care of the many tasks we accomplish in our homes, from cooking to refrigerating foods and washing clothes. Because they’re so important to our daily lives, they’ve become amazingly sophisticated both in the duties they handle and in their efficient use of energy. Our challenge is to buy the best appliances for our needs and to know basic techniques for using, repairing, and caring for them.
Air Cleaners
A new air purifier or air cleaner can do an amazing job of cleaning up your home’s air—you just have to know the type to buy for solving problems with your home’s air. This article looks at the various types of home air purifiers and cleaners available.
AC - Window & Room
If your home doesn’t have central air conditioning and you’re looking to affordably and effectively keep it cool this summer, one or more room air conditioners may be your answer.
Barbecues
Expert advice on outdoor barbecues and kitchens, with buying guides, DIY installation instructions and diagrams, repair and maintenance tips.
Central Vacuums
Because the vacuum canister can be larger than a conventional household vacuum’s, it can do a more powerful job of collecting dust, pollen, dander, and other airborne pollutants.
Clothes Dryers
Clothes dryers are among the most truly convenient appliances of modern life, and, where the space and utilities are available, a clothes dryer is the natural companion to an automatic washing machine.
Dehumidifiers
Showering, running a washing machine or dishwasher, cooking—all of these activities put moisture into the air, which can be problematic, especially if you live in a climate where humidity levels are already uncomfortably high.
Dishwashers
Because an estimated two-thirds of U.S. households have a dishwasher, it’s likely that you are already well acquainted with the joys of their convenience.
Garbage Disposals
Is your garbage disposal jammed, clogged, leaking, or not draining? This complete garbage disposal troubleshooting guide will help you quickly diagnose and repair the problem.
Humidifiers
When your home’s interior humidity level—the amount of water vapor in the air—drops too low, interior air can become uncomfortable, damaging, and downright unhealthful.
Ranges & Ovens
Cooking appliances are the heart of a kitchen. Ranges, ovens, cooktops, microwaves: all of these are critical to cooking, a kitchen’s primary purpose. For this reason, it’s very important to have cooking appliances that operate properly and efficiently.
Refrigerators & Freezers
In the United States and many other developed countries, refrigerators are taken for granted. But, the fact is, the refrigerator is a relatively recent invention.
Washing Machines
Everything you need to know about washing machines, from buying advice, to DIY repairs that will save you money and time.
Water Filters
Unless issued by your local health department, “free home water testing” offers are usually a come-on to get you to buy water-treatment devices after a couple of carefully staged tests.
Water Heaters
Whether or not you are in the market for a new water heater right now, read this article. It’s important to be prepared for the day your water heater gives up the ghost.
Water Softeners
What is a water softener? Water softener systems (often misspelled “water softner systems“) are products that solve hard water problems. Hard water is simply water that is rich in minerals such as calcium, magnesium carbonate, and manganese.
Home Appliance Articles
How to Fix a Noisy Water Heater
If your water heater is rumbling, popping, or making other noises, this expert guide will help you troubleshoot and solve the problem. Includes DIY repairs
Salt-Free Water Softeners or Conditioners
Expert advice about salt-free water conditioning systems, including what they are and when you might want to choose one. Includes discussion of electronic or magnetic
Clothes Dryer Doesn’t Tumble | DIY Repair
Learn how to fix a clothes dryer that doesn’t tumble with this DIY guide, troubleshooting problems like the door switch, power chord, and receptacle. If
Dishwasher Washes Poorly or Leaves Spots
Does your dishwasher leaves spots, film, or white residue on dishes? This article explains why and shows you how to solve these problems. In This
How a Garbage Disposal Works
Ever wonder what’s going on inside a garbage disposal? This page offers an exploded-view garbage disposal diagram, along with a description of what the various
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