Home & Garden Blog » Appliances

Save Money And Energy By Changing Your Furnace Filter

brock — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 20:09:24 +0000

Face it, your house is dirty. Unless you live in a clean room and wear a white suit after going through decontamination, your house has dirt in it.

Many people like to forget about the maintenance of their furnace because it’s usually stuck in the basement and no one ever sees it. It’s all automatic, so why bother thinking about it? Frankly, because your house is dirty. You don’t like me saying that do you, but think about it. You bring in dirt and dust on your shoes and clothes every time you walk in and out the door. When the door opens and there is wind, it brings in dust from the outside. You can see it when you open your curtains and the sun shines in your room. Those tiny particles floating in the air and sticking to everything…that’s dust.

Your furnace works on a give-and-take formula (I am talking about forced air furnaces). The furnace sucks in air from inside the home (the take), heats it up, and blows the warm air back into the home (the give).

Before the air goes to the heating area, however, it has to go through a filter. This filter gathers up all that dirt and dust that gets sucked in along with the air, but, over time, the filter gets filled with debris and dust particles. This causes less air to go through and makes the furnace motor work harder and longer to get air and heat the home.

This translates to higher heating costs for you and more electrical energy being produced to run it. If you multiply this by a few thousand homes, then we’re talking about a lot of wasted electricity and money. The average homeowner needs to replace his furnace filter every 3-6 months. This keeps the air flowing smoothly, and you don’t have to worry about your furnace going into overdrive and the motor burning out. I learned this the hard way.

Several years ago, I noticed the furnace making a shrill sound and the fan almost never shut off. I didn’t know much about furnaces at the time and didn’t even know they had filters. One day, the furnace shut down, and after a costly visit by the heating and cooling repair man, I found out that this all could have been avoided if I had simply changed the filter. Lesson learned.

Fire Safety: Cleaning Out Your Laundry Dryer Vent

brock — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 16:40:55 +0000

About a year ago, I went into my bathroom and something seemed off. We have our washer and dryer in the bathroom and my wife had been running the laundry all day. The entire bathroom seemed like a sauna.

I didn’t think much of it until it kept getting worse and worse and there was even condensation on the bathroom mirror. As it turns out, it was our dryer vent, and it could have been a fire hazard had I not caught it in time. Here is the best way to examine your dryer vent to determine if it is blocked or disconnected.

Pull back the dryer so you can clearly see the vent tube, but be careful not to disconnect it from the wall. Check to see if there is a buildup of lint. If there is a significant amount of lint, then it means the vent could be lose and spilling out the flammable fabric.

Walk outside to where the dryer vent releases the hot air and look into the tube. Check to see if there is a buildup of lint in the tube. This is perhaps the most dangerous aspect of vent blockage. That lint is very flammable and if the vent is clogged, then all that hot air has a hard time leaving the laundry area. It’s possible that it could catch the lint on fire.

If you see a lot of lint inside or outside of the vent tube, then disconnect the tube and clean it out. It may take a while, especially if there is a lot of lint in the tube, but this is very necessary. Also, be sure to clean out all lint behind the dryer, as this is a fire hazard as well. Reconnect the tube, making sure the connections are tight and that there isn’t anyway for the air to escape between the dryer and the outside.

Turn on the dryer and periodically revisit the room to make sure it isn’t getting substantially hotter or humid. If the humidity is gone, then the vent is clear and the air is escaping as it’s supposed to. If not, then it may be time to call the repairman. It’s also not a good idea to run the washer and dryer when there is no one in the house.

There are more than 13,000 dryer vent fires each year, so it’s important not to ignore the warning signs.

Compact Appliance Coupon: $20 Off Any Purifier Over $199

ernani — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 19:49:03 +0000

I love spring and being outdoors, but there is one problem that a lot of us can relate to when it comes to the spring season: Allergies.

I absolutely hate having allergies. A runny nose, non-stop sneezing, and itchy red eyes can ruin a great day. Allergies aren’t only caused by being outside, however; we can also get them from being inside our homes. Because allergens such as pollen, dust and dander are usually the most active during spring, it may seem like we can never get away from them (even in the comfort of our own home), but one of the best solutions to help combat this annoying problem is by using an air purifier.

Shop at Compactappliance.com today to get $20 off any air purifier over $199 using our Compact Appliance coupon. Choose from a wide selection of air purifiers that are specifically designed to target your most prevalent allergens; air purifiers designed to alleviate allergies from pollen, dust mites, pet dander, odor, smoke, mold, and air pollutions. This offer is valid until May 1, 2011.

Make sure to get your air purifier today for an allergy-free home environment!

Best Buy Coupons: 5%-15% Off on Select TVs

ernani — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 19:13:15 +0000

It’s always exciting to make changes inside your home. Whether it’s new decor or furniture, your home will definitely have a refreshing new look. But what adds a little more excitement and life to a home are all the cool electronics you add to it! For instance, a brand new LCD TV will enhance your entertainment room as it takes your television viewing experience to a whole new level. One of the best places to buy a LCD TV is Bestbuy.com.

Visit Bestbuy.com and get up to 15% off on select TVs. You can also get free shipping on hundreds of thousands of items online. Choose from a variety of electronics and appliances including computers, cell phones, GPS systems, video games, washers & dryers and air purifiers. Both are ongoing offers and have no expiration dates.

Find these discounts on our Best Buy coupons page and make sure to keep checking back frequently for future coupons and promotions that will help you save big!

Compact Appliance Coupon: $10 Off EdgeStar 62-Can Beverage Fridge

ernani — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 19:29:10 +0000

The temperature’s rising, and one of the best ways to stay cool and refreshed it to have a nice ice-cold beverage. Whether you want an energy drink to kick start your day, a soda to go with your lunch, a sport drink after a workout, or a crisp beer to just sit back and enjoy, your preferred beverage is at its best when served chilled. Shop online at Compactappliance.com and find great deals on beverage coolers.

Compactappliance.com currently has an Edgestar stainless steel beverage cooler on sale at a great price you won’t want to miss. This beverage cooler that can store up to 62 standard 12 oz. cans is now on sale for only $179. That’s a 15% saving from its regular price of $210.59! They’ll even include free shipping.

To make this deal even better, we have a coupon that can help you get an additional $10 off this beverage cooler. Be sure to use the coupon before your final checkout. This coupon will expire on April 17, 2011.

For wine lovers, we also have another coupon that can help take $20 off an EdgeStar stainless steel 18 bottle dual zone wine cooler. This coupon is good through April 30, 2011.

Find both coupons here at our Compact Appliance coupons page.

Sears Coupons: Save $20 off $200 Orders! (Exp. 4/9/11)

ernani — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 22:59:20 +0000

Lately, it seems like everywhere you go, prices have increased. Important necessities such as food and gasoline prices have certainly taken a rise. Paying for a full tank of gas is so painful that I don’t even bother to look at the total cost anymore. I’ll save all those frustrations all at once (right when I’m about to pay off the balance on my credit card statement).

Being that these are circumstances beyond our control, we also begin to change our shopping habits and limit our spending. The best way to spend is usually through sales and discounts. A great place to shop and save big is Sears.com.

At Sears.com, there are a large number of great coupons and promotions to help you buy what you want for a cheaper price. Save $20 off orders of $200 or more. Don’t hesitate! This coupon is only good through April 9, 2011. You can also save an extra $5 on orders of $50 or more. This offer expires on Dec. 31, 2011.

Shop for major home and kitchen appliances, lawn and garden necessities, tools, patio sets and more! Sears has daily deals of the day and other great promotions to help you save as you shop.

Be sure to find these coupons and promotions here at our Sears coupon page. We will make sure to get you the most for what you pay for.

Fingerhut Coupons: Get 8% Off of $88 or More

ernani — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 20:12:02 +0000

Spring is one of my favorite seasons. Aside from spring allergies, the weather always seems to be perfect, flowers and plants start to bloom, more time is spent outdoors, and it’s also the perfect opportunity to begin any home improvements. Spring sales are also on the rise; but before you look anywhere else, visit Fingerhut.com to find everything you need at discount prices.

For your home interior, shop through a large variety of products including home decor, major appliances, window treatments, and lighting. For those that are planning and preparing for outdoor home and garden improvements, Fingerhut.com has yard care essentials, hand tools, power tools, painting supplies, patio furniture, BBQ grills and more from which to choose.

Once you’re ready for checkout, use coupon code AFFBITS to get an additional 8% off of orders $88 or more. This coupon has no expiration date.

Be sure to keep checking out the Fingerhut coupons page for more great deals and promotions!

Water Heaters: A Big Decision

brock — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 19:57:29 +0000

Water heaters are the kind of appliance that no one ever thinks about until after the water’s gone cold for a day, or so. It’s an inconspicuous piece of machinery, usually in the basement, that is out of site and out of mind.

You are always reminded of the furnace and central air unit when that blower comes on, and you can definitely feel it when you wake up at 5 a.m. and the house is 40 degrees. We take for granted that the water will always be hot and forget that it’s adding to our gas and electric bill.

When the time comes for you to purchase a new heater, don’t make it a quick-need-something-right-away decision. Find out what you need and buy the right kind of heater.

Energy

Believe it or not, the water heater can add a significant cost to your gas or electric bill. Water heaters come in a variety of energy efficiencies but, ideally, you’ll want one with a 4-star energy rating. The others may be less expensive, but they will cost you more in the long run.

Size

Sorry guys, but when a woman says size doesn’t matter, she’s lying. Of course, that’s if you’re talking about water heaters. A single guy who has a washer and dryer doesn’t need a 80 gallon water tank. However, a family of four with two bathrooms, tons of dishes and lots of laundry will need as much hot water as possible.

The Warranty

This actually happened to me once. The water heater went kaput and the landlord came in and replaced it that afternoon. He bought the cheapest one he could – he’s a landlord, it’s what they do – and a few days later the new one went out. And guess what – it didn’t have warranty. So he ended up replacing it with a used one. Thankfully, the used one was better that the warranty-less new one. It’s important to never underestimate the need of a warranty; when things go wrong, it’s the only thing that will save you a big bill.

Alternatives

Sometimes, when families grow, the water heater you have cannot keep up with demand. You’ll most likely discover this when your shower turns cold. If this is the case and the water heater is still functioning properly, then think about switching to a tankless water heater. This point of origin warms the water as it travels through the pipes, rather than from a tank. It could be a second separate heater just for the shower.

Kmart Coupon: $5 Off All Hamilton Beach Small Kitchen Appliances

ernani — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 19:19:11 +0000

Let’s face it. Waking up in the morning to get ready for work or school is not the easiest task in the world. I don’t even know how many times I’ve hit the snooze button on my phone before finally getting out of bed. However, if there is one thing that I actually look forward to before leaving for work, it’s having a nice breakfast.

There’s nothing better than a big, delicious meal to start the day. Whether it’s pancakes, waffles, eggs, fruit or toast with coffee, juice or a smoothie, you need the right kitchen appliances to get the job done.

Shop online at Kmart.com and find all the small kitchen appliances you need. Choose from a variety of kitchen appliances such as toasters, coffee makers, blenders, toaster ovens, electric griddles and much more.

Additionally, you can also save an extra 5% off all Hamilton Beach small kitchen appliances. Just use this Kmart coupon when you check out. Be sure to make your purchases soon, because this offer will expire on March 26, 2011.

Start shopping now and start your day the right way!

Fingerhut Coupons: 8% Off $88 or More

ernani — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 21:13:55 +0000

As I wake up each morning, the weather continues to get better and better. Instead of waking up to a cold wet day, I now wake up to birds chirping and the sun’s warm rays radiating throughout my room. With the days also getting longer, the season has obviously shifted, and the desire to spend time outdoors is endless. Just like many of you, the thought of weekly barbecues, trips to the beach, outdoor relaxation, picnics at the park, outdoor exercise and so many other activities are in my plans. I’ve already started seeing people set up their patios while bringing out the grill. Oh yes, it’s spring, and if you’re not prepared for it, then visit Fingerhut.com.

At Fingerhut, you will be able to find a variety of outdoor necessities for enjoying a beautiful day. Choose from a variety of patio sets, barbecue grills, outdoor furniture, hammocks and so much more. Fingerhut also has a nice selection of power tools, garden tools and storage and sheds, just in case you want to do a little work in your backyard. Here’s the best part: Fingerhut has deals that will help you save as you shop.

Fingerhut is offering 8% off orders of $88 or more. Just use coupon code AFFBITS. This coupon has no expiration date. You can also get $5 off purchase of $75 or more, just by typing in AFF814 when you check out. This offer is only valid through March 11, 2011.

The spring season has just begun, and it’s definitively time to have some fun under the sun! Be sure to keep checking our Fingerhut coupons page to find the latest deals and discounts.