How to Replace Appliances Flawlessly

Whether you are replacing a refrigerator that is on its last legs or redesigning your kitchen with showpiece appliances, having a plan in place at the start of the project can eliminate overspending and a variety of other mistakes. For a flawless replacement process, make sure these steps are part of your plan:

 * The budget – Develop a budget, even if you’re only shopping for one item. Having a set budget will be even more important if you’re buying appliances for the entire kitchen. By knowing what you can spend on each appliance, you’ll be able to avoid a situation where you have to cut corners on the last item to be purchased because the preceding purchases didn’t leave enough money in the checking account.
 * Prioritize features – Prioritizing features can help you stay within your budget for each item. It can also help you to make informed decisions when adding features on one appliance could mean sacrificing features on another to stay within your budget.
* Take precise measurements – You’ll want to measure the dimensions of the intended space as well as the appliance that will be installed there.
* Coordinate your pieces – Make sure that your appliances will work together visually. This step is critical when purchasing appliances from different manufacturers and/or when using custom colors and finishes.
 * Plan for installation expenses – While free standing refrigerators and ovens are relatively easy to install, built in appliances may require the assistance of a professional technician. Be sure to include these expenses in your overall budget.

 Developing your plan before making your purchases can prove to be a valuable part of the process that keeps you on track and on budget. These steps can also help to avoid common mistakes and deliver a flawless appliance replacement process.

How a Trash Compactor can Help to Manage Increasing Garbage Collection Fees

As the budgets of municipalities continue to tighten, many cities are shifting the cost of what were once free services to their citizens. One such cost is that of garbage collection, a service that is being shifted off the books by a growing number of cities across the country. In municipalities where garbage collection fees are in place, the charges are often tiered to correspond with the amount of trash that is collected at the curb, with big price jumps kicking in once the limits for basic service are exceeded.

For residents that are constantly being hit with extra charges for garbage collection, a trash compactor can serve as a solution that is both cost-effective and easy to manage. Here are two of the considerations to assess before buying one of these trash management systems:

* There are two types of trash compactors – Trash compactors can either be installed underneath a counter in the kitchen or deployed as a freestanding unit. Many built-in trash compactors come with interchangeable front panels to either match or complement the design of the kitchen. Freestanding units usually have a more commercial look and are typically located in the kitchen or the garage.
* Compaction – While the physical dimensions of trash compactors are similar, the compaction rate, as measured by the number of bags that can be compressed into single bag, will range from 4 to 6 per 1. A 4 to 1 ratio will suffice for small families while a unit with a 6 to 1 can manage larger quantities.

If you are paying extra for the collection of your curbside garbage, a trash compactor can provide a sensible solution. These units make even more sense when compared to the other option of driving to and paying for landfill services.

Deciding Between Updraft and Downdraft Ventilation Systems

Getting the right ventilation system for your kitchen can make the difference between preparing meals in a cool and clean environment and cooking in one that is filled with smoke and heat. Installing proper ventilation has become even more important as consumers put in ovens and cooktops that can heat more dishes at higher temperatures.

When deciding between types of ventilation systems, there are two basic choices; an updraft or a downdraft system. Here are the details of each:

Downdraft Ventilation Systems

These systems are built into the back of the range and can either remain flush with the cooktop or pop up when needed. The pop up ventilation version is more effective at capturing heat, smoke, odors, etc. as it sits with a higher profile than a flush mounted system. These systems pull heat and airborne residues either down or sideways, which tends to limit their overall effectiveness. Venting with this type of system can also be negatively affected when taller pots are in use on the cooktop due to vapors being released at a higher point than the downdraft fans can reach. Downdraft systems are ideal for providing ventilation in kitchens with lower levels of heat, smoke, steam, etc., especially when the range sits as an island in the middle of the kitchen or when a hood/updraft system cannot be installed. These systems are also preferred as an alternative to overhead ventilation by some for aesthetic purposes.

Updraft or Overhead Ventilation Systems

Updraft or overhead ventilation systems are positioned above the range to capture heat, smoke, odors and particulates as they naturally rise from the cooktop and/or oven. These systems use fans to draw residuals into the venting system where they are either run through a filtering process and re-circulated or vented outside. The choice between re-circulation and venting to the outdoors is primarily determined by the proximity of the range and venting system to an outside wall of the building. Updraft ventilation systems are more efficient in clearing the kitchen of residues and are basically the only choice in situations where cooking results in the emission of high levels of heat, smoke, etc. Purchasers of pro-style ovens should only consider updraft ventilation systems as the emissions that are typically generated by high powered burners and multiple dishes being prepared at the same time would be too much for a downdraft system to handle effectively.

Buying the right ventilation system goes beyond a choice of form over function as a kitchen with insufficient venting can become overheated, loaded with airborne particulates, and gather residual gases such as carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide. Ultimately, maximizing the effectiveness of the ventilation in your kitchen is a matter of matching your cooking style and kitchen configuration to the right system. With that, you’ll be able to cook and entertain in an environment that is both comfortable and inviting.

Pricing Categories and What to Expect for Your Money When Buying a Range

Somewhat like buying a car, there are ranges for every price category that run from standard models to massive pro-style versions featuring multiple ways to cook food including steam convection. If you are just getting started in the decision making process of buying a range, here is a breakdown of pricing categories as well as what you can expect from the ranges in each one.

Under $1000

This is the price category for slide in, freestanding, electric, and/or gas standard ranges. These models typically come with 4 heating elements on the cooktop, a broiler, self-cleaning, and an oven capacity of about 5 cubic feet. Glass top electric ranges, convection cooking, and at least one burner with high power/simmer options are available at the upper end of this pricing category.

$1000 to $4000

This price category includes all of the options available for standard ranges and then steps it up from there. Glass top options can include a side area to keep finished courses warm while others are being heated, ovens can have larger viewing windows, and many models will have a fifth heating element. Gas ranges in this category may offer interlocking grates that cover the entire cooktop and electric models will offer a similar option with bridges between burners. This category also offers induction cooking; a highly efficient heating system that uses electromagnetic energy to heat metal based cookware directly, leaving the cooktop cool. Additional features in this category include double ovens and the option for simultaneous cooking with both gas and electricity.

Over $4000

This is the pro-style category which includes all the features of the two less expensive categories but offers ranges that are up to twice as large (up to 5 feet wide) with much higher heating capacities. The larger ranges will offer double ovens with each side rivaling the size of traditional single oven models. Duties can be split as well with one oven being used for conventional purposes while the other can be used for convection cooking, with higher end models offering steam convection. The larger cooktop area of ranges in this category offers a variety of customization options including high powered burners that can reach 20,000 BTUs, griddles, and other features that are part of the pro-style cooking experience. A hood-style ventilation system is recommended for ranges in this category due to the higher amounts of heat, smoke and steam that can be generated due to larger cooking areas and higher heat output.

Two major aspects of the decision making process for buying a range are the budget and the types of meals that you plan to prepare. With these two factors in mind, getting the most value from a range that matches your cooking style will be the best purchase you can make.

4 Things to Look for When Buying a New Washing Machine

While it may be tempting to shop for a new washing machine based on price alone, there are several factors that can make a more expensive machine a better investment over a relatively short period of time via savings in both energy and water usage.

These factors include:

• ENERGY STAR rated washing machines – Rated machines use sensors to heat only the amount of water that is necessary to finish the wash cycle, thus reducing both water and energy use. Washing machines that carry ENERGY STAR certifications are up to 30% more efficient than older and non-rated machines. Lower bills in both of these areas can add up to substantial savings over time.
• Higher spin cycle speeds – With all the features that are available on new washing machine models, the speed of spin cycles is often overlooked. A high spin speed in the washing machine, however, can reduce the time of the drying cycle, especially if the dryer has a moisture sensing feature that stops the machine once the items in the basin are dry.
• Reduced water usage – Standard washing machines use about 40 gallons of water per load, while newer models that are engineered with high powered sprayers can reduce water usage by up to 60%.
• Washing machines that use high efficiency (HE) detergent – HE detergents generate a lower amount of soap suds and require less water in the rinse cycle.

The new generation of washing machines may carry slightly higher price tags than older and less efficient models. That being said, by using substantially less energy and water to get wash loads clean, the investment will pay for itself over time.

3 Common Appliance Buying Mistakes

In many kitchen remodeling projects, the range and the refrigerator serve as the cornerstone appliances in terms of utility and appearance. During the decision-making process for these items there are several mistakes that can be made that can result in poor functionality or require the inconvenience of a return of the appliance for another model. These mistakes include:

• Prioritizing form over function – This is a common mistake that has its roots in the fact that many homeowners have a very detailed vision of how their new kitchen should look, but are less clear on how the kitchen will work. This can lead to the purchase of a refrigerator with a single door that can’t swing open fully due to a tight space or the purchase of a range that can’t be ventilated properly.
• Going too big – Super-sizing appliances is fine as long as you’re not making major sacrifices in other areas, such as counter space and storage space. Keep in mind that you will need to store cookware, plates, silverware, pantry items, etc. Also remember that most meal preparation takes place on countertops, so leave room for that activity as well.
• Forgetting to assess the intended spaces for suitability – Don’t assume that the space where your refrigerator is going to go will be plumbed to provide dispensed ice and water. On the same note, you’ll want to make sure that the space for your cooktop and wall oven allows for a proper configuration, for example.

With the time and cost involved with doing a kitchen remodel, the importance of buying the right appliances cannot be understated. By avoiding these common appliance buying mistakes, you’ll be able to get your kitchen remodel done on budget and on time.

3 Tips on Buying the Best Ventilation System for Your Kitchen

It’s often the case that when consumers start planning the purchase of new appliances for their newly remodeled kitchen, the ventilation system is either an afterthought or completely forgotten. In these situations, the error in this thinking doesn’t become apparent until the first big meal is prepared in a growing cloud of smoke and steam that has overwhelmed an inadequate ventilation system.
With that in mind here are 4 tips for buying the best ventilation system for your kitchen:

• Follow the ventilation guidelines as suggested by the manufacturer of your oven – These guidelines will vary depending on the BTUs and configuration of the oven. For example, if the cooktop includes a grill, more ventilation will be required.
• Make sure that the ventilation hood is at least as wide as the cooktop surface – Going a little wider isn’t a bad idea here. Also, the ideal depth of the ventilation hood should cover at least 75% of the depth of the cooktop surface.
• Vent to the outdoors if possible – Venting particulates, smoke and steam to the outdoors gets them out of the house as opposed to re-circulating fans which eliminate odors but can actually re-circulate more than half of particulates back into the house.

While ventilation systems may not be the first thing that people think about when they’re remodeling their kitchen, getting the right one is as important as the rest of the new appliances going into the kitchen. The alternative is to spend time cooking in a “pea soup” fog of steam and smoke that hangs around until it can be blown out of a window.