Energy Saving Laundry Tips

Energy Star washers are a great way to conserve energy and save yourself some money in the laundry room.  Here are even more ways to cut back.

DON’T use too much detergent

You’re only helping Proctor & Gamble when you pour in those heaping cups of laundry soap. The owners’ manual provides instructions on the proper amount of soap to use. Using too much soap also can shorten the life your clothing, which could get expensive.

DO keep venting dry and clear.

We recommend cleaning your dryer vent a few times a year.  Otherwise, it could get blocked up, causing your dryer to take longer to do its job. And remember to clean your lint filter after every use.

DO switch to cold-water washes

About 90 percent of the energy used for washing clothes in an average washer is for heating the water. Need I say more? If you have tough, oily stains, even switching your temperature setting from hot to warm can cut a load’s energy use in half. Otherwise, you’d be surprised how well cold water cycles clean these days.

DON’T over-dry your clothes

Instead, use a moisture sensor (if you have one) to automatically stop the dryer once it’s finished. Note: Dry towels and heavier cottons separate from lighter weight clothes to ensure proper drying when using a sensor. If you don’t have a moisture sensor, use the cool-down cycle to finish drying clothes using the residual heat.

DO put full loads in the washer and dryer.

Full loads of laundry mean fewer loads of laundry, which mean less energy, water and money used, too. If you must wash a small load, remember to set the water-level to match.

Taken from Warners’ Stellian

Induction Cooking

You may have been hearing about induction cooking lately, but you may still be in the dark about what it actually is.  Induction technology uses electromagnetic energy to transfer heat directly to your cookware.  Since the cookware heats more quickly than on gas or electric cooktops, cook times are faster, meaning less energy is used.  Plus, it allows you to instantly adjust the heat from a delicate simmer to a quick boil.  Induction heat combines the benefits of gas and electric cooktops, offering you the power of gas and the easy cleanup of electric.

Cooks who are new to induction cooking will realize the benefits of induction immediately.  It’s faster, has more responsive heating, more energy-efficient cooking, and easier cleanup. Here are some other features induction offers:

• Bring water to a boil in as little as 90 seconds
• 70% more efficient than gas and 20% more efficient than electric
• More responsive  so you can instantly adjust the heat to a delicate simmer or bring it to a quick boil
• The sensors automatically detect the presence of magnetic cookware, activate the induction field, and adjust it to the exact size of the pan
• Heat is transferred directly to the cookware, so the cooktop stays cooler to the touch

Come to any of our stores to learn more and see the induction ranges and cooktops for yourself!

Information provided by Electrolux

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Microwaving Tips

The microwave can be a great tool for quick meal, but some methods of microwave cooking and reheating can be harmful or downright dangerous. So here are some basic dos and don’ts to help keep you safe:

DON’T put metal in a microwave…ever. You will cause sparking and potential damage. This includes aluminum foil and those portable coffee mugs.

DO microwave by number. Avoid plastics No. 3, No. 6 and No. 7, as these could leach chemicals into your foods. Plastic wrap and Styrofoam can also melt. Transfer to a different container and use a glass lid to cover the food.

DON’T heat acidic foods, like tomato sauce, in plastic containers.

DO choose containers made of glass or ceramic or plastic that’s made for microwaving.

DON’T cook large cuts of meat on full power. Instead, use medium power (50%) for longer periods to ensure heat reaches the center without overcooking outer areas.

DO stir or rotate food halfway to eliminate cold spots where harmful bacteria can survive.

Taken from Warners’ Stellian

Power Outage Tips

As we enter the stormy fall and winter, we’re bound to have some power outages.  So when the power goes out and your refrigerator isn't cooling, what should you do?

First, call the power company and find out how long the power will be out.  If the power outage is less than 24 hours:

Keep the doors shut on both the refrigerator and freezer compartments to keep food cold or frozen. If you’re experiencing a refrigerator power outage for more than 2 hours, you might want to pack dairy and meats into coolers filled with ice, says the CDC.

If the power will be out for more than 24 hours:

Add 2 lbs of dry ice in the freezer for every cubic foot of freezer space, which will keep the food frozen for two to four days. Otherwise, you’re going to have to eat all that perishable food.

A full freezer stays cold longer than a partially filled one and a freezer full of meat stays cold longer than a freezer full of baked goods. A half-full freezer will keep food safe for 24 hours, and a full freezer will keep food safe for 48 hours, according to the CDC.

If food contains ice crystals, you can refreeze it, although the quality and flavor may be affected. Test meats to ensure the temperature hasn't risen to 40 degrees. Use your gut. If it looks like it’s in rough shape, toss it.

Taken from Warners’ Stellian

KitchenAid Dishwashers

If you're looking for a new dishwasher, consider KitchenAid.  All KitchenAid dishwashers have the following features:

• 25% Better Results
• Full Stainless Steel Wash Tub
• Touch Controls
• Dedicated Drying Element
• Adjustable Racks
• Energy Star Qualified

In addition to all of those features, they have three different levels depending on your needs and budget; Classic Cleaning, Proscrub Performance, and Luxury Level.  As you move up, they become quieter with more cycles and options as well as enhanced cleaning options.  Come in to any of our superstores to check them out for yourself.