Chris Doscher, Author at AHAM Consumer Blog

What Home Design Trends Will Continue After COVID?

What changes have you made in your home over the past two years? Maybe you have taken on a full kitchen renovation. Or perhaps the changes are more subtle, like a new chest freezer in the basement, an air cleaner, or a portable kitchen appliance. COVID-19 and the extra time spent at home drove people to reconsider their surroundings and bring in elements aimed at function, health and comfort.

As we look toward life beyond the pandemic, the longer-term effects COVID-19 will have on home design may be starting to emerge. People are looking beyond clearing clutter and the adaptations they made quickly in 2020 to meet the new needs of daily life at home.

“We’ve connected with our homes and families in such a different way now,” says Paula Kennedy, of Timeless Kitchen Designs in Seattle. “Since [the pandemic] has lasted this long, there truly are going to be some long-lasting effects on our homes because of that.”

We spoke with Kennedy and two other certified kitchen and bath designers who are well known for their forecasting and insights into home design—Jamie Gold and Sarah Barnard—who shared their observations of trends over the past two years during the boom in home renovations and improvements, and of what home design trends will continue after COVID.

Indoor air quality

Indoor air quality is now a leading concern for those renovating or remodeling their homes. While a room air cleaner is one easy option, remodelers are taking multiple paths and using a combination of appliances and design to improve their indoor air quality.

“Right now, the DIY is to go get yourself an air cleaner to put in the corner,” Kennedy says. “That’s where they’re all starting. As we do the remodel, that opens the door to talk more about better kitchen ventilation. I’m not just letting them buy the cheapest vent hood anymore. They’re looking for quality light and sound control.”

Barnard says IAQ has long been an interest of her clients, but that has grown as indoor air quality has received more attention as a health issue.

“Our clients are increasingly interested in indoor air quality as more information is shared about its’ importance,” Barnard says. “While ventilation systems like range hoods and air purifiers are crucial to maintaining indoor air quality, they are only one piece of the puzzle. One of the best things you can do to ventilate your home is to open your windows and encourage the flow of fresh air. To encourage the use of open windows, it’s essential to ensure that all windows are functioning correctly, both in mechanics and for the home’s layout.”

The pandemic created a stronger link between home and health, Gold says. “Safety isn’t just trip hazards,” she says. “It includes air quality, not having viruses and pollutants in the home. In areas where there are a lot of wildfires, you’re at a point where you need air purification as well.”

More food storage

Demand for many appliances skyrocketed during the pandemic as people adapted their home environment to their new way of life. Homeowners quickly added second freezers, especially chest freezers, as they stocked up on groceries.

“People might look at their family’s food needs, and say they want extra capacity,” Gold says. “Or, they like not having to shop as much. They don’t have the same urgency, but might have decided they like the extra capacity.”

That additional food storage can take different forms, whether it is a second refrigerator or freezer, a refrigerator for specific food or drinks, or extra pantry space.

“Most clients keep their old refrigerator and leave it in the basement or a garage and purchase an additional freezer,” Kennedy says. “It’s on my list of questions to ask clients.” The additional food storage can be specialized, too, in the form of smaller, under-counter refrigeration for drinks, snacks or produce. “Less of a luxury and more of a necessity is that extra beverage refrigerator,” Kennedy says. “You’re freeing up more space in the refrigerator for food, and you’re separating the foot traffic. Everything is about spreading people out in the kitchen.”

Additional functionality doesn’t mean luxury is taking a back seat. Wine refrigerators are still the norm in remodels. “Even with modest budgets, they’re getting them,” Kennedy says.

Building in adequate pantry space and visible food storage can also have the benefit of making the cooking process more enjoyable, Barnard says. “I love spacious pantries, intuitively organized for my clients to easily find what they need and quickly identify what is running low,” she says. ”Visible produce storage is also beneficial for ensuring produce is making its way into most meals.”

Kitchen innovations

Gold reports that a two-year trend of ventilation hoods communicating with induction cooktops is continuing. “The range hood adjusts its performance depending on what’s cooking,” Gold says. “Cooking can emit steam, odors and gasses. Having your vent hood know what level to operate at without having to do anything is huge.”

Both Gold and Kennedy say they are fielding more requests for induction cooktops. “I’ve been doing a lot more, both for aging and place and universal design,” Kennedy says. “They’re mostly looking at it from a safety factor.”

While the days of sanitizing every surface are hopefully behind us, Gold and Kennedy say they are seeing more interest in hands-free operation and voice-activated lighting and appliances. “Everyone is so much more aware of germs,” Kennedy says. “Before the pandemic, I had a hard time twisting arms to do a touch faucet or motion sensors. Now, almost every faucet I install is motion.”

Gold envisions a similar trend of voice-operated appliances emerging, though at this point, she says she is hearing about voice operation more than seeing it.

Multi-purpose use

Did your kitchen or bedroom suddenly morph into an office or classroom in 2020? While that shift may not have been intentional, it could have staying power, and some remodelers are now designing with multi-use in mind. “We’re going to see appliances used beyond the kitchen and laundry room as homes become more multi-purpose,” Gold says. “I’m seeing things like side tables with refrigerated drawers, home offices and rec rooms with beverage centers. People are going to be making their spaces do more—more functional, more comfortable for more enjoyment—and appliances are part of that.”

Barnard reports a similar trend. “Many people request additional refrigerators in another area of their homes, like bedrooms or media rooms, for quick access to refreshments,” she says. “Having a wine fridge or even a separate smaller fridge for storing other beverages helps open up space in the main refrigerator for produce and feels like an accessible option for guests to help themselves.”

Calm and quiet spaces

Reducing clutter is often a goal of design, and COVID-19 triggered a surge in the purging of unwanted possessions. “The desire to deal with clutter has not decreased in the least,” Gold says. “You’re even seeing it with some of the streamlined looks of things. I see it going not to the point of stark minimalism, but to the point of ‘what’s comfortable for me.’”

As important as function is the feeling a room creates. That includes elements to reduce noise and offer pleasant visual elements.

“Sinks or prep areas in front of outdoor views make time there feel like a treat,” Barnard says. “People are sometimes hesitant to put art in their kitchens, but it can bring happiness into the space. A kitchen is a great place for unique and beautiful pottery, whether on display or to store produce or kitchen tools.”

What Appliances Have People Purchased During the Pandemic?

People in much of the U.S. have spent far more time at home during the last 18 months, and many have taken steps to make their space a little more comfortable. That includes changes in habits, like cleaning, cooking or organizing more, as well as home improvements and purchasing new appliances.

AHAM surveyed more than 4,000 U.S. residents in December 2020 to find out, among other things, what new appliances they purchased during COVID. Two out of five people surveyed said they had purchased at least two more appliances since the start of the pandemic.

So what appliances have people brought into their homes during COVID? Well, despite some respondents noting that they no longer showered daily and stopped going to the salon in lieu of at-home haircuts, they didn’t let themselves go completely. Personal care appliances topped the list of appliances purchased since the start of the pandemic, with 35% of respondents reporting a purchase.

Small kitchen appliances were the second-most common, with 32% of respondents reporting purchases. Those appliances were likely being put to good use, as nearly half (48%) of respondents reported cooking at home more often during the pandemic. Forty-two percent of them expect to continue cooking at home more after COVID passes.

Here’s the full rundown of the types of appliances people in the U.S. reported purchasing since COVID began:

Personal care appliances (35%): Electric toothbrushes were the most common personal care appliance purchased, followed by hair dryers, hair clipper/shavers, hair straighteners and hair curlers.

Small kitchen appliances (32%): Coffee makers were the most commonly purchased small kitchen appliance, followed by air fryers, toasters, blenders, slow cookers and toaster ovens.

Vacuum or floor care appliances (22%): Respondents turned to a variety of floor care appliances as they stepped up their cleaning efforts. Upright vacuums were the most popular, with corded stick vacuums, robotic vacuums and cordless stick vacuums following. Respondents also reported bringing home spray mops, canister vacuums and surface steam cleaners.

Major home appliances (19%): Refrigerators and clothes washers were the most popular purchases among those who reported buying a major home appliance. Microwave ovens were close behind, followed by clothes dryers, dishwashers, oven/cooktop or range, freezers and wine refrigerators.

Air treatment appliances (16%): Increased interest in indoor air quality put air cleaners at the top of the list of air treatment appliances purchased since the start of the pandemic. Humidifiers were next, followed by portable fans, portable heaters and portable air conditioners.

In addition, 17% reported purchasing a smart appliance, and 6% said they had purchased a central vacuum system.

Many who responded to AHAM’s survey purchased more than one appliance.

At least 1 appliance: 22%

2+ appliances: 38%
3+ appliances 17%
4+ appliances 6%
5+ appliances 2%
6+ appliances 1%

What appliance purchases have you made during COVID?

Beat the dry winter air with a humidifier

If you need another reason to dislike winter, dry winter air is a good one. It can dry out your nasal passages, which can make it tougher to bounce back from a stuffy nose. The dry air can aggravate asthma symptoms and cause dry skin. Over time, it can also damage your wooden floors and furniture and hurt the health of your houseplants.

Clearly, if you can offset the dry air, you should. And a humidifier is your go-to appliance for balancing out the air in your home as you count the days until spring. If you are shopping for a humidifier, there are a few things to consider while you’re making your choice. We spoke with Lynne Hammell, marketing director at AHAM member Kaz, which manufacturers Vicks and Honeywell brand humidifiers, for guidance.

Size of the room

If you have an idea of where you’re going to primarily use your humidifier, it’s important to know the size of your room. If you buy a humidifier that’s too large for the space, you’ll not only make the room uncomfortably humid, but also create an environment favorable to mold and mildew. Too small, and your humidifier won’t be able to adequately humidify the space. Humidifiers designed for larger spaces will have larger water tanks.

Check the labeling of the humidifier, which should have information about how big a space the model is made for. Know the square footage of your room and choose the model that’s appropriate for the space.

Warm vs. cool

Appliance manufacturers produce humidifiers that can put out either warm or cool humidity. Your choice is largely a matter of personal preference, but the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends using a cool-mist humidifier for children who are suffering from colds and the flu. However, both warm and cool-mist humidifiers will increase the humidity in your home.

Filter or no filter?

Filtered and filter-free humidifiers will both humidify the air. A filtered model will remove minerals from water before the water is put into the air. However, the filter will need to be changed regularly, possibly every 1-2 months.

Filter-free models, obviously, don’t require changing filters. But, you may notice an accumulation of minerals, possibly as a fine white dust, on the outside of a filter-free humidifier. However, some models come with demineralization cartridges, which need to be replaced periodically.

You’ll probably also notice a difference in the way filtered and filter-free humidifiers put moisture into the air. Filtered models are evaporative and use a fan to put humidified air into the room. Filter-free models put a visible mist directly into the air.

Maintenance and care

All humidifiers, whether warm or cool, filtered or filter-free, require regular cleaning and maintenance. Before you buy, take a look at the models you’re considering and think about how easy they might be to clean. Do they have detachable parts that can be placed in a dishwasher? Are there narrow openings that might be difficult to clean? You’ll need to wipe down the inside of the tank regularly, so make sure the humidifier you choose has an opening large enough to reach inside. Keep

The cleaning process will vary depending on the model, but in general, it’s a two-step process that involves descaling and disinfecting. Descaling breaks down any minerals that may have accumulated on the humidifier. Disinfecting will kill any germs that have built up. You’ll need bleach for disinfecting, vinegar for descaling, plus a cloth or brush. Follow the cleaning instructions in your humidifier’s use and care manual.

Keeping the humidifier clean is even more important if you’re using it to ease a cold, allergies or asthma, as a dirty dehumidifier can put contaminants back into the air.

It’s a humidifier, not a diffuser

People sometimes confuse humidifiers with essential oil diffusers. Never put anything but water into a humidifier. Oils or other substances can damage the humidifier’s tank and mechanical parts. Diffusers, which tend to be much smaller than humidifiers, and are designed to accommodate oils.

Craving jerky? Here’s how to make your own

Jerky. It’s that time-honored, protein packed snack synonymous with hikers, hunters and the great outdoors. But, it’s also a go-to everyday snack for many who are looking for a filling, flavorful protein boost and by people looking for easily stored, quick snacks while saving on freezer, counter and refrigerator space.

Whether your taste leans more toward cracked pepper, teriyaki or more exotic flavors, your jerky journey starts with a food dehydrator. While shopping, think about how and how often you’ll be using the dehydrator. Some things to consider are

Size: How much food will you dry at once? Where will the dehydrator be stored?
Number of shelves or racks you’ll need in the dehydrator
Visibility: Some models are clear to give you a view of the food during the dehydration process

Dehydrators offer various temperature settings. Most operate between 90 and 160 degrees F. And if you don’t have a dehydrator, some ranges even have a dehydration setting. You can also dehydrate foods in your oven, though you should check your range’s use and care manual for specific temperature suggestions.

Once you have chosen a dehydrator, it’s time to get to work making jerky. Dehydrating meat and other foods can be a bit labor-intensive on the front end, but that will save time later. “There’s a lot of prep work, a lot of slicing that needs to be done to get the product ready to dehydrate,” said Nancy Becker, a home economist with AHAM member National Presto, which manufactures food dehydrators. But that work saves time later, Becker says. “You can just take it right out of the jar and eat it.”

Like all cooking, the jerky-making process starts with safety. Dehydration won’t necessarily bring the meat to 165 degrees, the temperature necessary to kill bacteria. Plan on cooking your meat to 165 either before or after dehydration. Since you’ll most likely be marinating your jerky, Becker suggests boiling the meat in the marinade.

Any type of meat or fish can be made into jerky. Dehydrators are popular for preserving game meat. If you’re buying a cut of beef, choose a leaner cut or ask your butcher to recommend a good cut of lean meat. Trim away any visible fat. Beef, however, will still contain some marbling that can contribute to rancidity, Becker says.

Will Wagner, a jerky-making veteran of 20 years, author of the cookbook “Jerkyholic,” favors eye of round for making beef jerky. “It’s inexpensive and there’s not a lot of fat,” he says. Beginning jerky makers will probably find most of the ingredients for a basic marinade – salt, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, garlic – already in their kitchen, Wagner says. When you’re ready to experiment, try incorporating different flavors. Wagner prefers spicy jerky, flavored with peppers like Carolina reaper and habenero. “That really kicks it up and makes it interesting,” he says. His current favorite is Habanero Tabasco jerky (recipe below). He also recommends Dos Pepper Jerky, which combines ground black and lemon pepper for a spicy kick, and The Best Homemade Jerky, which incorporates habaneros, Wworcestershire sauce, sea salt, onion powder and black pepper.

If you haven’t chosen a marinade or seasoning, now is the time to get creative. You are bound only by your meat-loving imagination, but here are a few ideas to stimulate your creativity, and appetite:

Harissa Jerky (Beef Jerky Hub): The mixture is meant to emulate harissa, a sweet, spicy paste common in North Africa.

Habanero Tabasco Jerky (Jerkyholic): A spicy recipe that combines tabasco habanero sauce with Worcestershire, black pepper, garlic and smoked paprika.

Spicy Maple Siracha Beef Jerky (The Kitchn): Sweet, savory and spicy flavors unite.

When slicing the meat into strips, Becker recommends either cutting while frozen meat is partially thawed or putting fresh meat into the freezer to make it firmer. “It will slice much better,” she says. However, wait until it is fully thawed to put it into the dehydrator. How long you marinate the meat depends on the recipe, but it’s common to marinate meat overnight or even longer.

Your dehydrator’s use and care manual will provide specifics on how long the drying process will take. That will also depend on the thickness of the cut and the amount in the dehydrator. “The best way to determine whether it is done is to take the strip and bend it,” Becker says. “You want it to crack a little bit, but not completely break.”

Storing jerky: Jerky doesn’t last forever. Jerky can be kept at room temperature in a sealed container for two weeks, according to the National Center for Home Food Preservation at the University of Georgia. It should be kept in the refrigerator or freezer if you plan on storing it for longer periods, Becker says.

Jerky is great, but sometimes, you want to add more plants to your diet. You can use your dehydrator on fruits and vegetables, too. Dried fruit makes a great snack, and vegetables can be rehydrated to use in recipes. A few things to know:

They’re going to shrink. “What astonishes most people is when you load the dehydrator, it looks like you have a tremendous amount of food,” Becker says. “When you’re done, it looks like you have a snack.” Fruits and vegetables with a high water content will be much smaller once they are dehydrated.
Some fruits, like bananas and apples, brown quickly after they are sliced. “If you don’t want those color changes, you have to pre-treat them,” Becker says. She recommends dipping them in pineapple or lemon juice after slicing. “If you’re going to store them for a few months, it will minimize those color changes.”

Do you have an exotic or unique jerky recipe? Share it in the comments below.

Want to save energy? It might be time to Flip Your Fridge!

It’s easy to take your refrigerator for granted. It’s quiet and always there when you need it. With an average lifespan of 10-14 years, it is a reliable and essential part of your home. And you probably don’t think much about replacing it, until it breaks.

There’s a good reason to replace it before then, especially if your refrigerator is older. Like most appliances, refrigerators have become more efficient over time. Replacing yours can save energy, reduce your carbon footprint, and lower your monthly electricity bill.

A refrigerator that is 15 years old or older uses twice as much energy as a new ENERGY STAR model. Depending on the model you’re replacing, making the switch to a new ENERGY STAR refrigerator could reduce your carbon footprint by 8,200 pounds, and save you as much as $260 over the next five years, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Use the DOE’s Flip Your Fridge calculator to figure out how much you will save. You’ll need to know how much you’re paying per kilowatt hour for electricity, but don’t worry if you aren’t sure. The calculator includes a guide showing average utility prices in each state.

July 4th is coming up, and plenty of retailers will be running sales on appliances. Take advantage of this chance to Flip Your Fridge, and start saving.

Making the switch: Many retailers will haul away your old refrigerator as part of the deal. If they don’t, be sure to recycle your old refrigerator so that the refrigerant and foam can be disposed of properly, further reducing carbon pollution. Find a refrigerator or freezer recycling program.

And you may want to think twice before keeping your older refrigerator running in your garage or basement. Depending on the age of the older refrigerator, you could be driving up your energy use unnecessarily. Consider putting a new, smaller unit elsewhere in your home—not in the garage, where fluctuation temperatures can force the refrigerator to work harder to keep the contents cold, using even more energy.

Unfiltered: How a California man ended up with a counterfeit water filter

As the old cliché goes, you get what you pay for. Sometimes, you get even less.

It’s hard to pass up a good deal. But when you’re shopping for replacement refrigerator water filters, it’s important to buy from a reputable seller. Otherwise, you may wind up with something that, aside from its outward appearance, is anything but a filter.

That’s what happened to Shawn Neely, an Oakland, Calif. software developer, when it came time to replace his refrigerator water filter. Neely, a self-described sophisticated consumer, generally shops online outlets like eBay in search of deals on filters. That worked well until August, when he noticed that the two replacement water filters he had purchased from an eBay seller looked a bit different.

“They were a lighter weight,” Neely said. “The molding of the plastic looked a little more translucent. Everything had slightly rounder edges.” There were stickers on the filter as well, which seemed to cover the brand name. He noticed differences in the packaging, too. “There were typographical errors and the fonts were different.” Neely noticed the differences because he had ordered the same type of filters before. He knew something was off.

“Everything sort of screamed to me that these were counterfeit,” Neely said. The seller was uncooperative at first, attributing the differences in packaging to high shipping volumes. Ultimately, the seller provided a refund. Neely sent the counterfeits to AHAM, who sent them to a lab for testing. The filters were tested to the certification protocol to which the original parts in Neely’s refrigerator were tested. The filters that Neely provided should have removed at least 92 percent of the lead from the test water. The counterfeits met the requirement initially but the amount of lead that was removed soon dropped dramatically, to an average of 73 percent over the course of the testing.

Neely was fortunate to notice the differences. Had he installed the counterfeits in his refrigerator, he likely would have ended up drinking unfiltered water, potentially exposing himself to harmful contaminants. The counterfeits could also have caused leaks or other damage to his refrigerator. Instead of using the filters, he contacted the seller to complain, and reached out to AHAM after coming across the website of the AHAM-led Filter It Out campaign.

“I didn’t realize at the time that counterfeit water filters were a thing,” Neely said. “I was alarmed to read about the filters cracking and leaking.”

“I learned a lesson,” Neely said. “Certainly, buyer beware. Be alert. They were much cheaper, probably half to a third of the price.” Neely says he’ll still look for deals online, but he’ll read reviews more closely. The seller he purchased the filters from had a solid overall rating, but a number of individual reviews that Neely noticed later raised some red flags. “If I had gone through the reviews more closely, I would have seen the complaints,” Neely said.

Have you purchased a water filter online that you believe may be counterfeit? Tell us your story. AHAM’s Filter It Out campaign is raising awareness of the serious problem of counterfeit water filters. Learn how you can find a trusted source.

Connected appliances make their mark at CES 2018

It wasn’t so long ago connected and smart appliance features might have been considered novelties. Based on the appliances on display at CES 2018, connected and smart features have now evolved from concepts with potential to real solutions that, someday, consumers may not be able to imagine living without.

And despite the impressive evolution, there’s still the sense that manufacturers are just getting started.

Appliances shown at CES 2018 included products already on the market and those in development or near release. The innovations weren’t limited to major appliances like refrigerators, dishwashers and ranges. They’re also making an impact in portable appliances. Newer ideas, like robotic air cleaners that can sense the air quality in different rooms and go where they’re most needed, were also drawing attention. These air cleaners, exhibited as prototypes, can also follow preprogrammed patterns or be controlled manually.

Manufacturers touted the potential for connected appliances to improve household health and safety. This air purifier works with a smoke detector to turn on automatically when smoke is detected. It was shown as part of one of a number of complete smart home concepts, which exhibited both individual appliance features and ways in which the appliances can work together to provide additional benefits.

This electric toothbrush works with mobile devices to track brushing and uses sensors to monitor the user’s pressure and motion, signaling the user if they need to correct their technique or spend more time on a certain part of their mouth. It’s another example of connectivity’s potential to strengthen the contributions of appliances to a healthy lifestyle.

Connected features are also giving appliances a more personal touch. Manufacturers highlighted ranges and refrigerators working together to improve the cooking process through recipe generation and automated cooking functions. Some features also allowed personalization of dietary habits and goals. A connected refrigerator could take those dietary needs into account when it suggests a recipe.

So what’s next? Manufacturers continue to add features aimed at giving consumers more of their own time back. If you hate folding laundry, you might be interested in this laundry-folding robot, which could be the first of its kind.

What appliance innovation would make your life easier? Tell us in the comments below.

CES 2018: Connected and smart features evolve

Just a few years ago, the concept of a “smart” or “connected” appliance might have meant some aspect of the appliance incorporated connectivity, or that the appliance could be monitored or controlled through a mobile device. Based on the appliances on display at CES 2018, it’s clear that smart and connected appliances are evolving quickly, and the capabilities of appliances are growing. The new features are removing layers from household chores like laundry, dishes and cooking, and appliances are gaining more of an ability to adapt to users’ habits and fit more seamlessly into their day-to-day lives.

Voice control, one of the standout features at last year’s CES, was again a mainstay in major appliances at CES 2018. Many are compatible with off-the-shelf virtual digital assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Some are even incorporating AI to learn your habits so they’re ready with the features you need. Laundry appliances can learn how you tend to wash your clothes and choose the most appropriate cycle, based on what you tell them and what you’ve done in the past. Connected features also allow you to keep a closer eye on your appliances’ performance.

The new wave of appliances accepts voice commands, but the appliances also “talk” to each other. Several manufacturers were showing ranges that work with refrigerators, with refrigerators suggesting recipes based on what’s available, and sending the oven temperature and preheating instructions to the range.

Functions that were once manual are now becoming automatic. This range hood turns on automatically when it senses steam. You may have noticed it looks more like a monitor than a range hood. It’s another example of the multi-function features that continue to emerge as smart and connected appliances evolve. Using the screen, consumers can access other appliance controls and make video calls.

Connected and smart features also have the potential to build a stronger bond between appliances and health. This refrigerator works with an app to collect information about what you’ve eaten, the calories consumed, and your exercise patterns. It uses both to make suggestions based on available foods. Once you’ve made your selection, cooking instructions are sent directly to the range.

Refrigerators are also gaining the ability to assist with the shopping process. This model works with Amazon dash, so you can quickly re-order items when supplies are running low.

Food waste disposers: A better choice for your scraps

While nobody ever wants to waste food, it’s inevitable that you’ll sometimes have a few scraps left over. So, what’s wrong with tossing them in the trash?

Think about what happens when you throw away trash. It could sit in a bag on your property and act as a tasty treat for critters. After that, it most likely gets trucked to a municipal waste area and dropped into a landfill. It still doesn’t go away. Food waste, according to the EPA, makes up more than 20 percent of trash sent to landfills and incinerators. As it breaks down in landfills, that food waste emits methane, a harmful greenhouse gas.

Instead of throwing those scraps in the trash, put them down a food waste disposer. Food ground up and shredded by a food waste disposer ends up either at a wastewater treatment facility or your home’s septic system. Treatment plants with the capability can convert the methane gas into renewable energy, and the solid waste into fertilizer.

Cities like Philadelphia, Boston, Milwaukee and Tacoma, Wash. that have tracked the results of food waste disposer use in certain neighborhoods have reported reductions in food waste anywhere from 1.4 pounds to more than 4 pounds per household, per week. That also makes neighborhoods cleaner and can cut down on problems with rodents and other pests,

Now that you know some of the benefits, here’s some advice, courtesy of leading food waste disposer manufacturer InSinkErator, on how to best use your disposer:

Hold the shells: Food waste disposers have no taste for shellfish—not their shells, anyway. Never put clam shells, oyster shells, lobster shells or crab shells down a disposer.

Skip the fat: Never pour grease or fat down a food waste disposer or drain. You’ll risk clogging the pipes.

Use cold water: Always run cold water when you use your disposer. This allows the food residue to follow easily down the drain. Leave it on for 10-15 seconds after the waste is ground to ensure the best dispersal.

Feed it in moderation: Food waste disposers are capable of handling most food waste, even chicken bones, celery and potato peels. However, you should avoid putting large amounts of food into the disposer at one time.

Keep it clean: Cleaning a disposer is easy. Try grinding several ice cubes, which will scour the grind chamber and shredder ring, and adding a quartered lemon to cover any odors.

Room air cleaners: Your ally against allergens

The spring and summer weather is always a welcome change. The allergies that come with the warmer temperatures, not so much. Depending on where you live, you might be dealing with any of a number of types of pollen, road dust or other allergies. The coughing and sniffles will put the brakes on even the most intense case of spring fever.

You might not be able to get rid of allergies completely, but a room air cleaner can help reduce certain allergens from the air in your home. Room air cleaners certified through AHAM’s certification program will display a label listing the room air cleaner’s efficiency in reducing three common household particulates from the air: tobacco smoke, dust and pollen. The numbers displayed on the label are known as the Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR). The higher the CADR rate for each of the three particulates, the faster the air cleaner filters the air.

How it works: AHAM certified room air cleaners are tested in independent labs and exposed to specific quantities of smoke (the smallest particulate), Arizona road dust (which has fine particles that will eventually settle) and paper mulberry pollen (chosen for its similarity in size to common allergy-triggering pollens). Before the air cleaner is activated, the amount of contaminants in the room is measured. The air cleaners are then run for a specific period, and the amount of particles that have been removed from the air are measured. Testers take into account the amount that is likely to have settled on the floor of the walls of the room (known as the “natural rate of decay”).

Based on the results, testers are able to determine how effective the room air cleaner will be in cleaning a room of a certain size.

What it means for you: Before you shop, know the size of the room or rooms where the room air cleaner will primarily be used. Shop carefully for one that’s appropriate for that room size. We recommend following the “two-thirds” rule when it comes to the first rating: Choose a unit with a tobacco smoke CADR at least 2/3 your room’s area.”

Like some vacuums, many air cleaners use HEPA filters to remove allergens from the air. It’s important to change the air cleaner’s filter regularly. The air cleaner’s use and care manual will recommend how often the filter needs to be changed, but it also may depend on the air quality where you live. A dusty environment may require you to change the filter more frequently. However, the filter may last longer if the room air cleaner is being operated in an area relatively free of smoke and other pollutants.

The room air cleaner isn’t the only appliance that can help you kick allergies this spring. Vacuum cleaners with HEPA filters, air conditioners, dehumidifiers and washing machines can be valuable allies as well.

In Every Home