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During wildfire season, many people in areas affected by smoke use air cleaners (sometimes called air purifiers) to improve the air quality in their homes. How an air cleaner is maintained and operated can affect its performance. If you are using an air cleaner to manage wildfire smoke, take these steps to ensure that your … Continue reading "Using an Air Cleaner to Manage Wildfire Smoke"
It’s easy to forget what a heat wave feels like until it happens. However, you’re already behind the cooling curve if you wait until temperatures approach triple digits to shop for an air conditioner. It’s best to plan when temperatures are still cool, but the principles of choosing the best air conditioner stay the same … Continue reading "You’re getting warmer: How to choose the right air conditioner"
If you are anticipating flooding in your area, it is important to know how to safely handle appliances that have been in a flooded home. Flooding can cause serious damage to appliances and make them hazardous to operate, even if they look normal. If your home has been flooded or you are expecting flooding, follow … Continue reading "Post-flood Appliance Safety and Cleanup Tips"
If you’re preparing for a major storm, stocking up on enough food and water should be part of your plan. You also need to have a plan to keep your food safe to eat during and in the wake of the storm, especially if you lose power. Eating food that hasn’t been stored properly can … Continue reading "Storm Prep: How to keep frozen and refrigerated food safe"
Summer comes with the threat of hurricanes and other serious storms. It is important to have a plan in place to keep your food safe to eat should your home lose power. Follow these tips from the USDA to prepare before the storm hits: A fully packed, free-standing freezer (that has remained closed) will stay … Continue reading "Food Safety Tips for a Power Outage"
What is on your Independence Day menu this year? Of course, you can go with the traditional hot dogs and hamburgers, cooked on an outdoor grill. Holidays have a way of triggering cravings for those familiar favorites. But maybe this is the year you try something different, a new dish, or a twist on the … Continue reading "Bring New Culture to Your Kitchen on July 4: Advice from a Professional Chef"
In times of extreme heat, air conditioning can quickly transform from a matter of comfort to a matter of health and safety. Millions rely on room air conditioners (aka “window units”) and portable air conditioners either as their primary means of staying cool or to supplement central air conditioning. Both room and portable air conditioners … Continue reading "Advice for Safe Installation of a Room Air Conditioner"
Large parts of the U.S. and Canada are facing excessive heat warnings this week. During times of extreme heat, a well-maintained, properly functioning air conditioner can be your home’s most important appliance. If you are relying on a portable or room air conditioner to make the summer heat more manageable, follow these six use and … Continue reading "6 Tips to Maximize Air Conditioner Performance"
June is National Safety Month, and it is the perfect time to do a quick review of easy ways to stay safe when you use appliances. From your kitchen to the laundry room, here are 10 appliance safety tips you can use in your home today! Keep an eye on what’s cooking: Unattended cooking is … Continue reading "10 Appliance Safety Tips You Can Use Today"
Do you use a cordless vacuum, robotic vacuum or cordless kitchen appliance? Eventually, you will have to replace your appliance’s rechargeable battery. And when that time comes, you’ll likely go online to look for the best deal. While everyone wants to save money, that “good deal” on a replacement may cost you later. Just as … Continue reading "Cordless Appliances and Battery Safety"
