As massive wildfires rage on the U.S. East Coast, millions are experiencing the detrimental impact of smoke on indoor air quality, even hundreds of miles from the fires in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Many people who live in the region are relying on room air cleaners to maintain their indoor air quality during this challenging … Continue reading "Using an Air Cleaner to Manage Wildfire Smoke"
Our homes harbor an astonishing amount of indoor allergens and pollutants, from known culprits like dirt and dust, to pet dander, cigarette smoke, and more. But some of the most common are things you may not have thought of, like volatiles and combustion-related pollutants from cooking, toxic chemicals off-gassing from personal care and cleaning products, … Continue reading "Stay Healthy in Your Home: Tips from an Environmental Engineer on Indoor Air Quality"
As the winter chill sets in, maintaining a cozy indoor environment becomes a top priority. While bundling up in layers is one option, a portable electric heater could be the perfect solution to keep your space comfortably warm this season. Like any appliance, portable electric heaters come in a variety of models and sizes, with … Continue reading "Warm Up Right: Portable Electric Heater Features, Use and Safety"
Pencils are sharpened and backpacks are filled. School is back in session, and teachers, students, and parents are hopeful for the best year yet! In addition to those long lists of school supplies, there’s one often-overlooked tool that should be on every classroom’s checklist: a portable air cleaner. While most people are aware that outdoor … Continue reading "Back to School: Why Air Cleaners are an Essential Tool for a Healthy Classroom"
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"
Is it time to change your refrigerator’s water filter? Be careful about where you buy the replacement. Many consumers, perhaps attracted by lower prices, are being duped into purchasing counterfeit water filters. These convincing but fake filters, which can be nearly impossible to distinguish from the real thing, may put consumers’ health and property at … Continue reading "Is Your Water Filter Counterfeit?"
If you’re serious about keeping your carpets clean and your floors shining, just any vacuum won’t do. The type, features and design of the vacuum are important, but the type of floors and the level of cleaning they’ll require should be your focus when making a decision. Do you have hardwood floors? Standard or ultra-soft … Continue reading "5 things to consider when buying a vacuum"
With the high gas prices and head-wagging inflation these days, what budget-conscious family isn’t trying to save money wherever they can? While there’s certainly nothing wrong with an occasional indulgence or splurge on things that make you happy, if you find yourself stopping off at the local coffee shop each morning, lugging home cases of … Continue reading "10 Appliances that Can Save You Money"
Every day, you rely on your appliances to keep yourself and your family safe, clean, fed and comfortable. It’s a disruption when one of them suddenly stops working. When a refrigerator breaks down, it can mean spoiled or unsafe food. A heater or air conditioner that malfunctions means you can be left to suffer through … Continue reading "Safety, security, warranty: Why it’s important to have your appliances repaired by authorized providers"
The recent proposal by the U.S. Department of Energy for extremely stringent energy standards that would effectively eliminate most existing models of gas ranges has many home cooks up in arms at the thought of losing their favorite cooking method. But it has also drawn more attention to a newer alternative: induction cooking. Once … Continue reading "Induction Cooking is Heating Up"
