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Refrigerators Electric Consumption - Lower It In 15 Minutes
By Donald
Grummett
I recently had a customer ask for my advise about cleaning her refrigerator.
I started to describe the pros and cons of different cleaners that can be
used to clean the interior when she stopped me abruptly. “I know all
about that stuff ”, she informed me, “I mean the black coil thing
on the back”.
So, in response to this common question I offer the following step-by-step
directions.
Firstly, the ’black coil thing’ at the rear of the refrigerator
is called a condenser. Without too much technical jargon, its job is to dissipate
heat into the kitchen. It does this by the condensation of the refrigerant
gas. Hence, its name. The condenser tubing is usually seen on the rear of
a refrigerator. It is produced in a serpentine form with additional fins
running across it for added heat dissipation.
“Heat, I thought we were talking about refrigerators, not stoves”.
You will have to believe me when I say: ‘a refrigerator does not produce
cold air’. Rather, its job is to transfer heat from inside the refrigerator
cabinet to the outside. While doing this it removes heat from your food and
that results in your food becoming cold.
So, who cares! You should. Because a major part in this transferring of heat
is the ‘black coil thing’ we have been talking about. Yes, that’s
right, the condenser.
Without the condenser our refrigerator would not operate. Therefore, we are
going to learn how to do basic maintenance of this part and keep our refrigerator
in tip-top shape.
So let’s begin -------------------------
Tools required:
· Vacuum cleaner
· Brush or vacuum brush attachment
· Cotton rag
· Light strength household cleaner
· Garbage bag
1. Pull the refrigerator away from the wall and unplug it.
2. The condenser will be the radiator-looking part on the rear of the
refrigerator.
3. Use a brush or vacuum cleaner to remove any dust buildup on the condenser.
Remember, the condenser is made of thin tubing and is full of a high-pressure
(130 psig) gas. So be gentle. If you injure the tubing a simple cleaning
could turn into an expensive repair.
4. If you have a pet expect to see a large accumulation of animal fur on
the condenser. If a lot of dust or fur is present then clean off with a dry
rag and dispose into the garbage bag. We suggest using the dry rag method
first to avoid clogging up the vacuum hose.
5. Next, use the vacuum cleaner to finish the basic cleaning of the condenser.
The brush attachment of the vacuum cleaner works particularly well at this
point. The brush will allow you to get in between all the fins and remove
the dust hiding there.
6. Finish by cleaning the condenser with a rag dampened with water. Avoid
using any cleaner. Since the condensers job is to transfer heat any residue
left by a cleaner could impede this process. Under no circumstances use something
like furniture polish (example lemon furniture polish) or a dust removal
spray. It will leave a waxy residue that will end up attracting more dust.
Something that works extremely well is a static duster (not the dusting clothes).
If you are not sure what I mean, it is the cleaning device that looks like
a cats’ tail attached to a long handle. They are great because they
pick up dust without using any chemicals.
7. Use the vacuum to remove dust from the cardboard cover that is near the
bottom rear of the refrigerator. It is covering the area where the compressor
and electrical components reside. It will usually have holes in it where
dust can accumulate.
8. Vacuum any dust from the floor and the cavity where the refrigerator normally
resides. Vacuum the sides of the refrigerator. If there is a kick plate (floor
level grille) at the front of the refrigerator vacuum it also. Hint: Do not
remove the kick plate to clean. Some are very difficult to re- install.
9. Plug in the refrigerator and push back into place.
That’s it … that’s all. The whole process should have taken
approximately 15 minutes.
In the space of a few minutes you have accomplished a number of objectives.
You have removed a major source of dust from your home; made the refrigerator
operate more efficiently; and lowered your electrical consumption.
Even though it is an easy job, it is one that usually gets forgotten. So
don’t wait until the serviceman arrives once every few years to do this.
It is a very important cleaning project for the reasons already stated.
Therefore, this is a job that should be placed right near the top of your
next spring-cleaning list.
Copyright 2005 by Donald Grummett. All right reserved.
In the trade over 30 years as a technician, business owner, and technical
trainer. For more information about appliances including FAQ, Stain guide,
Recycling, and Newsletter visit
http://www.mgservices.ca
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/
Home Remodeling Business
By Dan Noyes
Need for home remodeling
The need for home remodeling is on the rise as many people like the neighborhood
they live in and the affordability of their existing homes. By incurring
a little cost they can remodel their old houses to increase space and add
new amenities. The need for remodeling is detailed below.
Financial gains
While home remodeling can be an expensive affair, it is reasonable as compared
to purchasing a new house. Shifting into a new house incurs costs in the
form of moving expenses, closing costs and the agent's commission, which
is saved here. Remodeling adds equity and capital gains can be deferred till
the property is sold. In addition, tax laws make remodeling more attractive
to the investor by limiting the tax write-offs allowed on new investment
property.
Convenience
Besides the cost, even the inconvenience of shifting into a new neighborhood
is removed. Often families are adjusted to the comfort of staying in a familiar
neighborhood, which is well connected to facilities. Home remodeling provides
the comforts of a new modern home in the same space.
Impressions
Most people form impressions about you and your home in the first 5 minutes
of being there. To create a look of class and a feeling of warmth, home
remodeling is a must. Home remodeling not just creates a good impression
for the visitors; it creates a good feel and increases the equity of your
house to potential buyers also.
Space
It is understood that the need for space has increased from 1400 to 1500
sq. ft in the last century to over 2000 sq. ft today. While changing into
a new house can be expensive, remodeling the house helps increase space within
budget. A minor change in the layout can help enhance space and increase
place for extra cabinets, storage space and shelves.
Utilities
With the change in times, needs have evolved too. Today families cook together
in kitchens, and thus storage space, appliance counters, separate countertops
etc. are required. Luxury baths and walk-in closets have also become a norm.
These evolving needs can only be answered by remodeling the house to modern
tastes. Home remodeling allows homeowners to enjoy the comfort of their old
home with amenities like better lighting, modern appliances and more storage
space. It allows homeowners to enhance function, safety and quality of their
interior spaces.
Dan Noyes
Marketing, Head
Home Remodeling
Business
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/
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