| News, Reviews, and Tips & Techniques |  |
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| Pandigital Kitchen Technology Center - the world at your sticky fingertips? |
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The Pandigital Kitchen Technology Center is a wireless Internet device with an integrated digital cookbook and recipe collection, which also does service as an HDTV and photo frame. Because, like, you know, people in kitchens have a lot of time to spare surfing, browsing photos and generally kicking back. The thing [...]
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| | 11/13/2008 9:11 PM (375d 20h 15m ago) |
| LG Electronics to Ship 10 Million Washing Machines in 2008 |
| | In August, LG is launching a new front-loading washing machine in North America, featuring a 16.9-inch wide square-shaped door and the industry’s highest capacity in the standard size washing machine category at 4.5 cubic feet. Through segmenting premium consumers and with competitive differentiations such as steam technology and ergonomic design, LG has led the front-loading washing machine business in North America. LG plans to strengthen its presence in mature countries such as North America, Europe, CIS and Korea, where demand for premium products is high. |
| | 8/13/2008 6:50 PM (467d 22h 36m ago) |
| Rebates and Tax Credits Can Lower Appliance Costs |
| | While you might have back-burnered your plans for a kitchen remodel or a new laundry room, you can’t ignore an ailing dishwasher, a struggling refrigerator, or a washed-up clothes washer.Fixing these appliances could be an option—see our repair-or-replace-it guide (available to subscribers)—but when you decide to replace appliances, consider more-energy-efficient models. This is one way to spend your federal economic-stimulus payment. And, as unlikely as it might seem, you can also turn to your utility company and the state and local government for some financial relief.As of mid-May, the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency, maintained by North Carolina State University’s Solar Center with funding from the U.S. Department of Energy, lists 732 utility rebate and loan programs for consumers who buy energy-efficient appliances or other home systems. (The DSIRE's map is shown.) The site also includes details on 35 state rebate and loan programs and 13 personal-income-tax-credit or tax-holiday plans.You’ll also fund information on rebate and tax-credit programs from utilities, states, and partners at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Partner Activities search; if you don’t see a program listed for your area, look on your utility bill for more information or contact your state taxation office.Read more about rebates and tax credits. |
| | 5/15/2008 2:31 PM (558d 2h 54m ago) |
| Solid State Lighting Last 10 Times Longer Than CFLs with NO Harmful Mercury |
| | Solid-state lighting, or SSL, could be the next big thing in residential lighting. SSL refers to a type of bulb—or lamp, in industry parlance—that uses the movement of electrons through a semiconductor material to generate light. The semiconductor is in a solid block form, hence “solid state.” Because there’s no filament that heats up (and eventually burns out), SSL is up to 50 times more efficient than incandescent bulbs, claim manufacturers. SSL is also said to last as much as 10 times longer than compact fluorescent lighting and contains none of the potentially harmful mercury that has brought CFLs image down to earth and made recycling them a hassle.Read the full Consumer Report. article. |
| | 5/02/2008 7:36 PM (570d 21h 49m ago) |
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| Consumer Reports: Tip of the Day: Buy the best washing machine for your home |
| | In our 2007 report on washing machines, some of the top-loading models were only so-so performers. But manufacturers made improvements to their models, as we found in our 2008 washers review. If you're in the market for a new washing machine, watch our video (right) and read our latest report and buying advice. Essential information: Follow our washing tips to get your clothes clean, learn about the best laundry detergents, and plan your new laundry room. And don’t forget to check out our new Home Improvement Guide interactive, which provides buying advice and more for appliances, tools, and building materials for every area of your home. |
| | 7/08/2008 2:29 PM (504d 2h 57m ago) |
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| Energy Saving Tip: Get a Front-Loading Washing Machine |
| | If you are in the market for a new washing machine, make sure you get a front-loading model, which uses a third less water, heat energy and detergent than standard top-loading designs. Front loaders are more effective and efficient designs, and they have been working hard at laundromats across the world for decades. These days, major brands (such as the Frigidaire pictured) are offering that efficient cleaning power in models made for homes, and many boast the latest in electronic features, cool colors and more. Other leaders include Bosch, LG, GE, KitchenAid and Kenmore. Make sure your new machine is certified by the EPA's Energy Star program, which signifies high energy efficiency. According to GE, the average family will save enough on energy bills with the company's Energy Star washer and dryer to pay for the appliances in just 12 years. |
| | 11/14/2008 3:38 PM (375d 1h 47m ago) |
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