Winter Clothing Storage for the Consumer

Winter clothes are usually the most expensive wardrobe investments, not only because of actual materials but also because most consumers plan to use these clothes for several seasons. Garments such as leather jackets, thick wool sweaters, and the like are usually expensive, but are usually justified based on how long they will last. However, without proper winter clothing storage, even the best quality garments will quickly deteriorate. By taking a few precautions before packing away the winter wardrobe, your clothes will last from year to year looking great.

Winter clothes must be clean before they are put away. They should not only look clean, but they should also be washed well to remove any unseen stains. Though certain items may seem stain free, not all stains can be seen immediately. After several months of storage, some of those invisible stains will not be so invisible. These kinds of stains may also attract a variety of insects depending on the cause of the stain. Be sure to follow all washing instructions including dry cleaning those designated items, most commonly cashmere, lamb's wool, alpaca, merino, wool, etc. Do not use fabric softener with winter clothing that is washed at home. Softener may be used once the clothes are unpacked in the Fall, but it is better to keep them without the smells of fabric softener while in storage.

CONSUMER REPORTS WATER SOFTENERS

Most winter clothing is especially vulnerable to washing. Without proper washing techniques, many winter garments have short lives. If a garment label indicates that it may be hand washed, it must be done correctly. Hand washing should be done in cold water with quality detergent specifically produced for certain materials. Sweaters should be turned inside out and gently worked under the water. Pulling, wringing, and rubbing may seem like useful cleaning strategies, but really the soap and water should do most of the work. Carefully roll out the soap and water, taking it slow and then begin to rinse with more cold water. Several rinses are much better than trying to quickly purge the garment of soap. Once all of the bubbles from the soap have gone, the extra water can be removed by rolling it up in a towel. The main thing to remember when drying is not to use tumble dry or an iron. The safest drying method is to lay it flat away from any direct heat.

Once the winter wardrobe is clean, the bulk of the work is done. Sweaters and knitted clothes are folded and put into boxes or drawers. Inserting some cedar wood with the wool garments will keep moths away. Heavy suits and full-length coats should be hung on sturdy wooden clothes hangers or strong padded plastic hangers to keep their form. A crease in pants is avoided by hanging pants from the cuff or the hem. Remember, when clothes are packed away for months at a time, creases are difficult to remove.

Winter Clothing Storage for the Consumer

CONSUMER REPORTS WATER SOFTENERS

Consumer Reports Wrinkle Cream As Beneficial

According to a recent survey, most of the men and women in the US are using different wrinkle creams to get rid of wrinkles and to acquire a youthful look. Susan Lee, a consumer reports wrinkle cream as very effective. She says that wrinkle creams do not provide a solution to wrinkles alone but also serve as a sunscreen and skin toner. Thus the multipurpose wrinkle creams are becoming very popular among women of all ages and from all ethnic backgrounds. It is interesting to note here that these wrinkle creams are not famous among women only; they are also gaining fame in men.

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Some top cosmetic brands and manufacturers are producing high quality wrinkle creams. Some of these creams can be used as a night cream while others during the day protecting the skin from the UV rays. Also a few of these creams can be both used during the day and the night. Mary Ann, another consumer reports wrinkle cream that can be used both during day as well as night as most beneficial. According to consumers like Mary Ann, such creams save them from buying different creams for different skin problems and experimenting with their skins. Such creams can be used at any time and at any part of their body. These creams not only help them in getting rid of the wrinkles but also in enhancing their skin texture leaving it supple and soft. Thus instead of using separate creams for acne, wrinkles and other skin problems, consumers prefer using one wrinkle cream that solve all their problems.

Consumer Reports

Finally, Jack Smith, another consumer reports wrinkle cream as the perfect solution he had been searching for years. He says that the wonderful cream solves all his face related problems in minutes. He has used the cream for over 2 weeks, and he says that he looks at a more charming and more confident man in the mirror now.

Consumer Reports Wrinkle Cream As Beneficial

Consumer Reports

Use A Water Softener And Improve Your Water Quality!

The most common water problem can clog of your pipes, cause malfunctions of your washing machine. It also makes you use larger portions of washing powder and soap.

What we're talking about here is hard water.

CONSUMER REPORTS WATER SOFTENERS

So what is hard water to begin with? Hard water is caused by dissolved mineral traces of primarily calcium and magnesium in the water.

The level of hardness can vary greatly from location to location. If for example you live in an area where the groundwater is taken from wells where the water have been moving through deposits of limestone you will have very high levels of hardness in your water. If your water on the other hand comes from lakes with low ph levels then you will have a low hardness level in your water and you will have little water problems.

It is relative easy to measure the water hardness with a test sample. It is important to do this as the buildup of clogged piped can happen even if you are not aware of it.

Water softener equipments are an often used solution to lower hardness of the water as it will limit or completely eliminate any damage.

The most common form of water softener for home users is based on ion exchange.

It works on the following principle. The calcium and magnesium ions are replaced by sodium ions. This ion exchange is made in a resin bed.

The construction of the water softener is made in three parts. Resin Tank - This contains the resin bed.

Resin Bed - This is made up of tiny bead-like material often made of styrene and divinylbenzene. The beads attract and hold positively charged ions such as sodium, but will exchange them whenever the bead encounters another positively-charged ion such as calcium or magnesium.

Brine Tank - This tank contains a dissolved solution which is necessary in order to regenerate the resin. This regeneration is for the reversing of the ion exchange, which otherwise would become depleted. The calcium and magnesium ions are removed off from the resin beads and replaced with positively charged sodium ions. The regeneration happens when the resin beads are washed by a strong salt water solution. The calcium and magnesium ions are forced by the salt to be released, and are then discharged as waste in the backwashing cycle. The beads are now once again ready to be used to lower the hardness of your water.

Modern water softeners are fully automated. Some of them are regenerated at a preset clock. Other systems use electric sensors and are regenerated when the beads are becoming less effective.

Because the calcium and magnesium are replaced by sodium some consumers are concerned by the additional intake of salt in the drinking water. However this additional salt intake from drinking the tapped water is so small that the adverse affect is minimal compared from salt intake gained from ordinary diet.

Copyright 2006 Per Strandberg

Use A Water Softener And Improve Your Water Quality!

CONSUMER REPORTS WATER SOFTENERS

Industry's First Consumer - Initiated (Portable) Tenant Screening Reports

Current economic conditions place a great deal of strain on consumers and increase credit risk for landlords. Private landlords (independent rental owners) are especially vulnerable, given the challenge they face gaining access to quality tenant screening products. Consumer-initiated tenant screening products address this problem.

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Traditionally, landlords (end-users as described by the Fair Credit Reporting Act) undergo an extensive certification process prior to being authorized to order and receive tenant screening reports. The cost and inconvenience associated with the certification process make it difficult for screening companies to serve this large and growing segment of the rental housing market. Private landlords are often left with two bad choices - use of marginal products or not screening at all.

Consumer Reports

On October 1, a Seattle-based consumer reporting agency introduced the industry's first direct-to-consumer (DTC) comprehensive tenant screening product. It was developed in response to:

· The need for a quality tenant screening product for independent rental owners;
· Low-income housing advocate desire for a "portable" screening product - to reduce the financial burden (on low-income people) associated with paying multiple screening fees before finding landlords who will work with them; and
· The need for greater transparency in consumer reporting.

Landlord Benefits

Under the DTC model, consumers order reports on themselves. There is no need for landlord certification - membership fees, paperwork, site inspections, etc. The DTC model expedites the leasing process by making it possible for landlords to review reports when first meeting with applicants. Applicants pay screening fees directly to the consumer reporting agency. Denials are less awkward since they occur prior to the applicant paying an application fee or holding deposit. Applicants authorize secure access to the report via the consumer reporting agency to ensure authenticity.

Consumer Benefits

The DTC model puts consumers in control of their own information. Applicants know what is in their report before they apply. They have the opportunity to dispute information they feel is reported in error before it impacts their search for housing. They review their report with landlords up front to determine whether they qualify - before paying an application fee or holding deposit. They avoid paying multiple screening fees before finding a landlord who will accept them.

Consumer initiated credit inquiries are "soft" inquiries. They do not impact credit score - an added benefit associated with the DTC model.

There is growing discomfort among the general public and in state legislatures regarding the impact of consumer reporting on those seeking rental housing. A common perception is that consumers are unfairly affected by unauthorized access or inaccurate information. The perception is, to a large extent, driven by the lack of transparency inherent in the traditional model - notwithstanding protections contained in state and federal consumer reporting law. The DTC model addresses this by educating consumers as to what is in their reports and, ultimately, holding consumer reporting agencies accountable for the accuracy of their products.

Industry's First Consumer - Initiated (Portable) Tenant Screening Reports

Consumer Reports

Should You Trust Consumer Reports to Tell You About the Best Weight Loss Program?

You probably like to go on the Consumer Reports website before buying an appliance or car. Have you ever been there to look up the best weight-loss program on the market? In most people's minds, weight-loss programs don't really lend themselves to that kind of quantification. The way these programs are advertised and the way to go about their business, it just never occurs to people that these programs could lend themselves to rigorous scientific testing. Nevertheless, it certainly seems to have occurred to Consumer Reports; for they've done a shoot out of all the different weight-loss brands there are, and they've declared a winner. Among all the different commercial plans there are out there, Jenny Craig, Atkins, Nutrisystem, Weight Watchers, Zone and Slim Fast, Jenny Craig has been declared the winner.

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So should everyone drop everything else and just go with what Consumer Reports has declared to be the best weight-loss program on Earth? Well, have you ever seen those car advertisements where they declare great mileage figures in bold and then quietly, in fine print, say that your mileage may vary because to get those great figures they've advertised, you need their standard test conditions? Well, there's something of the same kind of uncertainty that goes along with the claim by Consumer Reports.

Consumer Reports

To begin with, Consumer Reports never tested any of these weight-loss programs on their own. Instead, they looked at scientific studies done by various people and various authorities. The Jenny Craig study for instance, was something that was published in the JAMA medical periodical. They tested hundreds of overweight people in this study, while they gave them free enrollment to the Jenny Craig program and signed them up for thousands of dollars worth of Jenny Craig's food to make sure that they stuck with the program.

Well, if you give people free food that's prepared and packaged and ask them to stick to that, of course they love to do that. People like saving on food expenses whenever they can and they love to not have to cook. In the real world, if you were to sign up for Jenny Craig and her approved food yourself, you would have to pay 0 every week for the food. And oh, no one pays you a stipend when you sign up to Jenny Craig on your own coin the way they do with those medical studies.

If you wish to learn about whether Jenny Craig is the best weight-loss program out there, how about looking at another study, this one done by the Cooper Institute in Texas. The Cooper Institute didn't pay people to participate - or give them free food. They just tracked tens of thousands of people who had signed up to Jenny Craig. They found that only 7% of hopeful slimmers stayed with the program after a year.

The moral of the story is, that just because Consumer Reports can be great with consumer appliances and services doesn't mean they have to be good with medical stuff.

Should You Trust Consumer Reports to Tell You About the Best Weight Loss Program?

Consumer Reports

House Mold and Dehumidifier

My home is dreadful before I get my first dehumidifier. My area is suffering from mold. It is obvious that something is not right with my home. One feels terrible when the humidity level is forty percent or higher. My friends always ask me why I do not have a dehumidifier. I always tell them the same thing. I do not know why I need one. My friends regularly gave me couple of reasons for that. If you go out and buy a dehumidifier, you can make it a much better place in you apartment. Using a dehumidifier along with an air conditioner, you can get it more than twenty degrees cooler in your home. My body would not feel sticky and clammy, and the air would not feel 'thick' and difficult to breathe in.

Even though most, if not everything, of us hate Mildew. You may want to recognize that Mildew and mold, no matter whether it is good Mildew or bad Mold and/or mildew, is everywhere in your house. A few researchers affirm that mildew can invade several main body systems, let alone immune system, central nervous and the brain and have been the direct cause of some deaths. Studies agree that almost all chronic infections, which can bring to severe health problem, were a result of Mold and mildew. Mildew and mold can trigger allergy and asthma in many different ways. If your apartment is troubled by mold, it can be a very tremendous problem. Mildew can result in loads of problems. Flu-like symptoms, chronic fatigue syndrome, memory impairment, migraines, sick building syndrome, dizziness and nosebleeds are commonly seen to a few families in America.

CONSUMER REPORTS WATER SOFTENERS

Mildew and/or mold reproduce by generating spores that are released into the air, where they land on moist surfaces. They can be anywhere and everywhere from carpeting to wallpaper. Mold Examination - You may want to retain a certified mold inspection expert to review your home and decide cause of mildew and mold and seriousness of infestation. Isolation - You may need to isolate the non-infested area while you are cleaning up the mold in the infested area. Clean up/remediation - In case you do not take care of the mildew and/or mold problem thoroughly, chances are they will spread into various areas of your home. There are discounted methods in the market to remover successfully. Repair of the Cause- Fix any kind of conceivable that would result in damp problem.

House Mold and Dehumidifier

CONSUMER REPORTS WATER SOFTENERS

Predicted Car Reliability 2011 - Consumer Reports' Top 10 Small Cars

Yearly Consumer Reports predicts the short-term reliability of motor vehicle models for the new model year. This predicted reliability is based on the infrequency of serious problems in the three preceding model years, as reported in a survey of its subscribers.

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When data are lacking or insufficient for one or more model years, the predicted short-term reliability is based on fewer than the last three model years. In some instances, it is based on only one year - primarily when a model is new or newly redesigned.

Consumer Reports

By the reliability predictions for model year 2011, CR's Top Ten small cars are listed below. The list omits all models whose reliability prediction is based on only one year.

Consumer Reports' Top 10 Small Cars

The Toyota Yaris, a sedan or 2-door or 4-door hatchback The Honda Fit, a 4-door hatchback Toyota Motor Corporation's Scion xD, a 4-door hatchback The Honda Civic coupe The Honda Civic sedan Toyota's Scion xB, a boxy wagon The non-turbo Subaru Impreza, a sedan or wagon The Mazda3 sedan The Toyota Corolla, a sedan The Hyundai Elantra wagon

CR's next 5 are also of noteworthy reliability. They are:

The Toyota Matrix, a wagon The Mazda3 hatchback The Nissan Sentra The Suzuki SX4, a sedan, a 4-door hatchback or wagon The Ford Focus sedan.

Of the Top 10, Toyota Motor Corporation accounts for 4, Honda Motor Company for 3, and Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (Subaru), Mazda Motor Corporation, and Hyundai Motor Company each account for one.

Below are the 2010 Auto Reliability GPAs, based on last year's survey, of the above best. In most instances, the GPAs are based on more than the three most-recent model years, and may be a preferable guide for those consumers planning an intermediate- or long-term ownership.

Toyota Yaris/Echo: a perfect 4.00 over a 9-year data history Honda Fit: 4.00 over 3 years Scion xD: 4.00 over 2 years Honda Civic coupe: N/A Honda Civic sedan: 3.75 over 10 years Scion xB: 3.78 over 5 years Non-turbo Subaru wagon: 3.02 over 9 years Mazda3 sedan: 3.33 over 6 years Toyota Corolla: 3.81 over 10 years Hyundai Elantra sedan and wagon: 2.38 over 10 years Toyota Matrix: 3.40 over 7 years Mazda3 hatchback: N/A Nissan Sentra: 2.00 over 9 years Suzuki SX4: 3.00 over 2 years Ford Focus sedan: 2.38 over 10 years.

Consumer Reports' 2010 survey provides data on 1.3 million vehicles. As it queries for serious problems, it is highly regarded by many consumers who plan to purchase a used, as well as new, vehicle. Reliability ratings for used cars based on its 2010 survey will out in very late 2010 and early and mid 2011, if past publication history holds in the present.

CR's current predictions of short-term reliability for model year 2011 are based on model years 2008, 2009, and 2010.

Predicted Car Reliability 2011 - Consumer Reports' Top 10 Small Cars

Consumer Reports

Is a Tankless Water Heater a Good Idea?

With the cost of energy on the rise, many of us are looking for ways to save on our monthly electric or gas bills. In your search for ways to stretch a dollar, you may have heard of a tankless water heater.

A tankless water heater, whether gas or electric, is designed to heat water only on demand. Basically, water leaves your water line and enters the heater and flows around a heating unit en-route to the point of utilization without every being stored and given the opportunity to cool off again. The key feature is that the heater does not turn on until it senses that a hot water tap is being opened. In short, the water is heated as part of the delivery process and only when it will be used immediately. This is in contrast to a typical tank water heater that holds gallons of water (40 gallons is typical) in a constantly heated state. Even if you are not home for the weekend, the tank heater is diligently heating the water to your desired temperature and then heating it again as it cools off. The tankless water heater only heats water once and that is where the savings come into play.

CONSUMER REPORTS WATER SOFTENERS

The difficulty is that the savings can be dramatically higher or lower depending on your specific situation. However, as a rule of thumb, a household should realize a 30% savings on energy related to hot water usage. This might work out as follows:

Tank heater cost per month -
Tankless cost at 30% reduction per month -
Savings per month -
Savings per year - 0

0 per year is nothing to sneeze at but a tankless system might not make sense depending on a few other variables. If you live in a very cold climate, it takes more energy to heat the water. The baseline water temperature in Phoenix is much warmer than in Fargo, N.D. If you live in Fargo, your savings would be less if all other things are equal.

Additionally, it costs about 0 for an installed tank water heater but two to three times that amount for a tankless system. This translates to roughly 0 - ,400 additional dollars out of your pocket. At a 0 yearly cost reduction, it will take 3.5 to 8 years to recover the additional expense and begin to save money. If you plan on moving in the next few years, a tankless system makes absolutely no sense. Additionally, if you have a gas system, you will need to modify the gas lines feeding the heater and this can be very costly. Of course, this cost is not a concern if you are looking at installing in a new home.

Taking this as a whole, we can conclude that vacation homes or families with low hot water usage generally would not benefit economically from a tankless system. However, if you are a large family with the attendant high frequency showering and laundering, it may be a good fit for you.

However, there are other non-economic reasons for installing a tankless system. Tankless systems last twice as long as tank water heaters and they don't fail catastrophically. It is not uncommon for a tank system to fail and spill all forty or so gallons of water into the home. This volume of water can do tremendous damage in short order - destroyed drywall, ruined carpet, damaged electrical systems, etc. The cost to repair this damage can run upwards of thousands of dollars. The tankless system avoids this and provides you with peace-of-mind knowing that you don't have a potential hydro-time-bomb in your utility closet.

Another major reason for people electing a tankless system is avoidance of the "shower frigid dance." If you have ever been halfway through a shower and had the hot water give out, you know what I mean. With a tankless system, you have unlimited hot water since the water is being heated on the fly and not from a stored container. No more waiting for the tank to heat more after your teenager took a fifty minute shower while the dishwasher was running.

Also, a tankless system is much smaller than a tank system. If your heater is in an inconvenient spot or a tight space, a tankless system might be able to help you out.

Finally, people that are eco-conscious will choose the tankless system as well. Even if the energy savings is low, every bit counts. And with the twenty year life span of the tankless system, there is less pollution and energy used manufacturing yet another water heater at the ten year mark when a traditional system would fail.

Whether a tankless water heater is a good fit for you depends very much on your particular circumstances. However, with a little research and thought you may be able to save money and have more comfortable shower!

Is a Tankless Water Heater a Good Idea?

CONSUMER REPORTS WATER SOFTENERS

A Review of Popular Water Softener Products

With so many types and brands of water softeners to choose from, how does a consumer decide what is right for their needs? How does one compare water softeners and find the one that will work the best for them? When it comes to buying water softeners, being an educated consumer is the best policy. Explore different types and manufacturers. Compare prices. Other things to consider are what type of environment the water softener will be set up in, size, installation, construction of the unit, convenience, and water softener rating which indicates the amount of minerals that can be removed before the unit needs to be recharged.

Kinetico water softeners are favored for their convenience; however, they are expensive in terms of the unit's cost as well as the price of upkeep. They recharge based on volume, eliminating the need for a schedule. Kinetico water softeners are also non-electric units.

CONSUMER REPORTS WATER SOFTENERS

Culligan services residential customers, offering purchase and rental options for their water softeners. They also offer a salt delivery service with the purchase of a water softener. Culligan is favored for its durability, but some have trouble with salt refills and strength of some of the components. Culligan is also said to be good at removing iron from the water supply.

Kenmore, in addition to being known for its air filtration and other household appliances, offers a range of water softeners, from the very basic to the heavy-duty models. The Kenmore systems also offer extras like the ability to filter out larger particles and added settings that make the units more efficient. Kenmore contends that the cost of everyday household upkeep can be cut in half with the use of a water softener system.

General Electric, or GE, founded by none other than Thomas Edison, offers a diverse line of products, including water softeners. The business is run on the principles, ""imagine, solve, build, and lead."" GE offers water softeners small enough to accommodate a single-person household all the way up to a unit that will serve a household of four or more people. The GE water softeners include a technology called SmartSoft, which works through a low-capacity transformer to save energy, minimize salt loss, and gauge water softening needs.

There are numerous water softener vendors out there who sell both ionic exchange and magnetic water softening systems. To find the best water softeners is a daunting task, but a good start might be to visit your local hardware store. You can also get information from people around you such as neighbors or coworkers.

A Review of Popular Water Softener Products

CONSUMER REPORTS WATER SOFTENERS

Hyundai Santa Fe - The Best Small SUV According to Consumer Reports

Consumer Reports, one of the most trusted sources of information and advice on consumer products and services including the automotive industry has released their test results for SUV models. The complete test report will be published in the May issue of Consumer Reports that is now available in news stands. In addition, the May issue will also feature the complete updates of previously tested minivans and other small sport utility vehicle (SUV) models.

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Among the 20 popular small SUVs sold in international markets today that has been tested by Consumer Reports staff, the newly redesigned Hyundai Santa Fe obtained a "Very Good" overall rating in terms of consumer value.

Consumer Reports

Other small SUVs tested by Consumer Reports include the Subaru Forester, Mitsubishi Outlander, Suzuki XL7, and Dodge Nitro. The Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V are also included and have been previously tested by Consumer Reports. Although the result is not equal to the Hyundai Santa Fe, other SUVs tested like the Subaru Forester, Mitsubishi Outlander, and the Suzuki XL7 also earned Very Good" overall ratings. Unfortunately, the Dodge Nitro received a "Fair" overall score.

The redesigned Hyundai Santa Fe obtained the highest rating for its impressive enhancement compared to the previous model. For a starting manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of ,745, the Hyundai Santa Fe comes with a spacious interior with third row seats. The vehicle has 37.5 cubic feet of storage space with the second and third-row seats folded. The vehicle is equipped with a 242-hp 3.3-liter V6 engine under its hood combined with a standard 5-speed automatic gearbox.

Like the Hyundai Santa Fe, the Mitsubishi Outlander XLS tested by Consumer Reports is also a redesigned model for the small SUV segment. Equipped with roomy interior, the Mitsubishi Outlander provides 33.5 cubic feet of storage space when the rear seatbacks are folded. Equipped with a 220- hp 3.0-liter V6 engine coupled with a six-speed transmission, the Mitsubishi Outlander XLS roll out in dealerships carrying a base manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of ,615.

The Suzuki XL7 Luxury, which also earned "Very Good" overall rating from Consumer Reports has a MSRP of ,284. It comes with a 3.6-liter V6 engine that provides powerful performance delivering 252 hp, mated to a 5-speed automatic gearbox.

Meanwhile, the Dodge Nitro SLT has the least fuel efficiency and performance among the group of SUVs tested by Consumer Reports. The vehicle features the same platform like the

Jeep Liberty with Jeep side step. With a MSRP of , 875, the Dodge Nitro offers a 210-hp 3.7-liter V6 engine with only 16 mpg., the group's worst. Inside, the 60/40 rear seatbacks offers 39.5 cubic feet of storage space.

Hyundai Santa Fe - The Best Small SUV According to Consumer Reports

Consumer Reports

EdenPure Heaters Consumer Report

EdenPure heaters were created with your family's safety, health and energy consumption in mind. By using an EdenPure room heater not only will you see and feel the benefits of healthy air quality in your environment but you will also see a drastic reduction in your energy use and save on your heating bills without worrying about safety issues normally associated with heating units.

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Safety:

Consumer Reports

Many other portable or room heaters have been the cause of residential fires due to the way the unit heats up as it heats the room. Other units you cannot touch without the risk of being burned and you must be very careful not to have flammable material near the heater. The system of the EdenPure heater is equipped with a superior quartz infrared structure that allows the unit to heat the room without the unit reaching dangerous temperatures that can be the cause of a fire in your environment. Safety tests have shown that the outside of the EdenPure heater only gets to about 95 degree to 98 degrees Fahrenheit, which is still safe around pets and children.

Healthier Air Quality

The technology used inside of the Eden Pure heating system aides in the health of your environment. The Eden Pure heater does not have the side effects as other heating units including space heaters and conventional heat sources that use fuel such as wood, corn, propane, fuel oil and coal which add unhealthy toxins into the environment as well as reduce humidity and oxygen that cause heath issues. The Eden Pure heater heats your environment while aiding in the health of your environment by keeping your air quality higher without toxins or dryness.

Heating and Energy

Most other portable heating units heat the living space extremely unevenly without any heat control. Without a means to control the heat unnecessary energy is being wasted heating areas that is not needed which also includes much of the heat rising directly from the unit to the ceiling, wasting both energy and much wanted heat. The Eden Pure heater is designed differently by incorporating a three setting heating element to the pure Eden heater in order to enhance heating a room both evenly wall to wall as well as heating zoned areas. The zone settings on pure Eden heaters, allow for much energy and money savings in your surroundings since the EdenPure is not heating unnecessary areas of your environment.

EdenPure Heaters Consumer Report

Consumer Reports

Culligan Water Filters Review

There are many types of Culligan water filters, but only three models have managed to inch their way up to the top ratings. These are: the Gold Series Culligan, the Iron Cleer Culligan and the Super S Culligan. Other water filter models from Culligan include the Filtr Cleer, built to segregate large portions of dirt, clay, soil and sediments from the water; the Cullar, which specializes in the removal of chlorine smell and taste from the water; and the Cullneu, which aims to control or neutralize the acidity in water. Conclusively, there is a Culligan model for every type of need - one of the great things about the Culligan is its highly customizable feature.

Specifically, the Culligan US-EZ-4 Undersink Filter passed the Consumer Search Review with flying colors, grabbing first place in the under-sink category of water filtration systems. This model is primarily easy to install and home owners have found that other brands of similar features do require professional service installations. The effective filtering results in great tasting water. The filters last longer than other types of filters, lasting up to six months - commeasurate to 500 gallons of water.

CONSUMER REPORTS WATER SOFTENERS

Culligan water filters have their own drawbacks as well. Once you have purchased a Culligan, you are locked into using the Culligan brand of replacement filters which could cost a bit more than the others. Another setback is the reported breakage of some plastic parts, which renders the Culligan not very durable. Other consumers also find that the annual service contract is slightly expensive therefore, it is wise to read the contract thoroughly before signing up for a yearly service membership.

In totality, the performance of most Culligan models is satisfactory and answers to three of the average consumer's biggest concerns: easy installation, effective filtration and good tasting water. The plastic faucet in some of the models has been received negative feedback though, and the mediocre quality of the plastic used needs to be upgraded.

Culligan Water Filters Review

CONSUMER REPORTS WATER SOFTENERS

Wading Through the Flood of Water Filter Hyperbole

I've been in the water filter business since May of 2001. Since then I've seen a great number of dealers on the internet come and go. I'm always keeping an eye on the competition and I've seen a lot of ridiculous, sometimes unscientific and often illegal performance claims. Unfortunately, many of these same dealers spend an inordinate amount of their resources on marketing and are therefore the companies that a shopper is likely to encounter first while beginning research.

Fortunately, there are ways to check the validity of claims made by dealers and manufacturers. The National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) is the preeminent source in the water filter industry for verifying the performance of water filters. In fact, they set the standards for protocols that are used by other labs to test a filter's ability to reduce contaminants in water - for example, the California Department of Health. The NSF has many types of certifications so it is important to check for certification for the reduction of the contaminant of interest.

CONSUMER REPORTS WATER SOFTENERS

In California, it is illegal to sell any water filtration device that make claims for the reduction of anything other than chlorine, taste and odor unless that device has been tested by the state of California to reduce said contaminant. (At some point California has stated that they will accept NSF certified systems but as of this writing that has not been done). This doesn't seem to stop most internet water filter dealers. Even though the state of California actively seeks violators and often fines them, illegal claims for water filter devices sold into California continue unabated. There are some water filters that have opted for expending the capital to obtain California certification in lieu of NSF certification (for example Aquasana). This makes perfect sense for many manufacturers as the state of California uses NSF protocols to test water filters! Some manufacturers have spent the money to have both the NSF and California certifications (for example Multi-pure). Other states have laws similar to California but don't have the reputation for aggressive prosecution that California does.

So as a consumer how do you ensure that you get what you think you are paying for? First, look for certification from NSF or California for the reduction of the contaminant that you are interested in reducing. Second, check with the dealer and ask for certification for the claims that they make. If they hem haw or make excuses for not having any certifications or cannot provide offsite documentation, caveat emptor!

Wading Through the Flood of Water Filter Hyperbole

CONSUMER REPORTS WATER SOFTENERS

Knowing How Deionized Water is Achieved

Deionized water has become very important these days that its production is highly anticipated in many industries. It is also called DI water or demineralized water and is often compared to distilled water, which is essentially similar to it. Manufacturers of medicines, chemicals, food, cosmetics, and car batteries use this type of water. Also, many rinsing and cleaning chemicals contain water that has undergone deionization.

Deionization of Water

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Water never comes pure in nature and this is why companies need to purify it to a usable extent. There are various treatment methods to ensure its pureness and potability. Water coming from the natural sources contains many impurities (minerals, organic compounds, microorganisms, and microscopic organic matter). These impurities should be removed and their concentration must be reduced to a negligible or harmless extent. For this to be possible, it must undergo several treatment steps.

The liquid usually undergoes filtration and is passed through layers of sand to remove sediments. Activated carbon then filters out colloidal particles. The resulting water may still be unsafe due to bacteria and substances whose molecules are small enough to pass through porous filters. There are many ways to remove smaller molecules and bacteria. Reverse osmosis is the next process employed to remove organic molecules. It may remove bacteria and microorganisms but other water companies employ ultraviolet treatment.

The resulting water may be potable but still has considerable ion content. Ions result from the dissolution of mineral salts in water. These salts occur in the natural environment and because ions are very small they are able to pass through filters and some remain even after RO process. There are two basic ways to remove these ions namely, distillation and deionization. Deionization is employed by passing the liquid through ion exchange resin beds.

There are home water softeners with resins containing sodium ion (Na+), which replaces calcium (Ca++) and magnesium (Mg++) ions. But for overall removal of ions in water, negative and positive ions should be removed. In more sophisticated deionization systems, it passes through a resin bed that contains hydrogen ions (H+). The hydrogen ions replace all the positive ions in the water. The resulting water would still contain negative ions which are replaced by hydroxyl ions (OH-) in the second resin bed. The water that comes out is extremely pure that is devoid of ions or minerals.

Relevance of DI Water

Water for general home use need not undergo deionization. Sanitary drinking water may contain some ions but deionization is not a hygienic requirement. However, many people prefer deionized or distilled water not because of the absence of ions but because the process it undergoes ensures its safety. DI water undergoes such a stringent treatment process that it becomes ultra pure and very safe for drinking.

The production of water devoid of ions, however, is quite relevant in many industries. As mentioned in the first paragraph, demineralized water is important part in the production of food, medicines, and cosmetic products. In laboratories, pure water is needed to rinse laboratory glassware. Autoclave water used to disinfect medical instruments is also essentially DI water.

This kind of water is used in specialized applications wherein tap water is inappropriate. Plain mineral water contains considerable concentration of ions that affects the quality of resulting products in industries. Deionized or demineralized water is also important in industrial cleaning because water with enough mineral content can cause scales in equipment that either lower the efficiency or ruin the equipment after a time. If you heard that car wash companies use DI water as the final rinse, that's because you want to see your car surface and windows spotless after the cleanup. Without ions in the liquid, it cleans efficiently without leaving any scales or spots.

Knowing How Deionized Water is Achieved

CONSUMER REPORTS WATER SOFTENERS

The Truth About Home Water Treatment Systems

We have excellent choices for home water treatment systems, today. But, regretfully, not everyone make the most excellent choice.

Of course, some experts say that any attempt at purification is better than none. But, some water treatment products are definitely better than others.

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Do you know much about what's in your water? The list of possible contaminants is long, but primarily, you should be concerned about chemicals used for disinfection, disinfection byproducts, and bacteria that are resistant to chemical disinfection, as well as, hazardous compounds that are man made or naturally occurring.

The right home water treatment systems can remove all of these things. Luckily, some of the most affordable water treatment products do the best job. Let's look at a few examples.

Perchlorate is a naturally occurring compound that is used to make rocket fuel and as a medication to treat hyperthyroidism. If ingested by an otherwise healthy individual, it causes dysfunction of the thyroid gland or hypothyroidism.

In children, this causes developmental problems. In adults, it causes metabolic disorders. Researchers have found it in over 800 test sites around the United States. But, it is not regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency. So, currently, you have to assume that it is present in your tap-water.

The water treatment products that remove perchlorate target "volatile organic compounds" or VOCs. Most of the highly advertised home water treatment systems do not target those compounds.

For example, Brita and PUR do not remove them and neither does reverse osmosis technology. A technology called adsorption (not absorption) is needed to remove them. Typically, the process is performed using a carbon block, not granular activated carbon, which is what the cheapest water treatment products (PUR, Brita, and Ever-pure) include.

Public providers add chemicals to surface or groundwater to kill bacteria, algae, viruses and protozoa. Byproducts, primarily THMs, are created by this process. THMs are similar in composition to VOCs. They can only be removed through adsorption.

THMs are toxic and constant exposure can cause cancer. They become airborne due to boiling or the use of hot water in the shower. They can also be consumed by drinking unfiltered tap-water.

You can purchase whole home water treatment systems and remove the threats entirely. But, at the very list, you need a kitchen purifier and a showerhead filter. Only two of the five most popular showerhead filters remove THMs.

If you compare product performance data, you can learn what health hazards a system removes and to what extent. The data should also give you an idea of how much per gallon, your water treatment products will cost.

However, many companies do not provide complete information before you buy. Reverse osmosis providers may tell you "what" is removed, but not "how much". Brita is very evasive. It took a lot of time to find out that their pitchers only reduce lead by 93% and chlorine by 75%.

But, it was worth it, because now I have home water treatment systems that I know are effective. They gave me the freedom to drink and shower without worry.

The Truth About Home Water Treatment Systems

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Purchasing A Refurbished Tankless Water Heater

While smart consumers do all they can to save money, the quest for the lowest cost can sometimes lead you to making a decision that isn't in your best interest. Sadly, this is a common mistake that many of us have had to learn the hard way. In the case of a tankless water heater, the lowest priced deal is generally not the best purchase for you to make. You want to ensure the unit is going to be safe for your family as well as perform properly.

If you decide to invest in a refurbished tankless water heater system, you need to be prepared for disappointment and having to invest more money in the future. You really have not idea what you are getting when you purchase one of these units. It is sad, yet it is also very true. You should always buy a new tankless water heater system to prevent issues and concerns from coming up.

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Keep in mind that any refurbished tankless water heater system has failed in the past. This is why it was sent back to the factory. Sure, it has been fixed at the factory and it is being sold at a huge savings, but do you know why it failed the first time? There is no guarantee that it won't become defective again. The idea of refurbishing items and the selling them is nothing new to the market place, but it isn't a good idea to purchase them when it comes to particular products including tankless water heaters.

Why take the risk of purchasing a tankless water heater that has already failed once and has the potential to do so again? You will not be getting any type of warranty on such a purchase. You will be left to pay for the repairs or to replace it should the unit fail. While you can save a great deal of money on the initial purchase, the risk is great that you will have to spend a great deal of money on repairs or to replace it down the road.

Purchasing A Refurbished Tankless Water Heater

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Water Softener Reviews - Cut Through The Clutter And Find The Right Water Softener Now

There are many great water softener reviews today to help you find the right softener for your home. People tend to get confused with so many water softeners around. A review on each one of them is definitely going to help, as these people are not going to remember what they read in the newspaper about one brand couple of months ago and every brand is going to claim their product as best on their websites.

A water softener is a necessity to obtain soft water greatly reduces the scaling of pipes, faucets, and bath fixtures, and reduces spotting of glasses, dishes and flatware. Soft water also helps detergent clean your clothes better, while making your clothes last longer too. But hasty decisions might cost you a fortune as there are sales people trying to get every penny out of you.

CONSUMER REPORTS WATER SOFTENERS

There are numerous water softener vendors out there who sell both ionic exchange and magnetic water softening systems.

Culligan: This brand is favored particularly for its durability and purchase and rental offer. Culligan is also said to be good at removing iron from the water supply.

Brita: With over 40 years of experience this brand is considered to be reliable. Essentially used with Espresso machines and other coffee and tea making equipment.

Kenmore: Offers water softeners from the very basic to the heavy-duty models. The Kenmore systems also offer extras like the ability to filter out larger particles and added settings that make the units more efficient. Kenmore contends that the cost of everyday household upkeep can be cut in half with the use of a water softener system.

General Electric: GE offers water softeners small enough to accommodate a single-person household all the way up to a unit that will serve a household of four or more people. The GE water softeners include a technology called SmartSoft, which works through a low-capacity transformer to save energy, minimize salt loss, and gauge water softening needs.

Start with these 4 brands, and decide which is best for you. All 4 have years of experience in the industry, and have successfully helped thousands achieve their soft water needs. Shop around, read water softener reviews, and find the best for your home now.

Water Softener Reviews - Cut Through The Clutter And Find The Right Water Softener Now

CONSUMER REPORTS WATER SOFTENERS

A Guide to Disadvantages of Reverse Osmosis Water Systems

Have you read about this recently that there are disadvantages of reverse osmosis water systems? While these systems can remove a number of substances, they also remove substances which could affect your health. In this article, we will seek to understand "Does reverse osmosis make water safe to drink"?

Studies have shown that there are over 2000 potential chemicals and contaminants in tap water. The way reverse osmosis systems work is by passing the water through membranes with small pores. The pores block molecules larger than water molecules. Since chemicals in water have smaller molecules than water, they pass through the membrane and are still part of your drinking water.

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Reverse osmosis systems were originally developed to serve the needs of the printing and photo processing companies. These groups need mineral-free water for their work. As noted above, this feature results in mineral-poor water, which could lead to mineral deficiencies in the body.

The human body needs essential minerals like calcium, iron and potassium to have strong bones, muscles and tissues. These minerals are available through drinking water. When these minerals are removed, the body becomes out of balance and becomes susceptible to illness.

An additional concern of de-mineralized water is that the body tries to compensate by giving up minerals from the bones. This makes the fluid in your body more acidic, which contributes to cancer-causing free radicals in the blood stream and other parts of the body.

It is clear from this summary that the question "Does reverse osmosis make water safe to drink" can only be answered with caution. The reality is that the process is best used for industrial needs. When used for drinking water production, the disadvantages of reverse osmosis seem to outweigh the benefits. Consumers need to keep this information in mind as they search for the best water purification system for their needs.

A Guide to Disadvantages of Reverse Osmosis Water Systems

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How to Choose the Right Dishwasher

The concept of 'right' dishwasher is a vague expression. It varies from person to person. The right one for a small family will not be the suitable one for a large family. Affordability is another matter that decides the choice. It is therefore necessary to consider all aspects before choosing a right dishwasher.

The prospective buyer should peruse the catalogues of all leading manufacturers. Those illustrated publications will give all relevant information about the range of products available in the market. The advantages and disadvantages of each brand or model should be carefully considered. The consumer should also assess the requirements which vary from family to family as mentioned. But the illustrations in the catalogues may not be sufficient for a lay person to understand the niceties. The best option is to visit a showroom where the actual functioning of the machine will be demonstrated. The consumer can thus make sure of the quality and characteristics of the brand, type or model of the machine to be chosen.

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Once the choice of the dishwasher is confirmed, the shopper can proceed in the matter. Online system is the most convenient option. The shopper can visit the websites and place order. The advantages of online shopping like discounts, warranty and free shipping can be availed. The hardships of shop hopping can be avoided. But before placing order, verify all the terms and conditions that are specifically mentioned in fine print.

The modern dishwashers have many innovative features. Even though old models have become obsolete, they are still available in the market. The consumer should know that modern machines may cost more, but they are energy efficient and therefore will be cost effective in the long run. Noise level will be the lowest in the modern versions. Some of the special features of the dishwashers are taller tubs, stainless steel body, larger loads, three tiers of racks which are adjustable and sensors to check the water quality during the process of washing. Washing under high temperature will facilitate the removal of even the stubborn crust of burnt residues in the cooking vessels.

Almost all modern dishwashers facilitate multiple cleaning process and repetitive washing and rinsing will ensure a perfect job. The manufacturers will indicate the correct water temperature as well as the quality and quantity of the detergents to be used in the machine. Small families with limited availability of space can choose compact countertop dishwashers.

There are innumerable brands, makes and models of dishwashers available today. Suitable colours can be chosen to match the kitchen or pantry décor. Many new features are incorporated in the modern versions. Apart from energy efficiency, they are known for their limited water consumption and operational convenience. If maintained properly a dishwasher will last for a minimum of nine to twelve years without problems.

How to Choose the Right Dishwasher

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Treating The Water Used In Dairy Products

You have surely had a need to purchase milk and milk related products for yourself or your family. When passing the dairy isle in the grocery store, you have taken a look at the items offered. Milk and milk products are very important for a healthy diet as they contain vitamins and minerals that are essential for good health.

Not only do you as the consumer view dairy products as nutritious and important for healthy lives, the people who are working in the dairy farms do also. Milk needs to be free from contaminants and other bacteria so that it is not easily spoiled. To obtain this high standard for milk, the dairy farm production needs to be sure that the water used is as clean and clear. Not only is the water they use cleaned but, the water that is disposed of needs to be treated so that it is the best it can be to be released into the sewage system of the public.

CONSUMER REPORTS WATER SOFTENERS

Treatment of dairy water is just as important as the milk and milk products that are produced each day. One of the best methods for treating this particular water is by implementing a practice of cleaning the water from any and all bacteria that may be harmful to you and me.

The animals also need clean water to drink. It should be just as safe for the animals as it is for human consumption. If the water carries bacteria, it can cause the animals to become sick and produce a lesser amount of milk that a healthy animal. Treating the dairy water should be and is focused mainly on the water the animals drink and also on the water that is removed as waste.

Each of the dairy farms has come up with their own particular way of treating and cleaning the wastewater. A lagoon on the site of the dairy farm is one of these ways. The water waste that is taken in from the dairy farm is separated from and solid waste products. The solid waste is them recycled and used for mulch or for animal feed. The water is taken to the artificial lagoon for removal. The water begins a natural process of breaking down the microorganisms and starts an anaerobic process because of oxygen removal.

This specific way of water treatment may take several months to be completed and the water fully treated. This also causes a nasty smelling odor and it may become a problem for other people. It can also become a health hazard to those around the lagoon. Treatment of dairy water can and may cause a problem if it seeps into the ground and finds a water source. This will in turn, because contamination to other water sources nearby.

The point of using any type of treatment for dairy water on dairy farms is to bring in a profit without causing the milk and milk product quality to suffer. The animal's health and the health of the farmers and those living in the area is also an important thing to maintain and protect.

Treating The Water Used In Dairy Products

CONSUMER REPORTS WATER SOFTENERS

Consumer Report For in Home Air Purifiers

What are air purifiers? What are the types of air purifiers? What factors you consider when buying one?

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We will share with you the information you have gathered from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), American Lung association (ALA) and other consumer review sites that will provide you with a comprehensive report on home air purifiers and will help you choose the right one.

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An air cleaner is a machine that works to clean the air you breathe by getting rid of particles and noxious air pollutants in your home. Report consumers at home to air purifiers will tell you immediately that should not be considered an air purifier as a silver bullet.

The use of air purifiers should be a last resort's three-pronged approach to improve the air you breathe inside your home.

The first suggests that control of the source (s) or pollutants to reduce their emissions.

The second strategy according to the report of the consumer at home for air purifiers is to use a ventilation: open windows and doors (weather permitting), in turn, local bathroom or kitchen exhaust fans or the use of mechanical ventilation systems, which help improve the air condition of your room.

The third element is to consider getting an air purifier that actually remove bacteria, fungi, viruses and any kind of smell.

The four general types of air cleaners available on the market are mechanical filters, electronic air cleaners, ion generators and hybrid devices. They can join the central heating or ventilation system, desk units or larger room portable consoles.

Factors that you need to consider when buying an air purifier are as follows:

Type filter. Air filter protects equipment, furniture, reduce cleaning and maintenance of buildings and reduce fire hazards. Low efficiency filters can do all this. But it is only portable room air cleaners you can get high enough levels of filtration to protect their general welfare.

That is where HEP (high efficiency particulate air high) before or high efficiency particulate arrestors are important. "True" Hep not allow more than 3 particles 10000 to penetrate the filter media.

They are a bit noisy, however. But because they can remove particles as small as 0.3 microns in size that are the lungs of penetration of particles, EPA and ALA and other organizations recommend the use of a filter hep if you want to use a mechanical filter.

Clean Air delivery rate (Cadre). This is a standard developed by the independent association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) to measure the removal of dust, smoke and pollen from the air.

Measure the amount of clean air in cubic feet that provides an air cleaner to one room per minute of a specific material. Note that a cadre of 50 is suitable for a room of 80 square meters, a cadre of 80 to 120 square feet, a cadre of 100 per 144 square feet and a cadre of 200 per 320 square feet.

Cost. The expenses incurred in the purchase of an air purifier may include the initial purchase of the unit, maintenance costs (cleaning and / or replacement of filters and other parts) and operating costs (cost of electricity).

The most effective units are generally also the most expensive. However, you should check the initial cost with the cost of maintenance, since some air purifiers that are cheaper may be more expensive in the long run, if you need to change the filters often.

Noise. Air cleaners that have a fan can produce the equivalent of a small vacuum when operating at high speed. Even at low speed, some models are still producing an annoying buzzing or learn.

You should also note that rates are based cadres at high speed. So it's better if purify the room one hour before wearing it down the speed when you are there to minimize noise.

Consumer Report For in Home Air Purifiers

Consumer Reports

Whole House Water Filters - Read This Before You Waste Your Money

If you are shopping for whole house water filters, take a moment to learn a few facts. 

If you choose the right whole house water filter,  your family will be protected from the hazards of chlorine and its by-products.  If you choose the wrong system, then you have just wasted your money.

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Chlorination is the primary reason that whole house water filters have become so popular.  Not only does it taste bad, but research has shown that it increases the risk of cancer by as much as 93%. 

It's not just drinking chlorinated water that causes the risk.  The risk is also in showering in it and inhaling the vapors.

If you take a moment to compare the effectiveness of one whole house water filter versus another, you will see that all of them claim to remove chlorine, but some of them are not certified to do so by an independent laboratory. 

In most of the United States, whole house water filters are not required to obtain a certification from underwriters.  Since it is not mandatory, some companies would rather avoid the expense.  Personally, I would not buy a whole house water filter without a UL certification.

The removal of particles is another safety issue.  Most whole house water filters do not include a micron filter.  Without one, illness causing cysts that are resistant to chemical disinfection can be floating in your glass. The greatest risk is to infants and small children.

The best whole house water filter on the market today removes anything larger than 5 microns.  That's about the size of a dust particle on the head of a pin.  In the majority of homes, that is sufficient.

There are only two whole house water filters on the market that include 5 micron particle filtration.  Strangely, there is a huge difference in their prices. 

One is less than a thousand dollars while another is nearly six thousand dollars.  I had to find out the difference, since both are UL certified.

It turns out that the price difference is due to specific rocks that are used in the most expensive, but not the least expensive.  They do exactly the same job and the technology is the same.  However, the company with the much more expensive model wants you to believe that the rock particles in their whole house water filter will "imbue" your shower with health-giving qualities.

I find that a little difficult to believe, but if you want to pay extra for your whole house water filters, that's up to you.  The cost of use will be about per month, as opposed to the per month that we spend to maintain our whole house water filter.

The choice is yours of course.  Just remember to avoid anything that does not have a UL certification, as well as the ones that require electricity and back flushing.  They are more of a hassle and cost more to operate. Also, remember to look for micron filtration. 

Whole house water filters don't have to be that expensive to be effective.  It's been well worth the cost to my family.    

Whole House Water Filters - Read This Before You Waste Your Money

CONSUMER REPORTS WATER SOFTENERS

Consumer Reports Help You

Whenever you decide to spend your hard-earned money on an item, whether it's a car, an appliance or a vacation, you want to make certain you get the best bang and value for your buck. However, you can't really make that determination until after you have made the purchase. In that case, there are either one out of two outcomes that await you. You are either pleased with your purchase decision, or you are not so pleased with it. It would be easier if you could predict what the outcome would be before you decide to buy the item in question. Since we are unable to see the future, you can use consumer reports to help guide you through the purchase process.

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Consumer reports are documents authored by actual consumers or by independent outside parties. The foundation of the consumer report is that they are honest and impartial, so that the consumer report that you read gives you an accurate review of the product in question. Let us use buying a car as our example. By reading a variety of quality free consumer reports, you can get an honest feel for whether or not the vehicle that you want to buy is right for you. Consumer reports for cars can compare and review all aspects of a car, from fuel efficiency to safety. If there is something direct about the car that you want to know more about, a good consumer report will easily tell you.

Consumer Reports

The authorship of a consumer report can also be of great benefit. Those written by customers are appreciated for their simplicity and commonality to you. You will easily be able to understand and appreciate the pros and cons that are listed in a consumer report that was written by fellow customers. A consumer report created by an honest expert is praised for its detailed honesty and professional conclusion. The more consumer reports you read, the better off you'll be.

Consumer Reports Help You

Consumer Reports

Importance of Consumer Reports Electric Heaters

The phrase 'consumer reports electric heaters' refers to the various reviews and reports provided by consumers as regards the quality, the usage as well as the performance parameters of heaters. These heaters have become a necessity of our day to day life since the application of electricity has become an easy method of getting hot water in all kinds of weathers and climates. This is the reason as to why the sales of this device rises automatically during the winter months and it is during this time most of the pros and cons of the heater are revealed to the consumer as it is being used on a daily basis. Therefore most of the truthful and practical consumer reports on electric-heaters are provided subsequent to the winter season.

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Most of the people buy electric heaters as a long term investment and having been aware of this fact, most of the consumer reports heaters deal with the various parameters which should be kept in mind while purchasing this equipment. Nowadays due to a wide range of heaters being available in the market with various specifications, each brand has its own advantages and disadvantages. It should be kept in mind that although heaters are designed and engineered according to a number of aspects like mechanism, durability, cost and the specific needs of the consumer, they should be energy efficient, implying that they are able to function to their optimum level with the minimum possible consumption of electricity. The latest concern about global warming should also be kept in mind and electric heaters which are manufactured with the green technology in mind could be preferred over the others.

Consumer Reports

One of the most common platforms in which one can find consumer reports electric heaters from various sources hailing from all over the world is the internet and these could prove to be truly valuable in the sense that many of them feature feedback and ratings about particular products.

Importance of Consumer Reports Electric Heaters

Consumer Reports

The Benefits of Magnetic Water Softeners

With the array of choices we have for softening hard water, it can be difficult to decide which method will work best. Therefore, cost is one factor to consider as well as how the unit is set up, its size and its softening capacity.

Testing water hardness is as simple as getting a water test kit from a pool supplier or an establishment that sells water softener systems. Water hardness is measured in grains per gallon (GPG), parts per million (PPM), or milligrams per liter (MG/L). Water that measures 3.5 to 7 GPG is considered hard water.

CONSUMER REPORTS WATER SOFTENERS

Magnetic water softeners rely on the use of ordinary magnets. The magnets are mounted opposite one another, either outside or inside a water pipe. The water flows between these magnets, through the magnetic field, which affects the ions. A chemical reaction takes place, altering the molecular structure of hard water minerals.

This reaction will take one of two forms: Magnetic or electrostatic. During a magnetic process, the collision process of magnesium or calcium ions is sped up. This takes place in a cool environment, and as a result, lessens the buildup of scale. In contrast, during an electrostatic process, an electrical charge forces the ions to repel one another. The ions are not able to bond and form scale. The main functions of magnetic water softeners are applicable in heating and cooling.

Magnetic water softeners are the subject of much debate, and magnetic water softening systems cannot usually be purchased via retailers. The effectiveness claims made by manufacturers are often backed up by anecdotal evidence, though scientific studies have been done. The outcomes are inconclusive. While it is acknowledged that magnetism does, indeed, alter the hard minerals, the exact effects on the water are unclear. The consensus is that scale formation can be reduced by magnetic treatment; however, the reduction of scale appears to be minimal, roughly 10 percent. An advantage to using a magnetic water softener is that it is a non-chemical treatment.

When it comes to magnetic water softeners, being an educated consumer is the best policy. Explore different types and manufacturers. Compare prices. Other things to consider are what type of environment the water softener will be set up in, the size, installation, and construction of the unit.

The Benefits of Magnetic Water Softeners

CONSUMER REPORTS WATER SOFTENERS

Dishwashers - How to Pick the Right Unit For Your Kitchen

If you love to cook but hate doing the dishes, then a good dishwasher may be the best investment you'll ever make. Dishwashers are for cleaning cups, other kitchen utensils, and of course, plates. They clean by spraying hot water on the dishes to replace manual scrubbing. They usually use a special detergent that tends to be too strong for human hands.

How it cleans

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Dishwashers start by spraying detergent mixed with water to remove dirt, followed by clean water when it is time for rinsing. Most models have a heating stage for drying, which can also be used for heating water before spraying.

The portable dishwasher

It is designed for counters and tabletops and they come in butcher-block styles so they can blend in with other appliances. You can also place them under the counter but these types are more expensive and difficult to install.

Undercounter dishwasher

It is installed under the counter and they usually have high loading capacities. They take up less space than portable ones and they last longer, too, since the body is sealed from heat, water, and other elements that can damage it.

Full-size dishwasher

It measures around 24 inches and you can choose whether to install them under the counter or not, making them more durable and versatile. They can hold up to 140 pieces of cutlery and 12 utensil sets but they take require more space.

The tub

Dishwashers with stainless steel tubs are ideal if you use hard water for dishwashing because they are resistant to alkaline content compared to plastic tubs. If you are using soft tap water, the plastic tub is a better choice since it cleans easy. Avoid enamel-coated tubs since they stain and chip easily.

Muffler

Pick a dishwasher capable of reducing noise while working. The damping is indicated in decibels on the dishwasher so pick one with 44 decibels or lower.

Dishwashers - How to Pick the Right Unit For Your Kitchen

CONSUMER REPORTS WATER SOFTENERS

The Truth About Maintenance Free Countertop Water Filters

When you see a product called clean & pure countertop water filter, you expect it to be of the highest quality and perform at its best. Then it says "maintenance free countertop water filter" and you think, "Wow, that is just what I have been looking for, a system that does not require filters and can go on for a long time."

Well, that's what you are supposed to think. It is an advertising and marketing ploy that works on most consumers. But, if you are like most consumers, you will be disappointed by the clean & pure countertop water filter.

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When you read the words clean and pure, you might have images in your mind of a mountain stream, where birds are chirping and the sun is lighting everything just perfectly. That's what advertisers and marketers want you to think. They want you to think that your water will be crystal clear and taste like contaminant free spring water.

Because of the quality of tap water, everyone needs a good drinking water filter and there are many excellent products on the market that can deliver contaminant free, crystal clear, fresh tasting water. The maintenance free countertop water filter is not one of them, in fact it's not technically maintenance free. A better description would be disposable.

The clean & pure countertop water filter removes only chlorine and odor, nothing else. Some consumers have been happy with the product, until they learn from the manufacturer that the unit is not actually a water purifier. All the contaminants that could be in your tap water are still there, except for chlorine.

Other consumers have been immediately disappointed, because the system is very hard to install, sometimes impossible. It seems that the adaptor does not fit many faucets, and hardware stores cannot provide a solution for this so-called maintenance free countertop water filter. I guess, everything is maintenance free, if it never works at all.

Then there is another group of consumers that are able to install the clean & pure countertop water filter, only to find that it leaks and sprays water everywhere. This is truly one product that does not live up to its name.

It is called a maintenance free countertop water filter, because you can not replace the filter. When it stops working, you have to throw the whole unit away and buy another. And, we use the term "working" loosely.

Something that is described as a clean & pure countertop water filter should purify your tap water. If it is "working", it should remove pesticides, herbicides, bacteria and other contaminants, such as lead and chlorine by-products.

Something that is described as a "maintenance free countertop water filter" should be like a self-winding watch that never needs batteries or vinyl siding that never needs painting. This clean & pure countertop filter is not really maintenance free. It's more like a disposable lighter. Shop smart and choose a better product.

The Truth About Maintenance Free Countertop Water Filters

CONSUMER REPORTS WATER SOFTENERS

Where Can I Find Wrinkle Cream Consumer Reports?

Before we answer the question about finding wrinkle cream consumer reports, I think I should provide you with some information that might help you understand the consumer reports better.

consumer reports

Sometimes words have a funny way of twisting things.

Consumer Reports

Let's take a look at the ingredients that are in most skin care products.

The ingredients are pretty much the same in most skin care products, even the pricier ones. The one thing most skin care products have in common is the fact they do not work. Most manufacturers' use ingredients that are dangerous, but there are some other manufacturers that use safe and all-natural ingredients.

There are two types of alcohols and the one that is harmful is the one that is petroleum based. It is extremely drying to the skin and It is also very irritating to your skin and does not belong in skin care products - period.

You don't want something with parabens in it, as it is a preservative manufacturers' use to ensure their products stay on the shelves for as long as possible. The reason it is commonly used is because it is cheap, simple as that. Cheaper products mean bigger profits for the company.

Fragrances are used to make you smell nice, however - they have no place in any skin care products. The reason being is that the fragrances themselves may be made with toxic ingredients.

There are other toxic ingredients in wrinkle creams and other products. They are toxic because they have been linked to diseases such as cancer, depression, and problems such as stress, however research in this area is still on-going.

All-natural products on the other hand are perfectly safe and very effective. The alcohol found in natural products is plant based and not petroleum based. This fact hopefully makes that distinction really clear.

Compounds are a blend or mixture of ingredients that complement the others for a purpose.

Japanese kelp is a great moisturizer and has the power to cure skin problems including dryness. It is also instrumental in tissue repair.

Nano-lipobelle H-EQ10 is an antioxidant that rids your skin of free radicals and gets deep into your skin to begin healing from within. As a result, there will be fewer wrinkles and is known as a new substance that aids the body in the re-growth of its own collagen and elastin supplies.

These above ingredients are found in the best skin care compound that is available.

Plant extracts are normally obtained through a specific process.

The Manuka honey extract is taken from the Manuka bush that is native to New Zealand. It has an unusual anti-microbial and anti-bacterial property called UMF.

Shea butter is from the Shea nut tree that is found in Africa. The fruit that surrounds the pit (seed) is thin, nutritious, and sour pulp. The seed has an abundant supply of oil from which the Shea butter is made.

There are many other natural ingredients to use in making wrinkle cream, but these are some of the best that have been proven in a recent scientific breakthrough.

You can find wrinkle cream consumers reports on the Internet, in consumer magazines and guides, and in some cases - even company literature.

On the Internet, specific company websites might have them.

The best place to find them though is in consumer guide magazines and websites. Just type in wrinkle cream consumer reviews into your search engine and you will be surprised at the amount of available information.

You can find our very own skin care report below.

Where Can I Find Wrinkle Cream Consumer Reports?

Consumer Reports

Why is the Pelican a Great Choice For a Salt Free Water Softener?

Millions of Americans experience hard water and according to the U.S Geological Survey, this number of Americans affected by hard water is 85%. Hard water comes from many underground resources such as aquifers that collect softened minerals from rock such as magnesium carbonate, manganese and calcium. These particular minerals are what give water its "hard" title. The problem with harder water is not so much about health but it can become expensive.

Many of the problems of hard water are usually hidden until a malfunction happens in the homes water-using appliances or the plumbing system. When the hard water is heated the dissolved hard water minerals start to re-crystallize and form scale that can eventually reduce water flow through the pipes by clogging the plumbing. There are products called salt free water softeners that may be able to help.

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If you have been looking for into a line of great salt free water softeners Amazon.com sells the Pelican PSE 1800 Whole House Water Filter and Softener.

Benefits of this product:

Saves you money on costly plumbing and water appliance repairs Make beverages such as coffee, lemonade, tea or just about any beverage taste better Increases the effectiveness of hot water tanks There is also not drain to install, no electricity, and no maintenance It leaves valuable mineral in the water

This Pelican Carbon Series whole house water filter is one of the best on the market today. This filter solves a host of contaminating issues and is very reasonably priced. It has a multistage filtration process and superior performance media that will give you sparkling clean water straight from the tap. Compared to other salt free water softeners this one ranks king.

This is superior in the line of salt free water softeners and will help improve the texture and feel of your skin. You can say good-bye to unpleasant odors that come from some water and you can also enjoy itch-free skin. There are large amounts of wasted water salt released in the environment that has caused a host of problems that people are unaware of. This systems technology makes the formation of microscopic calcium crystals, which in turn gets rid of the harder water side effects.

Why is the Pelican a Great Choice For a Salt Free Water Softener?

CONSUMER REPORTS WATER SOFTENERS

Used Appliances

Very often, one need not waste money on new appliances - used ones can do just as well, provided they are in the right condition and have been maintained well. Many a time, one can save a considerable amount of money with a late model, reconditioned appliance.

Before buying a used appliance, it is important to gather information about the used product. By reading consumer magazines and contacting consumer organizations before making a major purchase, you will be better informed and make a better choice.

CONSUMER REPORTS WATER SOFTENERS

You can go online to look for used appliances. There are several sites that offer quality, used appliances with limited warranties. In fact, there are sites that are dedicated to second hand buying and selling. Many of these appliances are scratched, dented or reconditioned and are sold at very low prices.

If you go to a local used appliance shop or purchase a used appliance from an individual, it is important that you thoroughly clean the piece that you purchased. You can do this by mixing up a batch of white vinegar and water for smaller appliances. This gets rid of stains in coffee makers and odors as well. For larger appliances, bleach mixed with water should do the trick. For cleaning ovens, (if they are not self-cleaning) a regular oven cleaner is advisable. Just make sure that the stove that you purchase is in good shape. If the oven is too dirty, it might not be in working order, or it may be too difficult to eliminate all the grease and build-up, especially in the broiler area. Look for clean, used appliances, and you're probably going to have better luck as far as future wear and tear goes.

Used Appliances

CONSUMER REPORTS WATER SOFTENERS

Why Choose Rheem Tankless Gas Water Heaters

Rheem tankless gas water heaters are just one of the many brands available to the consumer in today's market niche for a water heater. So why choose a Rheem product? There is a Rheem product for literally any application, from the smallest to the largest, Rheem will have a solution for you heating requirements. Rheem offers compact products freeing up space in your home for other appliances which are great if you live in a small apartment or house. You'll never have to worry about fluctuating hot water, the water running cold or having a limited supply because with one of the Rheem tankless gas water heaters you will have instant hot water on demand.

Rheem tankless gas water heaters have featured in the well known builder's magazine called "Building Products top 100" as one of the top 'Green products' in the building industry. Based on the low number of repairs done to already sold units, It has further reported that consumers found the Rheem products to be the most reliable and simple to use. Units are fitted with state of the art temperature controls which stand as proof of the technological achievements made by Rheem. It is also very user friendly and self diagnostic built-in systems which make it easy to read maintenance codes.

CONSUMER REPORTS WATER SOFTENERS

Rheem tankless gas water heaters have dual gas burning units that superheats the water as it passes through the internal copper piping, and this means that it will never run out unlike a conventional heating system that has a limited supply of hot water. Rheem has an energy sufficient design which directly contributes to the low cost of operating the unit. Households with higher demand requirements can purchase the EZ-link cable to connect two ore more units at the same time.

The Rheem brand-name is well respected in the marketplace everywhere in the world because they are committed to provide a quality product and customer service at superior levels. Call Centers are staffed with trained technical personnel that are very knowledgeable about all applications and can help you choose a solution to suit your heating needs.

Rheem tankless gas water heaters are manufactured to the highest quality standards and The 'Rheem' name are branded with pride on each appliance. A full custom warranty card should be filled out at your point-of-purchase, and will be send to the head office for immediate registration of your products. All warranties are valid for 20 years and products are expected to meet this life expectancy as we use only the most durable materials in construction of all products.

Rheem products are manufactured under very strict safety conditions and invite you to review the customer testimonials on the internet. We treat every customer that buys a Rheem product as a priority and you can be sure of the best customer service levels in the industry from us. Rheem has been supplying top quality products to the public since 1930 and have built a reputation by supplying only the best tankless gas water heating solutions at competitive prices. Did you know that government will issue you with a tax credit up to 00 (30%) of the cost of a tankless gas water heater? This is due to the overall effectiveness of the product in lowering pollution and green house gases.

Whether you require a heating solution for your home or business in order to keep costs down and cut expenses, selecting one of the Rheem tankless gas water heaters from a wide range is a wise and sound investment that will last you many years to come.

Why Choose Rheem Tankless Gas Water Heaters

CONSUMER REPORTS WATER SOFTENERS

Dealing With Rusty Water

One cause of rusty drinking water is when it comes from a town well and the water picks up iron from the ground in which it is stored. That iron laden water makes its into every house connected to the supply. Most town wells are treated by chlorination and filtering before it makes it's way to the end user.

Another cause is water that comes from a private well that serves a single home or several homes. This is a much more likely scenario because most private wells are sunk deep into the ground and the water is not treated before being utilized by the consumer.

CONSUMER REPORTS WATER SOFTENERS

Water piping material that is starting to rust and decay inside the piping is another potential cause. Although rare, the rust can make it's way up to the tap. More likely, the rust and scale will make their way to the valves and aerators. If this is the case, there is a noticeable drop in water pressure as the rust and scale expands to retard flow. If the home or building is more than 30 years old, the water piping is more than likely galvanized or black threaded piping.

If the water is from a town well and is not treated or from a private well the only thing you can do is to remove the iron out of the water somehow. There are a few ways to remove the iron from the water; the first is simply to install a water softener. All water softeners will remove some of the iron out of the water.

To eliminate rust coming from a town or private well, a simple water softener will remove some of the iron from the water. If a water softener doesn't remedy the situation, there are readily available products that can help. Iron Out is such a product that is highly recommended. Used according to the manufacturers direction and in conjunction with salt, is highly effective.

Installing a filter to specifically designed to remove rust and sediment can also help to improve the quality of the water. If these don't cut it you may have to install an iron tank that is used specifically to remove iron from the potable water. Well casings can also be a culprit of rust. Old steel well casing have been know to corrode and flake off in the water. Newer well casings are made of PVC and do not corrode or cause rusty water.

Finally if the water piping is beginning to rust inside and water flow is not usable some if not all the water piping may need to be removed and replaced with copper or PEX tubing. If this is the route that needs to be taken please make sure the shower valves are blown out, cleaning out potential rust particles that could foul the valve ports. Also remove the aerators on the kitchen and lavatory faucets and flush out or just remove and replace. Again when rusty piping is being replaced it's very likely some rust and scale will make it's way to the valves and aerators.

Dealing With Rusty Water

CONSUMER REPORTS WATER SOFTENERS

How to Find a Pure Water Filter That Really Purifies

Before you buy pure water filters, read this information, it could be very important to your family's health. There are things that a pure water filter should do, but might not. Here are some facts.

Through advertising and labeling, the consumer can become very confused. There are different degrees of "purity". Just because a company claims to provide pure water filters does not mean that the result will be what you need.

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People have different needs, but let's assume for the purposes of this article that you are looking for a pure water filter and your source is a public supply. What flows through your tap has been through many processes. Disinfection, filtration, flocculation, sand beds and others are used to try to protect the public's safety.

All of these are good and necessary, but there are some problems caused by disinfection methods and some problems that just cannot be addressed by the facilities. Nearly all treatment facilities chlorinate. It doesn't taste good and causes digestive problems, so you want pure water filters that will remove it.

Disinfection Method Problems

Chlorination and other methods of disinfection create byproducts. Trihalomethanes or THMs are the most dangerous of them. They include a number of compounds that can vaporize along with water and other chemicals.

They are known carcinogens. The levels are monitored and supposedly safe, but no one knows for sure. They do know that a large number of new bladder and colorectal cancers are caused each year by exposure to THMs. So, you need a pure water filter that removes THMs.

People can debate it all they want, but I found this fact very convincing. Several countries that offer public healthcare are doing studies about how much these new cancer cases caused by THM exposure cost the government. If they didn't know for a certainty that THM exposure causes cancer, they wouldn't be studying the healthcare costs associated with treating the patients.

Truth in Label?

There are at least three different companies that bear the words pure water filters on their labels or something very similar. They all remove chlorine, but only one of them removes THMs.

The PUR pure water filter does not remove THMs or VOCs, which are chemical compounds that are known to contaminate the waters around the world. Many of them cause cancer, too.

The Ever- pure water filters do not remove THMS, VOCs or lindane. It's a banned substance throughout the world, but at one time it was widely used in agriculture to kill insects. So, it is still in the groundwater.

The Aqua- pure water filter does not remove MTBE (a gasoline additive that seeped into groundwater from leaking tanks and spills) and it only certified to remove 95% of the toxic metal lead, only 97% of chlorine and only 92% of THMs.

There are other truly pure water filters that stand on their performance data and their reputation among customers, rather than advertising on television and in print. They remove all of the things mentioned here and more, providing a higher degree of purity than any of the others.

How to Find a Pure Water Filter That Really Purifies

CONSUMER REPORTS WATER SOFTENERS