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Dyson Sues Vax over Vac

According to an Appliance Magazine article sourcing the Guardian, Dyson is taking legal action against Chinese-owned Vax over its Mach Zen model, claiming that they infringed on the registered design of the original Dyson vacuum from fifteen years ago. Vax has declined to comment on the case. This is not the first time Dyson has defended what it considers to… Read More

How to Replace Washing Machine Inlet Valve

There’s another great repair article over at acmehowto.com about replacing the inlet valve on your washing machine. Of course, never attempt such a repair yourself without following all safety precautions, like unplugging the washer. First it discusses what exactly an inlet valve is, and what can happen if the valve is blocked or if its solenoid isn’t functioning. It discusses… Read More

LG Wants Higher Stake in US HVAC Market

LG announced its intent to penetrate the American HVAC market with an array of new energy-efficient products. Three new LG models with high SEER ratings will be offered by the middle of 2010.  LG will also be opening two more appliance training academies later this year, adding to the academies opened in California and Georgia recently. Read more about it… Read More

First High SEER DC-Powered Air Conditioner

A new solar-powered air conditioner has been introduced by SPP (Solar Panels Plus).  It is high Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rated (SEER) and is called the SplitCool DC18. The air conditioner runs on a bank of batteries powered by solar panels and can be installed without adding ducts.  It would handle each room as a separate zone.  It also features a… Read More

Whirlpool Launches Rebate Finder Online

Whirlpool has launched an online tool for consumers to learn more about what rebate programs are available to them under the “Cash for Appliances” program for their particular state. Entering in a zip code and appliance type will provide consumers with their specific rebate amount.  It will also provide rebate amounts from any local utility companies, if offered. Read more… Read More

US Government Releases Smart Grid Standards

The NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology), part of the US Commerce Department, has released its framework of standards and strategies for the upcoming smart grid phenomenon. This article from Appliance Magazine provides the link to the NIST publication.  To summarize, it includes a reference model to help actually design the smart grid itself, a set of 75 standards,… Read More

How to Test Dishwasher Drain Valve

If your dishwasher motor only has two or three wires, it is a single-direction motor, which means the dishwasher has a drain valve.  If the motor has four wires, it is a reversing motor and the the machine doesn’t have a drain valve. So, provided you have a drain valve to test, here are the basics, thanks to this article… Read More

Maytag Showcases New Appliance Packages for Builders

Maytag has introduced three new kitchen and laundry appliance packages for builders. The first is the entry level, appealing to new homeowners. The second is the move-up homebuyer option, which offers bigger machines and more amenities. The third is obviously the cream of the crop, for what they call the savvy homebuyer (translated as the homebuyer with the most money… Read More

Shipments Up on Furnaces and Water Heaters

More people purchased furnaces and water heaters in November 2009 than they did the previous November, according to the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) data reported by Appliance Magazine.  The data also shows that year-to-date sales are still down. For example, shipments increased for the month for residential water heaters, both gas and electric, as did commercial gas water… Read More

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