Evict That Home Energy Hog for Good (394) (NewsUSA) – In 1980, kitchen appliances accounted for nearly 44 percent of an average annual home’s energy consumption. With innovations in cooking, cleaning and preservation appliances, that figure is just above 10 percent today — and still dropping — much to the delight of consumers seeking green options throughout the home. In a recent Whirlpool Corporation survey fielded by Harris Interactive, 84 percent of consumers said that energy — not water or time — is most important to them when it comes to home appliance efficiency. Despite the significant gains in efficiency over the last 30 years, nearly 70 percent of consumers cited a kitchen appliance as the one that consumes the most energy on a day-to-day basis. “In the past, consumers did not need to look beyond the kitchen to find the home energy hog,” said J.B. Hoyt, Director, Regulatory Affairs and State Government Relations, Whirlpool Corporation. “Even today, cooking appliances are not ENERGY STAR qualified. However, recent innovations in appliance efficiency, particularly when it comes to the refrigerator and dishwasher, can really help consumers conserve resources.” For example, the Resource Saver Refrigerator from Whirlpool brand uses less energy than it takes to power a 60-watt light bulb, exceeding federal efficiency standards by 30 percent. Moreover, the Resource Saver Dishwasher uses one-third less water and energy than dishwashers manufactured before 2000. “Efficient appliances like these should help consumers save on their energy bills,” said Hoyt. “They are an important first step toward achieving an ‘eco-kitchen.’ However, homeowners also need to make sure to do their part to help.” Small lifestyle changes can help appliances run at peak efficiency and conserve energy. For example, running the dishwasher late at night can help consumers avoid peak hours, and keeping the refrigerator stocked and at the recommended temperature can save energy as well. Similarly, consumers can reduce energy when preparing a meal. Placing multiple foods in the oven can efficiently utilize heat, and selecting an appropriately sized pan for each burner can increase the efficiency of the range. Cooking appliances also feature innovations to help conserve energy. The Whirlpool range with Energy Save mode conserves electricity when the oven is not in use, while the over-the-range Velos microwave can cook up to 47 percent faster than a traditional thermal bake oven when in SpeedCook mode. To learn more about energy-efficient kitchen appliances, consumers can visit www.whirlpool.com.

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Save Time and Money Buying Your Next Refrigerator (443) (NewsUSA) – Nearly everyone is more cautious with money these days, so major purchases are approached with additional consideration and planning. A new refrigerator, for example, can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars and may be in your home for 10 or more years. So when it is necessary to replace, budget-focused consumers may first consider the purchase price. However, a refrigerator’s reliability, energy efficiency, usable features and ability to store more-affordable bulk foods are also important factors and can offset the initial cost. Since consumers are in the market for appliances so infrequently, the purchase process can easily become confusing and overwhelming. The tips and guidelines below will help even the most discerning and energy-minded shoppers navigate the showroom floor and identify a reliable refrigerator that will meet their needs. Compare the capacity and storage. Models with more shelves and bins have a greater surface area, which creates more space for fresh and frozen food deals bought in bulk. Consider a model that will not only fit everything, but will also provide easy access to the most-used items. The Maytag® ICE2O® refrigerator has a bottom mount freezer drawer that features a SmoothClose™ track system with heavy-duty ball bearing slides that can hold up to 120 pounds of food. The wide drawer can hold deli platters, while durable bins and four Spill-Catcher™ glass shelves help store food in an organized way. Look for the ENERGY STAR® label. The refrigerator consumes more energy than any other kitchen appliance. According to ENERGY STAR®, replacing a model from the 1980s with an ENERGY STAR-qualified model will offer a savings of $100 per year on utility bills, or $200 per year if the model is from the 1970s. Features such as a door alarm, power outage indicator, airtight door seals and easy-to-use temperature controls will help maintain a constant temperature and contribute to the efficiency rating. Consider the usability of the features. Add-on features can save time and money if they eliminate a cost or save a step. A removable ice bucket can be easily brought to the table or cooler. Filtered ice and water dispensers can help save money and the environment by preventing the disposal of plastic water bottles. Some of the newest refrigerators also have ice makers that produce smaller cubes that fit into refillable water bottles. Examine the hardware. How durable the handles are and how strong the hinges are will directly impact the life of the refrigerator. Open and close the door and drawers to test their strength, and look for heavy-duty stainless steel handles that will remain secure even in the most active households.

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We recycle old appliances, Stoves, TVs, washing-machines, Computers, Dryers, refrigirators, electronics, and most household appliances, we pick-up for free. Please call if you have these items to be recyled: 919-803-4425 Area: or 919-324-8905 Garner, Raleigh, Cary NC. If no answer leave your details on voice mail. We will contact you and set-up a time of your convenience.

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Sorting Out the Differences Between Front-Load and Top-Load Laundry (399) (NewsUSA) – What a difference a door makes — that’s what homeowners are discovering when shopping for new laundry appliances. Before deciding among different makes and models, the first decision for many shoppers is the choice between a top-load and a front-load washer. Top-Load Laundry Long the standard in American homes, top-load washers are still much like the original electric powered machines introduced in the 1920s in that they feature an agitator. Top-loaders submerge clothes in a full tub of water and rely on the agitator to twist and pull clothes through the soapy water. These two features are also the biggest drawbacks. Since the top-loader’s basin must completely fill with water, it can use up to 45 gallons of water per load. The agitator’s rough, jerking motion subjects clothes to added wear, tear and potential damage. The end result: top-loaders are cheaper to purchase, but cost more money to operate. Front-Load Laundry Instead of an agitator, front-load washing machines use sophisticated systems to gently flip and spin clothes through a shallow pool of water. This gentle tumbling motion helps lengthen the life of often-washed items and allows many models to safely clean silk, wool and other hand-washables. While front-load washers tend to cost more initially, their energy and water savings over the life of the machine will save more money over time. Even with the reduced water levels, front-loading machines are able to wash the same amount of laundry per load, if not more, due to the absence of a bulky agitator. Vision, the ENERGY STAR-qualified full-size front-load washer from Bosch, uses only 13 gallons of water for an average-sized load. Advanced energy-saving technology like EcoSmart uses a network of sensors and intelligent controls that continually analyze how full the load is and the suds level in the water. By automatically adjusting the water temperature, water level and rinse cycles, Vision minimizes the amount of water and energy to get clothes absolutely clean. In fact, Bosch is the most energy- and water-efficient brand of full-size front-load washers in the U.S. Front-load washers are known to reduce energy consumption by more than 40 percent but with features such as EcoAction, Vision’s energy usage is cut by an additional 20 percent. The end result: front-loaders are perfect for families looking to save on energy and water bills while machine washing a broad variety of laundry.

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We recycle old appliances, Stoves, TVs, washing-machines, Computers, Dryers, refrigirators, electronics, and most household appliances, we pick-up for free. Please call if you have these items to be recyled: 919-803-4425 Area: or 919-324-4425 Garner, Raleigh, Cary NC. If no answer leave your details on voice mail. We will contact you and set-up a time of your convenience.

The power to stop diabetes is in your hands

(ARA) – The death rate from diabetes continues to climb. Since 1987, the death rate due to complications from diabetes increased by 45 percent, while death rates due to cancer, heart disease, and stroke have declined.

November is American Diabetes Month, a time to communicate the seriousness of diabetes and the importance of diabetes prevention and control. For years, the American Diabetes Association has used this month as an opportunity to raise awareness of the disease and its serious complications.

In 2009, the Association launched a national movement to Stop Diabetes – with the goal of gathering the support millions of Americans to help confront, fight and most importantly, stop diabetes. In keeping with the movement’s goal, the association encourages individuals to get involved by sharing, acting, learning and giving.

As of mid-September, more than 630,000 people had joined the movement. The Association’s goal is to gather 1 million supporters by the end of December. Tuesday Ross is one of these more than 630,000; Ross joined after being diagnosed with diabetes this year.

“My whole life has changed,” says Ross. “Diabetes truly alters your body, mind and soul, and puts such an emotional stress on you. I want to stop diabetes because I realize now that I have not been issued a death sentence. I watch what I eat and try to get exercise every day. I choose to fight this disease until there is a cure.”

The Stop Diabetes movement encourages individuals to get involved by sharing, acting, learning and giving. Here are ways to join the movement this November:

Share – Share your vision to stop diabetes by posting your video on stopdiabetes.com starting Oct. 15, 2010. Incorporate the hand as a symbol of the movement in a 30-second video online to show your passion and commitment to changing the future of diabetes. Once the video submissions are complete, the public will be able to vote for the most compelling video. The top three finalists will receive an Apple iPad and the winner will be part of a Stop Diabetes public service announcement. The contest is sponsored by VSP Vision Care.

Act – The future of diabetes is in your hands. Contact the American Diabetes Association to see how you can get involved.
* Text JOIN to 69866 to join the movement. Standard data and message rates apply.
* Become an advocate for the cause and receive alerts and critical information to help stop diabetes through your advocacy efforts.
* Attend a local community activity to learn more about diabetes and how you can stop it.
* Take control of your health. Request your free copy of “Top Five Ways to Stop Diabetes and Get Healthy Right Now!” or “What Can I Eat?” booklet.
* Download your own Check Up Checklist at stopdiabetes.com and bring it to your next health care provider’s visit.

Learn – Become a part of the movement by learning more about diabetes. Learn how to survive the holidays with the “Celebration Survival Guide.”

Give – The drive to stop diabetes cannot succeed without individuals dedicating time, effort and funds to support mission-critical activities in your neighborhood. You can get involved by visiting stopdiabetes.com or calling your local American Diabetes Office at (800) DIABETES.

The following companies have joined the movement to Stop Diabetes by conducting numerous activities during American Diabetes Month:  VSP Vision Care, Rite Aid Pharmacy, HearPO Corporation, Catherines Specialty Fashion Stores, Diet V8 Splash, Gold’s Gym, Nutrisystem D, T-Fal Cookware, Z Galleries, Walgreens and Verizon Wireless.  Visit diabetes.org/donate/promotions-that-give-back to learn more.

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Eight tax tips that will save you time and money

(ARA) – When all the holiday dust settles, tax time begins for millions of Americans. Regardless of when you file, follow these tips to make preparing your 2010 taxes easier.

1. Good record keeping cuts down time spent doing your taxes and may be required if you receive an Internal Revenue Service notice or are audited. Records should include information that impacts your federal tax return, including a copy of last year’s return.

2. Don’t procrastinate. Rushing encourages errors that can result in lost time and money, and ultimately a rejected return. If you haven’t kept good tax records, you’ll likely need extra time to find documents.

3. Hundreds of changes are made to federal tax law every year. Dedicating a few minutes to learning about major changes can save you money and time. At minimum, learn about the tax breaks still available in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, including credits for energy improvements to your home and “green” cars. Start with the IRS’ website at www.irs.gov and click on “Individuals.” You don’t have to be an accountant to understand the information. Do-it-yourself tax preparation solutions also offer helpful information; the “Tax Information” tab at www.taxact.com summarizes key changes for 2010 returns.

4. File and pay on time, or pay late fees and interest. While state deadlines vary, 2010 federal returns are due April 18, 2011, (April 15 is a federal holiday). Can’t file by then? File Form 4868 for a six-month filing extension and pay as much as of your taxes as possible by April 18 to minimize interest and penalties. If you can’t pay all of your tax bill totaling $25,000 or less, apply for a monthly payment agreement via Form 9465.

5. Do your taxes online or download tax preparation software, even if you have a complicated return or have never prepared your taxes. “Tax law can be complicated, but doing your own taxes doesn’t have to be,” says TaxACT spokesperson Jessi Dolmage. “The best solutions go well beyond completing tax forms and doing the math for you. They’re affordable, easy, identify potential tax-saving opportunities, alert you of possible errors and missing data, and provide answers if you have questions. They even help you strategize for next year.”

6. Do comparison shopping before choosing a tax preparation solution. Check out the free products. Are there fees for certain forms or to e-file? What help is free and what do you have to pay for? Will it walk you through tax implications of life changes? Can you import data? Are you guaranteed accuracy and a maximum refund? Can you try it risk-free? If you’re using a paid product, at what point in the process do you have to pay?

7. Electronically file. Nearly 70 percent of all federal returns were e-filed last year. Unlike paper filers, you’ll receive e-mail confirmation when the IRS receives and accepts or rejects your return, usually within 48 hours of e-filing. You’ll need last year’s adjusted gross income or your five-digit self-select e-file PIN used last year to e-file. If you’re claiming the First-time Homebuyer or Adoption Credit, the IRS requires you to mail certain documentation with your return.

8. Want your federal refund in as few as eight days? E-file and select direct deposit. You can track your refund status and receive your refund at least one week earlier than those requesting checks.

More tax tips and information can be found at www.irs.gov. TaxACT Free Federal Edition allows all taxpayers to prepare, print and e-file an IRS return free and offers free tax help via e-mail at www.taxact.com.

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