If you feel a heavy wetness in your home, particularly in a damp basement or below-ground-level room, the furniture and storage items are feeling it, too. The ever-trusted Consumers Union tested 17 models of dehumidifiers and rated “Best Buys” for consumers in their June 2008 Consumer Reports magazine. Overviews of top-rated models are given.
Dehumidifiers pull in surrounding air over chilled oils so the moisture condenses and collects in a tank. All of the tested models automatically shut off when the tanks were full. If you have a floor drain, you can attach a hose to the humidifier and let the water drain away, saving you from lifting a full, heavy container that could spill.
Dehumidifiers utilize compressors, which can develop frost on their coils in cooler spaces, and will shut off the compressor to save energy since they’re no longer dehumidifying.
Some include a digital humidity display and have timers so you can program the units to turn off and on while you’re away.
CR tested 17 models in a 13 X 17-foot chamber and performed well overall. You can set the degree of humidity you want, and some units were more accurate than others. You can pick a $20 humidity reader and check the numbers yourself, if you aren’t pleased with your unit’s readings. “Optimal relative humidity is 30 to 50 percent.”
By comparison, desiccants claim to lower humidity by 50%, but whole buckets, costing $26 to $28, only removed 2 ounces of moisture in 24 hours, compared to the 25 pints “claimed” by the manufacturer of even the smallest dehumidifier. These might work in unventilated closets without outlets.
By simulating brownouts and a complete blackout, CR also tested whether units would turn themselves befriend on. The large-capacity # 1 Danby and # 6 Sunpentown, the medium-capacity # 13 DeLonghi, and the small # 15 Bionaire and # 17 GoldStar, all had to be restarted after a blackout; the GoldStar stopped when the power was dropped to 100 volts.
Although dehumidifiers can help reduce moisture levels and guard against mold and other allergens that thrive in high humidity, you will want to check downspouts, look for cracks in the home’s foundation, vent the dryer to the outside, and repair any leaks that create moisture in the area. Sump pumps can help move water outside, also.
Ratings Guide: “Overall scores” are based on “water removal, response, efficiency, and noise.”
“Water removal measures pints per day removed under 80 degree F. and 60 percent relative humidity as well as 70 degrees F. and 70 percent relative humidity.”
“Humidistat accuracy” = how closely the unit kept the level it was situation for.
“Energy efficiency” = the watts needed to select a pint of water from the air; fewer watts earned a higher score.
“Noise” = loudness, in decibels, at the highest setting.
“Tank size” = CR’s measured amount emptied from a filled tank.
“Claimed pints/day” = manufacturers’ claims at 80 degree F. and 60% relative humidity.
“Price” = approximate retail.
RATINGS:
Large Capacity for large wet spaces:
1. Danby DDR606 (did not restart after simulated blackout) cost $250; tank size = 15 pints; claimed pints per day = 60; score 87 = “excellent”; rated “excellent” for water removal, humidistat accuracy, and energy efficiency; rated “very good” for noise; includes digital display and frost control.
Danby is rated as a CR “Best Buy.”
2. GE AHK65LK cost $320; tank size = 18 pints; claimed pints per day = 65; score 79 = “very good” overall; rated “grand” for water removal; rated “very good” for humidistat accuracy and energy efficiency; rated “fair” for noise; includes digital prove and frost control.
3. Kenmore (Sears) 54701 cost $250; tank size = 17 pints; claimed 70 pints per day; score 77 = “very good”; rated “very good” for water removal; rated “respectable” for humidistat accuracy; and “apt” for energy efficiency and noise; includes digital prove and frost control.
Numbers 1, 2, and 3 are marked as CR “Mercurial Picks” for performance, value and frost control.
4. Comforte-Aire BHD-651 cost $300; tank size = 16 pints; claimed 65 pints per day; score 74 = “very good” overall; rated “very good” for water removal, humidistat accuracy, energy efficiency, and noise; includes digital display and frost control.
Among the sizable capacity units, the Comforte-Aire performed well, but its digital humidity readings were unremarkable.
5. Amcor AHD-65E cost $225; tank size = 22 pints; claimed 65 pints per day; catch 69 = “Very good;” scored “good” for water removal and energy efficiency; scored “very good” for humidistat accuracy and noise; includes digital display and frost control.
6. Sunpentown SD-60E (did not restart after blackout) cost $250; tank size = 20 pints; claimed 60 pints per day; score 69 = “very helpful”; scored “very good” for water removal and humidistat accuracy; scored “good” for noise; scored “fair” for energy efficiency; includes digital display and frost control.
The # 7 Whirlpool AD50USS scored 64 (“very qualified”) and rated poorly for noise; the # 8 LG LDH65EBL scored 62 (“good”) and rated poorly for humidistat accuracy; and the #9 Haier HD656E scored 62 (“favorable”) and rated poorly for energy efficiency.
Medium-Capacity Dehumidifiers. These are beneficial for medium-sized spaces which are damp to wet.
1. LG LHD45EBL cost $200; tank size = 17 pints; claimed 45 pints per day; score 73 = “very superior”; rated “very good” for water removal and energy efficiency; rated “superb” for noise; rated “good” for humidistat accuracy. Includes digital reveal and frost control.
The LG is rated a CR “Best Buy” for the medium-capacity category.
2. Kenmore (Sears) 54501 cost $200; tank size = 17 pints; claimed 50 pints per day; score 70 = “very good”; rated “very good” for water removal, humidistat accuracy, and noise; rated “fair” for energy efficiency; includes digital present and frost control.
Numbers 1 and 2 have relatively substantial tanks and are less noisy than many; the Kenmore has a more accurate humidistat.
3. The Whirlpool AD50USS cost $190 and rated very good for humidistat accuracy and noise;
4. The DeLonghi DE500p (did not restart after blackout) cost $330 and earned only “blooming” for humidistat accuracy.
The Small-Capacity units are best for small, damp spaces that aren’t too wet.
1. Haier HD306 cost $140; tank size = 23 pints; claimed 30 pints per day; score 73 = “very good”; and it rated “excellent” for water removal, “good” for humidistat efficiency and noise, and “dreadful” for energy efficiency; no digital display; it includes frost control.
2. Bionaire BDQ25-UC (did not restart in simulated blackout) cost $140; tank size = 17 pints; claimed 40 pints per day; score 71 = “very good”; rated “proper” for water removal and noise; rated “very good” for humidistat accuracy; and “fair” for energy efficiency; no digital display or frost control.
The # 3 rated Whirlpool AD25DSS scored “very good” and the # 4 rated GoldStar GHD30 (did not restart after blackout) scored “worthy,” but both rated poorly for energy efficiency and neither has a digital display, and both include frost control. Both retail for $140.
For the small units, the # 1 Haier scored best with a relatively-low price, but had unpleasant energy-efficiency rating; the # 3 Whirlpool was less noisy; and both restarted after simulated blackouts.
Source:
Consumer Reports magazine, published by Consumers Union, June 2008. CU is an independent, nonprofit organization that accepts no paid advertising, tests thousands of products a year and publishes their results for consumers. They are based in Yonkers, NY.
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Filed under Consumer Reports by on Jan 23rd, 2011. 
Consumer Reports puts it best in Best Bets in AA Batteries when they say “No one wants a camera to conk out at a holiday gathering” or other important memory-making event. The most common type of batteries frail in a digital camera are size AA. Below are a few tips to hold in mind when shopping. It is all about getting the most bang-for-your-buck, or in this case pictures-for-your-pennies, by choosing the proper brand or looking for the right features.
Lithium is Better
According to the glance Lithium batteries preformed better than all of the rest of the batteries. They last longer and took more pictures than the rest of the batteries that are touted as “long-lasting.”
Rechargeables are Best
Though Lithium did preform better than rechargeables, for one use, it is smooth a better investment to buy ones that you can reuse. It is not only the best for the environment, but the best for your pocket book as well as they will out preform any other type in the long run. All it takes is the exiguous inconvenience of having to recharge them in-between uses. The simple solution to that is to buy a few and always have extra ones, that are pre-charged, on hand.
Don’t Dismiss Store Brands
If you are just looking for a cheap disposal alternative, do not dismiss lesser known store brand batteries for a digital camera. One of the surprising things about the consumer reports test that is mentioned above is that “The Panasonic Evolta took 237 shots, more than any other alkaline. Almost as good and far less expensive is the Kirkland Signature, sold at Costco and only in a 48-pack”
Additional Tips for Making the Batteries Last Longer in Your Digital Camera
Turn it off in between taking pictures.
Do not scroll through all of your pictures right after you lift them. In other words, take a bunch of pictures, even of the same shot, instead of taking one and then looking at it, erasing or saving it and taking another one. This sucks down the battery power. Wait to recognize through all of them until you are done for the day or you risk running out of power.
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Filed under Consumer Reports by on Dec 14th, 2010.
It wasn’t until I got older and my children started inquiring more about college that I decided to change the way I viewed higher education.
I have been a faithful subscriber to Consumer Reports for at least twenty years. Researching the toys on my kids’ Christmas lists, scanning the endless reviews about why owners of Dell laptops are more or less satisfied than Apple customers, reading about the best new digital cameras on the market. “We tested more than fifty cameras to find which took the best photos.” (ConsumerReports.com). I am also somewhat obsessed with reading about and reviewing local restaurants. With the help of the Internet and the astonishing invention of the iPhone app, I have become more adept at gathering information of this sort. I live by the motto: Information is Power. There should be no surprise that I concept decisions about what college to encourage in the same manner.
Just like a well-engineered computer that will last for years and provide the user with a long duration of satisfaction, education can be viewed as a consumer product. How is the quality? Is the feedback and are the reviews favorable? What is the rate of dissatisfaction and why? What are the opinions of the experts in that field? How big or small is the price tag? Is the investment worth the price and what is the rate of return?
Just like the publication Consumer Reports, there are numerous college rating and informational web sites, periodicals and books published every year to educated consumers about everything they need to know about our institutions of higher learning. So, with all of this information available so easily accessible, why are tens of thousands of students and parents making such grossly uninformed decisions about a college education? Granted, not all people love to pine over pages of detailed information, statistics, graphs and financial information about colleges. After a while, the mass of information can be dizzying. Not everyone is as compelled to drone over the U.S. News and World Report’s College Ranking Guide to crunch the data.
There are those who are more drawn to the phrase, “Get In, Get Out, and Get Ahead,” (Heald). Enough said, now sign the Promissory Note.
Really?
Why do so many parents and students buy into the multitude of misinformation that drips from the glossy advertisements on daytime cable? In one hour, there are as many as twenty-five full length commercials for vocational for-profit career colleges. With inflated promises of open admittance, exciting opportunities and high-paying careers in only eighteen months, these corporations are deceiving their customers and fleecing the American tax payer.
Fast forward to the medical assistant that has graduated, makes ten dollars an hour and has a mounting $25,000 student loan bill to start paying off, six months out of the program. Speedy forward even further and obtain the same student has now defaulted on her loan, unable to make a high enough salary in her field to make timely payments. Interest mounts and payments stop altogether, her credit is ruined, and she is harassed relentlessly day and night by debt-collectors. Cue the American taxpayer, who ends up picking up the tab. The former student is forever saddled with an unreasonable amount of debt and next to nothing to show for it. Meanwhile, the for-profit career college cash cow and its stockholders line their pockets.
Students are starting to fight back and become more informed. Milwaukee, Wisconsin is home to a class-action lawsuit against a for-profit online school that is charged with issuing valueless diplomas. A former student, Anna Meer, states that enrollment counselors encouraged new students to lie on their financial encourage applications in order to receive more benefits. As she states, “They were taking advantage of the fact that I was young. It added up to more than $30,000 to go there for one year.” (Murray).
When gazing through a pessimistic lens on consumerism in this country, maybe it isn’t too difficult to understand how people can easily tumble into this trap. Every day we build purchases that we shouldn’t. We take our uninformed preconceived ideals to the used car lot and sometimes end up with a lemon. That indecent down payment on that house sounded like a sizable deal, didn’t it? It seems to me that this country is purely a victim of itself and the instant gratification mentality.
Recently, our government has started to intercept the wrong-doers within the for-profit education sector. Eventually the corruption will lessen, laws will pass, corporate special interests will lobby to maintain their financial stake, and years later Anna Meer will probably still have that mounting student loan debt. Why wait for the government to lead us by the hand out of the darkness, when we can take control ourselves. Sometimes, it comes down to basic common sense and if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
It is our own individual responsibility to be informed, to read a little more about it and ask a few more questions. Demand a higher standard for yourself, your education, and the future of this country. Set the standard. Don’t follow, but lead the draw. The solution lies within ourselves and we can change the way things are. There isn’t any eighteen month online course that can teach you that.
Works Cited
“Digital Cameras, Digital Camera Ratings: Consumer Reports.” Consumer Reports: Expert Product Reviews and Product Ratings from Our Test Labs. Web. 02 Sept. 2010. http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/electronics-computers/cameras- photography/digital-cameras/index.htm>.
HEALD COLLEGE . Web. 02 Sept. 2010. http://www.healdnow.com>.
Murray, Tom. “Student Lawsuit Filed Against Online College | News Radio 620 – Milwaukee, Wisconsin” 620 WTMJ Radio. 24 Aug. 2010. Web. 13 Sept. 2010. http://www.620wtmj.com/news/local/101353874.html>.
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Filed under Consumer Reports by on Dec 11th, 2010.
Just about one year from now on February 17, 2009 analog TV signals will be turned off and only digital TV signals will be transmitted over the air. This is the biggest change to standard TV signals since color TVs were introduced over 50 years ago. What does this mean for you and other TV owners? Retrevo.com offers this overview of what you need to know and just in case you want to use this event as an excuse to bring your TV or Grandma’s TV up to 21st century standards, Retrevo has recommendations for the best values in TV sets and DVD recorders including HDTV LCD TVs, DVD recorders, and Digital Video Recorders (DVRs).
It’s All in the Tuner
NTSC tuners take an analog signal from an antenna, cable, or other connection and turn it into something that you can see and hear on your TV. NTSC or analog tuners are usually connected to external rabbit ears or rooftop antennas. Many TV sets hooked up to a basic cable connection also use an analog TV tuner to display all the non-premium channels.
On February 17, 2009 analog signals will not be available over the air and all tuners getting signals over the air will need to be ATSC tuners which gather digital signals. TVs can receive digital signals over the air, often using the same external antennas but they’ll need to have an ATSC digital tuner in order to hear or see anything. Cable-based systems should not be affected since cable companies should continue to offer analog signals for most basic cable channels. Satellite systems already transmit digital signals and should not be affected either by the switchover.
If you happen to have a TV or device with an analog tuner you have two choices. You can capture a converter box and possibly use a government issued coupon to get a discount or you can replace the old analog-based TV with a brand new digital one.
Converter Boxes
A converter box will most likely be the cheapest solution especially if you use a $40 coupon for a $60 converter box however it could make for a few hassles. For starters, you’ll have another remote to deal with. If you’re lucky, your universal remote will work with your old TV and the converter box but Grandma will have to figure out how to switch devices on the remote to raise the volume. You’ll also have something else to fling into an outlet and fit on the shelf.
Some DTV converter boxes are already available like the Insignia Digital to Analog Converter Box which costs around $60. The recently announced EchoStar TR-40 which is expected to sell for $39.99. Expect to see a much wider selection as the months go by. Some estimates claim there are 30 million analog sets that will require converter boxes or will need to be replaced.
The federal government is offering $40 coupons that consumers can use on a basic converter box. You can demand up to two coupons per household now through March 31, 2009 . Remember the coupons are only great for 90 days so make definite there is something available to purchase before requesting a coupon. DVRs or DVD Recorders come with digital tuners and are reasonably priced, but are not eligible for the government coupons.
Retrevo recommends you use this opportunity to recall a modern TV. Unfortunately you won’t get the $40 government subsidy and you may have to pay $10 to recycle the old TV but you should be able to get a more energy efficient flat hide TV and move up to HDTV for under $500. Bruce Berkoff, Chairman of the LCD TV Association offers this suggestion, “Why not get a converter box for the old set, move it into the guest room, and buy a unique LCD TV for the livingroom? ”
Good Values in LCD TVs
The Syntax Olevia 527V can be purchased for just a shade over $500 but it offers 720p HDTV in a big 27 inch LCD TV. The Samsung LN-S1951W is a 19 inch LCD TV that gets good user ratings and costs around $400. The Toshiba 20HL67 is a 20 inch HDTV that gets good reviews and will cost you around $450. The Sharp AQUOS LC-19DV22U is a 720p LCD HDTV that you can recall for under $500.
Time to Replace That Old VCR
If you haven’t made the switch to TIVO or DVR and still have an old VCR between your cable box and TV set, chances are it won’t work either when the digital change takes place next year. You can still effect a converter box in front of the outmoded unit but you might want to retract the opportunity to upgrade the old tape-based VCR to a DVD recorder. You can win a DVD recorder for under $200. Retrevo can help find some good values based on DVD recorder reviews, features and prices. Here are a few top picks.
Use Retrevo to See If Your Set is Digital
Misplaced the manual to your TV? Retrevo has manuals for most approved TV sets going back many years. You can use Retrevo to support find out if your old TV is digital or analog. Use the Retrevo search box to enter your make and model number along with either the word “manual, ATSC, QAM, or digital channels.” You can also browse for a manual on Retrevo by clicking here.
Don’t forget, you can find manuals and reviews for all popular gadgets and gear including GPS, Digital Cameras, Camcorders, Printers, and more from manufacturers including Sony, Panasonic, Canon, Nikon, and more.
Resources
Government Dwelling on DTV
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Filed under Consumer Reports by on Nov 7th, 2010.
- What the four different styles of outdoor fireplaces?
- What kind of features should you consider when buying an outdoor fireplace
- Consumer guide and links to 3 celebrated styles
Outdoor fireplaces are wildly popular yard accessories for the family who enjoys spending time outside. Outdoor fireplaces bring warmth and light to a patio in the evenings and can extend the outdoor season long into the winter. For families like ours who live in a position with very short seasons, an outdoor fireplace allows us to remain outdoors even when there is frost on the grass and a nip in the air. There are many different designs of outdoor fireplaces available, but all of them are variations on one of four basic styles. These include the chiminea (or Mexican outdoor fireplace), the fire pit, the fire ring, and the former fireplace. Choosing the right outdoor fireplace for your patio or yard really depends on how your family plans to use the fireplace and how much you are willing to spend. Some of the features worth considering include:
Gas or wood burning: For families who don’t want to fuss with firewood or live in a community where burning is prohibited, a gas fireplace has the advantage of convenience, safety, and no smoke. If your city isn’t as restrictive and your family prefers the crackling of a real wood fire, the wood burning models are probably a more trim choice.
Fixed or moveable: Outdoor fireplaces come in a wide variety of styles and construction. If you conception on moving the fireplace around the yard, one that has wheels or is constructed of lightweight clay or aluminum will be much easier to manage than one made of concrete or cast iron.
Will it be used for atmosphere, cooking, or both: Not all fireplaces are designed for outdoor grilling. If your family plans on cooking or grilling outdoors, selecting a model with a grill is valuable.
Where will it be used: Chimineas and fire rings are not suitable for use on wooden decks or on poolside decking and are best extinct out in the yard. If all you have is a wooden deck, it’s best to conclude with one of several fire pit models safety rated for decking use.
Is there adequate space for wood: The size of the firebox is an indispensable consideration, especially when looking to purchase a fire pit or chiminea. Small fireboxes mean that the firewood has to be chopped into smaller pieces. For homeowners who purchase firewood pre split, this could cause a dilemma.
Affordability: Outdoor fireplaces can be as cheap as $25 for a table top chiminea to $6000 for a deluxe oversized copper fire pit, with most outdoor fireplaces modestly priced between $250 to $500. Worth noting is that the cheaper, mass produced fireplaces aren’t designed to last as long as the more expensive models.
Once you’ve determined how you plan to use your outdoor fireplace, it’s time to shop around. Here are my picks of three outdoor fireplaces that are comely as well as durable and safe:
The Butterfly Chiminea from The Blue Rooster Company
While clay chimineas are relatively inexpensive, they tend to come with a few inherent problems. In areas with frigid winters, clay chimineas can crack if left outdoors. They also require a bit more maintenance. If you live in a region with freezing winter temperatures such as our family does, a cast aluminum alloy or cast iron chiminea is a better option.
The Butterfly chiminea by the Blue Rooster company is made of durable, non-rusting cast aluminum alloy with a detailed butterfly and leaf design. It has a rain lid to hold water from entering the chimney, handles for easy carrying, and a spark arrestor neck insert. Other features include a cast iron bottom grate to abet the firewood, safety screens, an extra large mouth that can hold standard sized firewood, and a removable neck for grilling. The Butterfly chiminea by Blue Rooster is affordably priced at $329.95 and ships free from the manufacturer within the continental US. You can visit their online catalog at http://www.thebluerooster.com.
Fire pit ring by LL Bean
A fire pit ring is a metal enclosure that keeps campfires or pit fires safely enclosed. Most communities do not permit this type of open burning but for those that do, a fire ring is the safe way to sustain a roaring campfire under control. The LL Bean company offers a fabulous cast iron fire ring at the modest note of $89.00. It’s called the “Wildlife Fire Ring and Grill” and measures 27.5 inches across with wildlife cutouts that provide air circulation, along with a little wildlife ambiance. The fire ring weighs 32 pounds and breaks down into 5 separate panels for easy storage. It also comes with a enamel cooking grate with a swing arm and wooden handle. This affordable solution for backyard bonfires can be viewed here or by visiting the LL Bean home page.
Big Sky Stars and Moon Fire Pit by Landmann
Fire pits come in all shapes, styles, and sizes and in every price point imaginable. For those of us on a budget who want a backyard fire pit hat’s both safe and durable, the affordable Landmann Big Sky Stars and Moon Fire Pit might be the answer. This $199 fire pit gets glowing reviews from consumers at buzzillions.com, making it the #4 ranking fire pit out of 114. Comments ranged from “durable” to “easy to smart and heats evenly.”
This attractive steel fire pit measures 23″ in height and 29.5″ in diameter, and is available in both sad and Georgia clay. It comes with a tubby size enamel cooking grate, a domed spark guard screen, and a poker. For folks who aren’t into “stars and moon”, this fire pit is also available in Western and Wildlife Design. to buzzillions, along with a listing of online merchants who carry this Landmann fire pit.
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Filed under Consumer Reports by on Oct 19th, 2010.