appliances

Is your fridge running up your electric bill? Well you better catch it! Conducting your own home energy audit often shows that it takes a lot of power to keep your food cold, especially if you're using an older model. One way to make sure your refrigerator is running as efficiently as possible is to check that it fastens tightly shut. Here's a simple and quick way to test the seals on your appliance's doors from the California Energy Commission — and all you'll need is one dollar. Take the bill and close the door on half of it, then try to pull it out. If the dollar slides out easily, that means you're probably wasting energy (and money) by letting the cold air leak out. If a new fridge is not in the budget, you can order a replacement seal for most appliances online or from the manufacturer directly.

Recently I was approached by Breville, an Australian kitchen appliance company, asking if I was interested in experimenting with their shiny new slow cooker. My initial response was no: I'm not a huge fan of slow cookers and I've never really understood their appeal. Then YumSugar pointed out that since I hadn't cooked with one, I was the ideal candidate to give it a try. To find out what I thought of Breville's Slow Cooker with EasySear ($180), read more

The cost of maintaining a home and appliances is often a major deterrent for those debating whether to rent or purchase a home. The unexpected expense of fixing leaky gutters and broken dishwashers can be budget breaking if it comes at the wrong time of month. Not to mention it's a huge pain. Consumer Reports has put together a great guide for how to extend the useful life of appliances and pricey goodies. Obviously, the key is maintenance and keeping a watchful eye on appliances so they don't break down unexpectedly and leave you in a pricey pinch. Consumer Reports suggests:

Cell phones
Don't stow in your car's glove compartment during the summer. Otherwise, batteries may overheat, possibly ruining the phone. If you've been known to drop your cell phone, treat it to a protective case.

Clothes dryers
Clean the lint filter after each use and the entire air duct yearly. If your dryer breaks, think about replacing it if repairs will cost more than half the price of a comparable new model. But don't expect much gain in performance or efficiency, since dryer technology hasn't changed much.

Clothes washers
Don't overload. If your washer breaks, think about replacing it if repairs will cost more than half the price of a comparable model. If you're replacing, consider a high-efficiency washer, which should save money over time. Also consider a front-loader, which is less punishing to clothes than a top-loader.

Dishwashers
Check the filter regularly and remove any debris.

To see additional suggestions and reminders, read more

Not ready to take the plunge and invest in an all red kitchen? Then create a big impact with minimal color investment by using a red stove or refrigerator in your kitchen. You can paint the rest of the kitchen with more neutral colors, or, as in this Amsterdam kitchen, you can choose gorgeous natural wooden cabinets.

Wondering where you can find red appliances? Check out Big Chill for gorgeous appliances in red, orange, blue, and a number of other colors.

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Dishing out extra dough to fix pricey appliances is a real pain so it's in your best interest to keep them in tip-top shape. Consumer Reports recently put out a helpful guide to making appliances last, but washing machines didn't make the list. Thank goodness for the Thrifty Tips — Getting The Most Out of Life group in the SavvySugar Community. Beachwalker advises:

To keep your washing machine new, every few months fill the machine with warm water and a pint of vinegar. This will clean out the hoses and stop clogging. This works for the dishwasher as well!

Have you ever tried this tactic? Have a thrifty tip to share? Join the Thrifty Tips — Getting The Most Out of Life group in the SavvySugar Community and preach!