Read the fine print

I was looking to buy a television and, in doing my online research, this ad appeared over the Sony TV I was looking at...

Enticed, I clicked on the "See details and learn more >" button, which revealed the following text...

Excludes Samsung, Sony, and computers. 

So why tell me that I can save money or get a no interest credit loan when, indeed, I cannot? Only the marketing department knows the answer.

Let this be a lesson to us all. Do not read only the large print that the marketing department wants you to concentrate on. Read the fine print, too.

Also bear in mind that errors happen, as in the case of 612 month financing. This is obviously a mistake, and the store is under no obligation to honor it. A human or computer error obviously dropped a "/" (slash) between the 6 and 12: No Interest financing is offered for either 6 or 12 months, not 612 months. 

2010 Kenmore Trio and SxS refrigerator lineup

The Kenmore and Kenmore Elite Trio refrigerators (click here to compare):

Kenmore Elite 7108: full-door ice caddie, blue LCD display, straight handles, counter-depth
Kenmore Elite 7107: slim-door ice caddie, two freezer drawers, fluted handles
Kenmore Elite 7106: slim-door ice caddie, LCD touch-display, Arctic Frost interior trim, fluted handles
Kenmore Elite 7105: slim-door ice caddie, blue LED display, white interior trim, fluted handles
Kenmore Elite 7104: non-dispensing, no filtration, ice-maker in freezer, fluted handles
Kenmore 7102: full-door ice caddie, straight handles
Kenmore 7101: water-only dispenser, ice-maker in freezer, straight handles
Kenmore 71603: non-dispensing, no filtration, ice-maker in freezer, straight handles

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The Kenmore and Kenmore Elite side-by-side (SxS) refrigerators (click here to compare):

Ovens with simple knob controls

Some people do not like the modern electronic oven controls found on todays ranges. Some people need the controls up front due to being confined to a wheelchair.

You can still get some freestanding ranges sans electronic controls. The ones with controls up front also happen to be ADA compliant.

LG Slide-in range

The new LG slide-in range.



Click an image for full size.

Whirlpool Side-by-Side refrigerators

The 2010 Whirlpool side-by-side refrigerators.

Click an image for full size.

Maytag Side-by-Side refrigerators

The Spring 2010 Maytag side-by-side model refrigerators meet CEE Tier 3 efficiency.


Click an image to view full size.

Countertop Preparation for Slide-in Ranges

The cooktop sides of the slide-in range fit over the cutout edge of your countertop.

If you have a square finish (flat) countertop and the opening width is 30" (76.2 cm), no countertop preparation is required.

Formed front-edged countertops must have molded edge shaved flat ³⁄₈" (1.0 cm) from each front corner of opening.

Tile countertops may need trim cut back ³⁄₈" (1.0 cm) from each front corner and/or rounded edge flattened.

If countertop opening width is greater than 30" (76.2 cm), adjust the ³⁄₈" (1.0 cm) dimension.

Countertop must be level. Place level on countertop, first side to side, then front to back. If countertop is not level, range will not be level. Range must be level for satisfactory baking conditions.

These measurements are for planning purposes only. As with any built-in appliance, never make cuts or modifications without having the item there from which to take measurements.

What is Shop Your Way Rewards?

Shop Your Way Rewards is Sears' way of providing Rewards and benefits to thank and recognize loyal customers. Members are rewarded with custom offers throughout the year based on their shopping. Plus, you'll enjoy sale notifications and a dedicated customer service call center. The program is free — simply shop like you always do and present your Shop Your Way Rewards card.

Please allow up to 30 days for your Rewards to show online or at the register. Your Rewards are being tabulated as long as you are using your Shop Your Way Rewards card each time you make Qualifying Purchases at a participating store. See the terms and conditions for complete details.

Missing Rewards?

If you have receipts that are not reflected in your My Rewards pages and they were purchases made at Kmart, visit the request missing credit page and post your missing purchase.

To request credit for a purchase in a participating Sears store or at sears.com, just call 1.800.991.8708 with your receipt in hand and the representative will take your information. Representatives are available from 8AM - 11PM CST, 7 days a week, except certain holidays.

Measurements for over-the-range microwave/hood (MHC) installation

Which refrigerator filter do you need?

For Whirlpool, Kitchenaid, Maytag, Jenn-Air, Amana, and the Kenmore Wide-by-Side: Whirlpool Filterfinder. Be sure to check out discounts on their automatic replacement program.

For Frigidaire and Electrolux: Frigidaire Filter Search

For GE: GE Refrigerator Water Filters

Click here and here for partial lists of filters to fit most every refrigerator.

If you don't know which filter you need or where it is instaled in your fridge, and you don't know the brand or type of your own refrigerator, and you don't at least bring in a picture of it, please do not expect me to know which filter you need.

Whirlpool puts capacity on top with new Cabrio® set

Laundry Leader Brings Largest Capacity to Market in ENERGY STAR® qualified Washer



LAS VEGAS, Jan. 20, 2010 — Historically, consumers have preferred the look and feel of top-load laundry in their homes, and recent advances have improved both capacity and efficiency. With the launch of the newest Cabrio® high efficiency (HE) top-load washer and dryer, laundry leader Whirlpool brand introduces the largest washer capacity on the market – 5.2 cu. ft. Along with the industry first Eco Monitor, the new Cabrio® washer utilizes the H2Low™ wash system – a low water wash system that uses less water per load, yet delivers better cleaning performance and is more gentle than a traditional top-load washing machine.

“Whirlpool Corporation research shows that nearly three-quarters of American households continue to prefer top load laundry,” said Brandon Buckingham, senior marketing manager, Whirlpool brand laundry. “Driven by consumer insights, we continue to develop innovative features for this configuration that can not only improve laundry performance but save money and energy. The new Cabrio® laundry pair certainly delivers on all fronts.”

Outstanding fabric care performance doesn’t mean compromising energy and water savings. The ENERGY STAR® qualified Cabrio® pair exceeds current CEE Tier III specifications and is expected to meet 2011 Tier III requirements. The CEE tier system is based on the Consortium for Energy Efficiency qualified product listings. The Cabrio® HE washers with the H2Low wash system use 75 percent less water and 65 percent less energy, saving up to more than $900 in lifetime water and energy costs.*

Additionally, both the Cabrio® HE washer and dryer include an Eco Monitor that provides consumers with an instant rating – from good to best – describing how eco-friendly their cycle choices are based on cycle selection.

The washer’s EcoBoost™ option further enhances resource efficiency by adjusting water temperatures and mechanical energy to thoroughly clean in the most efficient way.

The dryer also includes an Eco Normal Cycle, which uses less energy than a conventional dryer's normal cycle when paired with a Cabrio® washer.

The Cabrio® HE washer (WTW7800X) will be available in lunar silver, black and white with an MSRP starting at $999 this spring. The Cabrio steam dryer (electric WED7800X or gas WGD7800X) will be available in the same colors with an MSRP starting at $999 this spring.

Click here to see the WTW7600X.

For more information on Whirlpool brand laundry, visit http://www.whirlpool.com/.

*When compared to pre-2004 conventional washers, based on a 10-year life.

New 2010 Kenmore fridges

Click images for full size.




Click images for full size.

7130 is a 33" wide, non-dispensing 23cf French door Trio with textured doors.

7101 is a 36" wide 25cf French door Trio with filtered water dispenser, filtered ice maker in freezer, and smooth doors.

Bottom freezer refrigerators:


7/6900x (20cf 30"w) and 7/6827x (22cf 33"w) feature textured doors, plastic handles, opaque door bins, and reversible swing refrigerator and freezer doors. They are available with or without a built-in ice maker.
7809x (20cf 30"w) and 7620x (22cf 33"w) feature smooth doors, metal handles, clear door bins, reversible swing refrigerator door, and a pull-out freezer drawer. They come standard with a built-in ice maker.

Side-by-side refrigerators:

5131 (23cf - 33"w) and 5101 (27cf - 36"w) feature textured doors, plastic handles, opaque door bins, and one opaque plastic freezer bin.


5132 (23cf - 33"w) and 5102 (27cf - 36"w) feature smooth doors, metal handles, clear door bins, and one wire freezer basket.


Top freezer refrigerators:


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Check each product's page for more detailed specifications.


See some of the Kenmore top-freezer lineup.
See some of the Kenmore bottom-freezer lineup.

Manufacturer contact numbers

New KitchenAid built-in refrigerators

There are three width options available for KitchenAid built-ins: 48", 42" and 36".

KITCHEN AID BUILT-IN KEY FEATURES AND BENEFITS

• SatinGlide® System — Ball-bearing rollers allow the refrigerator pans and freezer baskets to move in and out easily, even when fully loaded.
• ClearVue™ Bins — You can easily see the contents in their refrigerator drawers from the outside.
• Adjustable SpillClean™ Glass Shelves — These shelves help to contain spills and provide added visibility for finding food on other shelves.
• AquaSense™ In-Door-Ice® Ice-Dispensing System — A removable bucket is located in the door to maximize freezer capacity and provide easy access to the ice supply.
• AquaSense Base-Grille Filtration System Filtered by PUR® — The filtration system reduces water impurities and saves storage space because of its location in the base.

The Daily Fix: Cleaning Dirty Refrigerator Coils - DIY Life

The Daily Fix: Cleaning Dirty Refrigerator Coils - DIY Life

Cleaning Dirty Refrigerator Coils

by Allegra Muzzillo, Posted Mar 29th 2010 10:00AM

Filed Under: Kitchen & Bath, Small Projects, Essential Skills, Know-How

The food inside this refrigerator looks nice and fresh. The coils hiding inside the base of the fridge? Not so much. Photo: Corbis

In an effort to cut costs wherever I can, my attention has turned lately to one of the most notorious energy hogs: the refrigerator.

It's an easy thing to ignore. I don't actually own my fridge because I rent my apartment, but I do pay for the electricity it eats up. So it's in my best interest to make sure the fridge runs at optimum efficiency -- and part of that process is cleaning the appliance's coils regularly.

The fridge is right up there with heating and air conditioning costs, using about 15 percent of a home's total power. Its refrigerant coils, located at the base of the unit, are designed to remove heat from the unit. When caked with gunk, they're forced to run longer and more often. A machine with soiled coils requires about 25% more energy (and produces that much more CO2 emissions) to function properly than a fridge with a clean underbelly. And all that extra work translates to dollars and cents.

An average family's dust-free fridge (16 to 23 cubic feet) uses approximately 150 to 200 kilowatt hours (kWh) per month, which costs anywhere between $9.50 and $12.20. A study revealed that homeowners could cut electricity costs by as much as 3% to 6% annually (around $100, or 150 kilowatt hours) just by cleaning those coils.

At first, I was afraid of what was lurking beneath my own fridge. Especially since I have a cat, and I spend staggeringly large parts of my days wrangling huge wads of fur. Thankfully, I found a lot less detritus under my fridge than I expected. And the whole process was, surprisingly, very manageable. So I've promised myself that I'll do it every time the appliance manufacturer recommends, which is every month or so.

Here's how to clean your refrigerator coils:

1. Power off. (A good way to tell if you've cut the juice is to check that the light is off when you open the door.)

2. Locate the coils. They're usually found near the floor, hidden behind the rectangular cover panel, also called a kick plate.

3. Remove this protective plate. Usually it's attached via spring clips and just snaps off, but some require removal of two tiny screws. If in doubt, consult your owner's manual. (Tip: An open door may provide better leverage.)

4: Remove caked-on dust from the lower coils with the crevice tool on your vacuum cleaner.

5. Insert a long-handled brush and sweep it over and under the coils. Don't worry about pushing more debris into the back of the unit: This type of brush is designed to dislodge dirt from behind, later to be vacuumed up.

6. Replace the cover and plug it back in. (Again, this may be easier to do with the door open.) Line up the two notches on either side, and the cover should easily pop back into place. (Again, consult the user manual if reattachment is problematic.)

New dishwashers need install kit

The new Dishwasher Hose Fitting saves installers time and effort with improved quality and requires less torque and no Teflon tape or putty to obtain a seal. The new fitting Model A-158A is 3/8" Compression x 3/4" Female Hose Thread and is available in dishwasher installation kits or as a stand alone part from online retailers.

The Sears item number is 02211000 for professional installers or 02211001 for the do-it-yourselfer.

The latter Universal Dishwasher Installation Kit 11001 includes wirenuts, screws and all parts to install any brand of dishwasher. Eight foot hose ensures that it will fit every application. See the dishwasher FAQ.

Neither kit includes a power cord.

Click here for dishwasher intallation parts.

As always, consult the installation instructions that came with your unit.

Refrigerator too warm?

Recently, I have had more than one customer asking why their refrigerator would be getting warm while their freezer section remained frozen.

Most refrigerators use one mechanical device to cool the freezer down to around 0 degrees, regulated by the freezer setting. Some of that cold air flows into the refrigerator compartment, regulated by the refrigerator setting. The refrigerator compartment is typically set to around 38 degrees.

When the unit is not cooling properly, you will first notice it in the refrigerator section. A 20 degree rise in temperature will result in a refrigerator compartment temperature of 58 degrees. At that temp, milk will sour and meats will rot.

You may notice that your freezer section is still frozen. A 20 degree rise will result in compartment temps of 20 degrees. Frozen food will remain frozen at 20 degrees, so it appears that the freezer is still working. Take my word for it--neither is working if the fridge is not.

What is the cause of this? For the most part, lack of maintenence on the part of the owner. Customers usually have a blanket of pet hair covering the heat exchanger coils beneather the fridge. When I instructed my customers on how to clean the condenser coils, they inevitably return in a few days to thank me for saving them a service call ($65 minimum) or, worse yet, having to buy a new fridge ($$$).

Proper maintenence is one of the benefits of a Master Protection Agreement. With some product problems, a technician may be able to help you resolve the issue right over the phone, which could save time by not having to schedule an appointment. A protection agreement can provide you with peace of mind by knowing that if a problem occurs with your product, you know whom to call to take care of it right away.

Master Protection Agreements

The "gold standard" for coverage. Primary benefits include*:

• Quality service provided by Sears Parts & Repair Services professional repair specialists
• Convenient service available in-home or at a Sears Parts & Repair Service Centers (service location depends on agreement coverage)
• Non-technical and instructional assistance available
• Replacement guarantee
• if you experience 4 or more functional repairs during 12 months of continuous coverage or
• if we are unable to fix it due to unavailability of functional parts or technical knowledge
• No extra charges for covered repairs. All parts and labor included, even for wear and tear repairs and, for the first 3 years, cosmetic parts (if part still functions, but has become cosmetically worn, such as control panel buttons)
• 10% discount off regularly priced non-covered parts or service
• Food Loss up to $250 every 12 months.
• Rental Reimbursement if repair takes too long
• Annual Preventive Maintenance Check included, at the customer's request
• Renewable, transferable and varying contract terms offer maximum flexibility

* Some limitations and exclusions apply. Not valid on products used for commercial purposes. See store or contact us at 1-800-4-MY-HOME® (1-800-469-4663) for Terms & Conditions details. Protection agreements not available in all states for items not purchased at Sears.