Our homes are usually our greatest asset. This means they need to be stewarded well. It’s a fact of life that things regularly need repairing or replacing. At other times we simply choose to upgrade our possessions.
Whatever the reasons, people often find themself considering new home appliances.
People need to consider their budgets before buying. This should include the initial purchase price (including any shipping fees), plus the cost of ongoing maintenance and servicing. Whilst some home appliances will require professional help to install, there are others most people can do themselves. We will now discuss four such appliances you may wish to consider.
Water Heaters
There’s nothing worse than being the last family member to take a morning shower, and discovering that the water is cold. These days, people can purchase tank-style water heaters or tankless versions. In America, most homeowners use heaters that feature a drum with a special heating mechanism (located either on the bottom or inside). Heat rises, and these products exploit the fact when bringing hot water to your faucets.
When it comes to installation, the process will depend on whether you have bought a gas or electric version. When people want to discover the best water heaters available in 2021 they will often scour the internet for details of products, prices and reviews. People often check the energy factors and energy star ratings as well. If the heater is required to serve a family’s needs, most folk may decide on a 50-gallon version.
Water Filters
Even though water goes through a treatment process before it gets to your home, it will not be 100% pure. It will have traversed miles of piping for a start. One study in America found that 80% of the water contained carcinogenic (cancer-inducing) elements. Your water may contain viruses, arsenic, and disinfection products. There are also such things as heavy metals and pesticides.
A small-scale option would be to purchase a special pitcher or countertop water filter. Many homeowners go for undersink filters because they are hidden and free up space elsewhere. They use three different types of filters: charcoal (carbon), reverse osmosis or de-ionising versions. The only thing you need to consider is that you’ll need either an extra tap or a three-way kitchen tap.
Air Purifier
When people have been indoors for a long time, they often say, ‘I’m going out for some fresh air.’ This is technically true because the air is several times cleaner outdoors than indoors. Hay fever sufferers battle with the pollen and asthma sufferers react to house dust. Added to that are such things as pet dander, smoke, asbestos, viruses, mold spores, and bacteria.
Whilst it is possible to buy large units to serve the entire home, there are smaller versions available. Some have carry handles and others are on wheels. This makes it easy to install them, and they can be moved from room to room.
What you will need to do is check your room size, to ensure the unit will be suitable. Also, think about noise. Try any potential purchase on full power to decide whether it would be too loud for your needs. There are different filters available, the best (and more expensive) versions are HEPA filters.
Air Conditioning Unit
In America, they are often deemed essential for controlling room temperature and humidity levels. During the height of summer, many such appliances are used both day and night. As with air purifiers, it is possible to buy large (and expensive) versions designed to serve the whole house. They would most likely require certified contractors to install them.
Non-DIY fans will be pleased to know there are smaller units available. Portable versions are also known as monoblock, standalone or single air unit conditioners. They are pretty much Plug’n’Play: you set them up, point the hose out of a door or window, and it’s done.
As with air purifiers, you’d need to check your room size before buying. There should be 20BTU for each square foot of room. Some aircon units are wall-mounted, whilst others attach to windows. For the latter, make sure you’re not blocking the emergency exit.
As we can see, larger appliances often require more outside assistance. Having said that, it’s important to seek professional help if you are not confident in performing the installation. You won’t want water leaks, electrical fires, or anything else to occur. Once everything is safely in place, remember to regularly maintain your equipment and to book a service where required.
