Kenmore Washer won’t fill with water before it starts washing cycle

Question: I have a 5-10 year old Kenmore Washing Machine. When I turn the clothes washer on, it automatically starts to wash without filling with water, what could be wrong? Could this be a washer timing issue?

Answer: Dry agitating is often a sign of a bad water level controls /pressure switch. The water level controls, also knows as a pressure switch, might have burnt wires, may be stuck in the full position, or the hose is clogged up.

The water level controls the water fill valve and, when it detects there is enough water in the tub for the wash size selected, it shuts off power to the fill valve and then sends power to the timer. It detects the correct water level via an air tight hose that runs from the outer washer tanks to the water level controls. The hose contains a certain amount of pressure for each load size (small, medium, large). As water fill the washer tub, pressure rises in the hose also. Since the air is trapped in the hose, it is compressed and pushes up a piston in the hose. When the piston is popped up, it closes an electrical contact which shuts off the water fill valve.

A small pin hole or leak will cause the tube to lose pressure and it will not be strong enough to switch off the water fill valve leading to overfill. The reverse problem, like yours, means that the water fill valve might be stuck on the full load position, saying there is enough water in the machine when there is not.

More Sources for Washing Machine Repair Help

• Kenmore Washing Machine Parts
• Clothes Washer Repair help message board
• How clothes washers work

Is the food in my refrigerator still good after a power outage?

If you experience a power outage, you might be wondering if the food in your refrigerator or freezer is still safe to eat. The answer is, “probably not” according to the Louisiana State University AgCenter.

A press release sent out by the center said to, “Discard any perishable food, such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs and leftovers that have been higher than 40 degrees F for two hours. This will be true of most food in your refrigerator if the power was off for more than four hours.”

Your greatest weapon against food spoilage during a power outage is preparation. Here are some tips from LSU and  Nutritionist and food safety expert Beth Reames:

Don’t open the refrigerator or freezer door!

Your unopened refrigerator will still keep your food cold for up to four hours. A full freezer will keep food cold for 48 hours if unopened and a half-full freezer will keep food cold for 24 hours. The more you open the door, the more cool air escapes. Use portable coolers and place items you use most in those coolers in order to protect the majority of your food.

Use a thermometer

Keep an appliance thermometer in the refrigerator and freezer. Before on outage strikes, make sure that your freezer is set at or below 0 degrees and your refrigerator is at or below 40 degrees.

Buy Dry or Blocked ice

For prolonged periods of power loss, buy dry or blocked ice to keep your fridge or freezer as cold as possible. “Fifty pounds of dry ice should hold an 18-cubic-foot full freezer for two days,” according to Reames.

Keep ice packs on hand

Freeze plastic jugs of ice or gel packs and make sure you always have ice on hand for such emergencies. Use these things to keep food cold during a power outage.

For more tips on food safety during power outages, visit http://www.lsuagcenter.com/.

Read the full story online: “Tips might help save your food when next storm hits.“

General Utility Gloves Available at AP Wagner

Protect your hands when doing maintenance on your appliances with gloves. AP Wagner now offers general utility gloves that will keep your hands protected.

General Utility Plus Gloves

Youngstown Glove Company General Utility Plus Gloves - Sale price: $12.95 --You Save: $2.78

Sale price: $12.95

Compare at: $15.73

You Save: $2.78

General utility gloves from the Youngstown Glove Company provide extensive asphalt reinforcement for durability. The gloves are all-purpose and abrasion-resistant providing the perfect blend of durability, dexterity and value.

• All-Purpose & Abrasion-Resistant
• Durable Non-Slip Reinforcement on Palm, Fingers & Thumb
• Water and Oil Resistant Base Layer
• Neoprene Cuff Adds Support and Secures Fit
• Breathable Stretch Nylon on Top of Hand Wicks Moisture and Heat
• Terry Cloth Thumb for Wiping Sweat and Debris
• Excels in Applications Where Dexterity and Durability are Required

AP Wagner offers Forearm Forklift Lifting Straps

Forearm Forklift Lifting Straps as seen on TV added to AP Wagner product line.

As seen on TV these patented straps are now available on www.apwagner.com.

Forearm forklift lifting straps are intended to reduce back strain when lifting appliances that are large in mass.

Forearm Forklift Lifting Straps: Sale price: $19.95 --You Save: $4.29

Sale price: $19.95

Compare at: $24.24

You Save: $4.29

Through the use of leverage they make anything you carry seem 66% lighter. Plus, they’re great for keeping wheeled apparatus’ off of your floors which keeps them from getting scuffed or scratched. Each pack comes with 2 straps both 9 ft. 4 in. long. The straps are rated for carrying up to 700 pounds and are adjustable up to 48 inches. The appliances in which the straps can carry range from small, medium, large. and XL pieces.

Air Washers, Air Purifiers, and Humidifiers on sale

Discounted Venta Airwashers, Air Purifiers, and Humidifiers,  no coupon or discount code needed.

Save on Venta Airwashers and enjoy cleaner air in your home today. Venta Airwashers uses a special water filtration system so no filter is needed, in fact, water is the filter. Disks rotate through water inside the air purifier and the disks trap dirt, dust, dander, smoke, and other allergens that are in your home’s air. Fine particles as small as 10 microns (10/1000 mm) are trapped and removed from your home’s air.

At the same time, your Venta Air Purifier is adding moisture to the dry air in your home through natural evaporating. You home’s air is humidified to the correct percentage by cold evaporation, acknowledged to be the best method.

Venta Airwasher- LW24 - More information/purchase

Venta Airwasher- LW24

Sale price: $249.99

Compare at: $303.74

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The Venta Airwasher LW24 is a two-in-One Humidifier and Purifier and doesn’t require any filters, unlike other purifiers, which will save you money. The filter for the venta is regular tap water. The Venta Airwasher LW24 is recommended for rooms 360 sq. ft. (18′ x 20′). It features three different speed setting and can hold up to two gallons of water.  The unit is also nearly noiseless, odorless, and consumes very little power. The Venta Airwasher LW24 comes with a 10 year warranty.

Reviews by consumers who have purchased the Venta Airwasher LW24 were pleased with its simple design and self-regulating system which perfectly cleaned and humidified the air. Consumers were amazed at the difference the unit made in the quality of air inside their home. Consumers found that even on the “medium” setting their skin was less dry and their sinuses less congested. Consumers with allergies were very pleased with how it cleaned and purified the air.

Aromatherapy additives are available with you can add to your air purifier (separate purchase required) which will give your home a lovely scent of warm and inviting vanilla, soothing lavender or comforting eucalyptus.

Venta Airwasher LW14 - A Two-in-One Humidifier and Purifier! More info/buy now

Venta Airwasher LW14

Sale price: $179.99

Compare at: $218.69

You Save: $38.70

Venta Airwasher LW14 is a two-in-One Humidifier and Purifier and doesn’t require any filters or filter pads; instead it uses ordinary tap water as its filter. It is recommended for rooms up to 180 sq. ft. (12′ x 15′) and is simple to maintain and operate.  The Venta Airwasher LW14 has two speed settings and holds 1.2 gallons of water. Also comes with a 10 year warranty.

Consumers loved the dual operation of the Venta Airwasher LW14, the solid construction, long warranty, sturdy design and its ability to perfectly humidify the air.

Add the soothing scents of vanilla, lavender, or eucalyptus to your Venta Airwasher and enjoy a refreshing and pleasant scent experience. (Separate purchase required)

Venta Sonic Ultrasonic Humidifier VS 370 - Maintenance-free humidifier, just add water

Venta Sonic Ultrasonic Humidifier VS370

Sale price: $159.99

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The Venta Sonic Ultrasonic Humidifier first and only maintenance-free humidifier! With Venta-Sonic, just add water–there are no germs, no filter, no cleaning, and no white dust. Impurities and minerals are trapped in the Maintenance-Free Box (part number 1090036)–just lift, remove, and replace it once a year.
Simple operation, extremely easy to fill water tank, extremely quiet, and has a daily output of up to 4 gallons. Suitable for large rooms – up to 850 sq. ft. and holds two gallons of water.

Reviewers and consumers loved this low-maintenance, quiet, and easy-to-use humidifier.

Choosing the right in- window air conditioner for you

Summer is coming and you might be in the market to replace your old ac unit. So how do you know what to buy? Here are some tips.

Don’t buy a larger air conditioner than you need.

Most people think bigger is better, but that is not always the case. According to Consumer Reports and The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM),   an AC unit too large or powerful for your room will turn off its compressor before it’s had a chance to “lower” the humidity level in the room. The results will be a room that is cold, clammy, and uncomfortable.

To figure out what size air conditioner you need for you room, measure the size of the room first. Then multiply the length by the width and that total is your square footage. You can use a chart or calculation provided by a manufacturer (usually available on their website) to determine how many BTUs (or British Thermal Units) you need your air conditioner to produce.

Consider your climate and other factors when purchasing an air conditioner.

Do you live in a hot and humid climate or it more of a dry heat? How many windows does the room have? Is it shady? What direction is the window facing? Consumer Reports provides as interactive worksheet that takes all these items into account, as does AHAM. To find out what type or air conditioner you need, visit AHAM’s interactive worksheet and see your results based on region, the structure of your house, and the people and activities inside of it.

After finding the correct AC for your home, try to purchase a unit that is energy efficient and look for the “AHAM-certified” seal. According to the AHAM’s website, “Models certified through AHAM’s program have been tested and their performance verified by an independent laboratory, assuring consumers that the product will perform according to the manufacturer’s product claims for BTU’s per hour, amps and efficiency.”

So what if you do not own a new air conditioner or can’t afford to buy one? There are ways to make your current air conditioner work better and be more energy efficient. Sign up for the AP Wagner Newsletter and get some valuable tips on how to make your old air conditioner more energy efficient and how to cut down on summer energy bills.

More help and related articles

• Air Conditioner Parts
• Replace your air conditioner filter
• Why does the air conditioner hum but not blow any cool air out?

Lower your cooling bills this summer

Use these tips to save money and keep cool during the summer.

1. Weather-proof your home. Most people associate weather proofing and drafts as an activity you do when preparing for winter. However, weather proofing is just as valuable in the summer especial when drafts lead to cool air leaking out and hot air seeping in.

• Air infiltration will also cause your in-room air conditioner or HVAC system to work harder to cool more which in turn increase your electric bills.
• Check for drafts around windows, doors and vents to the exterior, like extraction fans or clothes dryer vents. Use a stick of incense to detect air movement and to see if you have a draft.
• Check the weather stripping on your windows and doors and replace if needed.
• Use spray foam or the proper calk (there are several kinds and this story helps explain them well) around windows and doors to fill small gaps and holes. Also check around outlets, cable jacks, telephone lines and dryer vents for gaps that causes air to escape.

1. The recommended minimum setting for energy efficiency during the summer is 78 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a programmable thermostat to decrease the temperatures in your home only when you are in it. According to this article from The Rancho Cordova Post, a programmable thermostat can save you over $100 per year over the non-programmable kinds.
2. If you are going to be away from home for more than four hours, turn the AC off. If you are going to be gone less than two, keep the AC level the same.
3. Purchase a whole house fan or ceiling fan to circulate cool air throughout your home.
4. Skip the oven and cook using a microwave or grill outside in order to reduce the residual heat caused by a stove.

5. Properly maintain your air conditioner

• Change or clean the air filter (if you have a reusable filter.) It is recommended that you clean of change the air filter on your air conditioner at least twice a month during cooling season.
• Clean the dust off of your air conditioners coils with a coil brush. Remove the cover and use a soft brush, vacuum, or compressed air to clean the coils. The coils need to be clean for proper heat transfer.
• Straighten any AC fins that might have gotten bent over the year or while in storage.
• Dirty air conditioner parts and a dirty filter can cause your unit to work harder. Not only does this wear on the unit, it costs you more money to run the unit in the first place.
• When purchasing a new in-room air conditioner, buy only what you need. Measure the size of the room first and then multiply the length by the width and that total is your square footage. You can use a chart or calculation provided by a manufacturer (usually available on their website) to determine how many BTUs you need your air conditioner to handle. You will also want to take into account how shady or sunny the room will be. Add ten percent more for a sunny room, and take ten percent away for shaded rooms.

6. Unplug your phone charger and small appliances when not in use.

7. Only run your dishwasher and washing machine when you have full loads.
8. Lines dry your clothes and skip the clothes dryer for the summer and even into the fall.
9. Check with your local utility company to see if they offer any rebates of credits for purchasing programmable thermostats, Energy efficient air conditioning units, attic insulation. In Florida, the City of Ocala Electric 10. Utility is offer rebates on home heating and cooling upgrades and other energy-efficient appliances. Check with your local utility company to see what they offer.
11. Any energy-efficient improvements you make to your home might be viable for the federal tax credit. Areas covered include windows and doors, insulation, and HVAC improvements, check the EnergyStar.Gov Website to see what you need to do in order to qualify.

Appliance Parts:

• Kenmore Air Conditioner Parts
• GE Air Conditioner Parts
• Maytag Air Conditioner Parts
• Whirlpool Air Conditioner Parts
• Samsung Air Conditioner Parts

AP Wagner Becomes Authorized Dealer of Samsung Appliance Parts

Buffalo, NY, May 21, 2009 – AP Wagner, a top appliance
parts company, is proud to announce, that they are now a fully authorized distributor for Samsung appliance parts.

We carry original, new, Samsung appliance parts. We carry parts for your dishwasher, refrigerator, clothes dryer and more.

AP Wagner has the most popular Samsung appliance parts already in stock and plans to continue growing its Samsung inventory as the most comprehensive source, for Samsung appliance parts in the US.

Additionally, Samsung appliance parts purchased from AP Wagner can be used by authorized servicers to complete Samsung product warranty calls.

AP Wagner is very excited to offer their customers the ability to purchase Samsung appliance parts, as well as the added convenience of being able to fulfill all of their parts needs at once.

AP Wagner is a dedicated leader in the distribution of appliance parts and accessories with 81 years experience. They service appliance dealers, service technicians and do-it-yourselfers. AP Wagner’s main headquarters are located at 2205 George Urban Boulevard in Depew, New York.

For More Information:
Christine Smith
716-961-7142
Csmith@apwagner.com
www.apwagner.com
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Frigidaire introduces new time-saving devices on appliances

Frigidaire is trying to help out dear old mom by launching a new line of 250 appliances with specific time-saving devices that aims to give moms, “eight hours of extra time a month.”

Also, if you are not satisfied that the new appliances have given you more “me time, you can return them for a refund. The More Me Time Guarantee runs from May 10, 2009 through December 31, 2009 and requires the completion of sign-up form at time of purchase and only at participating dealers.

So how does Frigidaire plan to save consumers (and moms especially) more time? By adding such time-saving features as Frigidaire Dishwasher Power Plus™ Dry so moms do not have to hand dry dishes that are not fully dry from the dishwasher. Washer and dryers that will complete their cycles in unison so that you do not have to waste time waiting for both loads to be done and ovens that preheat in less than six minutes.

Frigidaire also claims its new ovens reduces cooking times by 30 percent and will have more oven space so more cooking can be done at the same time through their Fits-More™ Oven.

Frigidaire is also running two giveaways; visit http://www.mymotherload.net/ and submit five things you would do with an extra hour and you will be entered in to win a suite of new Frigidaire appliances.

The “Daily Dare” contest is giving away a new Frigidaire Affinity front-load washer and dryer. Enter the Daily Dare now.

More information

• Frigidaire’s More Me Time Guarantee
• Frigidaire’s Daily Dare Contest and Giveaway
• Frigidaire’s Five Things with an Extra Hour Contest
• Frigidaire Refrigerator Parts
• Frigidaire Parts

Frigidaire is trying to help out dear old mom by launching a line of 2509 appliances with specific time-saving devices that aims to give moms eight hours of extra time a month.

Also, if women purchasing three of more new Frigidaire appliances with the new time-saving features are not satisfied that their “me time” has not increased , they can return the appliances and get their money back. The More Me Time Guarantee runs from May 10, 2009 through December 31, 2009 and requires the completion of sign-up form at time of purchase and only at participating dealers.

So how does Frigidaire plan to save consumers (and moms especially) more time? By such features as the Frigidaire Dishwasher Power Plus™ Dry so moms do not have to hand dry dishes that are not fully dry, washer and dryers that complete their cycles in the same amount of time, and ovens that preheat in less than six minutes.

Frigidaire also claims its ovens reduces cooking times by 30 percent and will have more oven space so more cooking can be done at the same time through their Fits-More™ Oven.

They are also having a giveaway, visit http://www.mymotherload.net/ and submit five things you would do with an extra hour and you will be entered in to win a suite of new Frigidaire appliances. Frigidaire is also holding a “Daily Dare” contest and giving away a new Frigidaire Affinity front-load washer and dryer. Enter the Daily Dare now.

More information

• Frigidaire’s More Me Time Guarantee
• Frigidaire’s Daily Dare Contest and Giveaway
• Frigidaire’s Five Things with an Extra Hour Contest
• Frigidaire Refrigerator Parts
• Frigidaire Parts

Whirlpool issues a challenge all in the name of developing new “Smart Grid” technologies

Whirlpool has announced that all of their appliances will be Smart Grid compliant by 2015.  According to this article by GreenBiz.com, Whirlpool hopes to, “create an open, global standard for home appliances to transmit and receive signals by 2010.”

Smart Grid Diagram for the U.S. Dept. of Energy

Such appliances would be able to send and receive information from a new Smart Grid electrical system that is already under development in certain parts of the United States.

Our current electrical system cannot detect energy demand, so energy producers run their companies at maximum capacity to insure there is enough energy to meet demand. It would be like running your heat or AC all the time because you did not know whether it was hot or cold. Obviously, this is a very inefficient and imperfect way to do things.

A Smart Grid would work to detect how much energy is being demanded and produce only what is needed. Using the new two-way communication possibilities, home appliances could be turned on only when electricity is abundant and inexpensive. You’re new “smart appliance” might, for instance, only turn itself on during off-peak hours.

Whirlpool hopes to form public private partnerships with utility companies, policy makers, appliance industry, NGO’s and other technology-based companies.  The upcoming Copenhagen climate change conference is where Whirlpool hopes to develop a plan to move forward.

Manufacturer’s moving to smart appliances is not new. In 2008, General Electric started testing its line of smart appliances which would also communicate with smart grid system to delay certain appliance activities such as refrigerators skipping defrost cycles.

The Smart Grid is a way for the United States to become more energy efficient and to feed energy back into the system through renewable sources. President Barack Obama has included includes $4.5 billion for Smart Grid projects which is part of the $787 billion stimulus bill.

Whirlpool is a home appliances manufacturer and also owns and produces appliances under the KitchenAid, Maytag, and Amana brands.

More information

• GE Develops Power Shifting Appliances
• Whirlpool Set to Launch Smart Grid Compatible Appliances by 2015
• Whirlpool Parts
• KitchenAid Parts
• Amana Parts