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

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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?