How Effective Is Solar Power?

By Joshua Nicholls

The sun is the source of all our power. A statement not untrue, albeit a little misleading. The sun's radiation is the origin of all the power sources we use today, affecting chemical changes to create everything from nuclear power to the much greener wind power. But how do we harness the sun's energy, and how effective is it? A worthy question. After all, solar power is almost eternally available and, most importantly, free.

Applications
In theory, solar power can power everything on earth. In practice, it's a matter of logistics. Solar power is the conversion of sunlight to electricity through either converting it directly to photovoltaics (PV) or by concentrating solar power (CSP), using it to boil water into steam, which then generates electricity. Since the sun is only emitting radiation on any given point during daytime hours, and is affected by elements such as cloud cover, it needs to be combined with a method of energy storage. Solar power's potential is vast, and could easily supply all the energy in the world, hundreds of times over. However, the problem lies within the cost. Although the cost is coming down, solar power panels and plants are very expensive to produce.

How it works
The energy released from the sun is radiation - light and heat. This can be harnessed in two ways. Firstly, by using panels containing photovoltaics, which absorb the radiation and convert it into direct current energy. Photovoltaic devices are a type of photodiode, which means photons of light from the sun knock electrons within the device into higher states of excitement, thus generating electricity. The other method is by concentrating solar power by means of mirrors and lenses onto a point, which can then be used to heat up water, converting it to steam and then energy. Think of a kid using a magnifying glass on an ant colony, then magnify that heat (excuse the pun), and you can see what kind of energy can be produced.

Comparisons with other sources
Solar power is still behind fossil and nuclear power sources in terms of power generated, but its benefits for the environment far outweigh its polluting cousins. Water generation, although greener than fossil and nuclear, still requires dams and can alter landscapes dramatically. Wind power is comparable, in terms of a renewable energy source, but wind turbines can be loud, take more time to install, require maintenance and are more susceptible to weather damage.

Storing energy.
As an intermittent energy source, solar power must be stored if it isn't to be used immediately. In power plants, the energy is stored either as heat in a heat-retaining material or as pumped-storage hydroelectricity, meaning the energy is used to pump water from a lower reservoir to a higher one. In home-based solar power storage, the solution is usually a series of rechargeable batteries that can store the excess electricity.

Is it a realistic way of powering your home?
Many people use solar power in their homes as an alternate energy source, however it is usually combined with another source, such as wind or even the power grid. The effectiveness depends on both your location and is reliant on other sources. Ask an electrical services company for more information.

Solar power is being rapidly developed all around the world, being included in projects to create one hundred percent renewable energy plants that combine solar with wind, water and biomass power sources. It is an effective source of energy, but must be harnessed smartly and used in combination with other sources.

At Platinum Electrical, we specialise in electrical repairs, maintenance and installations accross Sydney, Melbourne and more. For more information or to get a quote, visit Electricians.

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Top 5 Four-Slice Toaster Brands

By Kathy Midget

There are numerous 4 slice toaster brands which produce different models for any choice. However, while choosing any product, we always count on somebody's experience: we read reviews, analyze the ranks, and look for the top winners.

Today's market is highly diverse even from the point of view of toaster leaders. After analyzing this diversity we came to a conclusion that the following brands are the most trusted ones: Black&Decker, Breville, Haier, Cuisinart, and T-Fal. Let's have a closer look at them.

Black&Decker offers a range of products belonging to different types. The basic features which unite 4 slice toasters produced by this brand are 1) dual controls, that is, the ability to operate the pairs of toaster slots separately; 2) removable crumb trays which provide easy cleaning; 3) classical bagel, defrost and cancel functions which make the operation flexible; 4) extra wide slots, which make it possible to toast different kinds of bread. The price tags for these products range from as low as $31 to $50. Most of these toasters have a classical look, not too stylish, perhaps, but apt for this price.

Breville is known to produce high-quality toasters of sleek design. These are full with all the functions you can find in a toaster, from browning controls to cancel, defrost and bagel functions which help perform special tasks. These 4 slice toasters are made of high-quality stainless steel and supplied by LED indicators and LCD displays to follow the process. A function unique for Breville is lift-and-look option, which lets you look at the toast whenever you want, even if the toasting process is not finished. As stylish and functional as they are these devices still cost a bit higher than their counterparts: prices for them range from $90 to $200.

Haier, though not represented by a wide range of products in this sphere, is still popular among its customers. Haier toasters have slim 4 slice models, which, besides looking great, can also boast additional functionality, like warming rack: you may use it for warming up various baked products. This is in addition to classical toaster functions which any product of this range is characterized by.

Cuisinart 4 slice toasters vary greatly not only in models, but in colors as well. You can find everything from classical silver color to a nicely pink one. Besides, Cuisinart boasts rather good quality at a reasonable price. Being tagged at around $60 to $150 these products are really worth paying for. In addition to digital controls, timing, cancel, reheat and other functions, they are also labeled as cool-touch, which means you'll never burn your fingers touching them.

T-fal toasters close the top of producers. These are reasonably priced at $45-60 and can be described as having multiple functions for perfect toasting. 7 toasting levels, reheat and bagel functions are not unique but provide high-quality results. What is more, these devices are 40 percent faster than their competitors, due to a special technology applied by the manufacturer. Besides, they are really stylish, no matter what model you choose, a slim or a classical one.

As we see, buying a 4 slice toaster is not an easy task today. With so many competitors at the market the choice is mostly confined to personal preferences in style, and friends' experience. Having a closer look at these brands you will likely see which of them has something to attract you.

Trying to find a good 4 slice toater? We are here to offer you one of the latest and best ones, which will find its place in your kitchen and will quickly win your family's hearts. Delonghi 4 slice toaster is a high-quality product popular with modern customers.

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Maintaining Your Microwave Oven

By Richard McIntyre

The microwave oven is a cooking device exposed to food that can decompose and has bacteria festering inside if kept too long and not cleaned. Like every other appliance, proper functioning of the oven and for how long, depends on the way in which it is maintained. Maintenance includes cleaning, servicing and repair of broken parts on time. Cleaning of the oven goes hand in hand with the cleaning of the kitchen. People in the habit of keeping clean kitchens will keep the oven clean too. But there are many who never notice dust and dirt, bugs and cockroaches, or even grime anywhere. This will always manifest itself in improper functioning of appliances and in this case, the microwave oven.

A Few Tips

The microwave has a complicated machine that only a qualified technician can set right. So in case there is a problem, do not even try to open it up, or else you may suffer an electric shock.
Do not unplug with wet hands.
Never run the oven empty even to check whether it is working properly.
Never use a microwave oven that has a broken door since this will lead to leakage of microwaves outside. The door serves to keep them inside and confined to the food they are meant to heat.
Maintenance Steps

The interiors of the oven end up with food particles, spluttered on the walls. Even if the food is covered, some moisture and odors linger inside. Each time the oven is switched on, these particles also get heated with the waves and will eventually burn inside, if not cleaned. Therefore, it is preferable to clean the inside once a day, if not each time it is used. This can be done with a wet cloth, or a heavy duty oven cleaner may be required to clean stubborn spots.
The exteriors need not be cleaned everyday especially in dust free places. But a weekly cleaning regimen will keep it looking sparkling and new for years. The panel at the back has holes to let out hot air. It is important that these do not get grimy or else they will get blocked and there will be no outlet for air. It is also important to keep the kitchen clear of cockroaches, which can enter the machine through these holes and eventually eat up the wiring inside. One area needing special attention is the door area, which is often touched with dirty hands. The food build up there, can prevent it from closing. So this must be cleaned more thoroughly.
Voltage fluctuations can destroy the circuits inside the oven. It is important to keep the microwave oven attached to a surge processor for protection against damage from spikes in the voltage often caused by lightening.
Use carefully. This is the biggest maintenance tip. Try and ensure that every bowl placed inside is covered. If there is a food spill, wipe immediately. Never keep food directly on the turntable, instead place it on a paper towel or plate.
Look out for rusting metal inside the oven, since it needs to be repaired.
The microwave oven is easy to operate and handle and if all of the above mentioned points are followed, it will work and look like a new one for a long time.

Learn more about getting a red microwave at the author's site about red microwave ovens

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18 Inch Dishwasher

By Irene T.

If you want do add something new to your beautiful kitchen, think about getting an 18 inch dishwasher. This would add not only beauty to your kitchen, but you will get an useful tool too. If you got tired with the dirty pile of plates, pots, pans and utensils piled up in the kitchen sink, then a dishwasher is the thing you need. This appliance will resolve your demanding tasks of washing and sanitizing your kitchenware and cookware simple and easy.

The standard variety of dishwasher has an 24 inch size, and an 18 inch one is smaller. Being smaller, the new dishwasher will not eat up a lot of counter and cabinet space, but most people don`t realize that. The issue regarding the standard size of the dishwasher was the amount of space they take up.

Also the installation could be a problem, because a carpenter is required to retrofit the dishwasher in your kitchen. Cabinet space is at a premium and the dishwasher would have to be installed according to specifications for maximum washing performance. But with and 18 inch dishwasher, which it`s smaller this will not be a problem anymore, due to the fact that it`s smaller size enables it to fit perfectly on any small cabinet space. There will be few modifications required, so it will be economical and easy to install.

The 18 inch dishwasher also comes in a wide variety of designs and colors to suit the taste of the discerning homemaker.

The 18 inch dishwasher comes in a vast variety of colors and designs that will suit the taste of homemaker. Some expensive models have chrome embellishments and utilize stainless steel for different parts and trimmings. Fit and finish are better than before. Which goes to show that beauty need not to be sacrificed for functionality.

Regular dishwashers are capable of washing huge load of pots, pans and dishes. This is in fact the major gripe that people have with regular dishwashers, not to be wasteful when they will utilize the dishwasher for small loads of dishes. A smaller dishwashers is perfect for a small family, but it is capable to wash a large amount of dishes, this type of 18 inch dishwasher actually being able of washing loads of up to 8 sets of kitchenware. Despite its smaller dimension, this dishwasher does not lose any of the functionality of a bigger dishwasher as the washing and rising power is adequate for its size.

The product features are also the same and it comes equipped with different power setting to handle any kind of wash load. Also, various temperature settings that are found on bigger models are available as well, which will make washing and sanitizing easy.

If you want to enrich your kitchen with a convenient appliance that will save you time and money in the kitchen, consider an 18 dishwasher as a valuable addition for your kitchen. This smaller model is perfect even for large families, but also for average or small size families. These machines are smaller, more economical and less complex, but they have all the qualities and the effectiveness of the bigger models. You will be surprised with what a smaller dishwasher could do for you and your family. Now you can forget about dirty dishes, pot or pans.

Irina Tudose is an enthusiast about useful household appliances that makes people's life easier and more enjoyable.To find more of these household appliances click here. Household made easy!

18 Inch Dishwasher

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Dyson Air Multiplier - The Amazing Bladeless Fan

By David Patric
The Dyson air multiplier is currently one of the most amazing new discoveries on the market. They are as far from conventional fans as they can possibly get. It's pretty obvious once you set eyes on this surprising fan design: it does not have blades.

How does a bladeless fan work?
The Dyson bladeless fan is called an "air multiplier" because of how it produces air to cool or fan the surroundings. The air multiplier is designed to draw in air then multiply it so that the device can release a strong gust of air. A powerful motor positioned at the fan stand draws in the air. This motor has the ability to draw in as much as 5.28 gallons of air every second. The air is then accelerated inside the fan by making it pass through a 16-degree airfoil-shaped ramp. This channels the air in the right direction. Air is induced and then drawn into a process called entrainment. When it comes out of the fan, it is amplified.

How much does it cost?
There are several models of the Dyson air multiplier, with the highest model amplifying air up to 18 times. When it comes to cost, the 10-inch model costs around $300, while the 12-inch model costs $330.

Advantages of using the Dyson bladeless fan
There are many advantages in using the Dyson air multiplier instead of a conventional fan. The Dyson bladeless fan provides a stronger, smoother flow of more refreshing air because the stream of air is uninterrupted by the buffeting of conventional fans.

Aside from that, the Dyson air multiplier is also so much easier to clean. No need to clean blades and grilles. Cleaning involves just wiping a cloth around the hollow circle, and this will take just a few seconds.

The absence of moving parts also keep your fan from breaking down due to wear and tear, thus making your fan more durable. This is the one advantage that can make paying quite a high price for a high-tech bladeless fan worth it. Though quite an investment, the Dyson air multiplier promises a long life of service to you.

And since there are no blades, the Dyson air multiplier is extremely safe to use.

And of course, you get the added benefit of being one of the few consumers who have this amazing bladeless fan from Dyson. This technology is praised by engineers and took Dyson's own engineers years to develop. It will definitely impress your friends and be a novelty when you have guests over. You don't just get a fan; it also doubles as a great conversation piece.

The real deal
A lot of people, experts and regular consumers alike, found themselves pretty impressed with Dyson's breakthrough new product. However, not all consumers would be willing to buy the Dyson bladeless fan because of its high price, which is still understandable since the product is clearly one of a kind. But when it comes to quality and innovativeness, the Dyson air multiplier definitely passes with flying colours.

David's interests include many topics from new technology and health and fitness to ratings of the best household appliances. Follow the links to visit his current project: a website that helps consumers find the best mattresses such as the Tempurpedic Cloud Supreme and adjustable Sleep Number beds.

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Slimline Fridge Freezer - It's More Than a Fridge, It's a Space Saver

By Fitch Ash

Fridge freezers are an indispensable member of any kitchen and there are a wide variety of great designs, styles and features to choose from nowadays. In fact, with the availability of many quality brands and models, choosing the right fridge for your needs can become very difficult because confusion sometimes sets in. People get a lot of different influences from advertisements, online reviews and feedback from actual users. But come to think of it, it is not that hard to choose especially if you decide on a few things such as price, durability, flexibility, performance, design, style, and color plus the warranty period. These are just some of the very important factors that we must consider at the very start when shopping for your next refrigerator.

Most people dwell on the price because their budget means a lot to them especially now that the economy is still in such an unpredictable state. Although some of the most trusted brands are expensive, it is still worth the investment because the quality features and satisfactory performance can also easily justify its high costs. While I was shopping for a freezer months ago with the goal of getting a durable and affordable one, I found a slimline freezer. It is one of the newest innovations in fridges today. Curious, I checked some of the leading brands of slimline fridge models.

I was amazed by the built of this kitchen appliance and it is actually more than what I hoped for. Most designs are only 50cm wide, just what I need for my narrow kitchen. It is a miracle life saver and so I bought one right away. Of course, I didn't buy it just for its slim feature as its name "slimline" implies, but I also checked its compartments. I am amazed by its 4-star freezer compartment that is energy efficient. It is packed with freezing power with minimum energy consumption. Most of the brands and models I have checked are perfect with any kitchen wall. The slimline fridge freezer models also have front ventilation which gives you the freedom to place it side by side with other kitchen appliances. The one I just bought has very slim but sturdy handles that lets you open and close the fridge doors with ease.

I have been using it for months now and the performance of the slimline fridge is very impressive. The drawers and bins are easy to access and the inside temperature is consistent in all areas of the fridge. It even has a really quiet motor performance unlike other kinds of freezers that are annoyingly noisy. The price is also amazing. So if you want durability, affordability and flexibility, go for the slimline fridge freezer. It's more than a fridge... it's a space saver.

Still interested with the slimline fridge freezer? Make sure you visit BestFridgeFreezers.com now for more tips and guides on the best fridge freezers including the integrated fridge freezer.

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My Fridge Freezer Smells Funny - Tips on Odour Build-Up in White Goods

By Benjamin Fox

Does your washing machine smell strange? Is there an inexplicable odour coming from your fridge? There are several reasons why a kitchen appliance can start to smell so if you have a problem with one of your white goods read on to find out how to stop embarrassing scents in your kitchen.


Washing machines - There are two common causes for malodorous washing machines; improper drainage and bacteria build up.

If your machine is at its worst first thing in the morning and whiffs like an outside drain then you probably have an incorrectly installed U-bend and should consider getting a plumber to have a look. Alternatively if the wastewater pipe drains into the same source as your kitchen sink then you should make sure there is a rise of at least four inches after the join to stop dirty dishwater flowing into the drum.

The more common cause of washing machine odour is a build up of grease or slime within the machine. You are especially vulnerable to this if you use liquid detergents and low temperature washes. The simple fact of the matter is that to keep your washing machine clean you need to heat it up which is why all washing machine manufacturers recommend running a service wash at least once a month. A service wash is a high temperature cycle that runs without any clothes in order to boil away bacteria.

Some people recommend including bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) in with a service wash. This helps break down slime but if any of the internal components of your washing machine are made from aluminium it will damage them.

Dishwashers - Because they come into contact with large quantities of food, dishwashers can develop quite a stink. Fortunately if you have read this far you will already know how to fix the most common problems. Just like washing machines, dishwashers need a regular service run and when they are incorrectly plumbed in they can draw water in through their waste pipe. If you think a smell might be caused by a deposit of food the first place to check should be the water drainage system as this is, quite literally, where bacteria and detritus gravitate to.

Fridge freezers - If you have a smelly fridge or freezer you probably have not cleaned it properly. Most fridges have a small hole on their base which drains away the water that naturally condenses in the cool air. If this becomes blocked or filled by a spillage it can act as a breeding ground for bacteria and it is this bacteria which creates odours.

Other places which often get overlooked when cleaning fridge freezers are around the interior light, along the door seal and underneath the salad crisper.
Ben is a copywriter for the UK's largest online retailer of fridge freezers and other kitchen appliances.

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Energy Labelling for White Goods

By Ronald Jackson

Since 1995 all white goods sold within the EU must display an EU Energy Label which enables customers to see the energy efficiency and performance of every electrical appliance. When it comes to common household appliances it is true to say that consumers are being made and becoming more and more aware of the energy performance and factoring this into their searches when buying new.

Just as the traffic light labelling system on all food sold in UK supermarkets enables you to see the calorie, fat, saturates, sugars and salt content, so the EU energy labelling allows you to see the electricity and water consumption of every appliance before you buy so you can make an informed decision about the effect your purchase could have on the environment.

The energy labels were introduced as a way of making consumers more aware of the impact of the use of every day household goods on the environment and to encourage manufacturers to strive to create the most energy efficient appliances on the market. The labels have worked in both respects and people are now generally far more aware of the A to G ratings and what they indicate, specifics are still a little blurred but the point is that everyone can now easily work out that A rated home appliances are good and G rated appliances are not so good.

Not only is the energy labelling system a useful guide for manufacturers and consumers alike when marketing and buying products but they are also useful for carrying out quick repairs, whether you're talking about Hotpoint dishwasher repairs or Whirlpool fridge repairs, appliance engineers will do the quickest and most efficient job if they know as much about the product in question as possible. Investing in energy efficient products is a good idea, they will be manufactured to very high standards so not only should they have a longer lifespan but they should also improve the state of the environment which is really struggling, due in part to human activity.

Choose your new home appliances carefully, taking the energy rating into account but not using it as a sole reason to buy that particular product. By doing your research you will be more likely to choose a product which not only does what you need it to do but which will last as long as possible, meaning you are less likely to need appliance repairs but if you do, the better quality and better known the brand, the quicker and easier your Hotpoint dishwasher repairs and Whirlpool fridge repairs and the like should be.

Get online to find the cheapest, quickest and most cost effective Hotpoint dishwasher repairs and Whirlpool fridge repairs wherever you live in the UK.

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All About Doughnut Makers

By Steve Hansaid

If you are the kind of person that loves the taste of a good tasting donut, then you may like to know that you do not have to go out to the local bakery anymore. You now have the ability to make donuts at homes, with many different kinds of donut makers that are available in the market. You will find that many of the donut makers out there, are great and can complete the whole process automatically. You will also find that a lot of these makers come along with a variety of different recipes, that will allow you to make different kinds of donuts for you to try. Of course you can try out different recipes that you find online as well.

There are many different donut makers that you have the option to choose from. You really need to figure out your needs, and then choose one that meets those needs the best. There are some makers that make six donuts at a time, and there are others that make one after another. You will find that most of these makers are very easy to use and will provide you with great tasting donuts in no time.

You will find that most of these donut makers are child friendly and so your kids will also be able to make great tasting donuts in no time. But you need to make sure that while your kids can make great tasting donuts they will need to be supervised when doing so. You can really connect with your kids by making great tasting donuts with them, for breakfast or just for a snack during the day. This is an activity that the whole family can enjoy participating in.

You will be able to get a great quality donut maker for as cheap as $60. If you have smaller counters then you are going to have to look for more compact versions. Of course this will mean that you will be able to make less donuts at the same time but it will still work well. The higher end models will get into the $200 price range.

This is relatively cheap and a great investment if your family is a large consumer of donuts. It can be a very enjoyable activity that the whole family can participate in where you can make them by yourself, then just wait in line at the shop to buy them. You are gong to be able to enjoy hot and tasty donuts any time you want.

Steve has been writing articles for nearly 3 years. Come visit his latest website over at Hamiltonbeach Slow Cooker which helps people find the best Hamiltonbeach Slowcooker Parts to cook the best meals of your life.

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Slow Cooker Pork Roast and Pork Barbecue Recipes

By K Hupp

Pork roast is easy to cook in a slow cooker or crock pot. It stays moist and tender, and has a delicious flavor. You don't have to buy the best cuts when you plan to cook pork in a slow cooker or crock pot. You can purchase cheaper cuts and still get a very good result.

One of the best things about cooking pork in a slow cooker is that you can let it cook while you are away from home. The low heat does all the work for you. Here are 2 slow cooker pork recipes for you to try in your own kitchen.

Pork Roast
4-5 pounds pork roast

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Coat inside of slow cooker or crock pot with vegetable oil. Set cooker on LOW setting and allow to warm.
Mix paprika, chili powder, pepper and salt together to make a rub. Rub both sides of roast well with spices. Place roast in preheated cooker and cover.

Cook on LOW setting for approximately 5 to 6 hours, or on HIGH setting for 3 to 4 hours. Roast is done when tender and no longer pink in the center.

Pork Barbecue
3-4 pounds pork roast

2 cups diced tomatoes

1/3 cup apple cider vinegar

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon brown sugar

2 teaspoons black pepper

1 teaspoon salt

Mix all ingredients together in slow cooker or crock pot. Place roast in cooker, being sure both sides of roast are coated with mixture. Cover.

Cook on LOW setting for 8-10 hours or on HIGH for 5 to 6 hours. When done, roast will be tender and ready to fall apart. Remove from cooker and shred pork before serving.

Tip: The pork barbecue recipe doubles well for taking large amounts of BBQ to social functions.
K. Hupp enjoys cooking and gardening. Visit Kitchen Aid Mixers to find a great deal on Kitchen Aid Professional Mixers

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