A washing machine is a necessary appliance which most people cannot live without. If you are moving into your first home or need to buy a new washing machine because the other one is not functioning properly, you may be wondering about ways you can reduce the cost of a new washing machine. Washing machines can be expensive and most people are looking to save money any way they can. Here are some tips to help you reduce the cost of your new appliance.

Scratched And Dented Appliances

Many stores have appliances which have been lightly scratched or dented, but are otherwise in good working condition. If you do not mind a little cosmetic damage, you may be able to reduce your cost of a new washing machine dramatically. These appliances are still brand new, and a store employee will be able to tell you exactly what is wrong with each one. Sometimes the scratches and dents can be easily fixed once you get your new washer home.

Features

If you want a washing machine with a lot of features, you are likely going to pay more. Front loading washers and those with higher capacities are becoming very popular but can also be very expensive. To reduce your cost, only choose the washing machine features you absolutely need and do not get tricked into paying more for a feature that isn’t necessary or that you will likely not even use. Smart shopping is the best way to reduce the cost of a new washing machine.

Delivery and Installation

Some appliance stores offer free delivery and installation, while others charge for these services. Be sure to compare the service fees and prices of washing machines at several stores to find the best deal. If you are going to have the washer installed, it is best to let the store do it. Make sure that the washing machine you are buying is still affordable when you add in the cost of the installation and delivery.

If you are looking for ways to reduce the cost of a new washing machine, consider the tips above. Always compare prices and take advantage of in-store sales, clearance specials, and coupons. A new washing machine doesn’t have to be expensive to be good quality.

Keep Talk Local Bookmarked

If you need help picking out a new washing machine, or need one serviced, TalkLocal can be an amazing resource. We connect you with service professionals in your area quickly and absolutely for free.

If you are a coffee drinker, you probably have a favorite flavor or brand. You also likely have a preference for either instant coffee or fresh-brewed coffee.

Both types contain roasted coffee beans, but unlike fresh-brewed coffee, instant coffee is made from a freeze dried base. This allows it to be made quickly while still retaining much of the coffee bean flavor. So who wins the instant coffee vs. brewed coffee battle? Read on and decide for yourself.

Taste

One of the biggest differences between these two types of coffees is the taste. Brewed coffee has a much stronger, deeper, and fresher taste. Many people prefer the flavor associated with fresh-brewed coffee and refuse to drink anything else.

Instant coffee still has a coffee taste, but it is a little more muted. Some instant coffee drinkers claim that they cannot tell the difference between instant coffee vs. brewed coffee. Others say they prefer the lighter taste of the instant coffee. When it comes to taste, it is all a matter of opinion.

Convenience

Instant coffee is, of course, much easier and faster to make than brewed coffee. Instant coffee is simply added to a coffee mug with boiling or hot water and is ready in minutes. It also comes in a variety of different flavors.

Brewed coffee has to be made in a coffee maker and can take a while before it is ready. Convenience plays a major part in the instant coffee vs. brewed coffee debate.

Cost

Many people prefer to buy brewed coffee because it is less expensive and more flavorful. On the other hand, instant coffee seems to last longer and go further than brewed coffee. It also keeps longer and can even be refrigerated if desired.

If you can still not decide on instant coffee vs. brewed coffee, try them both and see which ones fits your needs and tastes best.

Coffee Maker Giving You Trouble?

You can’t prepare either types of coffee if your necessary appliances are busted. Whenever you find yourself in need of appliance repair, use TalkLocal to find service professionals in your area that can help. We eliminate the lengthy search process for you.

One of the most common methods of learning how to save energy with home improvements is through appliances. As the concept of “going green” has grown significantly in the past few years, many energy efficient appliances have made it into the market. Why should you invest in these appliances, and how can you be sure they even do what they claim to do?

Why Replace Your Appliances?

As your old appliances age and begin to have problems, they will become less efficient. New appliances which are marked for energy efficiency not only consume less energy, they function better than their less energy-efficient counterparts. Additionally, if you use appliances which use less energy, you could save a significant amount on your monthly energy bills.

What to Replace?

Go through your house and see which appliances consume the most energy. Sure, your light bulbs may be on frequently, and you may watch a lot of television, but consider what appliances consume large amounts of energy.

Your refrigerator, dishwasher, clothes washer and dryer, and HVAC system all make up the majority of your energy bill. Replacing one of these appliances with an energy efficient counterpart can have an impact on your bill. Replacing many of them can save you a significant amount and is beneficial to the environment, too.

What to Look For

The United States Environmental Protection Agency has a qualification called Energy Star. Any appliance carrying this label (a blue and white star) has been evaluated by the EPA and meets, or exceeds, a rigorous set of standards. You can trust that any appliance you purchase with one of these labels will be as efficient as it claims.

Do Your Appliances Need Fixing?

If you are not sure which appliances are the answer to how to save energy with home improvements, consult an expert. TalkLocal can find a qualified professional near you. Our service is easy to use, fast and free.

We instantly boil the cumbersome search process down to three qualified professionals and let you make the final decision. Test it out.

If you want to make your coffee with a French press, you have several material options. Two of the most common are glass and plastic.

The glass vs plastic French press battle is a common one, and there are benefits to owning both types. If you are trying to choose which one to buy, consider these points about each one.

Glass Press

A glass coffee press is the popular choice of many coffee drinkers. Not only do glass presses come in a variety of shapes, styles, and designs, but they also have an elegant look to them which many people prefer.

Glass presses that are made of thick glass can also help keep your coffee hot longer. Glass presses are sturdy and heavy but, because they break easily, they can be difficult to store or take with you while traveling. Glass presses can be purchased from most home and kitchen supply stores and are often given as wedding or graduation gifts.

Plastic Press

Plastic presses are a good choice because they are often inexpensive and portable. Most plastic presses are made of strong plastic that does not crack or break easily. Some people claim that plastic presses can give the coffee a strange taste. They come in a variety of shapes and designs and can be purchased from most kitchen goods stores.

If you like to travel or camp often or want a press to keep in your office or dorm, a plastic press may be the better option in the glass vs plastic French press debate.

If you are still having a hard time deciding between a glass vs plastic French press, consider trying them both. Use each one for a while and decide which one you like best. You can always sell the one you do not like at a yard sale or even return it to the store where you bought it.

Help With Coffee Makers And Other Appliances

TalkLocal is a great resource when you need your French press, coffee maker, or any other appliances repaired. Our concierge service connects you with local service professionals in all industries, so you don’t have to waste time tracking them down yourself.

An oven is a necessary appliance that can be found in most homes. There are many different types of ovens, but all of them serve the same purpose. If you are looking to buy your first oven, or you are ready to replace your old one, you may want to know the average cost of a new oven. There are several different factors that determine the cost of a new oven. Here are a few of them.

Countertop Oven

Countertop ovens are convenient because they are portable and can be placed anywhere in the home where there is counter space. They are especially convenient for small or cluttered kitchens. Countertop ovens work much like traditional ovens and can heat and cook a variety of food items. They come in all different sizes and colors that will match your kitchen.

Electric Oven

Electric ovens can cost anywhere from $300 to $3,000. Traditional electric ovens with few features are cheap, while large commercial style ovens are more expensive. You can choose between wall ovens or freestanding ovens, as well as the colors or size you need. Electric ovens with features such as self cleaning or special cooking temperatures can be purchased, but expect to pay a lot for these extra features.

Gas Oven

Gas ovens cook foods at a much more even temperature than electric ovens and are therefore the most popular choice. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean they are any more expensive or cheaper than electric ovens. Gas ovens have many of the same features as electric ovens and are usually in the same price range. Gas ovens are harder to install than electric ovens, and if you plan to have a professional install your gas oven, you should consider the installation fee as part of the cost.

Finding (Or Fixing) The Right Oven

There is no way around buying or owning an oven so you may as well choose one that you like. Set a budget when shopping for an oven and keep in mind the many factors above that determine the cost of a new oven. Compare prices and shop around until you find the perfect oven for your home. Also, make sure to bookmark TalkLocal‘s website in case your oven acts up and you are in need of a repair professional.

Most people have a dryer in their home. Having your own dryer means you do not have to spend a lot of money drying your clothes at the Laundromat or hang them on a clothesline to dry. If you are looking to buy your first dryer or need to replace a broken one that is beyond repair, you may be wondering about the cost of a new dryer. There are several things that determine the cost. Here are a few of them.

Size

Much of what determines the cost of a new dryer is the size. Dryers that are larger and capable of drying larger loads of clothing are more expensive than smaller ones. Stackable washers and dryers tend to be more compact but can handle more clothing at a time. Remember, a larger dry will likely use more energy and cost you more on your electric bills. Consider this as part of the cost of a dryer.

Brand

Well-known brands are often more expensive than the lesser-known ones. This doesn’t necessarily mean they are better or the right choice for you. Many people choose to pay more for a well-known brand because they own other appliances of the same brand and know they can trust it. If you want a certain brand, decide if you are willing to pay more for it or if you want to take a chance on a lesser-known and lower-priced dryer.

Features

Features are one of the biggest factors which determine the cost of a new dryer. The more features the dryer has, the more expensive it will be. Decide which features you want on your dryer and which ones are worth paying extra for.

If you are like most people, you will use your dryer often. Since dryers are expensive, it is worth the extra money to get the one you want. Consider the three major factors above when deciding how much you will pay for your new dryer.

What If My Dryer Breaks?

Even newer dryers can act up, leaving you at the mercy of an appliance repair professional. Don’t be stuck searching for one in the phonebook. TalkLocal is an amazing new tool that lets you find local professionals of all industries quickly and for free. Give it a try.

A dishwasher is a precious commodity in the homes of many people. Not only is the task of washing dishes made easier, it is also made faster with the help of a dishwasher. This becomes painfully obvious when this important appliance acts up.

Many people who are shopping for a dishwasher have the same question: What is the cost of a new dishwasher?

The cost of a new dishwasher depends on the type you buy and its features. Here are some of the most common features that are offered with new dishwashers, and how they can affect the price.

Energy-Efficient

Energy efficient dishwashers can be somewhat expensive. Since they save you money over time on your water and electric bills, they can be well worth the extra money, and often pay for themselves in just a few short years. If you are thinking about buying an energy-efficient dishwasher, you can expect to pay anywhere from $300 to $600.

Size and Capacity

Dishwashers come in several different sizes and have different load capacities. If you have a large family, or prefer to wash a lot of dishes at one time, you may want to buy a dishwasher with a large capacity. You will need to choose a size based on where you want to install the dishwasher. Many are installed under cabinets or between the sink and another kitchen appliance. Large dishwashers and those with large capacities are more expensive than standard ones. Expect to pay anywhere from $400 to $800 for a larger size appliance.

Cosmetic Features

Some dishwashers come in different colors, have stainless steel buttons, knobs, or racks, or have other special cosmetic features. Any time you purchase a dishwasher that is not a standard model, you can expect to pay a little more money. This brings the question ‘What is the cost of a new dishwasher’ into a different perspective. You may find yourself paying more for cosmetic features that look nice but do not make the dishwasher any more convenient. Depending one which features you choose, these dishwashers can be pretty expensive. You may find yourself paying anywhere from $500 to $1,000 for a dishwasher that has a unique design or special appearance.

Be A Savvy Buyer

If you are wondering ‘What is the cost of a new dishwasher?’, you are not alone. Thousands of shoppers ask themselves this same question every year. When you are shopping for your dishwasher, set a budget and choose the features you need over the ones you want. This will help keep your new appliance affordable. If you need additional help, or are seeking a repair technician to service your dishwasher, rely on TalkLocal to help.

When you are shopping for a new refrigerator, you likely want to get the best deal possible. There are numerous refrigerator brands and styles on the market, and determining which one is the best value for your money can be hard. Some of the things that determine the cost of a new refrigerator are the features. Here are some of the most common features found on refrigerators.

Water and Ice Dispensers

Water and ice dispensers are one of the most popular features that many refrigerator shoppers choose. These features are extremely convenient because they let you get ice and water quickly, without even opening the freezer door. Most ice dispensers also have several options such as offering crushed or cubed ice. The water dispensers may have filters or other convenient features, too. Refrigerators that have built-in ice dispensers and water dispensers tend to cost between $100 and $200 more than a refrigerator that does not have these features.

Automatic Defrost

This feature is standard on most new refrigerators, and is important for regular maintenance. Still, some are made without it. If you are looking to reduce the cost of a new refrigerator, you may want to look for one that does not have automatic defrost. This feature can also cost more on your electric bill because it uses more energy to operate. Although this feature is not necessary, it is extremely convenient and can help save you time and money on repairs if your refrigerator freezes up. The cost of this feature is usually between $50 and $100.

Shelves and Trays

Many shoppers look for removable and flexible shelves and trays inside the refrigerator. The more shelves and trays the fridge has, the more expensive it will be. Sometimes these shelves and trays are removable and can even be interchanged to make more room or help you organize your refrigerator. This feature is very convenient but not really necessary. The cost of these types of shelves and trays can cost as much as $300 more than those found in a standard refrigerator.

Many of these features do raise the cost of a new refrigerator, but are also very convenient. When shopping for your new fridge, decide which features you want and if they are worth paying the extra money for. Remember, it is only worth the money if you are actually going to use the feature or need it.

When Your Refrigerator Acts Up…

Few things are more frustrating than when important household appliances act up. In that event, you will need to get ahold of a repair person quickly. TalkLocal can help you connect with one immediately. Try out our free service.

If you are a coffee addict, and you brew your favorite cup in a traditional coffee maker, you already know how important coffee maker filters are. The filter keeps the coffee grinds from ending up in the pot and subsequently your mug of coffee. Straining out the grinds prevents the coffee from over-brewing, which makes your coffee taste burnt.

There are a variety of coffee maker filters on the market, each of them effective in their own way. Here are some of your options:

Paper Filters

These are the most common, and for good reason. They are incredibly effective at removing all residue from the coffee grounds and beans. Many people opt for paper filters because they are convenient — you just grab a new one every time you want to brew coffee, and throw it away when you are done. You do not have to spend time cleaning your filter.

Still, the cost can add up over time. With permanent filters, you’re making a one-time purchase that will cover your filtering needs for years.

Cloth Filters

Cloth coffee maker filters are very similar to paper, only, they last longer and have wider pours. They are made of cotton, hemp and similar cloths. This allows for small remnants of coffee grounds to get through into the final product. While some might argue that this contributes to an over-brewed cup of coffee, others respond by saying it helps the coffee to taste stronger. Once you’re done with it, you will have to clean it. These filters can get discolored in a hurry.

Metal Filters

Metal filters are the most durable and long lasting. Some of the highest quality filters are even made out of gold. Not only can these be used for years, but they also allow the most coffee through. While this can make for bold-flavored coffee, it can leave behind sediments in your cup of coffee.

If Your Coffee Maker Breaks…

How do you like your coffee? The answer to that question will lead you to the coffee maker filters for you. If you have questions on how to install filters, or if your coffee maker is acting up, you can contact an appliance repair professional via TalkLocal. The process is fast, easy, and free!

If you live in an older home with a radiator that is no longer heating, you will need to know about the different types of radiators in order to figure out how to fix it. The radiator is an older method to heat homes, and though less efficient than other forms of heating, some people still prefer the look of an old-fashioned radiator to floor vents or baseboard heat.

Radiators function through the circulation of a heat source through metal coils in a unit that is placed somewhere in the room. Heat “radiates” from the metal unit and, as air circulates in the room, the air is gradually heated. There are two basic types of radiators.

Steam Radiators: These radiators are the oldest type. They operate through a single pipe from the boiler — usually located in the basement or another room in the home — that heats water to the point of steam. The steam circulates through the metal coils and, as it cools, condenses back into water and is returned through the pipe to the boiler.

Water Radiators: These radiators came after the steam models and operated on the same principle as their elder counterparts. Instead of water being heated in the boiler to the extent of steam, the water is simply heated and circulated through one pipe, around the coils and out a second pipe back to the boiler.

The easiest way to differentiate between the different types of radiators is through the number of pipes connected to the unit. If your unit is exceptionally ornate, it is likely a steam unit. Older Victorian-era radiators were given an artistic flare with the rationale that, if you needed to have a large mass of metal in the room, it might as well look good.

When Your Radiator Acts Up…

Fixing such a unit might turn complicated due to their age and rarity. The best thing to do is to call a professional. TalkLocal can connect you with a local repair person quickly. The best part is, our service is completely free and very convenient.