Home Appliances

Home appliances make life easier, but what's really going on inside them? HowStuffWorks Home Appliances articles take a look inside common household appliances.

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Get ready to set your machine to perm press ... meaning, what? We'll explain this handy-dandy dryer and washing machine setting.

By Sara Elliott & Yara Simón

Front-load washers are all the rage right now, but high-efficiency top-load washers have five features that sill beat their shiny new counterparts.

By Sara Elliott

If your HVAC system or furnace or car A/C or heater is letting you down, the problem could lie in the blower motor. Fortunately, you can learn all about blower motors and how to repair them right now!

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

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You finally bought that refrigerator with an automatic ice make and a cold water dispenser, and now you have to hook up a water line to the refrigerator. Learn how to hook up a waterline to a refrigerator in this article.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

If you're planning to do renovations in your home, it's important that you can distinguish the many types of outlets. This article will help you learn how to understand electrical outlets and avoid unexpected hazards.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

Your water heater isn't heating up the water properly, and you'd like to learn how to diagnose a water heater problem. Learn about how to diagnose a water heater problem in this article.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

You installed a sump pump to save money, but now it's costing you even more. Learn about how to diagnose sump pump problems in this article.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

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Defrosting a freezer can give you more storage space and help the freezer run more efficiently. Learn about how to defrost a freezer in this article.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

Most people would like to make their appliances last longer. Learn about how to make appliances last longer in this article.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

Air conditioning has fundamentally changed how people experience the world. When it's hot outside, walking into an air-conditioned house is like walking into another season. How do air conditioners keep us cool?

By Marshall Brain, Charles W. Bryant & Sara Elliott

Yes, you do have to clean the machine that cleans your clothes! Fortunately, it's easy to do.

By Alia Hoyt

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If your kitchen seems too cramped or crowded, consider replacing your oven with a built-in wall unit. This article shows you how to install a wall oven.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

Some people prefer to sharpen a knife by moving the blade in circles against sandpaper, while others keep the blade at an angle. Learn how to sharpen a knife with sandpaper from this article.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

Waterless urinals still haven't quite broken through to the mainstream, but they can save users billions of gallons of water over standard models. Read on to find out how they work, and stay safe and sanitary.

By Matt Sailor

Waterless urinals are designed to work without H20. So exactly how much water do they save compared to standard models? You might be surprised to find out.

By Matt Sailor

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A problem with your dishwasher is easier to diagnose than you might think. Learn about how to diagnose dishwasher problems in this article.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

If you notice that your water heater is not functioning properly, it probably needs draining. While you can hire a plumber to do it for you, you can also learn how to drain a hot water tank yourself. Read on to save money and protect your water heater.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

The price tags on some of the newer high-efficiency washing machines might cause you to hesitate. But if you look at the costs of running a washer over the long haul, something that uses less energy becomes a bit more appealing.

By Laurie L. Dove

If you have a high-efficiency washing machine, you'll need high-efficiency detergent -- or else you might find a mountain of suds in your laundry room. Which brands are best?

By Alia Hoyt & Debra Ronca

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Washer/dryer combinations are compact and convenient for small spaces, eliminating the need for two separate machines. But are they really as energy efficient as they seem?

By Echo Surina

Buying a new household appliance is usually a long-term investment, whether you're replacing an old unit or setting up home for the first time. Before you buy a clothes dryer, though, you need to understand the difference between the two types that are most commonly available: gas and electric.

By Cherise Threewitt

Your clothes dryer is one of the highest energy-consuming appliances in your home. But even with all the energy-saving appliances on the market today, do high-efficiency dryers exist?

By Carol White

Should you replace your washing machine or repair it? The answer would be obvious if it were something less price like a toaster. But we can help you reach a sound decision.

By Victoria Vogt

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High-efficiency washing machines have become very popular recently. And they use their own special detergents. You may have wondered if they're safe for baby's clothes. Keep reading to find out what to look for and how to make your own detergent.

By Laurie L. Dove

There's been a revolution in washer design in recent years to make residential appliances more energy efficient and environmentally friendly. But how are manufacturers making the two work together?

By Sara Elliott