April 2010
Monthly Archive
Tue 27 Apr 2010
Posted by 12oclock under
Maytag Articles No Comments
While it is important that customers are spoken to in an understandable manner and cared for while their appliances are being serviced, there are two other aspects of customer service that are often neglected by GE appliance service businesses.
Customer Service Prior to Service
You may think that there isn’t much pre-sell involved with appliance service. Either someone needs their appliances serviced or they don’t, right? That is actually very wrong! One local company understands that the right amount of customer service prior to a service can result in many more customers down the line and they stay very busy as a result of this knowledge!
Potential customers will often call several local GE appliance service businesses before deciding who they feel the most comfortable hiring. If you are in customer service mode on that very first phone call you will put them at ease, make them feel comfortable with you, and make your service stand out in their mind even if they do call around to other places.
Also, if you use the right customer service strategies in the beginning, you could find that customers start referring you to other people they know before you even make a trip to their home to fix their appliances. Word of mouth is the best way to advertise because it’s free, and it starts with customer service from the very first phone call.
Customer Service After the Service
Once you have repaired their appliance, the sale is over and you move on to the next customer, right? Not so fast! Even if you do an excellent job repairing their appliances and answering all their questions during the service, you are missing a great opportunity to expand your business if you just disappear.
Any reputable appliance service will remain open to future repairs if something goes wrong with an appliance, but you have to take it a step further. You have to follow the lead of one local business and discover the art of after service customer service.
Think of ways to keep your service in their mind so they will remember your name when they need appliance service in the future or when someone they know asks for a referral. You want to keep your company name in their memory, which is best accomplished by sending a post card to say thank you for their service. You can even include coupons for future services within a given time period or send periodical postcards checking on them.
This type of after-service customer service makes a customer feel valued and appreciated and it keeps you at the top of their mind if they do need GE appliance service sometime in the future.
This is the only way to earn repeat business and keep customers from calling up other appliance service businesses and going with someone else.
Sat 24 Apr 2010
Posted by 12oclock under
Maytag Articles No Comments
For over a hundred years or even more, there is a company that is very much known in each and every American household – Bissell. It was the owner himself who designed and created the first cleaner that would be known for its quality and durability over a longer period of time. Considering the usual wear and tear conditions of just any product there is, once has to give time searching for Bissell Vacuum Parts.
Good news to the Bissell requirement owner since it is available in just about any store there in that specializes in the sale of vacuum pieces. No matter what era the cleaner belonged to, it is wonderful to know that Bissell Vacuum Parts are still available in the leading hardware stores in the country. This is a proof that old model or not, production of the parts are still ongoing.
This is great news since Bissell, being a crowd favorite, is known to stay for a long time and it gets passed on from one generation to the next. This means that if the time should come when the equipment would not want to function anymore, a few upgrades of some parts would make look like a brand new model. If one is worried about the prices, since there is a vast collection of models per year, some models have slight adjustments to it so finding a replacement would be a lot easier to achieve. It is indeed a great relief to find replacements on these products.
Wed 21 Apr 2010
Although home owners rely on their heating and air conditioning systems to keep their homes comfortable year round, many neglect routine maintenance and upgrades. They simply expect their HVAC system to work when they need it, without ever cleaning, adjusting, or paying much attention to it. And then, when the furnace stops working in the middle of January or the air conditioner dies during a 100° heat wave, these careless home owners are in a bind.
The best way to prevent emergencies with your furnace or air conditioner is simply to have them regularly serviced by a professional HVAC company. Routine cleanings, service, and repairs will help your heating and cooling system live a long life and keep you and your family healthy and comfortable no matter the temperature outside!
Air Conditioners
Annual air conditioner service is recommended by most manufacturers. This routine maintenance will identify bigger problems as well as check coolant levels, condenser efficiency, and other performance related areas to keep your air conditioner in great working order. This maintenance is necessary for all types of air conditioners from heat pumps to traditional cooling units.
One common issue with air conditioning systems is size. Not all homes have the right size central air conditioner unit or the appropriately sized ductwork to carry the cooled air throughout the house. Either issue can cause your air conditioner to work too hard, leading to problems down the road. Make sure that any new air conditioner or ductwork is the correct size prior to installation or have an air conditioner specialist evaluate your current system for proper scale.
If you have an older air conditioning system, you may still be using Freon as a refrigerant. In recent years, this substance has been banned by the EPA as dangerous to the environment and should not be used. For your safety and the planet’s, the coolant in your air conditioner needs to be replaced with an environmentally safe product like Puron. Trained professional air conditioning contractors can safely dispose of the old refrigerant and get your air conditioner running with the new “green” air conditioning technology.
Furnaces and Boilers
As with air conditioners, all types of furnaces and boilers should be cleaned at least once a year. In addition to removing accumulated debris, this allows the furnace repair technician to spot other issues and fix them before they become bigger problems! Especially with steam boilers the boiler and burner tray should be cleaned annually for efficient burning and heating.
Also, you probably don’t realize it, but regularly servicing your heating system can actually improve your comfort and quality of life. Furnace problems can lead to humidity imbalances: excessive humidity or dryness can cause health problems including mold growth, asthma attacks, itchy eyes, and nose bleeds as well as adversely affecting woodwork and windows. An expert heating professional can diagnose issues with your furnace and adjust it to optimize humidity and make your home as comfortable as possible.
Your furnace or boiler could likely benefit from an upgrade or repair, especially if it is an older unit. Steam boilers are particularly prevalent in older homes and require frequent maintenance, but this existing heating infrastructure can be enhanced with small adjustments or improvements. Among the repairs recommended to improve your steam boiler’s efficiency and lengthen its life span are:
· replacing leaky radiator valves
· installing a spark ignition in place of a pilot light
· replacing rusted or damaged pipes
· installing a skim tap system to remove sludge build up
· adjusting gas valve pressure
Even forced hot water heat, which is virtually maintenance-free, can benefit from small upgrades. A home heating professional might recommend adding an air eliminator to reduce water noise or upgrading to a new expansion tank that takes up less space.
HVAC System Cleaning
In addition to regular maintenance and occasional system upgrades, it is important to have your HVAC system cleaned annually. The ductwork connected to your air conditioner or forced hot air heating can collect dust, mold, pollen, bacteria, and other allergens; these built-up contaminants are circulated throughout your home every time the furnace kicks in or the air conditioner turns on. By regularly having your heating and cooling system cleaned, you prevent these potentially dangerous substances from being spread throughout your home.
These HVAC system repairs and maintenance may seem like common sense, but you would be surprised by how many home owners routinely neglect their heating and cooling system. By taking the time to call an air conditioning and furnace company once a year, you can optimize your HVAC system for efficiency and probably prevent emergency situations from developing. Take care of your heating and cooling system, and they’ll keep you comfortable the whole year round!
Tue 20 Apr 2010
Posted by 12oclock under
Maytag Articles No Comments
You should never take the quality of your drinking water for granted. Several contaminating factors can be present which can make or break your health and budget. Some signs of impurities can be detected but using an effective drinking water filter system will ensure that the properties and components are clean, pure and safe to use and consume. Here are more tips on your system.
The Qualities and Types
Some good qualities to look for when choosing a water filter system is to determine which contaminants can be removed. These should be the ones that concern your space or home. The device should also be customizable to fit the specific filtration needs of your house. It can expand depending on your filtration needs since changes can occur over time. Energy sources to power your drinking water filter system may vary. There are electric models which provide a lot of power for added benefits while there are also kinetic models which can run for longer periods.
Compact softeners are ideal if you have limited space in your home. These effectively soften water without consuming a lot of space. Special devices are available to treat well water which is full of iron and manganese. City-water softeners particularly treat water and get rid of contaminants that are usually present such as chlorine, hardness-causing minerals and organic substances.
Being More Specific
Some drinking water filter systems focus on treating a particular substance or mineral. Although the range is limited, these prove to be highly potent in getting rid of materials in severe and multiple forms. The process is also relatively faster and less expensive compared to other broad solutions. There are systems that target sulfur or hydrogen sulphide. Other target and reduce arsenic in water without the need for additional chemicals or maintenance. There are great additions to water softeners which act to remove chlorine particularly. The pH of water can also be improved and neutralized to a less acidic state.
What Happens Under the Sink
A water filter system with a carbon filter design is used to purify all consumable water. The unit can be attached to different items like coolers and refrigerator ice makers and takes away the need for faucet mount filters, pitcher filters, big bottled water containers and refrigerator filters. The taste and quality of water overall is improved by removing arsenic specifically.
The materials used for below sink installation may vary but aim for durable stainless steel lead free faucet and housing. A capacity-metered faucet can indicate when it is time to change the filter. It is also recommended to look for easy-to-connect fittings for instant installation. Filter capacity will vary from 750 to 1500 gallons. Conversion kits may be available wherein the item can double as a countertop unit.
Countertop System
Countertop drinking water filter system is used to purify water at its given location. This is great for your home since you can virtually do a variety of activities easily such as making ice, making coffee, cooking and preparing beverages. Items eliminate the need for big bottled water coolers, faucet mount filters and pitcher filters. The system can also be converted to below sink using a kit. Try to look for stainless steel spout and housing. Filter life will vary anywhere from 750 to 1500 gallons.
In-line water filter system is ideal for the purification of all consumable water in the home. It can easily be attached to coolers, a coffee maker and a refrigerator ice maker. It can also be used in boats and mobile homes or RVs for drinking and cooking. This is the ideal filter if you are using bottled water cooler. Look for durable stainless steel housing and a conversion kit for countertop or below sink mode.
Sat 17 Apr 2010
They may not be enjoyable, but chores are a necessity all the same. Even though they are hardly top on most people’s lists of things that they would like to do, they are something that should be prioritized.
One way to help you get your chores done is to try to streamline the task – make a list of house cleaning chores, and break down each task into small chunks that that they can be done quickly and painlessly. If you make a list of small tasks, and try to stick to the list, you should find that things go much more smoothly – it is easy to keep track of what needs done, and you should find that it is a lot easier to stay on top of your chores, instead of ending up with a daunting list that mounts up over time. Having a good list will save you a lot of time, and keep your house in pristine condition.
Setting Up A House Cleaning Chore List
The first step in making a list is to divide your chores up in to ones that need done weekly, monthly, and quarterly. If you wish, you could include maintenance items in your list, so that you don’t forget the annual gas appliance safety check, or other essential items. Your weekly list should include things like cleaning work surfaces, doing the vacuuming, and other regular chores such as washing frequently used linen, and tidying up the busiest rooms. The monthly list should include chores such as cleaning the fridge and oven, and perhaps gardening chores.
When your house cleaning chore lists is completed, you should place it in plain sight for all of your family members to see. This is the best way to make the delegation of those frequent tasks much easier. At the same time, you will ensure that the entire family takes responsibility for seeing that the weekly cleaning list completed. Want to go a step further? Why not assign certain chores to individual family members? Remember, even little guys can help dust and water plants to contribute to the home cleaning. You can keep the monthly chore list with the weekly list in a drawer or bin. That way it can be accessed easily to keep track of the chores that are already completed and the ones that still have to be done. Make sure to pull this list out once a week to ensure that at least one or two items are completed on a regular basis.
Keeping a busy home clean and tidy is no easy task, even for an energetic homemaker like yourself, but if you use a house cleaning chore list to keep track of what needs done, and delegate tasks as required, then you will go a long way towards making your home an efficient, tidy, and fun place to live.
Mon 12 Apr 2010
Everyone needs to learn how to cook eggs. I love to cook, but most of all I love to cook breakfast! There’s nothing like wakin’ up in the mornin’ to a good home-cooked breakfast and it all starts with cooking eggs.
Don’t cook your eggs over too high heat because the iron in the yolks will react with the sulfur in the whites and your eggs will turn green and be rubbery. “Green Eggs and Ham” makes for good readin’ but not so good eatin’.
How to cook Eggs that are Scrambled
**Make your scrambled eggs soft and fluffy by cooking them over low heat and adding a tablespoon of milk or water.
**If you like cheese in your scrambled eggs, put the cheese in the eggs as soon as you put the eggs in the pan, otherwise, your eggs will lose their moisture before the cheese has a chance to melt and there is nothing worse than dry eggs.
How to cook Eggs that are Fried
**Over-easy eggs – cook them on one side just until firm, flip them over and cook them just long enough to barely put a coating on top of the egg (the white won’t be done).
**Over-medium eggs – flip them over when they a firm and immediately take them off of the heat and let them sit in the pan until the white is completely cooked (the yolk will still be runny).
**Over-medium-well eggs – flip the eggs when the first side is firm. Leave them on the heat until the white is completely done and the yolk is just barely runny.
**Over well eggs – as soon as you put the eggs in the pan, break the yolk and cook them until they are firm, flip and cook until they are all the way done.
How to cook Eggs that are Poached
**Make sure your eggs are fresh. Do this by putting the egg into cold, unsalted water. If the egg stays on the bottom it’s fresh, if the egg stands on its pointed end on the bottom, it’s still good, but best used for baking and making hard-boiled eggs, if it floats – throw it away.
** Use a custard cup or large spoon to lower the eggs into the water.
**If you use a non-stick pan, you’ll want about an inch of water in the pan. If you use a regular pan, make sure it’s a deep saucepan with at least 3 inches of water.
**For every cup of water that you use, add a teaspoon of white vinegar or lemon juice .
**Bring water to a boil before you add the eggs and get them as close to the water as you can and slowly drop them in the water. Remove the pan from the heat and cover.
**How long you cook your eggs really depends on how many eggs you are cooking and how you like them done. If you like your yolks runny but the white pretty well done, it will take 5 to 6 minutes for 4 eggs depending on there size.
**Remove the eggs from the water with a slotted spoon.
**If you want, you can refrigerate the eggs in ice water (up to 8 hours), and then reheated them in hot (not boiling) water when you are ready to use them.
How to Boil Eggs
**”No, boiled eggs are not supposed to have a green ring around the yella!”
**Put eggs in a pot with enough cold water to completely cover the eggs. Bring to a boil, remove from heat, cover and let stand in hot water for 10 minutes. Your eggs will be perfect.
**If you have trouble peeling your eggs, drain the eggs as soon as they have finished sitting for the 10 minutes, shake them around in the pot to crack them and then cover the eggs with ice water and let them sit for a few more minutes. This will shrink the eggs away from the shell and make them easier to peel.