Every consumer who is looking to buy a new refrigerator will want an appliance that will help to save his energy bills and money. Conserving energy in any appliance is of utmost priority these days. Refrigerators alone consume more than most appliances combined in one house.
There are so many questions running through one’s mind when it comes to improving the energy efficiency.
Before learning ways to improve efficiency, let us understand that cold air transmits through the heat in the refrigerator. A full refrigerator is considered more energy efficient. But it only works better if there is enough room between the items for the air to flow. Here are some of the ways in which one can improve the energy efficiency in a refrigerator:
- Keep off the top
People usually keep stuff like cereal boxes on the top of the refrigerator. Due to this, the heat cannot escape and it takes a longer time for the refrigerator to cool down. This can drain the energy.
- Condenser coil
The condenser coil located at the back of the refrigerator needs regular cleaning. Dust and webs block the heat from going out. These coils are the cooling agents for the refrigerator. Even the best refrigerators will not function well if the condenser coils are not cleaned at regular intervals.
- No longer open doors
Nothing consumes more energy than an open refrigerator. When the door is kept open for a long time, the cold air leaks out and then it takes up a lot of heat to cool the system.
- Off the ice maker
Ice makers, though are very convenient for the users for dispersing ice, often tend to eat up the energy by 14-20 percent. If, not using them, turn it off and switch to ‘ice cube tray days’ to conserve the energy.
- Ventilation
Proper ventilation is necessary even for the best refrigerators. The refrigerator should be placed at least 2 inches away from the wall to let the heat pass through the condenser coil. If the heat does not pass through, then the refrigerator has to work hard to cool down.
- Check gasket
It is important to check any unwanted open seal while closing the refrigerator door. Doors that are not properly sealed can let the cold escape and in return use up the energy. If you find the seal left open, replace the gasket.
- Organize and arrange
You can get the best refrigerators, but if you do not organize or declutter it occasionally, then even the best refrigerators will not be of any use. When food items are properly organized, it is easier to locate and you will not have to keep the door open for more time to find it. Large and bulky food items that take up too much space like bread or pizza boxes should not be kept on the top shelf as there are chances of the heat being trapped. The compressor will have to pump more to cool the refrigerator thereby shooting up your energy bills.
- Cool it off
Wait for the leftover food to cool off before stashing it in the refrigerator. Do not keep hot items in the refrigerator.
- Clean up accumulated frost
In older refrigerators, users had to manually defrost the ice buildup. Ice accumulated near the coils can make the refrigerators work overtime. Today, while the best refrigerators come with better technology and best results, it always pays to be alert in order to save energy consumption.
As they say `A stitch in time, saves nine’, it is good to be cautious rather than be sorry. Some of the best refrigerators in the market today have a lifespan of around ten years. Always go for energy efficient appliances to save your energy bills in the longer run.
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Risk factors of alpha lipoic acid supplements
Read moreAlpha lipoic acid is an antioxidant made naturally in the body. It is supposed to work best for never damage. In fact, this anti-oxidant has been used widely all over Europe for more than 50 years. Diabetes is one of the other conditions that can be treated with alpha lipoic acid, especially type 2 diabetes. Alpha lipoic acid is highly consumed through supplements. It can also be consumed through various fruits and vegetables. Along with the number of benefits that it has, alpha lipoic acid also has a few risk factors. Let us look at some of the risk factors below:
- Side effects: Side effects aren’t very easy to find around alpha lipoic acid supplement. There are very few cases that have been recorded for side effects. The common side effects include nausea, dizziness, or a rash. Irritation of the skin is another side effect that can be caused by topical alpha lipoic acid.
- Risks: If you are facing any condition related to diabetes, you should consult a doctor before intaking alpha lipoic acid. This is needed as alpha lipoic acid is known to lower the blood sugar to a large extent. Your doctor will suggest checking your glucose levels regularly when you are on the supplements. A thiamine deficiency, found in alcoholics and people suffering from anorexia, or thyroid problems can also be risk factors for alpha lipoic acid supplements. Apart from these, if you have any medical issue, you must consult your doctor before taking up alpha lipoic acid supplements.
- Interactions: If you are already taking supplements and medications provided by the doctor, you must consult them before you start taking alpha lipoic acid supplements, interaction with other supplements can be fatal to your health. Chemotherapy drugs can also lose their effect if you take alpha lipoic acid supplements along with them. Like mentioned before, it can also cause trouble to your health if you take them along with diabetes medication. IT could also be troublesome if you take them with antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, tranquilizers, vasodilators used for heart disease or high blood pressure). Drugs for osteoarthritis are another pattern of medication that can cause trouble if paired with alpha lipoic acid supplements.
- Safety: There is no clear evidence of the safety of alpha lipoic acid supplements. Thereby making it a dangerous supplement for women and children. It is not recommended for women who are pregnant and lactating mothers.
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Benefits of ingredients used in a slow cooker recipe
Read moreSlow cooking tends to bring out the flavor in most meat cuts and even vegetables. Often the subtle benefits of slow cooking go unnoticed and people only see it as a cheap and easy alternative to traditional methods, like baking and frying. Slow cooker recipes do not require a lot of supervision, wherein all the ingredients simmer over low heat to be ready in four or five hours. This also reduces the risk of burning or overcooking the ingredients. But there are more benefits of slow cooking, which can be divided across the various ingredient that go in the recipe. Be it your pot roast or chicken stew, the traditional recipes can be easily modified for slow cooking.
Health benefits of slow cooking pot roast: One of the main advantages of cooking over a low flame is that the ingredients used in the recipe, retain their nutritional value which might be otherwise lost in traditional roast, oven or grill recipe. Slow cooked beef or meat not only retains the flavor, but also manages to absorb all the nutrients from the other ingredients and vegetables that complement the recipe in the broth. Vital minerals, vitamins, nutrients, amino acids which are all beneficial for maintain the overall body heath are preserved this way. Tough cuts of meat used in the recipe are also low in fats, which help cut down the overall fat and calorie content. These tough meats can be prepared only in a slow cooker to yield the best possible results.
Health benefits of slow cooking chicken: Slow cooking chicken over time prevents cancer causing toxins to develop which are a high chance in other traditional methods. Grilling and other methods produces glycation from burnt meats, which is the toxic reaction. Slow cooking does not allow the toxins to develop since the meat is cooked over a low flame and chances of overcooking or burning the meat, is the least of your concerns. Slow cooked recipes are beneficial for overall heart health as the main amino acid taurine, which is responsible for cardio vascular health is preserved this way.
The other advantages include minimum use of processed ingredients and foods which can be beneficial for the overall health. Processed foods contained considerable amounts of sodium, fat, calories which will only add to the overall carbohydrate and calorie count in the recipe. Using all natural ingredients or organic ingredients, which can be easily substituted in a slow cooked recipe for readily available ingredients and canned foods ensures a healthy recipe.