DEAR READERS: How long is a refrigerator or washing machine supposed to last? Have you ever wondered what the life expectancy is for major appliances? We've all had appliances quit working years before we expected them to. Then it seems friends or family have appliances that never seem to stop working. Here is a general guideline/overview of the average life spans of some appliances:
Central air conditioner: 10-15 years
Refrigerator: 13-15 years
Washing machine: 10-13 years
Clothes dryer: 13-15 years
Dishwasher: 10 years
How long an appliance works depends on how often it is used (or how rarely) and how well you care for it. Inspect it once in a while, and have professionals check for maintenance services. Changing air filters for the air conditioner on a regular basis is crucial for keeping air-conditioning units running.
DEAR HELOISE: I saw the hint about keeping an open baby monitor by the doorbell. This brings some risks.
When my children were small, we had a baby monitor in a bedroom, with the speaker in the living room. Two people decided to have a confidential discussion in the deserted hallway just outside the bedroom. Suddenly, all the folks at the party could overhear the discussion. Somebody ran out to let them know, but the damage was done.
-- Don P. in Ohio
DEAR READER: Probably one in a million, but still worth noting. Thanks!
DEAR HELOISE: It's annoying that computer manufacturers put black buttons on a black background. I've found that one of the handiest things to keep around is a mini LED flashlight. To find a black-on-black button, I take out my mini LED flashlight.
One type of LED flashlight I've found useful is a laptop reading light. These can be clipped onto books for reading, or carried like a flashlight. I keep one by my bed so that if I get up, I don't interrupt my wife's sleeping. This has become my go-to flashlight.
-- Alan S., via email
DEAR HELOISE: Here is a handy hint for upholstered sofa pillows: Take a scented dryer sheet and gently wipe both sides of the pillow with it. Then take it outside and fluff it in the air.
-- Susie R.,
Huntington Beach, Calif.
Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or email
Heloise@Heloise.com
Style on 07/26/2016