Air Conditioners

1. What features should I look for in my Air Conditioner?
There are many features that can be unique to a brand, and there are features that are similar but every brand has its own name for it. Some common features than can be kept in mind are air swing (this will make the vents oscillate from side to side, ensuring even cooling in the room), sleep mode (which will set the temperature and speed of cooling in such a way that you don’t need to get up and change it), timer (this will automatically turn off or switch on a unit when you are not there), remote control (which makes operating the air conditioner far easier), etc.

2. How and when should I clean my Air Conditioner’s filter?
Clean the filter before rinsing it in hot or cold running water. Do not use a detergent because it can actually trap the dirt, making it harder to remove. Clean any remaining dust or dirt after rinsing. The filter should be cleaned monthly or more regularly depending on your usage.

Digital camera

3. How do I get photos “developed” from my digital camera?
Since there is no film involved, you don’t need to develop photos taken on a digital camera. The image files can be printed, and the quality of the photo depends on the quality of the camera, the paper used to print it on and the printer.

4. What is JPEG?
JPEG stands for ‘Joint Photographic Experts Group’ and is the standard format in which digital still images are stored. Due to its high compression factor, JPEG images are smaller in size and hence, easier to store

5. How many pictures can I store on my digital camera?
This depends on the total memory capacity of your device. Memory can be upgraded by purchasing higher capacity memory cards. It also depends on the resolution at which you are clicking the photographs. A higher resolution will lead to a larger file size per image.

DVD Player

6. How useful is a USB port on a DVD Player?
A DVD Player with a USB port provides added benefits. Most of these models have support for flash memory (like pen drives). Music, photos and videos can be loaded onto the pen drives and directly viewed / heard on the DVD Player. This also leads to savings – you do not need to purchase blank CDs and DVDs to write data on in order to play it on your DVD Player.

7. How can I check if a DVD Player will play written / data DVDs and CDs?
DVD Players which have this feature generally specify it by stating that they can play CD-Rs, CD-RWs, DVD-Rs and DVD-RWs.

Iron

8. How do I clean my Iron?
The iron should be cleaned gently with a cotton cloth and a wet cloth if it is oily. Never attempt to clean your iron when it is hot.

Laptop

9. How long does a laptop’s battery power last?
This depends on the type of laptop and your usage. It is best to know exactly what you are going to use your laptop for before you purchase it, so that you can go for a model that suits you ideally. Laptops also come with a number of power configurations which set details like your screen brightness to maximize battery life. If you keep your laptop constantly connected to an external power supply, it reduces your battery life in the long run.

10. How do I clean my laptop screen?
Your laptop screen will attract dust particles floating in the air and will require cleaning. The screen is not made of glass, so you have to be very careful while cleaning it. Do not use paper towels or tissue paper to clean your screen as this may scratch the surface. You should not spray any liquid on your screen either. Use a soft, clean, lint free cloth to clean the surface. There are special cleaning solutions available for laptop and LCD screens. These are generally available with a cleaning cloth too.

LCD

11. What is the “Response Time” mentioned in LCD features?
Response Time determines the quality of the image being viewed in fast paced scenes. The lower the response time, the better the image quality.

12. How can I use my LCD television as a computer monitor?
To do this, you will have to ensure that the model you buy has a VGA PC Monitor) input connection.

13. What is HDMI?
HDMI stands for High Definition Multimedia Interface. It is the connection on your television that provides High Definition viewing. For example, you can connect an HDMI DVD Player to your HD ready / Full HD LCD television for a better picture quality.

Microwave Ovens

14. How should I clean my Microwave Oven?
The turntable of the microwave oven can be removed and hand washed, or washed in a dish washer. You can use an all purpose cleaner to clean the surfaces of your microwave. However, please ensure that you spray the cleaner on a cloth and never directly into your microwave, as the cleaner might damage the internal parts through the vent holes. Remember to clean the ceiling of the microwave cavity as well since this gathers a lot of food and liquid splatters.

15. How do I ensure that food does not overheat or boil in my Microwave Oven?
A cover can be used to prevent splattering. Make sure the cover is microwaveable (there are special dishes in which food can be heated or cooked in a microwave). Another option is to use a bigger bowl, since this gives the food more room to boil. If you are cooking a dish in your microwave oven, then the food should be stirred once or twice during cooking. This prevents overheating as well.

Printer

16. Is it safe to refill empty printer cartridges and use them again?
You should only use the specified cartridge with your printer. Using refilled cartridges can lead to the ink leaking and can also damage your device.

Refrigerator

17. Why does moisture or frost collect on the inside / outside of the refrigerator cabinet?
Check the door seal, the door must be slightly open or the gasket might not be making contact with the cabinet. This also happens if the doors remain open for a long time, it should disappear after some time. It is considered normal if it happens during humid weather.

18. Why is my refrigerator making vibrating / rattling noises?
A dish could be vibrating on a shelf; the dish needs to be moved slightly. It could also be items placed on top of the refrigerator (place a pad under such items). The floor could be uneven in which case extra support needs to be put so that the refrigerator is placed on an even surface. It could also be possible that the refrigerator is touching a wall or a cabinet.

Washing Machines

19. Are there any safety features in Washing Machines?
Yes, all washing machines stop spinning during the spin cycle if the lid is opened. Some might even have safety locks to prevent children from opening the lid during a spin cycle.

20. Do Washing Machines have different types of wash programs for different clothes?
Yes, these are model dependent. Some washing machines simulate a hand wash, which works well on delicate clothes. Some offer extended spin and extra rinse options for wringing water out of heavy laundry. Clothes that are quite soiled can even be washed with a pre-soak option, which leads to a better cleaning. You should keep your laundry requirements in mind when opting for a particular washing machine.