"Fridge Gone Wild" Contest

In this post: Fridge Gone Wild Contest Rules and Regulations; Maintaining your Refrigerator and Smart Buying Tips for Refrigerators
ArchAngel

Fridge Gone Wild Contest:

Eligibility :
ArchAngel Appliance Repair's Fridge Gone Wild Contest is open to legal residents of Western North Carolina, who are of the age of majority in the jurisdiction in which they reside (and at least 18 years of age). Children whom would like to participate must do so with the assistance of their parent.

Promotion Period :
The ArchAngel Appliance Repair's Fridge Gone Wild Contest (“Contest”) starts on June 10, 2009 at 12:01 AM Eastern Time (“ET”) and ends on August 15, 2009 at 11:59 PM ET (“Contest Period”).

How To Enter:
During the Contest Period, to enter, visit www.ArchAngelApplianceRepair.com and follow the directions provided on the photos page to submit a color photograph of your refrigerator displaying your photo featuring your refrigerator's contents. Submissions will be judged on creativity, uniqueness, overall look, humor, and how your refrigerator contents exemplifies Western North Carolina or you as a person/ hobbies/ etc. Photos must be original work by the individual and not copies or portrayed from other artists. Children (12 and under) may submit drawings in lieu of photography.

Limit :
Limit one (1) entry per person/email address/household.

Prize (s):

1st. 2nd and 3rd place & Child Winner prizes will each receive an ArchAngel Appliance Repair's "Fridge Gone Wild" Contest Certificate &

One (1) Grand Prize will be awarded consisting of the following: Preventative Maintenance for Three Appliances valued at $99.95. and one Gift Card for Food Lion valued at $25.00.

One (1) Second Place Prize will be awarded consisting of the following: Gift Certificate for One Appliance Repair valued at $90.00 (parts additional charge) and one Gift Card for Food Lion valued at $15.00.

One (1) Third Place Prize will be awarded consisting of the following: Preventative Maintenance for One Appliance valued at $39.95 and one Gift Card for Food Lion valued at $5.00.

One (1) Child Winner Prize will be awarded consisting of the following: $25.00 Fun Depot Card

Total ARV of all prizes:
299.90

Winners :
Winner’s name and photo posted on website (available after 8/20/09), visit www.ArchAngelApplianceRepair.com, or call 828-693-7905.

*All entries become the property of the ArchAngel Appliance Repair and will not be returned to the entrant. Submission of an entry shall constitute the grant of a non-exclusive, royalty free license to the ArchAngel Appliance Repair, and its' sublicensees, to reproduce, display, prepare derivative works, distribute to the public by sale or other transfer, and to utilize the photograph submitted for any purpose, including but not limited to publication on the World Wide Web, interpretive publications, and commercial uses. Entrants agree to grant to Sponsor and Organizer an everlasting, royalty-free, assignable, exclusive license to use, utilize, replicate, alter, adapt, modify, publish, broadcast, translate, produce derivative works from, distribute, present, play, sublicense and exercise all copyright and other intellectual property rights with respect to your contribution worldwide and/or to include your contribution in other works in any media now known or later created forever.

Child constitutes twelve years of age and under.

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Maintaining your Refrigerator
Here at ArchAngel we've seen just about everything... literally everything in folk's fridges but I found this shot on the net and couldn't resist posting! I know there have been times when I knew I opened my fridge something might walk out and eat me... all kinds of things grow in refridgerators, especially if you don't properly maintain them! Maintenance isn't just keeping them clean..... to properly maintain your refridgerator requires several things:

1. Clean the inside of the refrigerator regularly with a solution of baking soda and water, even if it doesn't seem to need it. This kind of care will also prevent odors from being absorbed.
2. a close check on the temperature... and that doesn't mean just look at the dials. From time to time stick a thermometer in there and get a true reading. Freezers should be kept at 0F (minus 18C) or lower and refrigerators should be at 40F (5C) or lower, but not so cold as to freeze. When taking the temperature be sure to place it between objects and not up against the wall as this gives an inaccurate reading. Read the thermometer in the morning or after the door has been shut for several hours. It is a good idea to do this at least once monthly. That way you can make note if you are beginning to have issues.
3. This leads to the next maintenance issue. Is your door seal intact? You don't want to waste money and electricity by having to consistently cool your fridge. This is also a go "green" issue. To test this use this dollar bill test. Place a a dollar bill or a piece of paper between the seal and the refrigerator and close the door. Now pull the paper out. You should feel tension as you pull. Retest along the entire door seal.
4. How close is your refrigerator spaced in relation to the wall? There should be adequate room for ventilation and heat control. Also, how close is it in relation to the stove? I never cease to be amazed at the layout of some kitchens! Who ever thought of putting the stove... an obvious heat source... next to the refridgerator? - If you are one of the poor souls to have your kitchen thus laid out, please do what you can to have your kitchen lay out changed and if you cannot make sure there is at least four inches between your stove and fridge. A typical refrigerator has to pull air at floor level across the coils if they are located on the bottom of the unit (some have coils buried in the sides) and across the fractional horsepower compressor at the rear. Hot air is going to effect the performance (and consequently) the life span of the refrigerator. If it has to run all the time it will shorten the life of your compressor. So, I suggest not placing these two appliances side by side and if you are forced to do so especially make sure your door seal is in good condition. The less pressure put on yoru compressor, the longer your refrigerator will run, and save you money from having to purchase another.
5. This is important: Vacuum the back of the refrigerator and underneath it. Remove the front grill and clean it as well. You must keep the air free flowing to keep the appliance running properly but also to prevent fires.
   
6. Empty the water pan from time to time if you find water in it. Make sure it is clean and free of food/objects and place it back under the refrigerator.
7. Have your local appliance repair man check your appliances one yearly for problems that may exist. We do a 10 point check on freezers and refrigerators to include: REFRIGERATOR/ FREEZER
   ” Clean condenser.
   ” Check and properly adjust thermostat and air dampers.
   ” Check automatic defrost cycle.
   ” Check door seals for air leaks.
   ” Clean defrost evaporation pan.
   ” Check defrost drain for blockage and leaks.
   ” Level cabinet.
   ” Check ice dispenser (if applicable) for proper operation.
   ” Check water dispenser (if applicable) for proper water flow.
   ” Inspect electrical system.
   
   

I found this buying smart guide on California's Energy Website and find it very informational and could not have better written it myself..... loads of info!

Buying Smart

http://www.consumerenergycenter.org/home/appliances/refrigerators.html

Refrigerators

Refrigerators come with an EnergyGuide label that tells you in kilowatt-hours (kWh) how much electricity a particular model uses in a year. The smaller the number, the less energy the refrigerator uses and the less it will cost you to operate.

Before you go shopping, explore the Energy Star� product database. It lists high efficiency refrigerators, refrigerator-freezers, and freezers that exceed appliance efficiency standards - making it easier for you to decide which models to look for when you go shopping.

Also check with your local utility company to see if they are offering rebates on energy efficient models.

• Refrigerators with the freezer on either the bottom or top are the most efficient. Bottom freezer models use approximately 16 percent less energy than side-by-side models and top freezer models use about 13 percent less than side-by-side.


• Through-the-door icemakers and water dispensers are convenient and reduce the need to open the door, which helps maintain a more constant temperature; however, these convenient items will increase your refrigerator's energy use by 14 to 20 percent.


• Mini-doors give you easy access to items most often used. The main door is opened less often, which saves energy.


• Too large a refrigerator may waste space and energy. One that's too small can mean extra trips to the grocery store. Your best bet is to decide which size fits your needs, then compare the EnergyGuide label on each so you can purchase the most energy efficient make and model.


• A manual defrost refrigerator uses half the energy of an automatic defrost model but must be defrosted regularly to stay energy efficient.


• Refrigerators with anti-sweat heaters consume five percent to 10 percent more energy. Look for models with an "energy saver" switch that lets you turn down - or off - the heating coils (which prevent condensation).

Freezers

• Chest freezers are usually more efficient than upright freezers. Chest freezers are better insulated and cold air doesn't spill out when the door is opened.


• Automatic defrost freezers can consume 40 percent more electricity than similar manual defrost models.