Night storage heaters operate on the principle of thermal storage blocks being charged with heat during an overnight period when electricity is supplied at a lower price and releases the heat during the day when electricity is more expensive. Heat is stored during an 8-hour period starting at about 11 p.m. and ending at 7 a.m. the following morning. The times vary slightly between areas and some electricity boards have a 10-hour period starting at 9 p.m. An 8-hour period is sufficient to fully charge a heater. Read the rest of this entry »
Coffee filters have become extremely popular in the United Kingdom in recent years, largely replacing percolators. Although they vary in design, they are fairly straightforward in the way they work.
When water is added to the cold-water compartment, it flows through a hole in the base into a silicone tube containing a non-return valve. The tube feeds water to a metal boiler tube in the metal base plate. This is similar to an iron sole plate and contains a heating element which, when switched on, quickly heats the water in the tube causing it to rise towards the outlet end of the system. The outlet is positioned over a holder containing a filter filled with ground coffee. Hot water is ejected from the tube and filters through the coffee to the jug. This continues as long as there is water in the cold-water compartment and power is supplied to the heater. Read the rest of this entry »
The brush roll is supported on bearings at each end so the barrel rotates freely. Types of bearings, barrels and brushes differ from model to model as well as between manufacturers. Some manufacturers supply individual parts for the brush roll, such as brush strips, bearings and barrel; others supply only complete assemblies. The brush roll on some models may have removable brush strips, whereas others may be a solid brush roll of wood or plastic with fixed brushes. A small selection is shown here to highlight the differences. Read the rest of this entry »
The upright style of vacuum cleaner is perhaps the best for large areas of carpet. It is especially good at removing dirt embedded within the pile and pet hairs from the surface, even on sculptured carpets. A drawback with the basic upright cleaner is its difficulty with cleaning stairs. The problem has been overcome with the modern combination of upright and cylinder cleaner. This type may be the best option if you have large areas of fitted carpet and staircases. The motor within the upright cleaner creates the airflow (suction) and drives a rotating brush roll, often called an agitator barrel. Read the rest of this entry »
The domestic vacuum cleaner has been with us now for some 90 years, during which time it has become the most popular labour-saving appliance in the home. The basic principle of operation is quite simple. An electric motor drives fans to create a fast-moving air flow. At one end, a vacuum (suction) of air is created, while at the opposite end the air is exhausted. If the air is moved quickly enough at the inlet end, it will carry with it any debris that enters the airflow. A means of removing the debris from the airflow is required to prevent its redistribution as the air is expelled. Read the rest of this entry »
Cord rewinds are now found on all types of cleaners, from simple hand-operated versions to the fully automatic rewind at the touch of a button. Many auto cord rewind systems use open coil springs and great care should be exercised if a stripdown of these systems is called for. Protection for the eyes is recommended. Goggles afford adequate protection from the spring itself or any item that it may throw out in the event of its slipping from position.
Operation of the cord rewind relies on tensioning of the rewind spring as the cord is pulled out for use. A small brake pad prevents the immediate return of the spring and cord drum to its original position. Read the rest of this entry »
This type of cleaner, which cleans purely by suction, is better suited to situations other than large carpeted areas: rugs, car interiors, large areas of hard flooring, walls, curtains and furniture. Carpeted stairs are also much easier to vacuum with a cylinder cleaner.
Suction-only carpet cleaning does not remove dirt and grit from the pile base in the same way that the beating and sweeping action of the upright models. However, a machine has been developed that combines the cylinder model with the powered brush roll of the upright vacuum. This type of cylinder appliance has the option of a powered cleaning head attachment that can be connected when required for large carpeted areas. This attachment has a revolving brush roll which is similar to that of the upright cleaner and the suction is supplied by the motor of the cylinder cleaner. Read the rest of this entry »
