Question: Should I use LED lights in my garage door openers?
Answer: There have been several articles in various magazines about this lately. The problem is that there are two classes of LED bulbs. The standard ones, with an FCC certification of class A, create significant interference between your remote and your garage door opener. One solution to this is to use a class B LED bulb, which significantly reduces the interference. These bulbs are much more expensive than the class A bulbs.
The reason for using LED bulbs is to save money. The garage door opener is only used for a short time each day. I have been replacing my old incandescent bulbs with LEDs for several years. I have a box full of incandescent bulbs. If instead of an LED bulb I put a 60-watt incandescent bulb in my garage door opener I can calculate the energy used over an LED bulb.
I estimated that residents typically open and then close the garage door six times each day. If each one of these leaves the light on for about 10 minutes. Six open and closing cycles of 10 minutes each means this light is on for one hour each day. With a 60-watt incandescent bulb the energy consumption for one year is $1.53. With an LED bulb the energy consumption for one year is $0.33, a reduction of $1.20. At that rate of savings, it would take more than eight years to pay for a class B LED bulb. With that information you need to decide LED or incandescent bulb in your garage door opener.
The Basics on Cleaners for Stainless Steel
Avoid using harsh abrasives, scouring powders, steel wool, bleach, and ammonia, all of which can damage the finish.
Always check the owner’s manuals and manufacturers’ websites for other cleaners to avoid. Some manufacturers advise against using glass cleaner on stainless steel, for example. Samsung even recommends you not use a grout cleaner with muriatic acid on the tile floor in your kitchen because the fumes from the grout cleaner can harm stainless steel appliance finishes.
Here’s more advice on how to clean stainless steel appliances from Nancy Bock of the American Cleaning Institute.
Stainless Steel Cleaning Tips
Step 1: Dip a soft cloth in warm water mixed with a mild dish detergent. Wipe the surface, rinse the cloth and wipe again, then dry with a towel to prevent water spots.
Step 2: If you still see fingerprints, spray a glass cleaner onto a soft cloth and wipe fingerprints away.
Step 3: To remove baked-on food and grease, make a paste of baking soda and warm water. Gently rub onto the surface using a soft cloth or sponge. Wipe with a clean wet cloth and towel dry. For scratches and stains, use a stainless-steel cleaner and apply to the area, following directions. Rinse with a clean damp cloth, then dry.
If you have suggestions for future tips or have questions about maintenance around your home submit them to ask.the.woodchucks@gmail.com
