Wednesday, November 14, 2012

How To Care For Your Refrigerator/Freezer


We often take our refrigerators for granted although the seemingly magic, cooling machine is a fairly recent invention. Less than a hundred years ago, we were still using ice boxes to cool our pickles and drinks. Additionally, up until 1990, refrigerators used the synthetic chemical Freon-12, but since Freon-12 damaged the Ozone, it was replaced with the less harmful chemical, R-134a. Enough with the history lesson, here are a few more tips to make your fridge do the most for you. See our previous post on fridge temperature for even more information.

1.      Use a Coil Cleaning Brush

We already talked about condenser coils, but here is some extra information on what they are and how to clean them. The condenser coils cool the refrigerant (the previously mentioned chemical, r-134a), which in turn cools the Fridge. The fan cools the condenser coils (not all fridges have a fan), so if any of these parts are dirty, than they will not release heat or function as well as they should. Using a coil brush, which you can buy for an economical $5, Scrub and vacuum the condenser coils. You may have to remove a grate or pull out your fridge to access the coils. Remember to unplug your Fridge before doing any kind of work, even if you are just brushing the dirty coils.

2.      Space Check

Freezers get crowded. Sometimes you just can’t eat the ice-cream as fast as you buy it. A full freezer is more effective at keeping cool than an empty one, but, when things get too cramped and crowded, the air circulation diminishes. When food starts to pile up around the vents, then the air return will become clogged and use more energy to achieve less. Try to find the right balance between overstuffed and under packed.

3.      Use an odor reducer

There are a few things that can help out with that old fridge smell. The better known one is to keep an open container of baking soda in the back of the fridge, but a few lesser known ones are a few charcoal briquettes, a bag of coffee grinds, which masks instead of removes the smell, or a tool such as the “Fridge-It,” which is made of activated charcoal (activated meaning it reacts more easily). You can find a pack of 6 for under $20.

4.       Check your Freezer Thermometer

We talked about the Refrigerator sweet spot between 35° and 38° Fahrenheit and but your Freezer also has a sweet spot between 0° and 10° Fahrenheit, so you should match your settings accordingly. You may have an air baffle in addition to your temperature controls. The air baffle helps control the temperature and will make the freezer colder if closed.

Is your refrigerator, freezer, or ice maker not working at all? If you cannot diagnose the problem you may need to have a repair technician come take a look. Choosing the Right Appliance Repair Technician is important to ensure your appliance gets back to running in tip-top shape.

Occasionally, refrigerators will need to have their control board replaced. If the refrigerator part is no longer available for purchase, try CoreCentric Solutions’ Return for Repair service to breathe new life back into your old appliance! Our fast turnaround time of 24-48 hours gets your appliance back working again in no time and saves you the hassle of purchasing a new refrigerator. Call 1866-737-2244 for more information on our Return for Repair service.

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Recycle Your Old Electronic and more


Each year, Americans throw out 3 million tons of electronic waste, more than any other country. Most of this waste ends up in landfills and incinerators. These traditional methods of waste disposal have one big flaw: they release their contents into the environment. Landfills produce leachate, a mixture of rainwater and dissolved waste. Incinerators burn their waste, releasing harmful gasses and particulates.

These methods of waste disposal are especially dangerous when electronic waste is among the trash. Circuit boards, batteries, bulbs and motors contain harmful toxins and carcinogens. For example, the control board in your major appliance might contain Mercury, Lead, Cadmium, or Beryllium Oxide. When these boards are thrown out, these harmful substances make their way into the environment as leachate and smog. There has to be another way!

The excellent phrase, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure” holds true here. Most of the components found in electronic waste are recyclable! Because of the high demand for electronics in general, recycled materials are used by many manufacturers. In addition, some companies, like CoreCentric Solutions, recycle the whole control board.

Recycling old electronics helps the environment and the economy. Instead of tossing your old appliance parts in the trash, Think Green and recycle. It’s easy! Just take your old part to one of our many recycling centers. You can find a list of appliance part recycling locations here.

Saturday October 27, 2012 CoreCentric Solutions is sponsoring a Recycling Extravaganza at their main facilities at 175 Wall St, Glendale Heights, IL. Here from 9 am thru 1 pm you can drop off your electronics, light bulbs, powertools and more to recycle. There will even be a free secure paper shredding service available. For more info visit http://www.corecentricsolutions.com/published/recyclingevent.

When it’s time to buy another part, Think Green and buy remanufactured parts. These components are made to meet or exceed OEM standards and even come with a warranty. You can find hundreds of these parts and more information here.

Friday, September 21, 2012

Finding an Appliance Part Number


So your appliance is broken. What now? Fixing it is almost always better than buying a new one, because it can save you money and save that appliance from the landfill. If you can identify which part is faulty, then dealing with that individual part is the best solution. Whether you buy a part directly from the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), buy a remanufactured part (often the more economical option) from a company such as CoreCentric Solutions, or use a repair service such as CoreCentric’s Return for Repair (RFR) service, you will need to know the part number beforehand.

There are a lot of numbers on every board. There are labels for individual components, date codes, part revisions, and different numbering systems for each manufacturer as well as within the manufacturer itself. Unfortunately there is no standard, so you are going to have to do some troubleshooting, and work off of these guidelines to find the right digits.

1.      Look for labels not directly printed onto the board. 



A good clue for finding a part number is if it is on the label. You can also see in this example that the label says, “GEA Part No.” so the part number (also called a control number) should be fairly easy to find.

2.      Avoid the date code. One of the most common errors for the novice part number finder is to mistake the date code for the part number. For the part pictured above, the part number is easily laid out, but for other parts, there will be no indication as to which number is which function. Date codes are often shorter, and may have certain letters and number standing in for years or months. The format of the date codes can change depending on the manufacturer.

3.      Identify Patterns – Try to find similarities between these part numbers and the numbers on your board.

            Bosch        -    486752 -> 6 digits
16-10-623 -> 2 digits – 2 digits – 3 digits

Frigidaire -     5303272309 -> 9 or 10 digits

GE              -    WB27T10611 -> Often starts with W and another letter, eg: WB, Wh, WE, WR, etc.    
                        336282 -> 6-7 digits

Whirlpool -    6610269 -> 7 digits

These are just a few examples. Your board might have a different numbering system altogether.

4.      If you find that your online search for the part number comes up empty, then you may have the wrong number or your part might be no longer available (NLA). If you think that your part is NLA, consider using CoreCentric Solutions’ Return for Repair service. You can search your part number on the Return for Repair price list and have CoreCentric Solutions repair your part in only 2-4 business days. 

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Water Saving Tips



Water is on a lot of people’s minds (and makes up most of our body!). Our lives depend on hydration, and we use water for washing, cleaning, cooking, cooling, waste disposal, and more every day.

You may have heard the standard tips for water conservation, such as taking shorter showers and turning off the water while you brush your teeth, but here are a few extra suggestions of home upgrades that will really make a difference for your water consumption and water bill.

1.      Install a Faucet Aerator
A faucet aerator attaches to the end sink or bathroom tap and helps reduce water usage by spreading the water flow from one big stream into many little water droplets. Modern indoor water faucets are likely to have built-in aerators, but if you have an older model, attaching an aerator can instantly save water and money. They are economical too and you can find them easily online or at your local home depot for under $10.

2.      Install a water efficient shower head
In 1992, the Government regulated shower heads to have a flow rate less than 2.5 gallons per minute. This created a generation of more efficient shower heads, saving as much as 12 gallons per 5 minute shower. If you multiply that by your daily morning shower, that is more than 4,000 gallons per year. If you still have the old faithful showerhead, it might be time to swap it out for one that uses less water. Don’t throw the old one away however because you won’t be able to find another showerhead with the same amount of gallons per minute if you can’t stand the newer models.

3.      Use an air-cooled ice maker (instead of a water cooled icemaker)
Most water cooled icemakers use a once-through cooling system. The water used to cool the machine is used once and then disposed. This process uses a lot of water, and if you do not want to buy a closed-loop water-cooling system, which tend to be a lot more expensive, then you are best off looking for an air-cooled machine. These machines generally use more energy and produce more heat, but with much less impact than the waste and bills of the water-cooling models,

4.      Look for the EPA WaterSense label.
The environmental protection agency has developed a program that identifies and backs products that use less water without losing performance. If you are thinking of buying anything from a toilet, to a showerhead, to an irrigation controller, finding one with the WaterSense label will be to your benefit. Find out more here.

5.      Use an efficient washing machine that offers load and cycle adjustment
Washing machines use up a lot of water and energy. High-efficiency machines can cut both of these by as much as fifty percent. If you combine this with the option for adjustable settings so that you use the right amount of water for the right amount of clothing, then you will find an immediate reduction of your water use.

Another reason that your washing machine or other appliance may be using excessive amounts of water or energy is if it is not working correctly. If you diagnose the problem, and believe that your control board is causing the trouble, then CoreCentric Solutions has the economical answer. We provide remanufacturing services on electronic controls for all major brand appliances. Each of our remanufactured controls are fully analyzed and tested with quality equal to or better than any OEM part. Each control comes with a worry free 6 month performance guarantee.

Thursday, August 9, 2012

What is Remanufacturing?


What makes remanufacturing special? How is a part remanufactured? What is the difference between a remanufactured part, a repaired part, a used part, a recycled part, and a broken part? How can I find a remanufactured part?

These are all important questions. Remanufacturing is a process that replaces the components which are most likely to fail or are obsolete. A remanufactured part meets the standards of the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and is the same quality as a new part. Currently, remanufactured products range from car engines, to office furniture, to durable appliance parts, and more. An appliance part remanufacturing company such as CoreCentric Solutions meets the OEM guarantee by diagnosing the susceptible modes of failure, replacing all components that may be causing the failure, and then performing a 100% full functional test on the resulting remanufacturing control board.

The process differs from simple repair because in a repair, the technician will diagnose the problem for each individual board and fix or replace the singular cause of the problem. The repair process does not offer as much longevity or quality as the remanufacturing process because any one of the other susceptible failure components could be on the brink of causing yet another trip from your appliance technician.

Remanufacturing is often the better option than buying a new part because it is cheaper, meets the same OEM requirements as the new part, and may even have any corrections present in later revisions.

Remanufacturing is also special because of the decreased strain on the environment. Fixing a durable appliance is the first step towards environmental conservation because it keeps the whole appliance out of a landfill. Buying a remanufactured board is a further step because it keeps the boards, which contain chemicals that may be harmful to the earth, in circulation and out of the air.

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

How to Take Apart and Reassemble Your Major Appliance

Before you can get inside an appliance and figure out what in the world might be wrong, it is important to know how to correctly and safely take apart and reassemble it. Luckily, though large appliances may have vastly different functions, they are often held together in similar ways.

Prior to starting, there are a few crucial things to remember.

  • Unplug the appliance – working with a live appliance is a recipe for disaster. If you ever have to check something that involves returning power to the unit, plug it in, stand back, then turn it off before resuming work.
  • Keep track of your work – you don’t want to be left with a confusing mess of screws, bolts, and wires. Keep notes on where each component came from, and use containers to keep track of the small screws.
  • Label all wires – these can notoriously all look the same by the end of a repair.
  • Go piece by piece – not all repairs require full disassembly. If you think the malfunction may have occurred in a easily accessible spot, than start there and move on if the appliance is still not functioning correctly. 
1. Beginning 

Start with the most apparent points of connection, such as the knobs and fasteners. These may be screwed on, held with pins, spring clips, springs, or simply push-fit and can be removed by pulling. Fasteners may be hidden from view, but that does not mean that they cannot be disassembled. One common occurrence is the spring clip.


2. Getting Closer 

To remove a spring clip, use a putty knife and put the blade of the knife into the seam where the top panel hits the side panel. If you find an obstruction, this is most likely a spring clip. Push the blade directly against the clip, while pushing up on the top panel and it should pop out with ease.

Fasteners may also be hidden behind a variety of objects, such as a nameplate, logo, plug, or behind the appliance. Carefully remove the part that is hiding the fastener, and then remove the fastener itself. If something really seems like it is a force fit, gentle application of a heading pad may make the disassembly easier.

3. While It’s Apart

Once you have removed all panels and fasteners, take the opportunity of the opened appliance to vacuum the inside, lubricate any motors, and make sure electrical contacts are clean. You would be surprised how much a thorough cleaning can do. The most common problem in washing machines is a buildup of lint.

4. Reassembly

Finally, put together everything based on your detailed notes, and test the appliance to make sure it is in working order. If anything malfunctions or seems off, go back over your repair and make sure that all components are back exactly how you found them.

If the appliance still malfunctions, you may need to have a repair technician come take a look at your unit.

Occasionally, units will need to have parts replaced to bring them back to working order. If the part is no longer available for purchase, try CoreCentric Solutions’ Return for Repair service, or visit CoreCentric's eBay Store to breathe new life back into your old unit! Our fast turnaround time of 24-48 hours gets your oven back up and running in no time while avoiding a costly appliance replacement. Call 866-737-2244 for more information on our Return for Repair service.

Thursday, April 12, 2012

How to Effectively Clean Your Oven Using the Self-Clean Mode

After several hundred meals ranging from Thanksgiving turkey to frozen pizza, your oven collects all kinds of debris that can be a headache (and backache) to thoroughly clean. The self-cleaning mode on your oven is a neat little function that saves a lot of time while avoiding using chemical-based cleaners around food preparation areas.

So how does self-cleaning actually work? Essentially, the cleaning mode raises the temperature of your oven well over 800 degrees to create an extreme atmosphere in which food particles and debris cannot withstand. During this cycle, the debris eventually either dissipates or reduces to an ash-like consistency that can be easily removed with a damp cloth. If you haven’t cleaned your oven in a while, or used the self-cleaning feature, follow these simple steps to get your unit sparkling clean once again.


                        Preparation - 

a.       Make the job a little easier for your oven by peeking into the unit to look for any large debris that could pose as a problem during the cycle. Not only does it make the cleaning process easier for the oven, but it will also prevent excessive smoke from being released into your home.
b.      Some manufacturers recommend leaving the oven racks while others do not. The high temperature may cause the shiny finish on the racks to become dull after a self-cleaning cycle. If you are unsure, check your owner’s manual.

Watch out for Flammables! - 

a.       Your oven is about to be heated to a very high level. Take extra precaution by removing all flammable items within your oven’s immediate proximity. Also, keep an eye out for children and pets!

Lock It Up! - 

a.       Ovens that have a self-cleaning mode have a locking mechanism that prevents the oven from being opened during the cycle to prevent any injury from the extreme heat. Check your owner’s manual to determine if your oven door automatically locks or needs to be manually latched.

Fire It Up! - 

a.       After you have your oven door properly secured, it is time to fire it up! Start the self-cleaning cycle and be sure to turn your overhead fan on as well.
b.      The exhaust fan will help prevent excessive smoke and the burning smell from escaping into your home as the debris is burned off, however, it is normal for an oven to smoke during this cycle. Opening a few windows nearby in addition to the exhaust fan helps as well.

Self Cleaning Time - 

a.       Let the oven do its work! Your oven will soon heat up to over 800 degrees incinerating all the debris in your unit. The running time varies by manufacturer and model so if you are unsure, check your owner’s manual.
b.      DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES TRY TO OPEN YOUR OVEN DURING THIS CYCLE! Self-cleaning ovens have the locking feature for your safety – to protect you from the extreme temperature it achieves during the cycle. The cycle time may be more than 4 hours so be patient and do not try to rush the process by opening the door. It can severely injure you and those around you.

Cool Down - 

a.       After the cycle is complete, your oven will most likely remain locked during the cool down period. The oven will take some time to return to a safe temperature so be sure to allow ample time.

Clean Up - 

a.       Now that your oven has returned to a safe temperature you can complete the final step of the cleaning process. Simply take a damp cloth and wipe down all surfaces in the inside of the oven. You will find that all debris has been reduced to a dust consistency that is very easy to remove.

The self-cleaning feature is a great way to keep your oven debris free without excessive scrubbing. If only all appliances had this nifty little feature.
If the self-cleaning function, or any function, does not seem to be working properly you may need to have a repair technician come take a look at your unit.
Occasionally, oven units will need to have their control board replaced to bring them back to working order. If the part is no longer available for purchase, try CoreCentric Solutions’ Return for Repair service, or visit CoreCentric's eBay Store to breathe new life back into your old unit! Our fast turnaround time of 24-48 hours gets your oven back up and running in no time while avoiding a costly appliance replacement. Call 866-737-2244 for more information on our Return for Repair service.

Monday, March 26, 2012

How Often Should I Replace the Water Filter In My Fridge?

Thanks to the advancements in home water filtration systems in refrigeration units, homes across the United States have access to bottled-quality water in their homes at a fraction of the cost. These home water filters remove bacteria and contaminants from your tap water dispensing your family quality, fresh and odorless water.


Many water filters in refrigeration units need to be replaced according to manufacturer’s instructions to continually provide clean, fresh tasting water. Neglecting to change your water filter not only prevents filtration, but can also reduce the quality of your water from oversaturation of the filtering unit. Filters commonly use a charcoal-based solution that traps contaminants as the water flows through them – cleaning your water as it travels through your refrigerator to the glass. As you continually dispense your water, the filter becomes completely saturated with contaminants and begins to leak the trapped contaminants back into your water as it passes through. Replacing your water filter based on the manufacturer’s recommendation is the easiest way to keep your water clean and great tasting.

To find what water filter is required for your fridge and how often it should be replaced you should first check the manual that came with the refrigeration unit. Keeping up with the recommended filtration schedule is the best way to ensure that you and your family always receive contaminant-free, great tasting water.

Is your refrigerator not working at all? If you cannot diagnose the problem you may need to have a repair technician come take a look. Choosing the Right Appliance Repair Technician is important to ensure your unit gets back to running in tip-top shape.



Occasionally, refrigeration units will need to have their control board replaced. If the refrigerator part is no longer available for purchase, try CoreCentric Solutions’ Return for Repair service, or visit CoreCentric's eBay Store to breathe new life back into your old unit! Our fast turnaround time of 24-48 hours gets your refrigerator back working again in no time so you can enjoy fresh-tasting water at a fraction of bottled water prices. Call 866-737-2244 for more information on our Return for Repair service.

Monday, March 19, 2012

Quick Tips to Lower Your Electric Bill during the Air Conditioning Season

As we begin to approach the summer months, the temperature begins to rise as well as our energy bills.

Here a few quick tips to keep your electricity bill low and your home cool and comfortable.

1) Upgrade to an Energy Efficient A/C Unit

a. If you have an old, outdated A/C unit your energy bill will be much higher as older models typically are not energy efficient. Do a little research or ask a certified technician if you are due for an upgrade. Be sure to select the proper unit for the size of your home to properly cool your home without wasting energy.

2) Replace Used Filters

a. A used, dirty air filter causes your A/C unit to work overtime. Replacing your air filter based on the manufacturer instructions can help you cut down on energy costs while ensuring the air circulating throughout your home is clean and fresh.

3) Air Conditioner Check-Up

a. When was the last time you had a technician come look at your air conditioning unit? If you cannot remember, it has probably been too long. Have a certified technician come and inspect the efficiency of your unit. Air conditioners in homes across America are not running at peak efficiency due to leaky air ducts and poor ventilation. A simple technician visit to your home may cost a few dollars, but the monthly savings on your bill from identifying and resolving unit issues will recoup your initial investment. Best of all, your home will be much cooler so you can beat the heat!

4) Program Your Thermostat

a. Most A/C units have a programmable thermostat that can be set to turn the air on and off during certain times of the day. Try programming your thermostat based around when you will be in and out of your home. Save the cold air for when you are relaxing on the couch!

5) Close the Door!

a. In rooms you do not use often, close the A/C vent along with the door to the room. This better allocates your A/C unit’s energy to the rooms you wish to enjoy the comfort of cool air.

6) Timing is Everything

a. One would be surprised how much heat is emitted from appliances in your home. Your washing machine, dishwasher, dryer and oven all emit heat when in use. Avoid using these appliances during the day when the temperature is at its warmest. Try cooking and cleaning in the morning hours or once the temperature has cooled in the evening.

7) Install an Attic fan

a. If you have an attic in your home, you know how warm it gets up there in the summer months. Heat rises into your attic and becomes trapped. This warm air from your attic has nowhere to escape and eventually descends in to adjacent rooms in your home. The attic fan will help circulate the hot air out of your home instead of in your comfortable, cool rooms.



Is your A/C unit not working at all? If you cannot diagnose the problem you may need to have a repair technician come take a look. Choosing the Right Appliance Repair Technician is important to ensure your unit gets back to running in tip-top shape.



Occasionally, air conditioning units will need to have their control board replaced. If the refrigerator part is no longer available for purchase, try CoreCentric Solutions’ Return for Repair service, or visit CoreCentric's eBay Store to breathe new life back into your old unit! Our fast turnaround time of 24-48 hours gets your air conditioner back working again in no time so you can enjoy the comfort of your home. Call 1866-737-2244 for more information on our Return for Repair service.

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Why Won't My Dishes Dry at the End of the Wash Cycle?

Dishwashers are one of the greatest inventions of our time. They save us time and energy – cleaning and sanitizing our dishes efficiently without the need of a bottle of Dawn and elbow grease. It can be frustrating, however, when your dishes come out clean but need to be dried before placing them back into the cupboard. Why won’t my dishes dry?

There are a few possible reasons why your dishes are not drying at the end of your cycle. Before calling a repairman, try a few of these quick fixes:



Rinse Aid: Have you tried a rinse aid with your dishwasher? Rinse Aids are a great an inexpensive way to ensure your dishes come out dry and sparkling clean. Moisture accumulates on your dishes each cycle; the rinse aid prevents the moisture build-up that leaves your dishes covered in water.

Overload: If your dishwasher is filled to the brim, it will prevent your dishes from drying. There needs to be enough space in your dishwasher to allow air to circulate freely throughout the unit.

Air vs. Heated Dry: Many dishwashers have an option to use a heated dry cycle. Enabling heated dry may be a simple way to solve your drying issue.

Thermostat Sensor: Dishwashers have a temperature sensor that monitors and controls the washing and drying functions. If your thermostat sensor is not working correctly, the unit may not dry your dishes. The easiest way to determine if your thermostat is the culprit is to run your dishwasher on the hottest cycle and open it mid-wash. If you can’t feel the heat – your temperature sensor probably isn’t working correctly. Be sure to open carefully- if your temperature sensor is working correctly the steam emitted will be very hot!

Heating Element: You know that horseshoe shaped mechanism at the bottom of your dishwasher? That is your heating element and it is responsible for warming the contents in your washer. If it looks damaged, give your local repairman a call.

Fan: Many brands and models of dishwashers have a drying fan that assists in the circulation of hot air throughout your dishes. Look in your unit’s user manual to see where your fan, if any, is located and check it for any signs of damage. These fans also occasionally accumulate debris – wiping down the fan with a damp cloth usually does the trick.

Contents: What you are putting into your dishwasher also has an effect on your drying cycle. Ceramic and glass dishes retain heat and dry much better than plastic dishware. Try putting your Tupperware on the top shelf next time.

If your dishwasher continually fails to dry your dishes you may need to call a repairman to come inspect the unit. Many times the unit’s control board will need to be replaced.



CoreCentric Solutions offers a lower cost alternative if your need to replace your control board. Located in the heart of the US, CoreCentric Solutions remanufactures control boards using an ISO9001:2008 Certified Quality Management System, All controls are fully tested to OEM standards and come with a 6 month warranty. Parts can be purchased on line at http://stores.ebay.com/CoreCentric-Solutions-Store

If the dishwasher part is no longer available for purchase, try CoreCentric Solutions’ Return for Repair service to breathe new life back into your old appliance! Our fast turnaround time of 24-48 hours gets your appliance back working again in no time and saves you the hassle of purchasing a new dishwasher. Call 1 866-737-2244 for more information on our Return for Repair service or visit http://www.corecentricsolutions.com .

Monday, February 27, 2012

How to Organize Your Wine Refrigerator

Being a wine connoisseur, you know the importance of proper temperature and storage. You keep your collection preserved in a wine cooler or refrigerator, providing an ideal home and storage space for your family’s favorite dinner-time beverage.


As your collection grows, it is helpful to adopt a separation strategy for your wine cooler. Here are a few ways to keep your wine separated:

  • Color/Type:
    • Separating your wine by color is the easiest strategy to organize your collection and doesn’t require as much knowledge of wine as the Maitre d' at the Italian restaurant around the corner. Sort the reds from whites, cabernets from pinots and your collection will begin to show some organization.

  • Geographic Location:
    • Wine color and flavor varies drastically from location to location. Try organizing your collection by country – keeping your Italian moscato separated from your California sauvignon blanc. You can take your collection even further by organizing by color/type after separating by location.

  • Brand:
    • Another simple way to organize your wine cooler is to separate your collection by brand. Separating by brand works great if you continually buy certain brands or have a special affinity for a specific winery.  

  • Price:
    • A truly special wine should be saved and shared with special people. Organizing your collection by price is a great way to determine when to bring out your best bottle for enjoyment.

 
If you own a Wine Enthusiast wine cellar cooler or refrigerator and it is not working correctly or if your Wine Enthusiast control board needs repair – do not fear the well-being of your favorite vino. CoreCentric Solutions, based out of the Greater Chicago Area offers a return for repair service on the following parts for a variety of models (Part No: 280-06-26-98 & 280-06-26-00). For more information on CoreCentric Solutions’ RFR, call (866) 737-2244 or visit http://www.corecentricusa.com.

Thursday, February 16, 2012

What is the ideal temperature for your refrigerator?

When you open your refrigerator, you see a world where your fresh produce, lunchmeats and favorite beverages live harmoniously. What you don’t see is the ongoing, microscopic battle between your food and the bacteria that is attempting to overthrow your refrigerator and stake claim on everything from your Clementine oranges to the Chipotle burrito you did not have room to finish.

 
Your refrigerator’s job is to keep the items inside preserved – slowing the growth of bacteria and keeping your food fresh. The low temperature creates an environment that keeps your food items edible and tasty while keeping bacteria in check. The lower the temperature, the fewer bacteria can thrive and multiply on your food.

 
So what is the best temperature to keep your refrigerator? If you keep your refrigerator too cold, your vegetables get mushy and your Diet Coke cans explode causing a sticky mess. Keep your refrigerator level too warm and bacteria will overrun your entire fridge spoiling all of your items, wasting food and requiring another trip to the grocery store.

 
The best temperature to keep your refrigerator is anywhere between 35 and 38 degrees Fahrenheit. Keeping your fridge in this “sweet spot” will prolong the life of your food and keep bacteria at bay. Most refrigerators have temperature control settings, commonly located in the back of the unit. Newer models even have the temperature panels located on the refrigeration door for easy temperature adjustment. Depending on the contents in your fridge, the temperature will vary which is why it is important to take the time and determine the optimal setting regularly.

 
By achieving the ideal temperature for your refrigerator, you can prolong the life of your foods, save money and energy, and avoid sharing your favorite dish with your microscopic adversary. Here are a few great tips to keep your refrigerator running in tip-top shape:

 
  • Clean your refrigerators condenser coils at the bottom and in the back. Freeing up dust particles makes it easier for your refrigerator to obtain the proper temperature - saving money and electricity
  • Overloading your refrigerator with lots of warm food upsets the temperature and condensation balance. Let your food cool off a bit before putting it away
  • Refrigerators and freezers operate best when they are full and have space between the items for cold air to circulate – put your Tetris skills to work!
  • Close the door! When your refrigerator door is open, you let out more cold air than you think. Do your best to avoid keeping the door open for extended periods of time
  • Refrigerator seals wear out over time and let the cool air out causing your fridge to constantly be running in the cooling cycle. Take a dollar bill and close the refrigerator door on it. If the bill easily slides out, you may need to replace your seal

 
Is your refrigerator not working at all? If you cannot diagnose the problem you may need to have a repair technician come take a look. Choosing the Right Appliance Repair Technician is important to ensure your appliance gets back to running in tip-top shape.

 
Occasionally, refrigerators will need to have their control board replaced. If the refrigerator part is no longer available for purchase, try CoreCentric Solutions’ Return for Repair service to breathe new life back into your old appliance! Our fast turnaround time of 24-48 hours gets your appliance back working again in no time and saves you the hassle of purchasing a new refrigerator. Call 1866-737-2244 for more information on our Return for Repair service.

Friday, February 10, 2012

Bringing Old Appliances Back To Life

By William Hageman, Chicago Tribune reporter
February 10, 2012

A simple broken part can often signal the end of a major appliance, sending a consumer out to shop for a new refrigerator, stove, air conditioner or clothes dryer.

To make matters worse, if that old appliance isn't collected by the retailer, it's hauled to the curb.

A Glendale Heights business, however, has a better idea.

CoreCentric Solutions remanufactures electronic and electromechanical controls, taking previously useless items and putting them back in circulation.

"We're in the green business, the sustainability business," said Badal Wadia, CoreCentric's president and CEO. "We're providing a service where there's a need. Parts cost a lot today. And we're keeping parts from going into landfills."

There are several components to the 16-year-old company's operation: It remanufactures nearly 30,000 pieces a month; it is a supplier of parts for all major brands in the appliance, fitness and heating, ventilation and air conditioning industries; it has a booming return for repair service; and last year it started an appliance recycling program that has gone national. Advances in technology are opening doors.

"Basically, you have to keep service parts alive seven years," Wadia said. "Some expensive brands keep them alive longer. In the old days with a washer, say, the colors would change, the knobs would change, but the guts stayed the same 15 years. … Today, technology is speeding up. Things change quicker."

As manufacturers move on to products with more advanced parts, consumers will have a 4-year-old dishwasher that is outdated.

When a manufacturer can no longer supply a part, consumers, service people and third-party warranty providers turn to CoreCentric (corecentricsolutions.com).

"It can be an economic catastrophe, global conditions or it's just not economical for them to produce the part," Wadia said. "We fit in. We're between the original supply manufacturer and the consumer. From the end consumer to manufacturers to third-party service providers, we run the gamut."

CoreCentric repairs nearly 5,000 parts, he explained. "In most cases, unless it's broken into pieces or burned up, we can make the repairs."

The process begins with CoreCentric's 30-person electrical and mechanical engineering staff, which analyzes and tests each item. They then write the book, literally, on repairs, preparing a work instructions book that is used on the production floor.

"From an engineer's perspective, (the job) is great because they get to see so many lines of products: microwaves, dishwashers, ranges, built-in ovens, all kinds of cooktops," Wadia said.
When the engineers are finished, the repair crew has a detailed road map for each product, including its specs, possible areas of trouble, how repairs should be made and how the remanufactured item should be tested.

Donna Barbic, vice president of sales, said that when the engineers are done, all the questions have been answered and the issue has been debugged. Mechanical parts are torn down into individual components, then rebuilt. The finished product has essentially been remanufactured.
"We're not just going to repair the flat," Wadia said. "We'll replace all four tires."

He said that consumers are often surprised not only that CoreCentric's service is available, but also at the cost.

Replacing a refrigerator with a decent model can cost $1,500 to $2,000, and a built-in range can cost from $500 to $7,000. Typically, though, a failed part can be replaced for $60 to $120. Some are a little more, of course, such as parts that are not as frequently called for. Others can run a little less.

Also impressive is the turnaround. The return-for-repair service, for example, generally takes 24 to 48 hours. And even that time frame may be a little misleading.

"Most of our repairs come in through a parcel service," Wadia said, "so by the time they arrive and we get them into the system, a day is gone."

And with 10 employees dedicated to the return-for-repair service, some customers can wait for their part to be worked on.

"We even had somebody drive from Indianapolis to get a part fixed," Wadia said. "He called and arranged it ahead of time, and came in and waited for it."

Wadia said that in the last two years the company has added more than 100 employees as it has expanded its offerings. (One of 2011's successful strategies was the appliance recycling program. Recycling units were set up at six Chicago-area locations of Automatic Appliance Parts. Later, D&L Parts Co. instituted a program at locations in North and South Carolina, and Dey Distributing did the same at locations throughout the North Central U.S.)

Wadia plans to add 40 or 50 employees this year. Down the line, the company could grow more, tackling small appliances, for example.

"We see that depot repair is an area where we have room for growth," Barbic said. "Refurbishing the entire product, not just the components as we do today."
And, she said, "We're always asked about nonappliance items. Games, musical instruments all have electronic components. We could parlay that into depot repair as well."

Friday, February 3, 2012

Choosing an Appliance Repair Technician

Keeping your household running can be a daunting task! Your famous casserole dish needs to be ready by 6:00, and your son has a pile of laundry you can barely see over. Luckily, your trusted washing machine and oven have stood by you for years – keeping your clothes fresh and bright and your family’s stomachs from grumbling.


Unfortunately, when your home appliances stop working, life keeps going. Your son’s laundry pile soon engulfs his room and the toaster oven just won’t cut it for your casserole. What are you going to do?


As commander-in-chief of your household, there are a few different options to get your appliances back into working condition. Many household appliance issues can be solved with a little do-it-yourself knowledge and a screwdriver. Over the course of your appliance’s life, hundreds of dollars can be saved on costly repair bills through proper maintenance and quick-fixes.


Sometimes your home toolbox will not be enough to get your appliance working properly and a repair service will need to come take a look. It is important to do your research and find a trusted, experienced technician to resolve your appliance issue.


A great place to start your search for the right repair service is by calling the manufacturer of your appliance. The manufacturer will most likely be able to give you a list of certified repair servicers in your area. Many times, the manufacturer can give you information on your product, decipher any error messages, walk you through troubleshooting procedures or even identify the problem over the phone.


Word-of-mouth is another way to find quality service. Neighbors, friends and family may have insight on a local, trusted repair service to get your appliance running again. If your neighbor had a great experience with a service, chances are you will have exceptional results as well.


Your local yellow pages or an online search is another way to locate servicers in your area. These are two great tools to find a repair service; however, it is important to do your homework before you select a servicer. Check to see if the servicer is accredited through the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and is in good standing. Lots of great information is available on the BBB website that can give you an understanding of the company you to let into your home to handle your appliance. Simply enter your zip code and the servicer’s name!


Another way to find local, trusted repair service is through online membership sites like Angie’s List and Service Magic. For an annual fee, Angie’s List will give you access to an online database where consumers rate the service they receive on many different aspects from price to quality of work to ensure you receive the best work possible. Service Magic is a free alternative that gets you in contact with trusted and screened servicers in your area.


What is next after you think you have located the right servicer for your appliance? After finding a trusted repair service, it is important to be sure that you receive a fair quote for the labor performed and/or parts associated with the repair. Keep in mind that some servicers charge fees for a variety of things. Ask before work is performed to avoid surprises on your statement.


In some cases, the appliance does not work due to a malfunctioning or faulty control. The repairman will likely replace it with a new or refurbished part. What happens if the part is no longer available?


Just because the part you need is no longer available does not mean your appliance is doomed to the end of the driveway. CoreCentric Solutions, located out of Glendale Heights, IL offers a wide range of repair services for appliance controls that are no longer available. This solution allows you to avoid a costly product replacement; and will keep your appliance operational for years to come! Control board repairs are performed in-house at CoreCentric Solutions are usually within 2-4 business days after receipt and carry a full 6 month warranty. Visit their website or call 1-888-737-2244 for more information.




Thursday, January 19, 2012

Simple Tips to Reduce Heating Costs

We’ve been lucky with such a mild winter our heating bills haven’t been very high. Now that the winter cold has arrived we shouldn’t forget about conserving energy when heating our home. Here are some simple tips to help reduce heating costs, save you money and helps the environment.


1. Reduce thermostat setting to 68 degrees.
Winter heating costs are closely related to interior temperature. Reducing your thermostat setting can save substantially on heating costs. Adding a sweater and a warm pair of socks can go a long way to increase comfort in a cooler house.


2. Set back thermostat at night and when house is unoccupied.
Setting the thermostat back 10 degrees at night or when the house will be unoccupied can save up to 15 percent on heating costs. While it is true the furnace will have to run more to reheat the house, the energy saved while the home is cooler more than offsets the extra run time to reheat the home.


3. Install a programmable thermostat.
Programmable thermostats provide the ability to lower the home temperature at night and during the day and still have the home warm when you get up or arrive home from work. The prices of programmable thermostats have come down and many can be found for less than $50. If you have a heat pump, a special setback thermostat is required for maximum savings.


4. Change furnace filter.
Dirty, clogged furnace filters lower the heater’s efficiency by preventing proper airflow through the furnace. Low-cost filters are available from your local hardware store. How often you will need to change filters will vary, but you should check the filter monthly. When you purchase filters, always buy two so you have an extra one on hand. It helps to write the proper filter size on the outside of the furnace cabinet.


5. Have furnace cleaned and tuned.
Having the furnace cleaned and tuned helps assure a safe and efficient furnace. Tuning may involve resetting the fuel air mixture for proper combustion, and cleaning of the blower and burners to assure maximum airflow and complete combustion.


6. Let sunshine in south windows during day.
Open drapes on the south side of your home during winter days and close them at night. Sun angles are low in winter, allowing substantial solar heating through all south windows. You may want to trim vegetation that shades south windows. East, west, and north windows do not contribute to the winter heating effort.


7. Check and replace weather stripping on doors and windows.
Air leaks around faulty weather stripping on doors and windows contribute to making interior spaces of your home uncomfortable and increase heating costs. Check for drafts and repair or replace worn stripping.


8. Close storm windows and doors.
Storm windows installed over primary windows are almost as good as double pane windows for reducing heat loss but only if they are kept closed. Make a check of all your storm windows to assure you have closed them when cold weather arrives.


9. Operate kitchen and bath vents minimally.
Bath and kitchen vents exhaust heated air and moisture to the outside. If your home is dry during the winter, you may not need to operate these vents at all. However, if you have condensation on windows, operate the vents to remove cooking and bathing moisture but be sure to turn them off.


10. Lower the thermostat set point on your water heater.
Water temperatures above about 125 degrees are not needed for most tasks. A simple way to check your water temperature is to carefully place the back of your hand under a steady stream of hot water - if it is too hot to keep there, it is too hot.


11. Install a water heater blanket.
Older water heaters may not have adequate insulation. Install an insulating water heater jacket. Be careful to follow manufacturer's recommendations and don't cover the thermostat.


12. Reduce hot water use.
Reducing hot water use is effective in reducing the cost of heating water. Low-flow showerheads reduce water and energy costs. Take showers rather than baths since showering, in general, takes less water than baths. Modern detergents are formulated to work in cold water so wash in cold water. Repair leaky faucets. This will save on water and water-heating costs.


If you find your kitchen or home appliance is in need of repair, CoreCentric Solutions provides remanufacturing services on electronic controls for all major brand appliances with our production facility and inventory located near Chicago, Illinois. Each of our remanufactured controls are fully analyzed and tested with quality equal to or better than any OEM part. Each control comes with a worry free 6 month performance guarantee.



If you do find your appliance is in need of repair our controls can be purchased online at http://stores.ebay.com/CoreCentric-Solutions-Store


If you have an older appliance and your repair calls for a discontinued control, don’t worry. CoreCentric Solutions offers a Return for Repair service where you send us your defective control; we inspect, analyze, repair and return the control back to you in no time. For more info about our repair service visit us at  http://www.corecentricsolutions.com/CCSWeb.nsf/published/appliancepartsrepairservice

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Recycling and State Laws for Electronics

Over half the States in the US have passed legislation mandating statewide e-waste recycling. All states use the Producer Responsibility approach except for California where they charge an upfront fee to the consumer for recycling and Utah where just education of recycling is required.


For most of us it will be illegal to put electronics in the normal trash. The trash hauler will red flag you if you try to put it in your trash and being caught will probably get you fined. A list of electronics to be recycled should include the following:


Televisions
Monitors
Printers
Computers ( laptop, notebook, netbook, tablet)
Electronic Keyboards
Facsimile Machines
Videocassette Recorders
Portable Digital Music Players
Digital Video Disc Players
Video Game Consoles
Small Scale Servers
Scanners
Electronic Mice
Digital Converter Boxes
Cable Receivers
Satellite Receivers
Digital Video Disc Recorders
Cell Phones


USEPA estimates that 85% of electronics are currently not recycled; these items contain mined materials that can be reclaimed, reused and recycled. Recycling rather than dumping these items saves resources and creates jobs, many of them right here in the US.

CoreCentric Solutions, Inc. in Glendale Heights, IL remanufactures appliance parts such as control boards, ice makers and mechanical timers. Benefits of using remanufactured parts include not only doing the right thing by helping the environment, but also helps to fulfill customer demand while keeping parts in the marketplace longer. Using remanufactured parts is also good for the ecomony. It keeps many of us in the USA employed.


To learn more about CoreCentric Solutions visit http://www.corecentricsolutions.com/