Buying household appliances

Question 1

Factors to consider when shopping for household appliances

Answer 1

The needs of the family:
size, important features, available space

Budget:
best quality for budget, check for warranties, buy energy efficient

Must reduce workload
Easy to understand instructions
Appliances must be safe, child lock etc

Question 2

Choosing household appliances criteria

Answer 2

Universal design -
suit needs and abilities, easy to clean/use, easy controls, must be safe

Functionality -
work efficiently if clear instructions are provided/positioned correctly

Energy use (human) -
use of human time/energy, easy/convenient to use, should not be too heavy and be adjustable, maintenance should be time efficient

Energy use (not human) -
appliances that are energy efficient, economic cycles, cheaper models cost more long term, energy efficiency on label

Water consumption -
efficient water consumption with dishwashers/washing machines, high water consumption puts pressure on water resources/sewage

Environmental impact -
must be environmentally friendly, appliances have impact during manufacture, use, after disposal, burning coal/fossil fuels cause air pollution, carbon dioxide - increases greenhouse gases, fridges/freezers need to be disposed of correctly (CFC free (DEPELETE OZONE)), old appliances contain lead

Question 3

Different types of washing machines

Answer 3

Top loader:
7 - 13kg
150l - 200l per cycle
Quicker load finishing time
More electricity
Large families

Front loader:
5 - 7kg
60l - 100l per cycle
Can go under counter
Uses less electricity, uses cold water heated by internal element

Semi-automatic twin tub machine:
3kg
Take up lot of space
Cheaper
More human energy required

Question 4

Considerations when buying a washing machine

Answer 4

Choose right size for your needs
Control knobs must be easy to use
Lint filter must be easy to reach
Choose a washing machine with strong spin cycle to get rid of water
Must have adjustable temperature settings
Automatic cold rinse cycle will save energy
Automatic water level setting will reduce water
Study label for energy efficiency

Question 5

Different types of tumble dryers

Answer 5

Electric:
Tumble dryers with condensers will collect water in a tank
Can be placed anywhere
Tumble dryers with air vents need to be placed in a well ventilated area

Gas:
Gas provides energy needed for drying
Little electricity to control the drum
Environmentally friendly

Question 6

Considerations when buying a tumble dryer

Answer 6

Control knobs - easy to read
Child lock
Signal to indicate end of cycle
Anti-crease cycle
Lint filters - easy to reach and clean
Automatic off switch
Different temperature settings
Moisture sensor
Check label for energy efficiency

Question 7

Considerations when buying a dishwasher

Answer 7

Look for different cycles - includes an economic cycle
Racks that can be moved
Pre-wash - unnecessary
Automatic open function
Some need dishes to be hand washed first
Low temperature settings - save energy
Less water used than hand washing
Look at label for energy efficiency

Question 8

Considerations when buying a refrigerator

Answer 8

Two different types - side-by-side or fridge-freezer combination
Adjustable shelves
Electronic temperature control
Easily cleaned
Automatic locking
Frost free system
Ice makers/water dispensers save human energy
Refrigerators with freezer compartments - less energy than side-by-side
Automatic deforst - more energy use, more efficient
Large use more energy
Must be well sealed

Question 9

Considerations when buying a freezer

Answer 9

Three different types - freezer-fridge combo, upright/chest freezer, side-by-side freezer
Automatic locking
Adjustable shelves
Drawers with rollers
Electronic temperature control
Open door alarm
Easy cleaning
Chest freezers - difficult to organise

Question 10

Different types of stoves

Answer 10

Built in stove
Free standing stove
Gas stove with burners

Question 11

Functionality of different stove tops

Answer 11

Spiral plate - heats and cools quickly, difficult to clean
Solid plate - longer to heat up, easy clean
Glass or ceramic tops - easy clean, need flat bottom cookware
Gas burners - immediate heat, difficult to maintain low heat, difficult to clean if burners are not sealed

Question 12

Considerations when buying a stove

Answer 12

Easy to clean
Safety valves on gas stoves
Child locks
Lights to indicate temperature
Easy to understand controls
Self cleaning oven

Question 13

Types of ovens

Answer 13

Conventional ovens - top and bottom elements
Convection/thermo fan ovens - fan in oven to distribute heat evenly/faster
Self-cleaning oven - burns away spills with high temperatures without the use of chemicals

Question 14

Considerations when buying a microwave ovens

Answer 14

Two different types - built in microwave, free standing microwave
Easy to control/clean
Stainless steal finishes
Automatic shut off and alarm
Child lock
Automatic programming based on weight of food
Buy size that suits family
Uses less energy than stoves or ovens

Question 15

Considerations when buying a vacuum cleaner

Answer 15

Two different types - upright vacuum, cylinder vacuum
Automatic cord rewind
Pipe attachments - clean small/narrow places
HEPA carbon filter - release clean air
Silent as possible
Cylinder vacuums - less storage
Light and easy to use

Question 16

Financial and contractual responsibilities when buying furniture/household appliances

Answer 16

Before:
Compare different products, trademarks, shops
Buy from reliable dealer
Ask about hidden costs
Ask about exchange/return policy
Read warranties/contract before signing

After:
Check appliance before signing
Check for and read instructions
Test appliance
Complete relevant documents
Keep receipts and warranties
Follow correct complaints procedure if needed

Question 17

Cash purchases

Answer 17

Ask for discount
Debit card - immediate transfer from account to retailer through bank card
EFT - immediate transfer from account to retailer through the internet
COD - cash is paid when goods are delivered
CWO - cash is paid with order

Question 18

Credit purchases

Answer 18

Usually more expensive cause interest
Installment sale - contract signed, 10% deposit, paid off monthly, retailer owns product until final payment, consumer uses it
Lay-by - retailer put product aside until full payment is made, no additional costs
Credit account - consumer take goods home, pay back monthly, high interest, paid in 30 days then no interest
Bank credit card - goods bought with credit card, high interest

Question 19

Contractual responsibilities when buying on credit

Answer 19

Some require contracts
Name/address of buyer/seller
Accurate description of product
Cash price/hidden costs - must be disclosed
Deposit is required
Amount of installment, date and amount of last payment
Condition that seller has property rights until buyer paid full price

Question 20

Rights of consumers

Answer 20

Right to privacy to restrict unwanted advertising
Right to be informed about product/contract
Right to fair and honest dealing
Right to choose products
Right to fair value, good quality, safety
Right to inspect goods
Right to return products through direct marketing after 5 days
Right to return goods with defects

Question 21

Rights of seller

Answer 21

Right to recover bad debts
Right to protection against shoplifters and dishonest consumers
Right to advertise goods
Right to respect
Right to consumers not damaging goods

Question 22

Responsibility of seller

Answer 22

Marketing is regulated by law - no after hours, over weekend, not want to be contacted
Simple/understandable language in contracts
Fair contracts
Must comply with CPA
ALL goods have implicit warranty
Samples/examples must be made available
Consumers must be informed direct marketing products can be returned within 5 days
Reimbursement must be made within 15 days of return

Question 23

Responsibility of consumer

Answer 23

Prompt payments for goods and services
Honest and ethical behaviour
May question quality/price of goods
Be aware of handling goods and damage it may cause to others in environment