What’s on your mind: Our most popular blog posts of 2008
Before we get too far into 2009, we thought we’d look back at the most popular posts on the Home & Garden blog from 2008. The 10 blogs below generated the most buzz last year.
Inside CR Test Labs: Sewing machines
This sneak peak at our March 2009 report on sewing machines (shown) generated quite a thread in the comment box. Around 150 readers chimed in, including the commenter who implored, "please don’t lump in embroidery machines with general sewing machines." Roger that, as you’ll see in the full report, coming in the upcoming story, whose issue is on sale and online in February.
Own a tankless water heater? Take our survey
Some 1,200 readers answered that call (another 100 commented directly to the item). The results of the online survey informed our October 2008 report on tankless water heaters, in which we revealed significant variations in installation costs, energy savings, and overall satisfaction.
Mold can be a problem for some front-loading washers
Here, we reported on the buildup of mold that many readers told us was occurring in the rubber gasket of the door to their front-loading washer. Sixty commenters jumped into the issue, some supporting the claim with tales of foul-smelling clothes, others reporting no complaints with their front-loading washing machine.
Why Consumer Reports doesn’t rate specific models of mattresses
Not everyone rested easy with our explanation of why we don’t rate mattress models. Wrote one commenter: "I subscribed to CR specifically for a mattress report and instead get a report on why you don’t do a mattress report." Visit our new mattress product page for more details on mattress shopping.
Buying Advice: Portable air conditioners
Cooling the air was obviously hot on readers’ minds when this blog posted on June 20. Our take on portable air conditioners is lukewarm at best—not only do they deliver less relief than manufacturers claim but the units also tend to be pricey.
Greener cleaners go mainstream
The launch of a line of natural cleaners from Clorox prompted this March 24 post.
Buyer’s guide to pellet- and wood-burning stoves
Surging home-heating costs in recent years has fueled interest in alternative ways to keep warm during the winter. Hence the flurry of comments to this buying guide. In fact, there’s been so much interest that we’re now planning a testing-based report on these products.
Buzzword: Radon
Of all our 2008 Buzzwords, none resulted in as many comments as this entry on radon. Several weeks later, The New York Times ran a story covering concerns about radon in countertops, raising the buzz again.
Tip of the Day: Don’t get ripped off by an alarm company
Dozens of readers responded to this blog with their own experiences with alarm companies, crooked and credible alike. One unlucky homeowner tells how she was swindled out of $360.
Are EdenPure space heaters just a lot of hot air?
That question spurred significant interest from readers. Some defended their EdenPure space heater, others didn’t recommend these appliances. Read our report on space heaters for more information.—Daniel DiClerico
Written by larrylarr on January 4th, 2009 with
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