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Consumer Reports tests decking and stains that can cut down on maintenance
[Jul. 24, 2008] Most homeowners installing decks use real wood, but Consumer Reports’ latest tests of common decking materials reveal that synthetic planks can offer lasting good looks with less upkeep. The July issue features the results of Consumer Reports’ one-year exposure tests of wood, composite, plastic, and aluminum decking materials, which found that some synthetic decking didn’t make the grade for rigidity, and some tonier wood products looked worse for wear.

Consumer Reports offers tips to beat the heat while trimming energy costs
[Jul. 19, 2008] Consumer Reports offers tips on how to trim energy bills while still staying cool this summer including buying advice for ceiling fans and air conditioner ratings. CR’s special cooling package, available in the July issue, features “Cheap chills,” tips to stay comfortable while using less air conditioning as well as buying advice for ceiling fans, ratings of small, midsized and large air conditioners, and reviews of six popular air conditioner brands.

Insulation is like sunscreen for your home
[Jul. 5, 2008] With warm weather here, can your home handle the sun’s blazing rays? Insulation is like sunscreen for your home, and you need about 19 inches in the attic to maximize protection against the heat. A study by the Harvard School of Public Health found that an estimated 60 million American homes have under-insulated attics.

Beating the back-to-school time crunch
[Jul. 5, 2008] Time-pressed families heading back to school this fall may find they really need that extra hour of morning sun offered by daylight savings time. The transition from the schedule-free days of summer to the more regimented requirements of school can create chaos in even the most orderly home.

A fresh coat of paint can help sell your home
[Feb. 13, 2008] “If you are contemplating selling your home, consider sprucing it up with a fresh coat of paint before putting up the “For Sale” sign, Debbie Zimmer of the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute explains. “This relatively inexpensive investment can enhance your home’s curb appeal to prospective buyers.”

Overheated clothes dryers can cause fires
[Jan. 28, 2008] The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that in 1998, clothes dryers were associated with 15,600 fires, which resulted in 20 deaths and 370 injuries. Fires can occur when lint builds up in the dryer or in the exhaust duct. Lint can block the flow of air, cause excessive heat build-up, and result in a fire in some dryers.

Consumer Reports survey: Verizon FiOS a leading choice for Internet, televeision and telephone service
[Jan. 13, 2008] Consumers looking for Internet, television, and telephone service should consider Verizon FiOS. In Consumer Reports’ latest survey of several major telecom providers, featured in the February issue, Verizon FiOS, whose network is fiber-optic based, received superior scores for reliability and performance for its Internet, television, and telephone services.

Consumer Reports latest tests reveal that front-loader washers have improved vastly
[Jan. 12, 2008] Consumer Reports’ latest tests of washers reveal improvements in performance compared to the models tested last year — some of which underperformed due to the struggle by manufacturers to meet new energy standards. CR’s ratings of washers, featured in the February issue, include some budget-friendly options, including a top-loader by Estate (ETW4400T[Q]), $400, that cleaned nearly as well as the LG Tromm SteamWasher WM2688H [WM], $1,500, CR’s top-rated front-loader.

North Carolina's landlord-tenant statutes
[Dec. 5, 2007] Know your rights. Here are North Carolina's landlord-tenant statutes. Good for renters to bookmark in case you're ever in a dispute with your landlord.

Consumer Reports finds filter-based air purifiers are better
[Dec. 3, 2007] In its latest tests of air purifiers, Consumer Reports’ experts concluded that products that draw air through fabric filters are among the most effective at removing dust and smoke. And, unlike some other kinds of purifiers, they do not produce any irritating ozone.

Consumer Reports looks at Christmas lights: Incandescent vs. LED
[Nov. 29, 2007] Is it a bright idea to use LED lights for the holidays? We compared LED and incandescent bulbs in three sizes--mini, C7, and C9--determining how much it cost to light strings totaling 50 feet for 300 hours. We also exposed the bulbs to moisture, hot and cold temperatures, and UV light, and sent each type of bulb to an independent lab that measures brightness.

Consumer Reports rates HDTV reliability
[Nov. 28, 2007] For the first time ever, Consumer Reports has brand repair rates for flat-panel and rear-projection TVs. CR’s data reveals that flat-panel LCD and plasma TVs have been highly reliable, requiring few repairs during the first three years of use. The report, featured in CR’s December issue, reveals that on average, rear-projection TVs were much more repair prone than LCD and plasma sets.

Consumer Reports picks HDTVs for any budget
[Nov. 27, 2007] Consumers who have a high-definition TV on their shopping list this holiday season TV will be smiling all the way to the store. Thanks to continuing price cuts, they’ll be getting more TV for their money. The December issue of Consumer Reports covers HDTVs in all price ranges and sizes to help consumers during this holiday season.

Consumer Reports names their all-star appliances
[Nov. 27, 2007] Just in time for the holidays, Consumer Reports’ December issue provides consumers with a year’s worth of appliance testing models that blend performance, value and brand reliability. Along with the cream of the crop of kitchen appliances, Consumer Reports looks at the most common goofs when shopping for appliances and ways to avoid making those mistakes.