Buying household appliances

Question 1

Why should you consider needs when buying appliances?

Answer 1

The number of family members and the features they need will determine the size of the appliance.

Question 2

Why should you consider lifestyle when buying appliances?

Answer 2

If entertaining often, or working long hours, very busy, eating out often, never at home, etc it will influence which appliance will work best for you.

Question 3

Why should you consider availability of space when buying appliances?

Answer 3

The size of the space where the appliance will be stored and used should be sufficient for the appliance you decide to buy. It should also fit through doors and hallways.

Question 4

Why should you consider environmental impact when buying appliances?

Answer 4

Energy efficient appliances will be less expensive to run especially if they have greener settings.

Question 5

Why should you consider budget when buying appliances?

Answer 5

Buy the best quality you can afford according to your budget. Second hand options can be considered but be careful. They should be affordable and easy to repair.

Question 6

Why should you consider ease of use when buying appliances?

Answer 6

Is the control system, buttons, instructions easy to follow and use? Are the processes simple or do they actually complicate your life?

Question 7

Why should you consider function of the appliance when buying appliances?

Answer 7

If it does not save time, energy and effort, you probably don’t need it.

Question 8

Why should you consider special features of the appliance when buying appliances?

Answer 8

If this appliance is more expensive, it HAS to really be something you will use, otherwise a cheaper option with fewer features might also work.

Question 9

Why should you consider compatibility when buying appliances?

Answer 9

The new appliance must be compatible with your existing appliances, wall sockets, etc.

Question 10

Why should you consider safety when buying appliances?

Answer 10

Stick to the prescriptions of manufacturers to get optimal use from it, and to keep its warranty valid. Ensure children are safe while using it.

Question 11

Why should you consider reliability of the dealer when buying appliances?

Answer 11

Buy from a reputable dealer who offers after-sales service or who can help when the appliance needs a service, repair or additional parts.

Question 12

Why should you consider warranty when buying appliances?

Answer 12

The warranty should cover all parts of the appliance, should cover an acceptable length of time, must be in simple language and without unreasonable prerequisites.

Question 13

Why should you consider consumer or other ratings when buying appliances?

Answer 13

If the appliance received good ratings in a magazine or comparative study, it should be a good buy.

Question 14

Why should you consider maintenance and upkeep when buying appliances?

Answer 14

The appliance should be easy to take apart and clean without crevices and loose bits that are difficult to get to. It should not require services or replacement parts too often.

Question 15

Why should you consider terms of the contact when buying appliances?

Answer 15

The buying contract should contain reasonable terms: for both the buyer and the dealer. The warranty is often part of the signed contract, when something is bought on credit.

Question 16

What are instalment sale transactions (hire purchases)?

Answer 16

Consumers can buy expensive household appliances and furniture and pay for them in instalments over a period of time. The item can be taken home once the deposit is paid and the contract has been signed.

Question 17

What are lay-bys?

Answer 17

The consumer pays for an item in instalments and the retailer keeps the item until the whole amount is paid out.

Question 18

What is a credit account transaction?

Answer 18

The buyer opens an account with the store that they pay off monthly, they can buy repeatedly on this account as long as they stay under their credit limit.

Question 19

What is a credit card transaction?

Answer 19

Credit cards are issued by banks to their customers and can be used to buy any items in shops on credit.

Question 20

What is a cash transaction?

Answer 20

Consumers pay cash for items when buying them which sometimes entitles them to a discount.

Question 21

Why do we buy household appliances?

Answer 21

To save time and money with household chores.

Question 22

Which environmental impact factors should be considered when buying appliances?

Answer 22

Energy consumption; water consumption; disposal after the appliance is uneconomical to repair further.

Question 23

What are appliances powered by?

Answer 23

Electricity; gas; solar power; paraffin and biomass pellets.

Question 24

Why are energy efficient appliances preferable?

Answer 24

Energy is expensive and the supply is limited so appliances that use less energy are cheaper to run and better for the environment.

Question 25

List 3 types of washing machines.

Answer 25

Automatic washing machines - front and top loaders; twin tub washing machines; washer-dryer combination machines

Question 26

Which features must be considered when buying a washing machine?

Answer 26

Dialogue display with easy-to-read text and touch control buttons; alarm to indicate the end of the program; a clear instruction manual with text and drawings; different programs; stainless-steel inner drum that doesn’t rust; delay timer.

Question 27

What is the advantage of using a twin tub washing machine?

Answer 27

They are cheaper and take a big load.

Question 28

What is the disadvantage of using a twin tub washing machine?

Answer 28

They take a lot of space and need attention while running.

Question 29

What is the advantage of using a front loader washing machine?

Answer 29

They are easier to fit into spaces and use less water, they use cold water and don’t need any attention while running.

Question 30

What is the advantage of using a top loader washing machine?

Answer 30

They do not need attention while running and take bigger loads.

Question 31

What is the disadvantage of using a top loader washing machine?

Answer 31

They use more water and need hot water from the geyser.

Question 32

List 3 factors that reduce the human energy needed to use a washing machine.

Answer 32

Choose the correct size according to your needs; easy to reach and clean lint filters; control panels easy to use.

Question 33

List the different types of refrigerators and freezers.

Answer 33

Refrigerator with bottom freezer compartment; refrigerator with top freezer compartment; side by side double door refrigerator; fridge freezer combinations; refrigerator with ice maker; refrigerator with manual defrosting; chest deep freezer.

Question 34

Which features should you consider when buying a refrigerator/freezer?

Answer 34

Size according to available space; maintenance and instructions to use; electricity consumption; environmental friendliness; price; electrical temperature control; drawers with rollers for easy use; reversible door; no-frost system; automatic door closing function; sound warning when door is open; glass shelves with anti-spoilage trim; easy to clean interior.

Question 35

How can the right refrigerator reduce the human effort needed to store food safely?

Answer 35

saves time with the no frost option; manual defrosting uses more human energy; ice makers save time and energy; even distribution of air and temperature saves electricity and correct size is cheaper; overloading consumes more electricity.

Question 36

List the different types of stoves available.

Answer 36

Built in with hob and oven; freestanding stove with oven;
gas stove with grids that hold burners; electric hob with spiral or solid plates; hob with gas burners.

Question 37

What features should be considered when buying a stove?

Answer 37

Easy to clean stove top; the induction hob stays cool while the pot heats up; safety feature for gas stove to shut down the flow of gas; one-hand ignition for gas stoves; electronic timer and clock; self-cleaning oven for free standing stove and built-in oven; child safety lock and clear display text, induction hob that only heats up when cookware is detected.

Question 38

What is the difference between solid and spiral plates?

Answer 38

Spiral plates heat up faster and cool down easily but solid plates are easier to clean.

Question 39

When is human energy conserved by a stove?

Answer 39

When they are easy to clean; have easy to use control buttons; have a clear display text; have a clear and easy instruction manual.

Question 40

How can stoves lesson the environmental impact of cooking?

Answer 40

Better heat distribution means effective cooking; induction hobs save energy and gas stoves don’t use electricity.

Question 41

Which features should be considered when buying a microwave oven?

Answer 41

Automatic programming based on the weight of food; easy to operate buttons; clear display text; quick start functioning; stainless steel finish; automatic switch off button if overheated; child safety lock; reversible door hinges.

Question 42

How do you reduce the expenditure of human energy with a microwave oven?

Answer 42

Buy the right size for your family; saves you time and energy; should have special easy to clean surfaces; should be easy to operate.

Question 43

What are your financial responsibilities before buying appliances?

Answer 43

Compare different brands, value for the price and different stores; ensure the store is reputable; ask about hidden costs, service fees, installation costs and delivery costs; know the stores return or exchange policy; ensure there are guarantees and warranties and read them carefully.

Question 44

What are your financial responsibilities after buying appliances?

Answer 44

Ensure there is a manufacturers instruction manual; inspect appliance carefully after delivery; read the manual before working with the appliance; keep all receipts, guarantees, instruction manual and other paper work relating to the appliance together; follow the correct complaint procedure if not satisfied with your appliance.

Question 45

What is repossession?

Answer 45

If instalments aren’t paid on time, the shop that sold you the goods has the right to repossess goods that have bought on instalment sales agreements.