Category: Home Improvement

Improving your home

Samsung Service Center

Samsung offers efficient customer services through its authorised service centers. Samsung India offers warranty cover period on its products and these authorised Samsung service centres are there to serve this purpose. If there is any problem in the product purchased, the only thing customers have to do is produce the bill with the product and they will get their product replaced or repaired, according to the need, free of cost.

Samsung India Service Center

Samsung offers efficient customer services through its authorised service centers. Samsung India offers warranty cover period on its products and these authorised Samsung service centres are there to serve this purpose. [hana-code-insert name=’rectangle’ /]If there is any problem in the product purchased, the only thing customers have to do is produce the bill with the product and they will get their product replaced or repaired, according to the need, free of cost.

The faults in the product that may have occurred during the production stage or mishandling while transportation too are the conditions included under warranty. The proficient technicians and engineers at Samsung India Service Centers live up to the expectations of its customers and provide quality services. Samsung has now expanded into small cities and towns also as it sell a large number of appliances to all segments of buyers.

Contact information of Samsung India Service Centers

Samsung India has a unified telephone number and can be contacted from any part of the country. All calls land up in their central call center and service numbers are generated for every call logged with them. This call is then assigned to the local service centre nearest to the service area and attended to within 24 hours. Samsung also calls back the customers to chech the satisfaction levels of repairs done.

Samsung Helpline: 1800 3000 8282, 18002668282

Monday – Sunday: 9.00 AM – 8.00 PM (IST)

Toll free telephone number all India Service

1800-110-011 (toll free if you call from BSNL/MTNL landline)

Other telephone number of Samsung service centre centralised call centre

30308282 (add the STD code of the city you are calling from)

Service calls can also be logged on their website

Website: http://www.samsung.com/in

For HHP/ OMS / HDD / Note PC / Digital Camera / Multimedia Player there is only carry in service

Accessibility to Samsung Service Centres

Samsung, a widely known brand has its service centres at many locations in a single city. Their network is present nationwide giving convenience to the customers to reach them. The service centres that are owned by Samsung are known as Samsung Service Plazas. They are present in all the major cities of India. The cities which are comparatively smaller have, what they call, Samsung Prestige Service Plazas for covering warranties. All the Samsung India Service centres have state-of-art laboratories and testing units where thorough check of the damaged product is done.

Apart from the authorised and Samsung Company owned Service Centres, they also carry out many camps and small promotional activities to give knowledge to the customers regarding their existence. They also warn their customers not to get confused with unauthorised service centres or fake centres. For knowing details of Samsung India Service Centres and to locate the one nearest to your home in your city log on to their official website in the ‘Contact information of Samsung India Service Centres’ section.

Samsung India Servicing

  • Warranty card filled in correctly by the dealer, must be produced along with the product at the Samsung India Service Centre.
  • The warranty card must be given to the authorised person at the Samsung India Service Centre.
  • The purchase of the product must be done through an authorised shop only.
  • None of the internal parts of the product should be changed.
  • In case the servicing has been done earlier too it must have been done through an authorised Samsung India Service Centre and the proof of that must be produced.
  • All the terms and conditions mentioned in the product manual must be read before hand carefully so that there is no dispute.
  • The Samsung India Service Centre helpline mentioned above is operational 24/7 in all the cities having Samsung’s authorised Service Centre.

Carrier window AC review

I had researched all the competing models and found that carrier is a good bargain if we consider efficiency,life of the product, quality, and brand. Most other popular brands are just getting the products assembled and putting in their label only , just to expand their product base, whereas carrier is in this business only for a prety long time and manufactures all the parts including compressors.

Carrier window AC experience

  • Purchased in May 2006
  • Model: 1.5 tom AC,  GenX with remote
  • Pros: good looks, high efficiency, condensate management
  • Cons: expensive than other ac’s
  • Rating: Good, meets expectations
  • Place of purchse: Chandigarh

[hana-code-insert name=’rectangle’ /]I went to the carrier comfort point to buy celesta model of 1.5 ton window ac.

 I had researched all the competing models and found that carrier is a good bargain if we consider efficiency,life of the product, quality, and brand. Most other popular brands are just getting the products assembled and putting in their label only , just to expand their product base, whereas carrier is in this business only for a prety long time and manufactures all the parts including compressors.

Also carrier windows ac have condensate management system with which water does not dips from the unit. ( as I stay on the first floor this was my major concern) These were the reasons for purchasing a carrier ac.

The carrier dealer told me that carrier had just launched a new series Genx in 1.5 ton window ac’s. Two models were available are genx1 without remote and genX2 with remote. The added features I found was the EER has been increased to 10 ( 18,200 BTU & 1820 Watts ) as comparable to previous models of 9.8.

The air flow has also been increased to 500 CFM. The size of the ac has also been reduced to give it a better look. The white grill matched perfectly with my interiors. I bought thye genX2 model with remote.

The minus points is that the remote is non LCD. I am using ths ac for the last one week and I am satisfied with its performance. The ac cools my 11 by 15 feet room in just 15 minutes and i keep the temerature setting at 26 degrees which is a perfect one and seems to be an ideal state and have no difficulty in going out of the room.

Pros high EER, less noise, good looks.

Cons non LCD remote, cost

Best air conditioner in India

We have listed the air conditioner brands largely available in India depending upon the technology used, superior workmanship, star ratings, innovation and world standing. The ranking is on technical aspects only and not on price. The more superior the product the more the price. It is also based on experience and use of the products over a long period and feedback from customers.

Best air conditioner in India

[hana-code-insert name=’rectangle’ /] Last updated MArch 2016: We have listed the air conditioner brands largely available in India depending upon the technology used, superior workmanship, star ratings, innovation and world standing. The ranking is on technical aspects only and not on price. The more superior the product the more the price. It is also based on experience and use of the products over a long period and feedback from customers.

Hitachi Air Conditioners *****

Why choose Hitachi Air conditioners as the best AC brand?

Hitachi has the best efficient air conditioners in the market. BEE rates most of their products 4 stars and 5 stars.

Regarding innovation Hitachi launched the first Side Throw AC , the first Hi Wall Mounted Split AC  and  the first Ceiling Mounted Split AC. Most of Hitachi ACs  are having highest Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) in its category

The sound level is much more lower (34dB) in Hitachi air conditioners, far lower than other manufacturers.

Mitsubishi / Daikin / Carrier air conditioners ****

Mitsubishi and daikin have entered the Indian market with many good products and are able to  capture a good chunk in Split AC requirements

Why choose Carrier Air conditioners?

Founded in 1915, carrier is the inventor of modern air-conditioning and has developed itself into being the world’s largest provider of air-conditioning, heating and commercial refrigeration systems (HVACR)

Carrier is also one of the first to adopt the energy efficiency label issued by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)

Awarded the First prize for energy conservation in Consumer Goods Sector in 2007 & 2008 by the Ministry of Power, Govt. of India

Like Hitachi most of Carrier ACs  are having highest Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) in its category

Panasonic / LG / Voltas / Blue star  air conditioners ***

Panasonic has launched many new models recently. Being a Japanese company the products are of very high Quality.

LG has been in Indian market for quite a long time and has good market share in Indian air conditioning market.

Voltas and blue star  a Tata product is a known name in India, they are significantly launching new products and doing well in the past few years.

Godrej / Samsung / Electrolux / Whirlpool ? Haier air conditioners**

These are consumer electronics companies and do not have a focus on a single product. They offer entire range of home electronics. The products are generally sourced from other OEM’s, and they do not have an edge as compared to Carrier and Hitachi.

Window ac or split ac

It is often confusing which ac to by for your home window or split. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. The ideal ac which suites best and has the maximum star ratings is the best for you.

Window ac or split ac which one to buy

It is often confusing which ac to buy for your home, window or split ac. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. The ideal ac which suites best and has the maximum star ratings is the best for you.
[hana-code-insert name=’rectangle’ /]
We will assist you in choosing between window and split air conditioner

Window AC

These are hanging out of many house windows. This is the most used and economical air conditioner system. It is a single unit, which sits in a window or an opening in a wall with its rear releasing hot air outside and the front part releasing cool air into the room. Windows AC has size limitation and doesn’t go beyond 2 Ton capacity

Split AC

The splitting of the two units in an AC allows one to install the cooling unit inside and the hot noisy compressor unit outside with flexibility. Since two units are separate they can be larger or smaller, hence two indoor small units can be connected to one large outdoor unit.

Window air conditioner is more suitable in the following cases

  • When you stay in a rented accommodation and you frequently change your home, window AC is the best. Forget the split AC as installation charges are very high and un- installation / reinstallation is a costly affair as compared to window AC
  • Window air conditioners are cheaper than split air conditioners
  • You have made a vent in the wall for the installation of the window AC then this is the best AC as this will not block the windows
  • Power consumption is more or less the same in split and window air conditioner, more tilted towards the window AC, this should not be a deciding factor
  • Window air conditioner has more market share due to the above-mentioned factors. About seventy percent buyers prefer to by window air conditioners and the remaining thirty percent buy split air conditioners

Split air conditioner is more suitable in the following cases

  • You have your own house and ac is to be fixed as a one time affair
  • Proper vent in the wall is not available for window ac and if installed in window it disrupts the views and also doesn’t looks aesthetically right
  • The installation of split air conditioner is highly flexible. The wall on which the AC installation is required may not be the outer wall. It may be a common wall between two rooms.
  • Noise factor. Window air conditioner makes more noise as compared to split air conditioner as in case of split air conditioner the compressor is installed away from the indoor unit. If noise is disturbing for your sound sleep go for split air conditioner.
  • If planned window AC is exposed to direct sunlight or area around it is restricted leading to less air flow, and split AC outdoor unit can be placed in a shady and airy area, split AC will consume less energy and will be cheaper in the long run plus added convenience of split air conditioner is there.
  • If the room is large and requirement of room is more than 2 ton of cooling capacity.
  • Split air conditioner is more aesthetic looking and there is a wide variety of designs and colours available to suite your requirements.
  • Power consumption is more or less the same in split and window air conditioner, this should not be a deciding factor.  If properly installed split AC’s may actually give better efficiency than window air conditioners
Parameter Which will be better window or split AC
Ease of installation Window AC
Price Window AC
Flexibility to install anywhere Split AC
Noise levels Split AC
Room Aesthetic looks Split AC
Variety of models Split AC
More than 2 Ton requirement Split AC
Power consumption Both consume same power
Star rated modes Available in both types, four and five star rated models generally not available in window AC
Mobility, Shifting Window AC
Save electricity Use fans to the extent possible

Air conditioner star ratings

Star rating is a system initiated by BEE (Bureau of Energy Efficiency) to determine the energy efficiency of an electronic product for home use like window and split air-conditioners. Depending on their energy efficiency they are rated on a scale of 1 – 5 and indicated by starts for easy understanding.

Air conditioner star ratings in India

Star rating is a system initiated by BEE (Bureau of Energy Efficiency) India to determine the energy efficiency of an electronic product for home use like window and split air-conditioners. [hana-code-insert name=’large rectangle’ /]Depending on their energy efficiency they are rated on a scale of 1 – 5 and indicated by starts for easy understanding.  Higher the number of stars, better is the energy efficiency of an air conditioner.

AC Star rating Calculation

The energy efficiency of an AC depends on two factors: Cooling capacity (in BTU) and Power consumption (in Watts)

The cooling capacity of one ton AC should be 12000 BTU, 1.5 ton AC 18000 BTU. Some companies rate their air conditioners as 1 ton but actually their cooling capacity is less than 12000 BTU. SO the BEE has brought into force star rating system so that the manufacturers cannot misguide the consumers

What to check befor buying air conditioner

While buying air conditioner check the following on the specifications: Cooling capacity in BTU, power consumed in Watts and star rating if available.

Star rating is based upon the EER of an AC. EER is cooling capacity divided by power consumed. To calculate EER in watts BTU needs to be converted into watts. 12000 BTU is equal to 3517 watts or 1BTU = 0.2937 Watts or one ton = 3517 watts

While it is important to choose an AC with higher star rating, it is equally important not to compromise on the cooling capacity, which is the primary function of an AC.

BEE air conditioner Star Ratings

The star rating parameters EER shall be obtained from following tables depending on the year of manufacturing/import/assembling of an air conditioner

Air conditioner Manufactured / Imported / Assembled From 07 January 2010 to 31 December 2011

Star Rating Min Max
1 Star * 2.30 2.49
2 Star ** 2.50 2.69
3 Star *** 2.70 2.89
4 Star **** 2.90 3.09
5 Star ***** 3.10 5

Air conditioner Manufactured / Imported / Assembled From 01 January 2012 to 31 December 2013

Star Rating Min Max
1 Star * 2.50 2.69
2 Star ** 2.70 2.89
3 Star *** 2.90 3.09
4 Star **** 3.10 3.29
5 Star ***** 3.30

Air conditioner Manufactured / Imported / Assembled From From 01 January 2014 to 31 December 2015

Star Rating Min Max
1 Star * 2.70 2.89
2 Star ** 2.90 3.09
3 Star *** 3.10 3.29
4 Star **** 3.30 3.49
5 Star ***** 3.50

Air conditioner ton calculation

Ton as the name suggests is equivalent to 1000 kg. How is this related to air conditioner? Actually room air conditioners were derived from the technology used to refrigerate ice or to convert water to ice in earlier times.

What is air conditioner ton

Ton as the name suggests is equivalent to 1000 kg. How is this related to air conditioner? Actually room air conditioners were derived from the technology used to refrigerate ice or to convert water to ice in earlier times. To relate ice and cooling capacity a formula is derived which says the amount of energy required per hour to make one ton of ice in twenty-four hours. [hana-code-insert name=’large rectangle’ /]This comes out to be 12000 BTU (British thermal units).

So one ton is equal to 12000 BTU.

Cooling capacity of an air conditioner is measured in tons so one ton AC provides 12000 BTU in one hour.

How much ton AC is suitable for your room

The cooling of a room also depends on other factors other than ton like, insulation, number of windows, sunlight, heat producing appliances in the room like TV, computer etc.

A simple calculation is as follows

Multiply the length, breadth and height of the room (take units as feet). Then divide this by 1000 to get the ton capacity

Example if the room’s size is 10 feet by 10 feet by 10 feet

So 10 X 10 X 10 comes out to 1000, divide this by 1000 the answer comes to 1. So your as tonnage requirement is one ton

Another example room size 12 feet by 12 feet by 9 feet. The multiplication comes out to be 1290. Dividing this by 1000 leads to 1.2. so tonnage requirement is 1.2 ton. If there is direct sunlight in the room and  /or the air conditioner is exposed to sun, or you stay on the top floor where roof heats up, go for 1.5 tom AC otherwise go for 1 ton AC as air conditioners are available in 0.75 ton. 1 ton and 2 ton and above capacity only

Air condition Ton requirement calculator / Chart for room
S no Length* Breadth* Height* Total L*B*H Ton required
1 9 9 9 729 0.75
2 9 9 10 810 0.75
3 10 10 9 900 0.75-1
4 10 10 10 1000 1
5 11 11 9 1089 1
6 11 11 10 1210 1-1.5
7 12 12 9 1296 1-1.5
8 12 12 10 1440 1.5
9 13 13 10 1690 1.5
10 14 14 10 1960 1.5-2
11 15 15 10 2250 2

* In feet, one feet is equal to 12 inches or 30.48 centimeters, 0.32 meters

Weed Plants: Lawn Weeds | Grass Weeds

Weeds are an inseparable part of the garden but everyone tries to weed out the garden weeds. It is a challenge to all lawn managers and keeping the garden or lawn weed free is a challenging task. These unwanted guests in the garden cannot be easily eradicated and total removal seems impossible. However, proper planning your actions plan against lawn weeds can help you succeed against these unwanted plants to a certain level easily

Weed Plants: Lawn Weeds | Grass

Weeds are an inseparable part of the garden but everyone tries to weed out the garden weeds. It is a challenge to all lawn managers and keeping the garden or lawn weed free is a challenging task. These unwanted guests in the garden cannot be easily eradicated and total removal seems impossible. However, proper planning your actions plan against lawn weeds can help you succeed against these unwanted plants to a certain level easily

What are garden Weeds

[hana-code-insert name=’large rectangle’ /]Weeds are also called nuisance-undesired plants, which prop up in the garden automatically and spread everywhere if not contained on time. In simple terms weeds are just natural plants and like other plants, they also need water, sunlight, and nutrition in order for them to survive but they are not required in the garden. , Like other plants weeds may be perennial or annual.

From where do garden weeds come from?

Weed seeds are airborne, which means that humans, animals, insects, and even water can carry them. Even the mowers used in different gardens used by profession lawn grass management agents can possibly carry the seeds from one garden to another making your lawn prone to weeds.

Choosing and planning your preventive steps are guided by weed identification and its life cycle characteristics. Both things are important, since there are weeds that die naturally at the end of the season or are annual weeds. Some weeds can also be harmful or poisonous. Crab grass, dandelion, plantain, English daisy, dock, ground ivy, henbit, moss, and oxalis are the most common lawn weeds.

Tips to contain weed growth

Cultivate a good ground and soil.

Plants prefer fertile and less compact soil whereas weeds like poor, infertile and compacted soil. Look for weeds first before planting the plants and seeds. A through check in the starting can be beneficial than later removing the weeds

Mow often but plucking often is better.

Cutting off the weeds would help prevent weeds from growing, but apart from that, mowing might carry the seeds of weeds, so plucking out the complete weed is better than mowing. Assure that the entire root of the weeds is pulled-out so that it is unable to regenerate.

Mow at the right height and intervals.

Trimming the lawn at the shortest height will make the abrupt growth of weed seeds because they are exposed to the sunlight, which is a catalyst for weed growth. The more the sunlight the more the weeds grow faster. So maintaining proper grass height is important

Herbicides the lawn weed killers

Herbicides are good option to kill weeds, but have a drawback too, as they contain chemicals so issues of allergy, environmental safety and toxicity level should be taken care of properly. Herbicides should be used in the right quantity as overdose can kill other plats also.  Weeds should be properly identified, and related herbicide should be used. Read labels and pamphlets provided in the herbicides packing for optimum use.

Weeds Season

Check for the season in which weeds grow the maximum. Which season is favourable for weed plants? Take extra care of the lawn during this season and relax the rest of the time

Seek for professional help if you are not successful.

Consulting a lawn-care specialist would be helpful if you find yourself confused or not able to contain the weeds. Adhere to the tips provided by the professionals

Reboot the lawn.

If nothing helps the wise decision will be to remove all the plants / grass start over again.

Lawn Grass

Lawn is a small area in a garden, which is planted with grass or similar plants, which are maintained at a small and even height. Now days this is maintained by the lawn mover for an impressive look and if the lawn is small it can be maintained without a lawn mover also. Maintaining a small lawn in the house if not a garden is everybody’s dream. A well-kept lawn makes the owner happy and makes the interaction with nature pleasurable and also adds to the beauty of the house.

Lawn Grass

Lawn is a small area in a garden, which is planted with grass or similar plants, which are maintained at a small and even height. Now days this is maintained by the lawn mover for an impressive look and if the lawn is small it can be maintained without a lawn mover also. Maintaining a small lawn in the house if not a garden is everybody’s dream. A well-kept lawn makes the owner happy and makes the interaction with nature pleasurable and also adds to the beauty of the house.

[hana-code-insert name=’large rectangle’ /]The lawn grass is the backbone of the lawn. Selection of lawn grass depends upon the climatic conditions in that area, its usage and its season of plantation. In spite of putting efforts, patience and care, in maintaining the lawn the final results always depends upon the quality of lawn grass.

So much research and attention is required in selection of the proper type of lawn grass suitable for your garden to maintain the garden always very beautiful and soothing.

Types Of Lawn Grass

Lawn grass can be broadly categorized into two types. One, which requires warm and humid temperature, and the other, which requires cool and dry weather. The other categorization is according to their season of foliage. The type also depends on the usage of the lawn like it may be used as turf, pitch, field or just a green sitout.

Hot and humid Season Lawn Grass

Warm season grasses only start growth at temperatures above 10 °C, and grow fastest when temperatures are between 20 °C and 40 °C and go dormant in cooler months, turning brown.

Bahia grass

Bahia grass is a perennial grass variety that lasts indefinitely. Bahia grasses are warm season lawn grasses and its resistance to diseases and pests has made it popular in this segment than some of the other warm season grasses. Bahia Grass is basically a pasture grass that can survive hot weather and even a draught like condition. This grass requires very little maintenance in terms of mowing and irrigation. So if you are looking for a grass that requires least maintenance, Bahia would be the right choice for you.

About the only visual disruption about this grass is the fact that it is a prolific grower and thus can require mowing every week during summer growth months and the other is its course look.

Bahia Grass advantages

  • Easy to start from seed.
  • High disease and insect resistance.
  • It can survive in a variety of soils from sandy to clays.
  • Bahia grows well on infertile, dry soils.
  • It can withstand traffic wear and high foot press.
  • Bahia grass grows thick enough to compete with weeds.

Disadvantages

  • Prolific seed head production during growing season can be annoying to eyes.
  • Coarse texture.
  • Not suitable for high PH soils.
  • Not suitable for high shade areas – performs best under direct sunlight
  • Susceptible to lack of iron, causing yellow color in spring & fall.

Tip

Do not over water your bahiagrass; this grass is drought tolerant, and too much water can encourage weed growth

Bermuda grass

Bermuda grass seed produces a widely adapted warm season grass that is used for lawns, sports fields, golf courses etc. This Bermuda grass basically thrives on sunlight, which is a must like Bahia grass and require as little maintenance as Bahia grass but these lawn grasses are more prone to insects’ infections and weeds.

Carpet grass: for shady areas

One of the advantages of carpet grass is that it grows well in unfertilized soil where other grass fails to grow. Carpet grass grows well on wet soil and can even grow in shady areas where most other grasses won’t grow. Carpet grass grows best in damp, sandy soils and it is also very dense.

This kind of grass is very sturdy and can withstand heavy foot traffic and pets. Carpet Grass is shallow rooted and therefore is not drought tolerant.

Centipede grass

Centipede lawn grasses are also very low maintenance grasses suited to sandy and acidic soils that have very low fertility. Centipede grass takes a little longer to establish as compared to Bermuda grass but the advantage is it produces a dense, attractive, weed free turf.

Centipede grass is a slow-growing, creeping grass and has short stems growing upward. Centipede grass forms a thick sod and has a uniform growth pattern. Centipede grass can easily be rated best in warm season grasses, needing less watering and mowing.

Centipede goes into dormancy during winter months and due to its slow growing nature it takes longer to green up in the hot months.  It is not suitable for high foot

Cool Season Lawn Grass

Creeping Bent grass

Bent grasses are one of the most beautiful cold season grasses. Bent grass produces a good fine textured, silky soft, dense, carpet-like lawn, but needs to be carefully maintained otherwise it can quickly lose its attractiveness. It requires frequent watering and low mowing

Bluegrass

Bluegrasses are another kind of lawn grasses that is well adapted to cool season and is the standard for appearance against which other cold season grass varieties are measured. They require less maintenance. Blue grass has a dense growth and requires comparatively less maintenance. As the name suggests this grass is deep bluish or bright blue green in appearance. This grass goes dormant during hot, dry, summer weather.

Fescues Grass

Creeping fescues grass has hair like leaves and is the most shade tolerant lawn grass in the cold grass category but requires some sunlight during the day.

Fescues Grass germinates rapidly in a week or so and establishes quickly. The grass is medium green in color and spread by short creeping rhizomes. During long hot and dry season, fine fescues may lose their color rapidly.