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

Comments

[Carolyn Terry]

I purchased a Frigidare Dishwasher in November, 2007 from Lowes. The last of December, 2007, it overheated. It melted the arms completely off, many of the dishes were discolored, the handles to my pots were very badly scorced. My kitchen cabinets later bulked. When I first got to the dishwasher, the door was so hot I had to use a hot pad to open the door. All the tops and fronts of surrounding cabinets were very hot to touch. Even the air in the room felt very hot. Lowe's and Frigidare were very nice and replaced the dishwasher on 1/28/08. December, 2008 the same model overheated again. This time I was in the room and realized the dishwasher was flashing an error. I opened the door and again it had overheated and the arms were melted again. This time the utensil tray was warped. I had purchased the 4 year warrantee. I called Lowe's and they immediately referred me to Frigidare. I have spoken to three different representatives at Frigidare. They did send a factory rep out. They told him to put a new control panel and replace the arm. I requested to replace the model with a different type dishwasher and they refuse. I am afraid I will not catch the dishwasher next time and it will set my house on fire. I am retired but have young grandchildren in my house a lot. I feel there is a manufacturing problem with this model and it is unsafe for a home. Could you please warn other people of this problem? Also, would you please give me further advise as to how to handle this matter. Thank you

[Gregory Conrady]

Armstrong Ceiling Tiles. Recently in remodeling an apartment for a lady she wanted to put in Armstrong Ceiling tiles that resemble old tin ceilings. There are several price ranges for such. We chose the special order more expensive tiles. When we received them about 3 weeks later, 19 boxes, we had already done the prep work and were ready to proceed. Much to our disappointment they were all cracked (19 boxes) and weren't straight enough to line up with each other at the edges. The whole ceiling would have looked hap hazard and off center. We took them back and bought some instock tiles(Armstrong) that were similar but less expensive. They too were off, not quite as much as the more expensive ones but enough to make a difference. We were so far into the job we used them and made the best of it. I contacted Armstong's customer service and was shrugged off with a "sorry" by the customer service rep. It was like oh well too bad for you. They made no attempt to do anything. They couldn't have cared less. Made their sale and that was that. So, be very attentive to all Armstrong products they are not much help resoving difficulties that may arise from poor production lines.

[Mary Lou]

I recently felted some heavy wool myself and tried to make some slippers. There were 5 layers altogether, one of them being "Jiffy Grip" to make the soles non-slippery. I tried an old singer, an older singer, and my new electronic Kenmore, made by Janome. NONE of the machines would sew through the "sandwich". Adjusting the tensions did not help in any case. I ended up making the slippers totally by hand. I definitely want to know if a machine can sew through this type of project without the threads all turning into knots on the bottom.

I have been a subscriber for quite a long time and definitely appreciate all you do. Thanks.

[diane]

I wish some one could please tell me how we as the comsumers are going to be able to stimulate the economy with an additional $13.00 in our checks (which is coming out of my social security) for the next few weeks. WOW I am going to run right out and a car. They really can not be this stupid - can they?????????????
Also if this money is coming out of our paycheck and we have already earned this money, then why does the goverment need to add on that 14.2 billon to the bailout package, what are they doing with that money??

[scarediecat]

Because President Obama is always saying he is “the common man” and for the underdog, why doesn't he rescue a dog (to live with him and his family in the White House) rather than do what all the other “rich people” in the White House do and buy and over priced pure breed dog. If he would rescue a dog he would send a much needed message that breeding is adding to the over population of dogs in the US. Visit a dog pound and see all the pure bread dogs in there that are to be euthanized. If a 5 year ban were passed to stop breeding of any kind of dog that would give us who rescue dogs a chance to catch up with those who breed dogs for money. I have a wonderful American Eskimo mix that I rescued 2 days before he was to be euthanized that I would gladly donate to him and his family.

[Brenda]

I have had a LG refrigerator for 2 years and have had nothing but trouble. The hard plastic drawer guides broke within 6 months, the ice maker has gone out, and the door does not seal properly. I've read several blogs complaining of major problems with LG refrigerator and other products, in fact the refrigerators have been known to catch fire. Customer service has been no help, they say if it is out of warranty it's your problem. Anyone know of any class action law suits against LG?
$2500 is a lot of money to loose.

[Jesse]

Seeking information on the EdenPURE Whole House Model home air purifier. Both positive and negative comments are welcomed. Jesse

[bonnie]

can anyone give some feedback on fridgidare refrigerators? Our is dying (a GE with leakage problems.) What I've been readings from comments from people are not to ensouraging about any brand and am baffled as to which is reliable, can get professional service on and as this page ususally say don 't buy from Sears. What I did not see was anything ratings or comments on frigidare.
Thanks