Many remote control devices in in hands

Keep Losing Your Remotes? Check Out These TV Remote Control Storage Ideas

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Nothing is more troubling than to go to turn on the big game or sit down to binge-watch your favorite program only to not be able to find the remote control. You start checking down the sides of the sofa and chairs. You get on the floor and try looking under furniture.

As funny as it might sound, you may even look in the refrigerator or bathroom. After searching for what seems like hours—or days—you may get lucky or you might be left having to try to figure out how to turn the TV on without a TV remote control.

Fortunately, there are several great storage ideas to help prevent lost remotes, including:

1. Wall Mount Clips

Wall mount clips are special holders you mount to the wall. You could also mount them to the side of an end table. When you are done using the remote, you just slide it back into the clip.

2. Velcro Strips

Attach some Velcro to the bottom of the remote and the other part to an end table or coffee table within reach. The Velcro will hold the remote in place and prevent it from getting knocked off the table or lost down the sides of the sofa or chairs.

Many remote control devices in in hands

3. Tie a String on It

There are special “cables” you can use to attach one end to the remote and the other to a piece of furniture. All you have to do is follow the cable from one end to the other to find the remote.

4. Sofa/Chair Caddy

There are special caddies that hang off the side of sofas and chairs with pockets in them for storing remotes, magazines, books, and other such essential items you want to keep nearby.

5. Keep a Spare Universal Remote on Hand

Invest in a universal remote control that you keep stored away in a drawer or another location you can use as a backup when you misplace one of your remote controls.

We hope these storage ideas help you stop losing your remotes. To find wall mount clips, universal remotes, and TV remote controls, please feel free to browse online at Replacements Remotes or contact us at 855-573-6683 today!

Two professional technicians workers installing television on the wall

How to Set Up Your Living Room for Optimal TV Viewing

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Deciding where to put your TV in the living room is an important decision. After all, it will affect your viewing pleasure whether you are watching movies, TV, sports, or playing games. Two factors that determine the best place to install your TV are the size of the television and the TV viewing distance between the TV and the sofa.

The smaller the TV, the closer you will want to be, so you do not have to strain your eyes. Conversely, the larger the TV, the further back the better, so you are not too close to the TV.

TV Stand or Wall Mount?

Once you determine the spacing between the TV and furniture, then you need to decide if you want to put the TV on a TV stand or mount it on the wall. Wall mounting does require installing the appropriate wall mount kit and securing it to the wall by attaching the wall mount into the studs.

Two professional technicians workers installing television on the wall

How High Is Too High?

Make sure you don’t install the TV too high on a stand or the wall, so you are straining your neck looking up when watching TV. If you must place it above a fireplace or higher up on the wall, make sure you can swivel the TV to a downward viewing angle.

Other Considerations

Once you know if you are using a TV stand or wall mounting your TV, remember to take the time to hide all those unsightly cords. There are cord covers and organizers to keep them neat, tidy, and hidden away. Most importantly, make sure you have a TV remote control holder within easy reach of the sofa or your recliner.

To find TV wall mount kits and replacement television remote and universal remote controls, please feel free to browse online at Replacements Remotes or contact us at 855-573-6683 today!

Business & online shopping e-commerce icon on USB drive

USB Thumb Drive Uses and Ideas to Improve Your Business

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USB flash drives and thumb drives provide you with a wide range of thumb drive uses and ideas to improve your business. While you might already be using flash drives to transfer data for storage or easily share it between computers, there are several other great ways to put USB flash drives to work for your business.

1. Use branded flash drives for marketing purposes.

You can give away USB drives that are preloaded with your business card, mobile app demonstration, and other such marketing materials to entice and attract new business and repeat business as part of a promotion. You could even use it as part of a contest, where each drive has a coupon or deal on it and one has the “grand prize.”

2. Use flash drives for two-factor authentication.

If you are worried about computer and network security, USB flash drives are a great tool to use for two-factor authentication. The drive contains the “key” to unlock the computer after the username and password have been entered. Plus, each employee can have their own unique “key.”

Business & online shopping e-commerce icon on USB drive

3. Put sales presentations on USB thumb drives.

You can put sales presentations for your salespeople to use, so that all presentations are the same, no matter who does the presentation. You can also pass thumb drives out with the presentations, brochures, and product literature at tradeshows and conferences.

4. Load product installation and use videos on thumb drives.

You can include a thumb drive that is preloaded with product installation videos service technicians or your customers can use to install and configure their new product.

5. Select drives that fit your brand, logo, or product colors.

Make sure the drives you use fit your brand image, logo, or product colors so customers will better associate those with your business. You will also want to put other customizations on the drives like your business name, website, and phone number.

We hope these thumb drive uses have sparked your imagination to come up with even more great ideas to improve your business with flash drives. To find USB drives for these uses and more, please feel free to shop online at Replacement Remotes today! You can also call us at 855-573-6683 for further assistance.

hand with usb flash drive inserting it into laptop computer closeup

What Is a Flash Drive Used For?

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There are plenty of uses for a portable flash drive. Most people are familiar with USB flash drives that plug into the USB ports on their computers or portable devices. Numerous people use these drives for storing backups of their files. Yet, there are plenty of other cool uses for USB flash drives.

1. Use it as a key to unlock your computer.

A USB drive can be used for two-factor authentication to help keep the data on your computer more secure. With the drive, even if someone knows your password, they cannot log onto the computer.

2. Use it to stand out when looking for a job.

Put your resume, video presentation, professional references, and other relevant information tailored to the job you applied for. By sending a USB drive to the employer, they will remember you better, and it could even land you the job.

3. Use it to give your computer a speed boost.

You can use a USB drive as virtual memory to provide more available memory for your computer to use. There are also various apps that can be used to do the same thing.

hand with usb flash drive inserting it into laptop computer closeup

4. Run portable applications on any computer.

You can download Google Chrome, games, secure browsing apps, antivirus apps, and more, and run these directly from the portable flash drive without having to install anything onto the computer you are using.

5. Remove spyware, malware, and viruses from your computer.

If your computer gets infected, having your anti-virus app on a USB drive will make it easier to remove these things from your computer.

6. Create a backup/recovery program for your operating system.

If your computer’s operating system crashes, having a backup/recovery program is useful to try to repair the operating system and get the computer back up and running.

This is just a sampling of the cool uses for USB flash drives. To get USB drives for these uses and more, please feel free to shop online at Replacement Remotes today! You can also call us at 855-573-6683 for further assistance.

Young woman switching on air conditioner while sitting in armchair

What AC Features Should I Look For?

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Young woman switching on air conditioner while sitting in armchair

Modern air conditioners include many features that impact their performance and usability. While a new remote control is easy to come by on the internet, finding an AC with the features you need is trickier. Here are a few to look for:

  • Remote Control: An air conditioner remote control is a convenient feature that lets you adjust the temperature and fan speed from your couch or bed.
  • Energy-Saver Switch: When you turn this switch on, the air conditioner fan will shut off as soon as the thermostat turns off the unit’s compressor, saving energy.
  • Oscillating Vents: Controlled by an internal motor, oscillating vents automatically shift airflow from side to side to allow for more even cooling.
  • Coil Size: The larger the coil size, the more efficiently the A/C will transfer heat.
  • Noise Control: Noise emissions should be under 50dB; you can find noise level parameters in the unit’s product specifications.
  • Filter Indicator Light: Changing the filter boosts efficiency; an indicator light can let you know when the filter needs to be changed to ensure your AC works properly.
  • Ventilation/Exhaust: These can allow fresh air in from outside. It then circulates in the room while stale air can be exhausted out of your home.
  • Manufacturer’s Warranty: The warranty covers the cost of parts and labor, enabling you to save on repairs; warranties are generally from one to two years (extended warranties may provide up to five years of coverage).

Buy an Air Conditioner Remote Today

Replacement Remotes carries remote controls for nearly every major brand of air conditioner. To receive your air conditioner remote control replacement, place your order online. Call 855-573-6683 to learn more.

Young woman adjusts the temperature of the air conditioner using the remote control

What Are Some Key Air Conditioning Terms I Should Know?

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You don’t need to be an HVAC technician to learn about some of the key air conditioning terms to better help you understand how your AC cools your home. There are several different types of systems, including central air conditioners, packaged systems, and ductless air conditioners.

No matter what type of system you have installed in your home, air conditioners all function similarly.

Young woman adjusts the temperature of the air conditioner using the remote control

1. Thermostat: The thermostat is what you use to let the AC unit know how cool you want to maintain your home. On ductless air conditioners, you can often use air conditioner remotes to change the thermostat.

2. SEER Rating: The SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating is how efficient the AC is at keeping your home cool while providing energy efficiency.

3. MERV Rating: The MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) refers to air filters and their efficiency to remove allergens, pet dander, dust, etc., from the air. The higher the MERV rating, the more efficient the filter.

4. AC Condenser: This is the part of the AC that removes heat from the home. If you place your hand on the AC unit, the condenser will be located on the part that feels hot.

5. Cooling Coils: These coils help create the cold air that blows out of your AC.

6. AHU (Air Handling Unit): The AHU consists of all the parts and components that make up the AC unit, including the fan, blower motor, cooling coils, condenser, and so on.

Young man fixing air conditioner at home

7. Evaporator: The evaporator absorbs heat from the air that was drawn into the system from inside your home and helps cool it.

8. Compressor: The AC compressor is what pumps the coolant into the cooling coils and makes the air cold.

If you are looking for OEM air conditioner remotes or generic remote controls for air conditioners, please feel free to browse our selections of remote controls for ACs online or contact Replacement Remotes at 855-573-6683 for further assistance.

handsome boyfriend switching on air conditioner and looking at smiling girlfriend

Air Conditioner Sizing: How Do I Find the Right Size AC Unit for My Room?

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With summer almost here and warmer temperatures already occurring in many places of the country, now is the time to replace your air conditioner with a new energy-efficient model with modern features like remote controls.

When selecting a new unit, you need to spend some time evaluating air conditioner sizing to ensure you get the right size unit capable of cooling your room. The first thing you need to do is measure the size of the room.

If you purchase a unit that is too small, it will struggle to effectively cool the room. Conversely, purchasing a unit that is too big will cause it to cool quickly and will create humidity.

Calculating the Size of a Window or Indoor AC Unit

handsome boyfriend switching on air conditioner and looking at smiling girlfriend

Window and indoor units’ cooling capacity is rated in British Thermal Units (BTUs). You will need to calculate 20 BTUs per square foot. For example, if you have a 10-foot x 20-foot room, it is 200 square feet. So, you would want a unit that provides 4,000 BTUs.

However, there are a few exceptions. If the room gets direct sunlight, then you want to add another 10{8c8ae2a71b30a2d8c6f534038a85ab39be2a915945a2526b1de25039d71b9e11} to the capacity. You should also add 600 BTUs for each additional person that occupies the room over two. If you are putting the unit in your kitchen, you will want to add another 4,000 BTUs since the stove, microwave, cooktop, and refrigerator all generate heat.

Furthermore, you need to include all open space between rooms that are not divided. So, if you have an open floor plan without any division between the dining room and living room, you need to calculate the total square feet if you expect a single AC unit to cool both spaces space.

Using this information as a guide, you are sure to find the right size AC unit for your room. If you want extra remote controls or need a replacement AC unit remote control, please feel free to shop our online store or contact Replacement Remotes at 855-573-6683 today!

frigidaire remote control

What Are the Different Types of Air Conditioning Units?

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There are many different types of air conditioner units and remotes, so it’s important to understand the needs of you and your family. Each type has advantages and drawbacks. Here is a quick look at a few:

  • Window Unit: Compact and containing all components in one casing, window units cool a single room, blowing colder air inside and releasing warm air outside.
  • Wall-Mounted A/C: This self-contained unit is permanently mounted into a sleeve, placed within a space cut through an exterior wall.
  • Ductless/Mini-Split: This air conditioner doesn’t require ductwork, but it creates zones so different rooms in the home can be set to different temperatures.
  • Central Air: This type of system cools an entire home at once via supply and return ducts and registers; air is circulated back to the A/C, which may be housed on the roof or outside.
  • Portable: An easy-to-install option for cooling a single room, the condenser coil is housed within the unit, which has an exhaust hose to vent warm air outside.
  • Swamp Coolers: An evaporative cooler uses water to cool incoming air, which is then distributed throughout a house.

Benefits of Having a Remote for Your A/C

frigidaire remote control

A remote control enables you to turn your A/C on or off, set the temperature, or adjust the fan speed without being next to the unit. If you’re considering A/C repair or replacement, you should think about getting a new remote too. It’s important to replace your air conditioner as needed for comfort and efficiency. If you need a remote, browse our catalog or call 855-573-6683 for help.

frigidaire remote control

How Often Should I Replace My Air Conditioner?

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When you should replace your air conditioner depends on various factors, including maintenance, efficiency, and comfort. An air conditioning unit can last up to 15 years while a complete HVAC system can last up to 20.1 If you’re wondering whether it’s time for an A/C replacement, ask yourself:

How Old Is the Unit?

In the world of air conditioning, age is important. Not only because the system is likely to break down again after you invest in repairing it, but a new air conditioner is more energy-efficient, so you’re likely to save money both on repairs and utility costs. If you have a central air conditioning system that’s 8-10 years old, it may be using twice the electricity that a low-end new one would require.2

Has It Been Properly Maintained?

frigidaire remote control

Maintenance helps an A/C unit run efficiently and helps spot any wear and tear before major problems occur. Even ductwork should be inspected to check for leakage or blockages, which can impact system performance. If issues are left unchecked, increased strain on mechanical components can cause the system to break down sooner.

Have I Noticed the Following?

Signs you should consider replacement over A/C repair include:

  • Cold air not blowing
  • Airflow restricted
  • Moisture and leaks
  • Sudden rattling, squealing, or banging sounds
  • Not all rooms cooling
  • Frequent repairs needed
  • Repair costs too high

Get Your Unit Replaced Professionally

If it’s time to invest in a new system, let a professional installer help replace your air conditioner. They can also assist in selecting the right one for your home. Furthermore, if it is a simple remote control you need to replace, search or browse for your model here or call 855-573-6683 for help.

Sources

  1. https://selecthomewarranty.com/blog/7-signs-time-replace-air-conditioning-system/
  2. https://www.houselogic.com/organize-maintain/home-maintenance-tips/replace-home-air-conditioning-equipment/
Technician repairing and maintenance Air conditioner

Should You Repair or Replace Your Air Conditioner?

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With warmer weather hitting certain parts of the country and summer just around the corner, now is a good time to think about whether you should repair or replace your air conditioner. To help you decide, here are some great questions to ask:

1. How old is the AC unit?

Technician repairing and maintenance Air conditioner

AC units start to become less efficient and reliable the older they get. If your unit is 10+ years old, it may be time to get a new one. Modern AC units are more efficient than they were 10 years ago and could even help reduce your cooling costs.

2. Does the AC still blow cold air?

If all that is coming out of your unit is warm air, the first thing to do is to call and schedule an AC repair service visit. Sometimes the system can be repaired. Other times, the costs of repairs will be just as much as buying a new unit.

3. Does the air conditioner smell?

If you have a ductless indoor system, does it smell like mold and mildew? If so, then you probably want to replace the unit. Getting rid of mold and mildew from these systems is difficult because it can be growing in places where you cannot reach.

4. What maintenance does the air conditioner need?

Hand with remote control directed on air conditioner

If you have kept up with annual maintenance, your AC may still be in great shape. If you skipped annual maintenance, your system may need some major repairs. Again, depending on what repairs are needed, it may be more cost-effective to just buy a new AC.

5. Does the AC work fine, but you just lost the air conditioner remote?

If your AC works great, but is a pain turning it on and off because you lost the air conditioner remote, then you don’t need to buy a new AC. Instead, at Replacement Remotes online, you can find replacement AC remotes compatible with your unit.

To order a new AC remote control for your AC system, browse our selections online or call Replacement Remotes at 855-573-6683 today! We also carry replacement remotes for ceiling fans, garage door openers, TVs, and more!