DEHUMIDIFIER TESTS
No one wants a mold problem in their home so Consumer Reports tested dehumidifiers not just to find one that works well - but also to find one at a great price.
"Without the dehumidifier, my basement would be a place I would never go because the mold would just grow and grow," said Jill Ceraita.
For a large basement like Jill's, Consumer Reports recommends a large-capacity dehumidifier.
"By large, we don't mean the actual size of the dehumidifier," said Consumer Reports' Dan DiClerico. "We're talking about capacity, which is how much water it can remove in a day."
Consumer Reports tested large- and medium-capacity dehumidifiers, evaluating how much water a dehumidifier can remove per hour and how much energy it uses.
"We found large-capacity dehumidifiers are generally more energy-efficient and will cost you less per pint of water removed," said DiClerico.
That's important because dehumidifiers use a lot of energy.
Testers also checked how accurately dehumidifiers control the humidity in the room. Comfortable settings are anywhere from 30 and 60 percent.
When all the tests were done, Consumer Reports named the large-capacity Soleus Air a Best Buy. It retails for $225.
For medium spaces, Consumer Reports recommends the Frigidaire FAD504DUD for $200.
AUTO INDUSTRY PROBLEMS
You could see fewer new vehicle in showrooms later this year.
The U.S. auto industry is facing two serious problems that could limit the number of new vehicles.
The most immediate problem is a shortage of a plastic resin used to make fuel lines and other parts. Last month an explosion knocked out a plant in Germany that makes the substance.
And if sales of cars and trucks continue to grow, the industry could run short of parts later this year because there aren't enough factories to make them.
The parts industry shrank during the recession and hasn't grown enough to handle rising sales.