Choose a dishwasher with sturdy compression springs in the door. Also look for tough, lightweight nylon or graphite racks with cushioned tips that protect glassware and cookware. Weimer recommends choosing a model with a rack design that provides the largest, most flexible interior space and is configured for your belongings, including odd-shaped pieces.

The EnergyGuide label on new refrigerators will tell you how much electricity in kilowatt-hours (kWh) a particular model uses in one year. The smaller the number, the less energy the refrigerator uses and the less it will cost you to operate. In addition to the EnergyGuide label, don't forget to look for the Energy Star label. A new refrigerator with an Energy Star label will save you between $35 and $70 a year compared to the models designed 15 years ago. This adds up to between $525 and $1,050 during the average 15-year life of the unit.

To keep your Granite Worktop in the best possible condition, the following points should be observed:

• Avoid contact with edges of worksurface as chipping may otherwise occur.
• Do not cut directly on the work surface.
• Do not physically abuse your Granite Worktop.
• Do not expose your Granite Worktop to excessive heat.
• Do not move your Granite Worktop from the original place of installation